The Sourdough Sidekick, a device developed jointly by FirstBuild and King Arthur Baking Company, launched a crowdfunding campaign in March 2025. The device is designed to automate the management of sourdough starter.

The Sourdough Sidekick automates starter management by feeding the starter flour and water on a set schedule. It operates with a minimum of 15 grams of existing starter to begin in Auto mode. A user must set a bake day within one week for this mode, which then accounts for local temperature and drip-feeds flour and water on a dynamic schedule.

In Auto mode, the device allows for a minimum starter output of 150 grams for bake dates within a few days. For bake dates four days or longer, the Auto mode requires a minimum starter output of 400 grams. The Sourdough Sidekick is available for purchase directly from King Arthur for $179.99 and is available in the U.S. only.

The device also features a Ratio mode where users can select preset ratios and set the starter seed amount and feeding frequency. This mode varies the proportion of starter relative to other ingredients but does not allow for unequal amounts of flour and water. A Custom mode enables users to set the seed amount, feeding frequency, and exact quantities of flour and water for each feeding. Neither the Ratio nor Custom modes account for ambient temperature.

The Sourdough Sidekick includes a Wi-Fi option and a companion app. The app sends notifications when the starter is ready to use or when discard needs to be removed. It allows users to check current settings but not to change them. By default, the device stirs the starter once every two hours, with each stir cycle lasting 30 seconds.

FirstBuild, the innovation hub of GE Appliances, developed the Opal ice maker. Between every feeding cycle, FirstBuild recommends cleaning the Sourdough Sidekick’s glass crock, lid, and paddle. The crock and lid are not dishwasher-safe, but the water tank and flour hopper are.

Why It Matters

The launch of the Sourdough Sidekick represents the introduction of an automated appliance designed to simplify the process of maintaining a sourdough starter. This device targets home bakers by providing scheduled feeding and stirring, aiming to reduce the manual effort involved in sourdough preparation. The collaboration between FirstBuild, an appliance innovation hub, and King Arthur Baking Company, a baking product supplier, brings an automated solution to a traditional baking method.

The Sourdough Sidekick offers different operational modes, including an Auto mode that adapts to environmental factors and custom settings for experienced users. Its availability primarily through King Arthur Baking Company and its U.S.-only distribution indicate a targeted market approach. Automation in food preparation continues to expand, and this product provides an example of this trend in the niche area of home baking.