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Draft concept by Danilo Vicioso, not affiliated with Sourdough Sidekick.
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Sourdough Sidekick on a kitchen counter, flour hopper on top and glass crock below

Sourdough Sidekick

Your starter, ready when you are

Too busy to feed your starter? Let the Sourdough Sidekick do it instead. In Auto mode, it'll be ready on the day and time you set, hands-free for up to a week.

ShopSee its side of the work

You

The Sourdough Sidekick feeds your starter

Sourdough on Your Schedule

Sidekick

so you don't have to.

Just choose your mode and come back to a happy, healthy starter that's ready when you are.

Your side

What supplies will I need?

King Arthur Baking Company flour bag, pitcher of water, sourdough starter and a kitchen scale

Can I use my existing starter?

Yes. The Sidekick will be the perfect new home for your existing starter. It can also help you create a starter from scratch.

Note that a from-scratch starter can take 14+ days.

  1. 01

    First, you’ll need a small amount (15g or approx. 1 Tbs.) of bubbly, active starter. Live starter can be purchased from King Arthur Baking Company, purchased online, or given to you by a friend or bakery. Or, the Sidekick can help you make new starter from scratch with just flour and water.

  2. 02

    Then you’ll need water & unbleached flour to kick off a cycle in any mode. The Sidekick is compatible with any kind of unbleached flour, including all-purpose, bread, gluten free and self-ground flours.

  3. 03

    When you first set up your Sidekick, or if you’re changing flour types, you’ll need a kitchen scale to calibrate flour and water dispensing.

  4. 04

    How do I start a cycle?

    Press the actual word Start, not the knob, to begin a cycle.

4 things

Sidekick

Day 1: 15 grams, ready to start. The crock holds a small amount of starter. Day 7: 400 grams, ready to make. The crock is full of active starter.

Entry / 09

Never miss a feeding

Let the Sidekick do the work

Its side

What does the Sourdough Sidekick actually do?

  1. 01

    The Sourdough Sidekick automatically feeds your sourdough starter. It dispenses flour and water and mixes, and performs these feeding cycles at the frequency you choose.

    Short video showing Sourdough Sidekick automatically feed starter
  2. 02

    How does Auto mode work?

    Auto mode works using a unique “microfeeding” approach that keeps your starter alive and builds the amount of starter you request without requiring discarding or interaction for up to a week.

    Sourdough Sidekick with flour in the hopper and starter in the crock
  3. 03

    Beginning with just 15g, Sidekick builds steadily in Auto mode, supporting consistent, controlled development over time. From a small foundation to a recipe-ready amount, the Sidekick keeps your starter active and gets it ready when you are.

    Sidekick display reading GOAL SAT 400, 11:00
  4. 04

    How much starter can the Sidekick make?

    The Sidekick can produce up to 525g of starter. In Auto mode, there's a minimum goal of 150g in days 1-2 and a minimum of 400g days 3-7.

    • 150gminimum goal, days 1-2
    • 400gminimum, days 3-7
    • 525gup to
  5. 05

    Does the Sidekick have heating or cooling built in?

    No. However, the Sidekick is temperature aware. In Auto mode, it adjusts its feeding based on the ambient temperature in your kitchen.

    Sourdough Sidekick on a kitchen counter in front of green cabinets
  6. 06

    Does this eliminate discard?

    Auto Mode eliminates the need to discard for up to a week. In Ratio and Custom modes, the Sidekick will let you know when it's time to discard so you're never guessing.

    Sourdough Sidekick mid-cycle with the mixing paddle in the crock
  7. 07

    12 hours

    Sourdough Sidekick will now automatically recover from a power loss of up to 12 hours.

  8. 08

    READY

    In Auto mode, it can build the amount of starter you specify and have it ready on the day and time you set, with no discarding required for up to a week.

    Sidekick display reading READY above a full crock of starter
  9. 09

    9 things

    on its side of the line. 4 on yours.

Auto, Ratio, Custom

Starter that's ready when you are

Three modes built for every user keep your starter thriving.

  • The Sourdough Sidekick in Auto mode, display reading GOAL SAT 400, 11:00

    Auto

    Healthy starter, right on schedule

    Auto mode builds the starter you need and has it ready on the day and time you choose.

    No discarding for up to a week. Auto mode eliminates the math, messy maintenance and missed feedings.

  • The Sourdough Sidekick in Ratio mode, display reading 1-1-1

    Ratio

    Plan your Ratio cycle

    Now in Ratio or Custom modes, you can see the day and time when discarding will be required (within 7 days), and how much starter you can expect at that time.

    Now in Ratio or Custom modes, when the amount of time before the next feeding or before discarding is less than 1 hour, it will begin counting down in minutes.

  • The Sourdough Sidekick in Custom mode, display reading 30-30

    Custom

    1 Gram Seed

    We now allow for seed amounts in Ratio and Custom modes that go down to 1g. You can also select the amount of seed in 1g increments (had previously been in 5g increments).

    This can extend the time until discarding is required in Ratio and Custom modes.

Shop

Sourdough Sidekick on a kitchen island A person adding flour to Sourdough Sidekick in a kitchen A person selecting a mode for the Sourdough Sidekick in a kitchen A hand pressing the knob on the Sourdough Sidekick

Sourdough Sidekick

Effortless automation with less discard and more control.

Price$179.99 USD

Add to cart

Free shipping via FedEx. Ships from Indiana.

Limited 1-Year Manufacturer's Warranty

  • Zero Maintenance for up to 7 Days: Automatically maintains and feeds your starter with no manual work or discarding required for up to a week in Auto mode
  • Your starter, ready when you are: Set your target day, time and goal amount and Sidekick's Auto mode has your starter ready right when you need it
  • Co-Created with King Arthur Baking Company: Thoughtfully engineered alongside America's premier baking experts

Taking the worry out of sourdough

4.51 270 reviews

This appliance is a game changer

Theo Tilton

I cannot love this machine enough! I’m relatively new to sourdough baking and have been maintaining my starter for about a year and a half. I love baking and have had much success baking my loaves, the only thing I’ve always thought was a drag was the daily feedings. I bake usually once a week so keeping my starter in the refrigerator wasn’t a great option for me.

Ck
The FirstBuild workshop seen from above, with people working at tables

4,000+

Brought to life by a community of 4,000+ bakers.

Brought to life by the FirstBuild community

We develop new ideas alongside the people who will use them

We call this process co-creation, and it’s how we’ve launched more than 100 products or features since opening in 2014, like the Opal Nugget Ice Maker and the GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker. FirstBuild is headquartered in Louisville, KY, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GE Appliances, a Haier company.

The Sourdough Sidekick was developed at FirstBuild, the co-creation space for GE Appliances. FirstBuild aims to invent what’s next for the home openly, together with its community. See what’s next by following FirstBuild on YouTube, or visit us in Louisville, KY, where we also run a free community makerspace that’s open nights and Saturdays.

Two people at a workbench studying an early Sourdough Sidekick prototype A scored sourdough loaf on a wooden board

Tradition, thoughtfully advanced

Co-created with King Arthur Baking Company

The Sourdough Sidekick was developed in collaboration with experts from King Arthur Baking Company. The result is automation that respects the craft—without cutting corners.

A baker stirring starter in a measuring cup An engineer assembling a Sidekick prototype in the workshop Three Sidekick prototypes side by side on a bench

Watch the Sidekick come to life

Open dishwasher showing the dishwasher safe components of the Sourdough Sidekick
Open dishwasher showing the dishwasher safe components of the Sourdough Sidekick

70-90g

How much flour should be dispensed during calibration?

Flour should dispense approximately 70-90g on calibration. If you see much less during calibration, take apart the flour hopper and reinstall part 2. The wide side of part 2 should be installed over the clear flour hopper's hole. Here's a quick video demonstrating: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bgC2OJNzJiM

  • Sourdough Sidekick will now show the actual value of calibration during the "input" stage instead of a default display (such as 90g flour/130g water)
  • The new "Adjust" setting (Settings → Calib → Adjust) makes it easy to see your current calibration numbers

You

Is there an app?

A baker in her kitchen holding the Sourdough Sidekick crock

Yes. Download the SmartHQ app from your App store. On the Sidekick, press the Settings button and turn the knob until you see “WIFI.” Press the knob to select. Open the SmartHQ app and follow the in-app instructions to pair your Sidekick. From the SmartHQ app, you can remotely monitor your Sidekick, apply software updates to the appliance and receive push notifications about your starter.

Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play

Sidekick

What software updates have been made?

v.: Device: P049; App: 45.0.17.4

Sourdough Sidekick Update 2: Power loss recovery

This update will roll out to connected Sourdough Sidekick users through the SmartHQ app from Sept. 1-8, 2026.

To receive the update:

  1. Connect your Sidekick to WiFi if not already
  2. Update or download the SmartHQ app
  3. Open SmartHQ and accept the Sidekick-specific update

Note: Sourdough Sidekick can’t be running an active mode when updating. Either cancel the current mode to apply immediately, or update between the next cycle.

  • If Sourdough Sidekick was connected to Wi-Fi, it will automatically reconnect when power is restored. The screen will display SYNCING as it reconnects to the internet to reset the day and time.
  • If Sourdough Sidekick was not connected to Wi-Fi, it can still recover, but you’ll need to enter the current day and time.
  • If the power loss changed the end time of Auto mode, the Sidekick will display “RESUMED” and will show the new end time.
  • If the power loss does not change the end time of Auto mode, the Sidekick won’t display anything differently and will just continue the cycle.
  • Knob as start button. Pressing the knob now also functions as the Start button
  • Removed the confusing “crock nearly full” alert
  • Improved the way we calculate average temperature

(v.43; 45.0.15.069)

Software Update 1: Calibration improvements

OTA 1 centered around improving the calibration experience. It will roll out to users between May 12-15, 2026.

  • Sourdough Sidekick will now remind you to "Insert Crock" if needed during calibration
  • You can now cancel calibration at any time using the cancel button
  • Some connected users may have noticed issues where the Sidekick didn't recognize the correct day. This has been fixed.
  • Improvements to setting the clock

Parts & accessories

$14.95 – $179.99 USD

What touches the starter

  • Clear glass container with metal lid and red logo on a white backgroundThe glass crock seen from above with its metal lid on

    Glass Crock with Metal Lid for Sourdough Sidekick

    This King Arthur Baking Company–branded glass crock with metal lid offers a clean, durable home for your sourdough starter. Works with the Sourdough Sidekick.

    $40.00 USDView Glass Crock with Metal Lid

  • Crock Grip Band on the glass crock, seated in the SidekickCrock Grip Band

    Crock Grip Band

    The Grip Band provides a secure, non-slip hold for easier everyday use of the Sidekick's glass crock.

    $14.95 USD4 reviewsView Crock Grip Band

  • Mixing paddle for Sourdough Sidekick on white background

    Mixing Paddle for Sourdough Sidekick

    A replacement mixing paddle for Sourdough Sidekick designed to optimize mixing during each feeding cycle.

    $20.00 USDView Mixing Paddle

  • Round lid for Sourdough Sidekick crock paddle on a white background

    Mixing Lid Assembly for Sourdough Sidekick

    A replacement mixing lid assembly for Sourdough Sidekick, designed to fit securely over the crock. (Paddle not included).

    $25.00 USDView Mixing Lid Assembly

What keeps it fed

  • Clear plastic container for storing and dispensing flour for Sourdough Sidekick

    Flour Hopper for Sourdough Sidekick

    A replacement flour hopper and agitator for Sourdough Sidekick that stores and dispenses flour during feeding cycles.

    $25.00 USD2 reviewsView Flour Hopper

  • Clear plastic container with a white lid on a white background

    Water Tank for Sourdough Sidekick

    A replacement water tank for the Sourdough Sidekick, designed to hold and dispense water during feeding cycles.

    $25.00 USD1 reviewView Water Tank

  • White power adapter with cord on a white background

    Power Supply for Sourdough Sidekick

    A replacement power supply for the Sourdough Sidekick.

    $20.00 USDView Power Supply

  • Person wearing a navy blue t-shirt with a Trust the Process graphic on the backPerson wearing a navy blue t-shirt with a Sourdough Sidekick pictured

    Sourdough Sidekick T-shirt

    Meet your new favorite baking shirt! Comfortable, stylish, and inspired by your favorite baking companion—the Sourdough Sidekick.

    S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

    $24.99 USD6 reviewsView T-shirt

Everything you need to know before you start

What is the Sourdough Sidekick warranty?

The Sourdough Sidekick comes with a one year limited warranty. If your appliance fails to operate properly while in use under normal household conditions within the warranty period, visit SourdoughSidekick.com or email Sidekick@FirstBuild.com to file a warranty claim. Please include your model and serial numbers. Return and packing instruction information will be provided at that time.

If the appliance fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship, during the limited one-year warranty, FirstBuild will either repair your product, replace your product with a new or remanufactured product, or refund the purchase price of the product, at FirstBuild’s sole discretion.

This warranty does not cover:

  • Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for other than the intended purpose or used commercially
  • Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers
  • Damage caused after delivery
  • Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God
  • Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with this appliance
Returns are handled by the vendor from which you purchased

Purchasers of the Sourdough Sidekick and related accessories may return the unit for any reason within 30 days of purchase from FirstBuild or SourdoughSidekick.com.

Once we receive your returned item, we’ll process your refund within 5 business days.

A 20% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund.

Where can I find the Use & Care Guide?

Download the Sourdough Sidekick Use & Care Guide.

Register your Sidekick

For smoother support and useful updates.

Clear plastic container for storing and dispensing flour for Sourdough Sidekick
A person with the Sourdough Sidekick and a bag of King Arthur Baking Company flour

Trusted by bakers at every stage of their sourdough journey

$179.99 USD

Add to cart

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Sourdough Sidekick