King Arthur Baking Company, in collaboration with FirstBuild, has announced the Sourdough Sidekick, a revolutionary countertop appliance designed to automate the process of feeding sourdough starters. This innovative device aims to eliminate the guesswork and legwork involved in maintaining a healthy starter, ensuring that bakers can produce perfect loaves every time.

The Sourdough Sidekick is currently raising funds on Indiegogo, having already surpassed its initial funding goal. This joint project between King Arthur and FirstBuild, the innovation hub behind the popular Opal ice maker, promises to transform the art of sourdough bread baking. The device is essentially an automated flour and water dispenser that can be programmed to feed the starter at optimal times, taking into account factors such as kitchen temperature and baking schedule.

One of the key features of the Sourdough Sidekick is its Auto mode, which allows users to input the date and time of their next baking session. The device will then automatically feed the starter to ensure it reaches peak activity at the exact moment it's needed. Additionally, the Sidekick's microfeeding schedule reduces waste by generating discard only once every seven days. For more advanced bakers, the Custom mode allows for personalized feeding schedules and flour-to-water ratios.

The Sourdough Sidekick is available for backing on Indiegogo, with a single unit priced at $129 and a pair available for $249. However, it's worth noting that the device is still in its prototype stage, and production models have not yet been finalized. Shipping is estimated to begin in January 2026, with initial availability limited to the US market.

For those seeking a more immediate solution, King Arthur is also offering the Breadwinner, a $50 device that measures the volume of the sourdough starter, indicating when it needs feeding and when it's ready to bake. While not as comprehensive as the Sourdough Sidekick, the Breadwinner provides a simpler, more affordable option for bakers looking to streamline their sourdough routine.

The Sourdough Sidekick represents a significant innovation in the world of bread baking, offering a level of precision and convenience previously unavailable to home bakers. As the device continues to gain traction on Indiegogo, it's clear that King Arthur and FirstBuild are poised to revolutionize the art of sourdough bread making.

With the rise of smart kitchen appliances and automated cooking tools, the Sourdough Sidekick is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing trend of tech-enabled cooking. As the device prepares to hit the market, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the world of bread baking and whether it will inspire a new wave of innovation in the kitchen.