If you have made your own sourdough bread before then you already know how important it is to have the right kind of container. Ideally, you want a glass jar with a wide lid so you can easily pour in your ingredients and feed the starter.
Choosing just any sourdough starter container may not ruin the starter; but it can make maintaining it a lot harder than it has to be. If you love to make your own sourdough bread at home then take a look at our list of the best jars for sourdough starter.
Weck Tulip Jars 1 Liter
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
These are great medium-sized glass jars and they’re perfect for sourdough starter. This is a set of 2 glass jars. Each one is 7 inches tall and 4.5 inches in diameter. Each one can also hold up to 1 liter of ingredients.
The lid clasps down tightly thanks to two clasps on either side. There is also a rubber gasket inside the lid to create an airtight seal. Finally, this is a great sourdough starter jar because it has a wide mouth – perfect for feeding your starter.
Le Parfait Super Terrine – 1L French Glass Canning Jar
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
If you prefer a hinged lid then this next jar would be a good fit for you. Like the first jars on our list, the lid features a rubber gasket to keep air out. Unlike the first item though, this jar has a hinged lid that stays attached.
This particular model 1 liter but it comes in a variety of sizes. This jar for sourdough starter features elegant etching on the front that lends a French motif to your kitchen. The hinge is also made of stainless steel so cleaning is easy.
Weck Tulip Jars
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Weck makes our list again with a jar that comes with a cork seal. This is a simple addition to the standard Weck jars but it does add a degree of convenience. Not only do these jars have a rubber gasket; each jar also comes with a cork liner for added freshness.
If you are looking for a sourdough container that will create the tightest seal, you need to check these jars out. They come in a set of 2 and each jar can hold up to 1 liter of contents. There are 2 clasps used to fasten the lid to the jar as well.
Vallenwood Sourdough Set
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Number four on our list comes with everything you will need to create your sourdough starter. This is a must-have for anyone who is new to making their own sourdough. The set includes a 1 liter capacity jar, a spatula, a magnetic level tag and even a thermometer.
The thermometer is very helpful because it will show you where the temperature is ideal to store your sourdough starter. The jar itself is made from thick borosilicate glass which, is natural and won’t impart any harmful chemicals to your starter.
Oscar’s Bakery- Glass Sourdough starter Jar
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
This is a great size jar for sourdough starter. It can hold up to 30 ounces which, gives your starter plenty of room to expand. It has a tight-locking lid that snaps down on the jar with a durable clasp. There are also plenty of handy accessories.
For instance, you get a thermometer, a silicone spatula and even labels to help you keep track of the age of the starter. The lid is actually made of wood which, gives this jar a nice, rustic look. There is also a removable seal in the lid.
Breadling Wide Mouth Glass Sourdough Starter Jar
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
This is another great option if you are new to making your own sourdough. The kit includes a wide mouth 32 ounce jar for fermenting your starter and an 8 ounce jar for storing it. You also get a dry erase marker that can be used directly on the glass.
The kit also includes a thick muslin cloth and 2 rubber bands. The lids come in different colors too like teal and peach. This is a great choice if you are looking to keep your sourdough starter going for a long time.
Bormioli Rocco Fido Square Jar
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
This is a great large-capacity sourdough starter storage container. It can hold up to 50 ounces of contents and it’s dishwasher safe. It has a lid that is affixed to the jar so you don’t have to worry about losing it.
The lid also closes tight to create a secure seal for your starter. The jar and the lid are made from food-grade, toxin free glass.
Jar for Sourdough Starter Buying Guide
While it’s true that jars are very simple things; making your own sourdough starter isn’t as simple. There are some features that you should opt for if you want the best jar for sourdough starter.
Gasket
Any jar you are considering should have a rubber, plastic or silicone gasket in the lid. This is the best way to ensure an airtight seal.
Wide Mouth
Feeding your starter on a regular basis can become a pain in the neck if the jar you’re using has a narrow neck. Wide mouth jars are ideal for pouring ingredients and feeding sourdough starter.
Lead Free Glass
Borosilicate glass is the ideal for starter jars. Even if you can’t find a good borosilicate jar, you should still insist on BPA and lead free glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size jar for sourdough starter is the best?
A: We recommend a 30 ounce jar. It’s not too big but it still provides enough room for the starter to expand.
Q: What kind of jar do you use for sourdough starter?
A: Glass jars with lids are ideal but you can also use toxin and BPA free plastic containers with lids.
Q: Should I put a lid on my sourdough starter?
A: A lid isn’t always necessary but they are handy because at the very least, your starter should be covered.
Some Final Advice
Making your own sourdough can be fun and very rewarding – not to mention delicious. You probably won’t get it right the first time but if you start out with the right container, you will eliminate at least one variable.
Our list of the best jars for sourdough starter features products that can help flatten the learning curve a bit. So check them out and start enjoying fresh, delicious home-baked sourdough!
