The Sourdough Home maintains your starter at a consistent temperature so you can reduce feedings, minimize discard, and bake on your own schedule. It eliminates temperature fluctuations, simplifies maintenance, and gives you flexibility with feeding frequency.

Nope! That’s one of the best things about the Sourdough Home. By lowering the temperature, you can slow fermentation and feed your starter every 2, 3, or even 5 days. No need to stick to a rigid schedule or waste flour. It’s sourdough—on your terms.

Yes. Because you’re feeding less often, you’ll naturally create less discard. Many bakers find this to be one of the most satisfying benefits of using the Sourdough Home.

Absolutely. Just set the Sourdough Home to a warmer temperature (around 76–78°F / 24–26°C) to keep your starter active and ready to use daily.

You can—but fridge temperatures are usually too cold (around 38°F / 3°C). That often weakens your starter and requires extra feedings to revive it. The Sourdough Home keeps your starter cool but still active, so it’s healthier and ready to bake with when you are.

The Sourdough Home heats and cools, while the Folding Proofer only heats. That means the Sourdough Home can hold your starter below room temperature to slow fermentation. It’s also more compact and designed specifically for starter jars up to 1 liter (1 quart). The Folding Proofer is larger and better suited for proofing dough or bulk fermentation.

The Sourdough Home fits jars up to 1 liter (1 quart). It works with most standard glass jars, including Weck and Ball. Want the perfect fit? Check out our Sourdough Starter Jar

Yes! The Sourdough Home works with all types of starters—gluten-free, rye, whole wheat, and more. Temperature is key, no matter what flour you use.

Not at all. Just set your desired temperature and let it run. The Sourdough Home maintains a stable environment with no babysitting required.

The time to reach the set temperature depends on the amount of starter and its initial temperature. To speed things up, feed your starter with water close to your set temperature (warm or cool, depending on the target). The Sourdough Home is a low-power unit, so plan for slower transitions, especially for big temperature changes.

The Sourdough Home is designed to keep your starter within an optimal range—within 1–3°F of the set point. That slight variance is normal and doesn’t affect performance. What matters more than the exact number is how your starter behaves: is it rising well? Bubbling? Smelling pleasantly sour? If yes, then your starter is thriving—even if the thermometer shows a small difference.

Use a digital probe thermometer inserted directly into the starter after it’s been in the unit for a few hours. Measuring the air inside won’t give you an accurate reading.

Anywhere with stable room temperature works—like a kitchen counter. Avoid placing it next to ovens or in direct sunlight, and allow a few inches behind the unit for airflow.