In the world of sourdough baking, where good tools can make all the difference, savvy bakers are turning to thrift stores to score some serious deals. And based on recent Facebook posts, it seems like sourdough enthusiasts are finding treasure troves of bakeware at bargain prices.
From high-end Dutch ovens to specialty bread knives, thrift stores have become unexpected goldmines for those in the know.
One standout find came from Tammy Kibler Harper, a member of Sourdough Geeks, who snagged a Foxcreek Tennessee Mountain Bow Knife for just $3.50. Tammy raved about her purchase, saying it “cuts my bread like butter!”
But not everyone shared her enthusiasm—while some commenters cheered her on for the amazing deal, others who had used the knife before weren’t as impressed. Still, for the price, it’s hard to argue against a well-made bread knife.
Clay bakers, known for their ability to create that perfect crispy crust, also made an appearance on the thrift store scoreboards.
Nicole Amelia found a Romertopf clay baker, which typically retails for around $89, for just $4.99. Jasmine Rae and Amanda Lathrom also hit the jackpot, picking up similar bakers for $6.49 and $8.00, respectively.
But the real stars of the thrift store haul? Dutch ovens.
These heavy-duty kitchen staples, essential for getting bakery-quality loaves at home, can get pricey—especially if they come from top-tier brands like Le Creuset or Staub. Yet, several lucky bakers walked away with some serious steals.
Alexis Desmond, a member of Sourdough for Beginners, found a Le Creuset dish for $50 and wasn’t sure whether to buy it—until the group members practically demanded she go for it.
Tiffany Evans Brown also lucked out with a $49 Le Creuset from her local thrift store. Jessica Bayne and Jenna Gibbs found mini Dutch ovens for just $3-$5, while Kristen Martin scored one for $30.
Perhaps the biggest jaw-dropper of all was an anonymous thrift shopper who found a Sassafras Superstone La Cloche Bread Baking Dome, which can retail anywhere from $200 to $600 new, for just $8.
“I couldn’t help but share as I know you guys would appreciate. I’ve been scouring the thrift shops hoping to find a Dutch oven to use for bread and stumbled upon this beauty today!” they shared excitedly. (After a little research, the real retail price is closer to $70, but hey, let’s not rain on their parade—an $8 La Cloche is still an incredible deal.)
And if we’re talking about best deals, Heather Davis might take the crown. She found an Emilie Henry baguette pan for $8, a steal considering it typically sells for $150-$200.
Even smaller finds had bakers celebrating. Marissa Clay picked up a dough whisk for just $0.60, and Holly James found $2 Weck starter jars, exclaiming, “I hit the thrift store jackpot!!”
While thrift stores can be hit or miss, when you hit, you hit big. These lucky finds prove that patience, persistence, and a little bit of luck can lead to some serious savings.
So, next time you’re out running errands, it might be worth popping into a secondhand shop—you never know what sourdough treasure might be waiting for you.
Happy shopping and happy baking!
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