Baking sourdough has long been a labor of love, combining patience and precision in a way that’s both rewarding and somewhat tedious. Enter the Sourdough Sidekick—a gadget that promises to automate the less glamorous parts of starter management, leaving you free to focus on the fun bit: kneading and baking.

This smart little machine, backed by King Arthur Flour, feeds your sourdough starter on a set schedule, ensuring it’s ready for when you are. It’s a boon for frequent bakers but might leave some feeling frustrated with its limitations and quirks.

The Sidekick operates in Auto mode, which adjusts feeding based on the local temperature and recipe needs. While this works well for simple white bread, more complex flours like rye can present challenges due to their unique properties. Users must be prepared to tweak or even abandon the auto system for certain recipes.

Despite its limitations, the Sourdough Sidekick offers flexibility through Custom mode, allowing for precise control over starter management. However, this flexibility comes with a price: the gadget remains a single-purpose tool that may not justify its cost and space on a kitchen counter for occasional bakers.