Best sourdough bread kits

Start here: Nordic Ware Simply Sourdough Complete Bread Baking Kit. It's the most complete beginner package I found — nine pieces including the proofing basket and pan, so you can bake a first loaf without buying anything else, and it's sold at many stores, which makes it easy to replace a part later.

Who the others suit:

• Sunrise Flour Mill kit — if you want a real, long-established starter rather than just equipment; the freeze-dried culture and feeding band make the daily routine simple.
• The Ultimate Sourdough Starter Kit (Mrs. Sourdough) — if you'd rather have a basket, liner, cover and scoring lame with spare blades in one go.
• Ballerina Farm kit — if you want a nicer-looking glass-and-silicone set to leave on the counter.
• Kilner starter set — if you only need the jar and starter setup and already own baskets and pans.
• COOKSMITP or JUNCRAFT basket sets — if you're on a tight budget and mainly need proofing baskets plus basic tools.

One caution: the "Complete Sourdough Kit" ships from Australia, so duties may apply.