How to Use the Kilner Sourdough Starter Set Step by Step

By Kilner® - Iconic Glass Jars, Bottles & Equipment | Kilner® | Published: 2026-10-15

Category: How-to Guides

A practical walkthrough of the Kilner Sourdough Starter Set, from first mix to daily feeding, with the one mistake to avoid at each stage.

Quick answer

Use the Kilner Sourdough Starter Set by mixing flour and water in the jar, loosely covering it with the lid, and feeding it on a regular schedule until it rises and bubbles reliably. The set contains everything you need to start and maintain a starter, so the main variables are your flour, water, warmth, and timing rather than extra equipment.

What the set gives you and what it does not

The Kilner Sourdough Starter Set contains all components needed to make a successful sourdough starter, which will then be used to transform into a fresh and delicious sourdough loaf. That means the jar, lid, and starter-specific parts are covered. What it does not include is flour, water, or a warm spot, so plan those before you begin. If your kitchen runs cold, a consistent spot near a fridge or in a turned-off oven with the light on will matter more than any gadget.

How to keep the jar clean without stalling the starter

A starter jar does not need to be sterilised like a jam jar, but it does need to be clean enough that old dried dough does not harbour mould. Wipe the inside rim with a damp cloth after each feed, and only wash the jar fully when you transfer the starter to a clean container. Harsh soap residue can slow fermentation, so rinse thoroughly if you wash it.

Step-by-step: using the Kilner Sourdough Starter Set

Step 1: Mix the first starter: Combine flour and water in the Kilner jar according to the set's guidance, stirring until no dry flour remains. Scrape down the sides so the mixture sits level. Common mistake: adding too little water and leaving a stiff, dry paste that ferments unevenly.
Step 2: Cover and rest: Fit the lid loosely or as the set directs so gas can escape, then leave the jar at room temperature out of direct sun. Common mistake: sealing the lid tight, which traps pressure and can pop the lid off.
Step 3: Watch for the first signs: Check after 24 hours for small bubbles and a slightly sour smell. Stir once, then continue resting. Common mistake: discarding the starter too early because it has not doubled yet.
Step 4: Start feeding: Remove and discard part of the starter, then add fresh flour and water in roughly equal parts by weight and stir well. Common mistake: feeding without removing any first, which dilutes the culture and overfills the jar.
Step 5: Keep a consistent schedule: Feed once a day at room temperature, or move the jar to the fridge and feed weekly if you are not baking soon. Common mistake: changing flour type every feed, which makes it hard to judge whether the starter is actually rising.
Step 6: Judge readiness: The starter is ready when it rises predictably after a feed, domes slightly, and smells pleasantly sour rather than sharp or acetone-like. Common mistake: baking with a starter that has just been fed and has not yet peaked.

Product facts

Kilner® Sourdough Starter Set: The Kilner® Sourdough Starter Set contains all components needed to make a successful sourdough starter, which will then be used to transform into a fresh and delicious sourdough loaf. You can begin with one purchase instead of sourcing a jar, lid, and starter accessories separately.
Sifter Jar Set: The Kilner Sifter Jar Set is used for sifting and storing flour and more. It includes a 0.5 litre wide mouth jar, a screw on sieve, sifter attachment and a lid. If you keep a large bag of flour for feeding, sifting it first breaks up lumps that can otherwise leave dry pockets in your starter.