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    You are here: Home / FAQs / Best Fermentation Crock [Buyers Guide]

    Best Fermentation Crock [Buyers Guide]

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.You can read my complete affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Guide To Choosing The Best Fermentation Crocks in 2022

    Of all the fermentation tools a person can choose from today, one of the essential items for every fermenter’s kitchen remains a traditional-style ceramic crock for fermenting.

    If you do any fermenting at all, a fermentation crock, a.k.a stoneware crock or fermenting pot, will do a lot to make sure the fermenting process is a success and you get all the health benefits of probiotic-rich foods.

    If you’re considering purchasing a crock for fermenting vegetables, our buyers’ guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know during the buying process.

    We review water-sealed crocks, open crocks, pots for bulk fermentation, sauerkraut crocks, best-value fermentation crocks, multi-purpose crocks, and fermentation crocks made for kombucha, all for the fermented food lover. Let’s get started!

    Best Fermentation Crock: Water-Sealed Crock vs. Open Crock

    A few things to consider before making a buying decision on a new fermentation crock. What kind of crock seal is best for you, a water-sealed crock or an open-lid crock?

    What about the size of the crock and the price range you are willing to spend on a fermentation crock?

    How Fermentation Crocks Work

    Once you fill the ceramic crock with water and place the lid on it, the water ensures that no outside contaminants, such as dust and bugs, can get inside and contaminate the ferment.

    While at the same time, it continues to allow the carbon dioxide to release and bubble out, creating optimal conditions for the lactic acid bacteria to do its magic.

    Water-Sealed Crock

    Out of all the crocks, the water-sealed crock is my favorite!

    PROS

    • The water-seal crock process is so simple: you fill up the moat with water, and it creates an airtight seal that keeps out contaminants, such as dust and bugs, keeping your foods fermenting without a problem.
    • Because of this ingenious seal, there is little chance of mold or surface yeasts growing on your ferment.
    • It takes the worry out of making sauerkraut and other fermented vegetables.

    CONS

    • You must keep an eye on the water-seal crocks to ensure that the moat stays full of water. If the water in the moat evaporates, oxygen, particles, and bacteria can get into your brine solution.
    • You cannot see inside the crock to monitor it throughout the fermentation process.
    • The opening is narrow, and that makes it a little difficult to pack in the vegetables.
    • The narrow opening also makes it difficult to reach your hand to clean it.
    best fermentation crock
    Water-sealed crock example

    Best Water-Sealed Crock

    Seeutek Fermentation  Water Seal Crock 2.6 Gallon
    854 Reviews
    Seeutek Fermentation Water Seal Crock 2.6 Gallon
    Water sealed jar's cover is designed to allow the fermentation gas to escape, avoid oxidation and bad odor while maintaining air circulation. Weighting stones and pickle Tamper immerse your vegetables under salt water or fermented liquids. It will reach to a better fermentation result.
    Amazon Prime
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    Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Open Crock

    Most open crocks don’t have a lid or weight to keep the vegetables below the brine, making it a cheaper purchase. This could be considered a positive because it saves you money.

    However, it is up to you to find a suitable weight and cover. You can read the post, Fermentations Weights: How to Keep Veggies Submerged, for some clever ideas.

    If you use a cloth or paper towel as a lid, then closely monitor the batch to prevent Kahm yeast and mold from developing. Both can appear when the vegetables are exposed to the air.

    There are some great benefits of using an open crock. The mouth of the crock is wide, making it easy to place several whole cabbages or other giant vegetables, such as cucks, in the vessel.

    So if you are looking for a wide water trough to ferment in bulk, this crock will be perfect for you.

    Open crocks are easy to clean depending on their size since their bases and openings are the same diameters.

    Furthermore, when not fermenting, open crocks are versatile vessels that can store kitchen utensils and dry goods.

    It is important to note that open crocks work better during colder periods of the year, i.e., lower temperatures, because molds or Kahm yeast do not form as quickly in lower temperatures.

    PROS

    • Easy to clean
    • Microwave and dishwasher safe
    • Made in the USA
    • High-quality and durable
    • Cylindrical shape makes it easy to fit large pieces and whole vegetables.

    CONS

    • Need to buy or make a lid and weights.
    • Prone to develop a layer of Kahm yeast if not covered properly.
    • Easy to get bugs and foreign objects in the ferment if you don’t use a lid.

    Whichever style crock you choose to buy, you will still have to check on it to ensure the brine levels are not dropping.

    Best Open Crock

    Here is the one open crock I recommend because it comes with weights and a lid

    OHIO STONEWARE Crock Set 2gl
    313 Reviews
    OHIO STONEWARE Crock Set 2gl
    Crock, Lid, and Weights
    Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Read reviews here.

    Best Large Crock For Bulk Fermenting

    Fermentation crocks come in a wide variety of sizes. If you want a larger crock, I recommend the Nik Schmitt Fermenting Crock Pots 30 Liter, a 6.5-gallon capacity.

    This baby can hold between 15-20 heads of cabbage at one time.

    Just beware of the weight; this crock weighs 54.5 lbs when empty.

    Nik Schmitt Fermenting Crock Pots 30 liter (6.5gal)
    7 Reviews
    Nik Schmitt Fermenting Crock Pots 30 liter (6.5gal)
    • Suitable for all types of vegetables
    • Stoneware does not require special storage
    • Does not require special Care
    • Neutral for all fermented vegetables
    • complete with lid, weighing stones, and instruction booklet.
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Best Budget-Friendly Fermentation Crock

    The price range for fermentation crocks on the market can be hefty. However, a few companies make high-quality crocks at great prices that will fit your fermentation needs and budget.

    E-Jen Fermentation Crock

    The E-Jen is a high-quality crock great for both large-scale and small batches of fermenting. It is an 8.4-gallon crock which is both lighter in weight and easy on the budget.

    But you’ll want to ensure you have the room to store it. E-Jen crocks are plastic and come with an ingenious inner seal that makes them quite versatile because you can easily push down the seal to ferment a smaller batch in any container size.

    There’s typically no harm in leaving some extra headspace in the crock, but if you usually make smaller batches, you’ll likely be fine with one of the smaller crocks on the market.

    E-Jen Premium Kimchi, Sauerkraut Container w/ Inner Vacuum Lid
    711 Reviews
    E-Jen Premium Kimchi, Sauerkraut Container w/ Inner Vacuum Lid
    Simplicity! The combination of ancient Korean earthenware principles and modern technology with the highest quality polypropylene plastic makes the ideal fermenter.
    Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Mortier Pilion 2L: Fermentation Jar

    The Mortier Pilon is a two-liter fermentation jar with a transparent upper half. So you can see the vegetables going through the fermentation process. This crock requires minimal maintenance.

    The fermentation kit includes a silicone sleeve, an elastic band (for tightening purposes), a solid lid, ceramic weights, a wax pencil to mark your ferments, and a recipe book that covers around 45 easy-to-cook fermented recipes, including kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, and many more.

    Sale
    Mortier Pilon Special Edition 2L Crock
    258 Reviews
    Mortier Pilon Special Edition 2L Crock
    Make Easy Homemade Fermented Foods: Kimchi, Pickles, Sauerkraut, and Organic Vegetables
    Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    PROS

    • Because it is see-through, it is an ideal pick for both absolute beginners and experienced fermenters.
    • You can watch the process of fermentation take place
    • Beginner-friendly
    • Easy to ferment
    • Easy to clean

    CONS

    • It does not have the traditional crock appearance

    Best Multi-Purpose Crock

    The E-Jen and Crazy Korean Cooking brands of fermentation crocks are the best multi-purpose and versatile crocks you can buy.

    Both brands are quality made and have many sizes to choose from. When not fermenting, the crocks can use as food storage containers.

    Crazy Korean Fermentation Storage Conainer
    275 Reviews
    Crazy Korean Fermentation Storage Conainer
    The Perfect fermentation and storage container
    Great for storing foods requiring airtight storage, such as fresh vegetables, coffee beans, bread, seaweed, cookies, cereals, grains, nuts and even dry pet foods.
    Easy to handle and clean
    Fridge or freezer safe
    Amazon Prime
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Best Kombucha Crock

    Lastly, this continuous brewing crock for kombucha and other fermented drinks made by Get Kombucha is perfect if you want to keep a crock just for fermented drinks.

    Kombucha Brew Kit
    32 Reviews
    Kombucha Brew Kit
    Continuous Brew Kit 2.5 Gallon Porcelain Vessel
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Get Kombucha makes this beautiful sleek crock just for Kombucha lovers. Their kombucha crocks are 2.5-gallon white porcelain and come with a wooden stand.

    Don’t stop at kombucha; the crock can also be used to make jun tea, vinegar, and more.

    It is designed with continuous brewing, as the spigot makes it easy to fill up bottles and transfer them to the refrigerator, eliminating funnels and messy clean-up.

    The glaze is food-safe and lead and cadmium-free.

    This crock has thick walls and is sturdy enough for regular use. It is still possible to use a thermostat strip to monitor the temperature of your liquid, though.

    The kombucha crock does not come with a lid. You must use a paper towel or piece of cloth secured with a rubber band to cover it and allow it to breathe. This is normal when fermenting kombucha.

    Buying Fermentation Weights

    I highly recommend you purchase these lead-free glass weights by Stone Creek Trading. The 6.5 ” Luna Glass Crock Weight weighs 2.6 lbs. This is almost double the weight of most standard glass weights on the market today.

    This is great because I often hear people complain that their glass weights are not heavy enough to keep the veggies below the brine.

    It is important to pay attention to the weight's size, as their smallest size, 6.5”, will not fit into smaller 2-liter crocks listed in this article.

    Luna Glass Crock Weights, 6.5' (Patented)
    171 Reviews
    Luna Glass Crock Weights, 6.5" (Patented)
    • Non-Porous Glass Weights for Fermenting Crocks
    • Upgraded alternative to traditional porous ceramic weights
    • Won't absorb anything, easy to clean, won't transfer flavor or smells
    • Handcrafted in Poland, unleaded glass
    • Protected by US Patents D812,426 and 10,034,483 B2
    Amazon Prime
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    Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    How do you clean ceramic fermentation crock and stone weights?

    Fermentation crocks should be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap. You can also use a water/vinegar solution.

    To remove strong smells, apply soap for at least 15 to 20 minutes before washing it: rinse and air dry.

    Clean the equipment right after you remove the fermented food. Do not let it sit for a long time with food particles.

    If you store the crock for a while, then fill it up with a scrunched-up newspaper. Also, wrap the lid and stones in newspaper to protect the ceramic pieces and ensure they stay dry.

    To prevent mold growth in a crock or on the weight

    • Always dry the stones/crock thoroughly in a warm oven or the sun
    • Never put the crock or weights away wet
    • Never store your crock and weights in a damp room, such as a cellar or basement.

    If you notice, the crock or weights have a little mold. They can still be saved by quickly cleaning them off before the next use.

    How to remove mold

    Sometimes, mold happens; here are some tips on removing mold from a crock or weight.

    • Scrub the mold off as best you can
    • Soak the weights overnight in a pot with a few tablespoons of vinegar and hot water (not boiling), or fill the crock with vinegar and hot water.
    • Rinse thoroughly
    • Lastly, place the weights or crock in the oven at a low temperature until completely dried.

    Why Fermenting Crocks are Better than Mason Jars

    When I started making my own ferments, I took the cheap and easy route using glass jars. Like most people taking on a new hobby, I didn’t want to invest in expensive equipment.

    But that all changed when I tried a batch of kimchi made in a water-seal-style fermenting crock. The kimchi was so much better; I was blown away.

    It wasn’t just a matter of the recipe or expertise; ferments turn out better in a crock for two main reasons:

    • Ceramic Materials: The thick walls of a crock are made with ceramic clay. The thick clay provides natural insulation and helps keep the brine temperature stable, allowing the bacteria to grow effectively.
    • Naturally Blocks Light Out: Have you noticed that practically every fermentation recipe recommends placing the jars in a cupboard or pantry away from the light? That is because UV light kills the healthy bacteria in the brine. The thick ceramic walls block the light and help a successful end product.

    Final Thoughts

    As with any product, it is important to buy quality only to have to buy it once. That couldn’t be truer than when it comes to purchasing a fermentation crock.

    If you settle on a cheaper fermentation crock, you will be facing a short lifespan, wasting your time and vegetables. Nobody wants that, especially if you have been waiting all summer for harvest time.

    I hope our Guide to Buying a Fermentation Crock serves you well. Happy Fermenting!

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    • Fermentation Weights: How to Keep Veggies Submerged
    • Does store-bought sauerkraut have probiotics?
    • 11 Natural Sources of Tannins for Crunchy Fermented Pickles

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