Buying guide
Budget Starter
Updated How we research
You do not need expensive gear to make excellent ferments. An affordable all-in-one kit or a few half gallon mason jars will carry you through your first year. Pickle pipes are the cheapest reliable airlock on the market, glass weights keep everything under brine, and a sheet of labels means you always know what is in each jar and when it started. The page is split into five sections (Fermentation Kits; Half Gallon Mason Jars; Pickle Pipes; Fermentation Weights; Labels For Fermentation Jars), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 7.0 to 8.8 out of 10.
- Best overall:Ball Wide Mouth Half Gallon 64 Oz Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 6. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.8/10.
- Also great value:Universal Food Rotation Dissolvable Labels for Food Storage, 2 x 2 Inch, 500 Adhesive Stickers. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.0/10.
- Solid build:Jillmo Fermentation Lids for Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Stainless Steel with Airlocks and Silicone Grommets, 4 Pack. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Easy Fermenter Fermentation Lids Kit, Mason Jar Airlock Lid for Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Pack of 4. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Fermentation Kits
- Jillmo Fermentation Lids for Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Stainless Steel with Airlocks and Silicone Grommets, 4 PackOur score8.6/10
- Easy Fermenter Fermentation Lids Kit, Mason Jar Airlock Lid for Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Pack of 4Our score8.4/10
- Brillenti Fermenting Lids for Wide Mouth Mason Jars - 4 Waterless Airlock Fermentation Lids Kit with Oxygen PumpOur score8.2/10
- Artcome 32 PC Fermenting Airlock Lids Kit Set for Large Wide Mouth Mason JarsOur score7.8/10
Half Gallon Mason Jars
- Ball Wide Mouth Half Gallon 64 Oz Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 6Our score8.8/10
- Ball 64oz Wide Mouth Half Gallon Mason JarOur score7.7/10
- ComSaf Half Gallon Mason Jar 64oz 3Pcs, Wide Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Seal Bands for Pickling and FermentationOur score7.6/10
- kitchentoolz Half Gallon Glass Large Mason Jar Wide Mouth with Airtight Metal Lid - Made in USAOur score7.0/10
Pickle Pipes
- Masontops Pickle Pipes Airlock Fermentation Lids Kit for Wide Mouth Mason Jar Sauerkraut and PicklesOur score8.1/10
- Masontops Pickle Pipes Waterless Airlock Fermentation Lids Regular Mouth Mason Jar Fermenter CapsOur score7.8/10
- Wide Mouth Mason Jar Fermentation Lids - Silicone Fermenting Caps with Waterless Airlock, Self-Burping Fermenter Tops for Pickles, Kimchi, and Probiotic Foods, 3 Pack Grey (Jars Not Included)Our score7.6/10
- Masontops Pickle Pipes - Airlock Fermentation Lids - Fermentation Kit For Wide Mouth Mason Jar Sauerkraut & Pickle Kit - Fermentation Jar Not Included (Pack of 2)Our score7.2/10
Fermentation Weights
- Elementi Glass Fermentation Weight Set of 4 - Easy Grip Fermenting Weights for Wide Mouth Mason JarsOur score8.4/10
- Masontops Pickle Pebble Glass Infinity Weights for Fermenting - Wide Mouth Mason Jar Pickling Weight SetOur score8.4/10
- 4 pack Wide Mouth Tempered Glass Fermentation Weights for Lacto Fermenting in Wide Mouth Mason, Ball, Canning Jars by Mason Jar Lifestyle (4)Our score7.9/10
- 4-Pack of Fermentation Glass Weights with Easy Grip Handle for Wide Mouth Mason JarsOur score7.6/10
Labels For Fermentation Jars
- Universal Food Rotation Dissolvable Labels for Food Storage, 2 x 2 Inch, 500 Adhesive StickersOur score8.0/10
- DGBDPACK Water Soluble Canning Labels, 1 x 2 1/8 in for Mason Jars 400 Pack | 400 stickers with 8 decorative designs, fully dissolvable in water, pickles, mason jarsOur score7.8/10
- LLIKED 200 Stickers Dissolvable Food Labels 1 1/2" x 2" Canning for Jars | Suitable for meal prep, pantry, kitchen and restaurant; comes in a dispenser box, dishwasher safe, withstands -40 to 150 F.Our score7.6/10
- Dissolvable Food Labels for Food Containers - Made in USA - for Food Prep, Pantry, Canning, Freezer, Mason Jar Storage and RotationOur score7.1/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Ball's set of 6 wide mouth half gallon 64 Oz jars with lids and bands, the standard large jar for home fermenting.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10
- + Ball jars are the reference size that most fermenting lids and weights fit
- + Set of 6 gives plenty of big jars for kraut, kombucha or pickles
- + Lids and bands included, so jars store finished ferments right away
- - Metal canning lids can rust from salty brine over long ferments
- - Half gallon jars are tall and may not fit on standard fridge shelves
#2Jillmo's 4 pack of stainless steel wide mouth lids with airlocks and silicone grommets, a durable classic setup for jar ferments.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Stainless steel lids will not rust or warp like painted tin mason lids
- + Separate airlocks and grommets are easy to replace if one wears out
- + 4 Pack covers a steady rotation of kraut, pickles and kimchi jars
- - Three-piece airlocks need water topped up during long ferments
- - Tall airlocks add height, so jars may not fit in low cabinets
#3Easy Fermenter's 4-pack of airlock lids that turn wide mouth mason jars into sealed vessels for kraut, pickles and hot sauce.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Pack of 4 lets you run several ferments at once in jars you already own
- + Built-in airlock vents gas while keeping outside air and fruit flies out
- + Easy Fermenter is a well-known name in mason jar fermentation gear
- - Fits wide mouth jars only, regular mouth jars need different lids
- - Weights are not included, so vegetables can float above the brine
#4Elementi Glass Fermentation Weight Set of 4 - Easy Grip Fermenting Weights for Wide Mouth Mason Jars
Elementi's set of 4 easy grip glass fermentation weights for wide mouth mason jars, built to keep veggies under brine.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Easy grip design lets you lift the weight out without fishing with fingers
- + Set of 4 covers a full rotation of wide mouth jars at once
- + Solid glass is non-porous, so it will not hold odors or react with brine
- - Wide mouth only, these will not fit regular mouth mason jars
- - Glass weights can chip a jar if dropped straight onto the bottom
#5Masontops' Pickle Pebble Infinity glass weights for wide mouth mason jars, with a finger hole design for easy removal.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Infinity shape has finger holes, so lifting the weight out is simple
- + Masontops is a trusted name for mason jar fermenting accessories
- + Glass weights fit neatly inside the jar shoulder for full submersion
- - Confirm the exact pack count in the listing before you order
- - Premium brand usually costs more per weight than generic sets
#6Brillenti's 4 waterless airlock lids with an oxygen pump for wide mouth mason jars, a sealed vacuum-style fermenting kit.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Waterless airlocks remove the chore of topping up water in the valves
- + Oxygen pump draws out air at the start, helping reduce mold and yeast
- + 4 lids are a good count for a family that ferments on a regular cycle
- - Pump seals rely on clean jar rims, a chipped rim can leak air
- - Weights are not included in the lid kit, so floating pieces need a separate solution
#7Masontops Pickle Pipes Airlock Fermentation Lids Kit for Wide Mouth Mason Jar Sauerkraut and Pickles
Masontops' Pickle Pipes airlock fermentation lids kit for wide mouth mason jars, aimed at sauerkraut and pickles.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Kit format suits beginners converting their first wide mouth jars
- + Pickle Pipes vent gas while blocking air from entering the jar
- + Masontops is a known name in mason jar fermentation accessories
- - Pair it with glass weights if your kitchen does not already have some
- - Silicone nipple can pick up strong odors from kimchi or garlic
#8Universal food rotation dissolvable labels, 2 x 2 Inch squares with 500 Adhesive Stickers for storage.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 500 Adhesive Stickers last through many seasons of labeling
- + 2 x 2 Inch square gives room for name, date and salt ratio
- + Food Rotation design helps track which batch to eat first
- - Square shape does not wrap neatly around small jar lids
- - Adhesive can loosen in humid fridges before you remove it
#9Mason Jar Lifestyle's 4 pack of tempered glass fermentation weights for wide mouth mason jars with a 3 inch internal diameter, made heavy and thick to hold food under the brine.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 6/10
- + Tempered glass, which the listing contrasts with untempered weights that can have air bubbles and crack.
- + Sized to leave a small gap around the edge of a wide mouth jar so fermentation gas can escape.
- + Heavy, thick glass described as easy to use and clean between batches.
- - Among the higher-priced 4 packs in this guide, so you are paying extra for tempered glass.
- - Wide mouth only: the 3 inch internal diameter sizing does not suit regular mouth jars.
#10Artcome's 32 PC fermenting kit of airlock lids and accessories for large wide mouth mason jars, a broad all-round starter set.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 32 PC count bundles lids, airlocks and fittings so nothing is missing on day one
- + Designed for wide mouth mason jars that most kitchens already have
- + Good for people who want to start several different vegetable ferments together
- - High piece count includes small parts that are easy to misplace
- - Jars are not part of the kit, so you still need to buy those
#11Masontops' Pickle Pipes waterless airlock fermentation lids for regular mouth mason jars, a smaller jar option.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Regular Mouth sizing converts pint and quart jars into fermenters
- + Waterless design needs no refilling of a water chamber
- + Good for small-batch hot sauce or garlic ferments
- - Only fits regular mouth jars, not the wide mouth jars most kits use
- - Narrow mouth jars are harder to pack than wide ones
#12DGBDPACK water soluble canning labels: 400 stickers, 1 x 2-1/8 inch, in 8 designs. A low-cost way to date and name jars of ferments that wash off in water.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 400 labels in one roll, a large supply for dating and naming many jars.
- + Listing says they dissolve in water and leave no residue, so jars can be relabeled for the next batch.
- + Each label is 1 x 2-1/8 inches and the listing says it is writable with a Sharpie.
- - Labels are small, so only a short name and date fit on each one.
- - The eight decorative designs may not suit a plain, uniform look on the shelf.
#13Ball's 64oz wide mouth half gallon mason jar, the classic single jar for a mid-size batch of kraut, pickles or kefir.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 6/10
- + Ball is the standard mason jar brand, so lids, weights and airlocks made for wide mouth fit it
- + 64oz volume holds a head of cabbage or a solid run of cucumbers without crowding
- + Wide mouth opening makes packing vegetables and scrubbing the inside easy
- - Sold as a single jar, so it is poor value if you want several at once
- - Standard canning lid is not a fermentation lid, so gas release needs burping or an airlock
#14ComSaf's 3Pcs set of 64oz wide mouth half gallon mason jars with lids and seal bands, pitched for pickling and fermentation.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 3Pcs set lets you run kraut, pickles and a brine test at the same time
- + Lids and seal bands are included, so the jars are ready to close out of the box
- + Wide mouth size accepts common fermentation weights and airlock lids sold separately
- - Two-piece metal lids can rust when they sit against salty brine for weeks
- - No airlock or weight is included, so it is a jar set rather than a full kit
#15WENQING 3-pack of silicone waterless airlock lids for wide mouth Mason jars. A one-way valve vents gas without water or daily burping.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Three lids in a pack, the same count as the original Pickle Pipe set
- + One-way waterless valve vents gas automatically, with no water or daily burping needed per the listing
- + Listing says the one-piece silicone design is dishwasher safe and low profile for cupboard storage
- - Not the original Pickle Pipe brand, so it is an alternative design rather than the patented original
- - Wide mouth jars only, and jars and rings are not included
#16SOLIGT 4-pack of glass fermentation weights with a bulge handle, made for wide mouth Mason jars. A budget set for keeping vegetables below the brine.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Four glass weights in one pack, enough to cover several wide mouth jars at once
- + Listing says the glass is non-porous and does not absorb odors, flavors or colors
- + Bulge handle is described as making each weight easier to lift out than grooved designs
- - Sized for wide mouth jars only, so it does not replace a small mouth weight
- - Lesser-known brand with no stated weight or exact diameter in the listing, so check fit against your jar
#17LLIKED dissolvable food labels: 200 stickers, 1-1/2 x 2 inch, on one roll in a dispenser box. A roomier label for jar lids and ferment crocks that wash off in water.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Larger 1-1/2 x 2 inch face gives more room for a name, date and note than a 1-inch strip.
- + Listing says the labels dissolve in water within 30 seconds and leave no adhesive residue.
- + Sticks to glass, wood, metal and plastic, and the listing gives a working range of -40 to 150 F.
- - 200 labels on one roll is a smaller supply than the 400 and 500 count rolls in this guide.
- - The listing describes a purple roll, so it may not be the plainest look for jar lids.
#18Masontops Pickle Pipes pack of 2 waterless airlock lids for wide mouth Mason jars. Same brand as the earlier listing, now sold as a two-lid pack.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 5/10
- + Same Masontops brand as the discontinued listing, with a one-way waterless valve that vents gas on its own
- + One-piece silicone airlock needs no water, burping or maintenance, per the listing
- + Low profile design is described as easy to store, and the silicone is dishwasher safe
- - At about $48 for a pack of 2 it costs far more per lid than the other pickle pipe sets in this guide
- - Wide mouth jars only, and jars are not included
#19Made in USA dissolvable food labels for food containers, pantry, canning, freezer and mason jar storage rotation.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Made in USA labels give a clear origin for food-contact supplies
- + Designed for rotation, making it easy to date batches first-in first-out
- + Freezer-friendly adhesive suits frozen ferments and starters
- - Confirm the label count and size fit your jars before ordering
- - Dissolvable labels are not suited to jars stored in damp cellars
#20kitchentoolz's half gallon wide mouth glass mason jar with an airtight metal lid, made in USA for storage or small ferments.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Made in USA glass appeals to buyers who want a known origin for food contact jars
- + Airtight metal lid keeps dry goods fresh once the ferment moves to the fridge
- + Wide mouth half gallon size fits a hand and a tamper for packing vegetables
- - Airtight lid traps fermentation gas, so it needs daily burping during active ferments
- - Metal lid should be kept out of direct contact with brine to avoid corrosion
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Ferment Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.