Buying guide
Kimchi Lover Kit
Updated How we research
Great kimchi rewards the right tools. Purpose-built kimchi containers control odor and pressure in the fridge, while a traditional onggi crock breathes the way Korean fermenters intended. A cabbage shredder speeds up prep day, a fermentation press keeps vegetables submerged, and quality gochugaru brings the color and heat that define the final jar. The page is split into five sections (Kimchi Containers; Onggi Crocks; Gochugaru Flakes; Cabbage Shredders; Vegetable Fermentation Presses), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 19 picks. Our scores range from 6.6 to 8.2 out of 10.
- Best overall:Crazy Korean Cooking Premium Kimchi Sauerkraut Fermentation and Storage Container with Inner Vacuum Lid 1.3 Gal. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.2/10.
- Also great value:Crazy Korean Cooking Premium Kimchi, Sauerkraut Fermentation and Storage Container with Inner Vacuum Lid, Sandy Brown, 2.2 gallon (8.5 L). Value score of 8/10, overall 7.9/10.
- Solid build:BALWOO Earthenware Onggi Korean Traditional Clay Jar Breathing Kimchi Fermentation Crock, 3L (0.8 gal). Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 7.9/10.
- Feature-rich:E-Jen Premium Kimchi Sauerkraut Container Probiotic Fermentation with Inner Vacuum Lid Earthenware Brown 0.45 gal. Features score of 8/10, overall 7.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Kimchi Containers
- Crazy Korean Cooking Premium Kimchi Sauerkraut Fermentation and Storage Container with Inner Vacuum Lid 1.3 GalOur score8.2/10
- Crazy Korean Cooking Premium Kimchi, Sauerkraut Fermentation and Storage Container with Inner Vacuum Lid, Sandy Brown, 2.2 gallon (8.5 L)Our score7.9/10
- E-Jen Premium Kimchi Sauerkraut Container Probiotic Fermentation with Inner Vacuum Lid Earthenware Brown 0.45 galOur score7.6/10
- BALWOO Earthenware Onggi Korean Traditional Clay Jar Kimchi Fermentation Crock, 2L (67.6oz)Our score7.3/10
Onggi Crocks
- BALWOO Earthenware Onggi Korean Traditional Clay Jar Breathing Kimchi Fermentation Crock, 3L (0.8 gal)Our score7.9/10
- BALWOO Earthenware Onggi 8 Liter (2 gal) Korean Traditional Clay Jar Kimchi Fermentation CrockOur score7.9/10
- BALWOO Earthenware Onggi Korean Traditional Clay Jar Kimchi Fermentation Crock, 2L (67.6oz)Our score7.3/10
- Ohio Stoneware 1 Gallon Preserving CrockOur score6.9/10
Gochugaru Flakes
- Korean Red Pepper Powder (Gochugaru) - Coarse Ground Chili Flakes for Kimchi, Sun-Dried, 8 ozOur score7.4/10
- Korean Red Chili, Gochugaru, Hot Pepper Coarse Powder Flakes (1 Lb)Our score7.4/10
- Wang Sun-Dried Coarse Gochugaru for Kimchi | Red Pepper Flakes, Chilli Powder, 1 PoundOur score7.3/10
- Byait Gochugaru Korean Chili Flakes 16 Oz (1 LB), Red Chili Pepper Flakes | Medium Hot, Coarse Gochugaru For Kimchi, Chili Oil, Korean Cooking, Marinades, Soups, Stews, and Everyday SeasoningOur score7.1/10
Cabbage Shredders
- Compact Wooden Cabbage Shredder Slicer with Hand Guard for Finely Cut Sauerkraut and ColeslawOur score7.6/10
- YukaBa Cabbage Kitchen Knife Slicer Chopper Shredder Sauerkraut Cutter Coleslaw Grater (Red-A)Our score6.8/10
- Cabbage Hand Slicer Shredder Metal Sauerkraut Chopper Vegetable Kitchen Manual CutterOur score6.8/10
- Cabbage Slicer Ultra-Thin 0.04 in Julienne Cutter for Sauerkraut & Coleslaw | 0.04 in Ultra-Thin Blade, Japanese Stainless Steel, Stable Non-Slip Base, Foldable, Easy to CleanOur score6.8/10
Vegetable Fermentation Presses
- JapanBargain 3869 Large Japanese Pickle Press Tsukemono Maker Sauerkraut Maker Made in Japan 3-LiterOur score7.6/10
- JapanBargain Japanese Pickle Press Container Plastic Tsukemono Pickle Maker Round Shape 3-LiterOur score7.0/10
- Instant Pickle Maker Vegetable Press Tsukemono Container Round Made in Japan BPA Free (Green 3.0L)Our score6.9/10
- Tsukemono Round Pickle Press 1.0L Japanese Pickle PressOur score6.6/10
All 19 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.
#1Crazy Korean Cooking's premium kimchi and sauerkraut fermentation and storage container with inner vacuum lid, 1.3 Gal.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 1.3 Gal size fits a full head or two of napa cabbage kimchi
- + Inner vacuum lid pushes out air as the level of kimchi drops
- + Doubles as fridge storage, so kimchi ferments and stores in one box
- - Plastic container can stain red from gochugaru over time
- - Vented lid needs regular pressing down during active fermentation
#2The 2.2 gallon (8.5 L) Crazy Korean Cooking kimchi container in sandy brown, with an inner vacuum lid. A big-batch size for making and storing several napa cabbages' worth of kimchi at once.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Inner vacuum lid presses down toward the kimchi to limit the air sitting above it.
- + 2.2 gallons (8.5 L) holds a family-size batch in a single container.
- + Sandy brown color is intended for strongly colored foods, so gochugaru staining shows less.
- - This listing gives little detail beyond size and color, so check the dimensions against your fridge shelf.
- - A full 8.5 L container is heavy and takes up a lot of refrigerator space.
#3BALWOO's 3L breathing onggi jar, a step up in size for weekly kimchi batches while keeping traditional clay fermentation.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 3L capacity gives room for a proper kimchi batch without taking over the kitchen
- + Breathing earthenware wall helps regulate moisture during slow fermentation
- + Same BALWOO clay style as the smaller jar, so a matched pair works for rotating batches
- - Onggi clay is heavier and more fragile than glass or food-safe plastic
- - No weights or airlock included, so you manage the brine level yourself
#4BALWOO's 8 liter (2 gal) onggi crock, sized for family kimchi making and larger batches of fermented radish or cabbage.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 8 liter volume fits several napa cabbages, so a single kimchi day fills it
- + Traditional Korean clay jar supports slow, even fermentation for deeper flavor
- + Wide opening makes packing and scooping out kimchi easy with a hand or ladle
- - Needs real floor or pantry space, it will not tuck into a small cupboard
- - Porous clay should be seasoned and cared for, unlike a dishwasher-safe jar
#5E-Jen's premium kimchi and sauerkraut container with inner vacuum lid in earthenware brown, sized at 0.45 gal.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Inner vacuum lid presses down on kimchi to limit air contact
- + 0.45 gal size suits small households making kimchi weekly
- + Designed in Korea specifically for kimchi fermentation and storage
- - Small capacity fills quickly with a single napa cabbage batch
- - Plastic body can hold on to kimchi smell and color over time
#6A compact wooden cabbage shredder slicer with hand guard for finely cut sauerkraut and coleslaw.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Hand guard protects fingers as the cabbage gets small
- + Compact size stores easily in small kitchens
- + Fine cut produces thin strands that release brine quickly
- - Compact board limits how much cabbage you can slice per pass
- - Fine cut setting may be too thin for chunky kraut styles
#7JapanBargain 3869 Large Japanese Pickle Press Tsukemono Maker Sauerkraut Maker Made in Japan 3-Liter
JapanBargain's 3869 large Japanese pickle press, a 3-Liter tsukemono maker made in Japan that also works for kraut.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Screw press applies steady pressure to draw water out of vegetables
- + 3-Liter capacity holds a good amount of cabbage or cucumbers
- + Made in Japan tsukemono design is built for quick pressed pickles
- - Plastic body is not meant for long ferments of several weeks
- - Screw mechanism needs cleaning so brine does not dry in the threads
#8An 8 oz sun-dried coarse ground Korean red pepper powder, gochugaru chili flakes made for kimchi.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Sun-Dried peppers tend to give a sweeter, deeper chili flavor
- + Coarse ground texture is the standard grind for kimchi paste
- + 8 oz size covers several family-size kimchi batches
- - Compare seller photos and feedback to judge authenticity before buying
- - Coarse flakes need time to hydrate before mixing into cabbage
#9A 1 Lb bag of Korean red chili gochugaru, hot pepper coarse powder flakes for kimchi and Korean ferments.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 1 Lb bag is good value for frequent kimchi makers
- + Coarse powder flakes suit kimchi paste and gochujang-style sauces
- + Hot pepper profile adds strong heat to spicy ferments
- - Large bag needs freezer or airtight storage to stay vibrant
- - Hot heat level may overwhelm mild kimchi recipes
#10BALWOO's 2L earthenware onggi, a small breathable Korean clay jar for kimchi, pastes or a single cabbage worth of banchan.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Traditional porous earthenware lets the ferment breathe the way onggi is meant to
- + 2L size suits small kimchi batches or storing gochujang and doenjang
- + Korean-style shape looks good on a counter or open shelf between batches
- - Unglazed clay needs gentle hand washing and full drying to avoid off smells
- - Too small for whole-head napa kimchi batches for a family
#11Wang sun-dried coarse gochugaru in a 1 lb bag, sold for kimchi. A larger pack of flakes with balanced heat and a mild smoky note per the listing.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Coarse grind labeled for kimchi, matching the flake style used in most kimchi pastes
- + 1 lb bag gives several batches of kimchi for a modest price
- + Listing describes sun-dried peppers with balanced spiciness and subtle smoky notes
- - The listing text also calls it a fine powder, so check the grind against what your recipe needs
- - One pound is a lot to store if you only make kimchi once in a while
#12Byait Gochugaru Korean chili flakes in a 16 oz bag. Medium-hot coarse flakes made from red chili peppers, sold for kimchi and Korean cooking.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Listing states 100% red chili peppers with no additives or fillers
- + Medium heat level and coarse grind are described for kimchi, stews and marinades
- + The 1 lb size costs under $15, a good price per ounce for regular kimchi makers
- - Listing does not say where the peppers were grown or if they are sun-dried
- - Large 16 oz bag is more than a single batch needs, unlike the 4 oz jar it replaces
#13JapanBargain's round 3-Liter plastic Japanese pickle press container, a tsukemono pickle maker for quick pickles.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Round 3-Liter body fits whole cabbage leaves or sliced cucumbers
- + Press plate squeezes vegetables for crisp overnight pickles
- + Plastic container is lightweight and easy to store
- - Plastic can scratch and hold odors after many uses
- - Round shape takes more fridge space than rectangular presses
#14Ohio Stoneware's 1 gallon preserving crock is a plain open stoneware crock for small batches of sauerkraut or pickles. It is sold as the crock alone, so weights and a cover are separate purchases.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + One gallon capacity takes roughly 5 pounds of cabbage, a manageable size for a first open-crock batch.
- + Stoneware from Ohio Stoneware, a maker known for traditional American preserving crocks.
- + Costs far less than the lidded water-seal crocks here, which leaves budget for weights and a cover.
- - The listing describes only the crock itself, so plan to buy weights and a cover separately.
- - The listing gives no dimensions or glaze details, and 1 gallon limits you to small batches.
#15TIKUSAN round Japanese tsukemono pickle press in green, 3.0 L, made in Japan from BPA free plastic. A screw-down press container for quick vegetable pickles kept in the fridge.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 6/10
- + 3.0 L capacity matches the size of the press it replaces, enough for a family sized batch of vegetables
- + Listing says it is made in Japan from BPA free plastic and is designed for fridge storage
- + Round tsukemono press design is built for quick Japanese style pickles without a crock or weights
- - Listing has few details on the press mechanism or dimensions, so confirm it fits your fridge shelf
- - Priced at about $40, well above basic jars, and it makes quick pickles rather than long ferments
#16YukaBa handheld cabbage shredder with a stainless steel dual blade, shaped like a knife. A low-cost way to shred cabbage for sauerkraut, kimchi and coleslaw.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Dual stainless steel blades, which the listing says shred a kilogram of cabbage in under five minutes
- + Knife style handle combines the feel of an ordinary knife with a shredder, with low cost at under $10
- + Listing notes it is for shredding cabbage for pickling recipes as well as coleslaw
- - Listing says it is not suitable for the left hand and must be hand washed, not put in the dishwasher
- - Shreds one head at a time by hand, so it is slower than a board-style shredder for big batches
#17A manual metal cabbage hand slicer and shredder, a simple sauerkraut chopper for cutting vegetables by hand.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Metal build handles dense cabbage cores better than flimsy plastic tools
- + Hand slicer is compact and fits in a drawer between uses
- + Manual design needs no power and cleans up quickly
- - Hand slicing is slow for big crock-size cabbage batches
- - No guard included, so slicing the last of the head needs caution
#18LOVE YOU Studio folding cabbage slicer with an ultra-thin 1 mm stainless blade and a non-slip base. A compact push-pull slicer for fine shreds of cabbage for kraut and slaw.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Listing states 1 mm ultra-thin slices, useful for finely shredded cabbage
- + Non-slip base and lift-handle mechanism are described as giving control during push-pull slicing
- + Foldable body with a detachable blade is described as easy to store and rinse
- - Body is ABS plastic with a stainless blade, not wood like the board shredder it replaces
- - Roughly $16, which is more than the knife-style shredders, and a 1 mm cut is fine for slaw but thin for chunky kraut
#19A Tsukemono round 1.0L Japanese pickle press, a small press for single-serving batches of quick pickles.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Compact 1.0L size fits a small fridge or bento-style prep
- + Press screw squeezes vegetables for crunchy overnight pickles
- + Small batch size reduces waste while you learn tsukemono
- - Holds only a small portion of vegetables per batch
- - Check the listing photos for the exact material before you order
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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.