Buying guide
Starter Kraut Kit
Updated How we research
Sauerkraut is the classic first ferment, and this kit keeps it simple. Start with a solid jar, hold the cabbage under brine with proper weights, and let an airlock lid vent gas while keeping oxygen out. A sturdy pounder or tamper packs the shreds tight, and a good fermentation salt gives you a clean, predictable brine every single batch. The page is split into six sections (Fermentation Jars; Fermentation Weights; Airlock Lids; Sauerkraut Pounders; Fermentation Salts; Muddlers And Tampers), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 23 picks. Our scores range from 7.0 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:JILLMO Wide Mouth Glass Fermentation Jar with Airlock and Glass Weight, 2L (64oz), Pack of 2. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Morton All Natural Canning & Pickling Salt, 4 lb Box. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.3/10.
- 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:Elementi Glass Fermentation Weight Set of 4 - Easy Grip Fermenting Weights for Wide Mouth Mason Jars. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Fermentation Jars
- JILLMO Wide Mouth Glass Fermentation Jar with Airlock and Glass Weight, 2L (64oz), Pack of 2Our score8.6/10
- 50OZ/1.5L Glass Fermentation Jars Kit - 2 Pack Kimchi Wide Mouth Fermenting Container with Airlocks, Sauerkraut Fermenter Making Set for Pickling Canning Sauce, Includes RecipesOur score7.8/10
- 4-Pack Mason Jar Fermentation Kit With Four 32 Oz Jars And Plastic LidsOur score7.8/10
- Haeljard 1.5L Glass Fermentation Jar with Water Seal Airlock Lid for Pickles, Kimchi, Sauerkraut, KombuchaOur score7.6/10
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
Airlock Lids
- 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
- laffeya Fermentation Lids Kit - Wide Mouth Mason Jar Fermenting Lids with Airlocks and Grommets, Stainless SteelOur score7.8/10
- Fermentation Lids for Wide Mouth Mason Jars - 4 Pack Silicone LidsOur score7.5/10
Sauerkraut Pounders
- Brewing America Acacia Wood Vegetable Fermentation Tamper Cabbage Sauerkraut Pounder 12 inches for Mason JarsOur score8.1/10
- Large Wooden Walnut Cabbage Stomper Pounder Tamper for Sauerkraut Made in the USAOur score7.5/10
- 12 inch Sauerkraut Pounder Natural Beech Wood Smasher for Fermentation Crocks and Mason JarsOur score7.3/10
- Honeydak 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Sauerkraut Pounder 9.4" Kimchee Tamper | Vegetable Fermentation Pounder Tamper for Mason Jars Sauerkraut Crock Cabbage Pickle Fermenting Food ToolOur score7.2/10
Fermentation Salts
- Morton All Natural Canning & Pickling Salt, 4 lb BoxOur score8.3/10
- Pickling & Canning Salt for Natural Preserving, Fine Kosher Salt for Brining, 30 oz Bag, Non IodizedOur score7.6/10
- Pickling & Curing Salt for Natural Preserving, Fine Kosher Salt for Brining, 1 lb Shaker, Non IodizedOur score7.4/10
- Pickling & Curing Salt for Natural Preserving, Fine Kosher Salt for Brining, 14 oz Bag, Non IodizedOur score7.0/10
Muddlers And Tampers
- Brewing America Acacia Wood Vegetable Fermentation Tamper Cabbage Sauerkraut Pounder 12 inches for Mason JarsOur score8.1/10
- 16 Inch Heavy Cabbage Pounder Natural Beech Wood for Fermentation Crocks and Mason Jars, Sauerkraut Pounder Tamper for KimchiOur score8.1/10
- Fermentaholics Fermentation Tamper Tool, Make Sauerkraut At Home | Perfect Tool For Fermented Cabbage & Any Fermented Vegetables | DIY Fermented Sauerkraut | (Bamboo)Our score7.9/10
- Xuborku Sauerkraut Pounder for Mason Jars - Wooden Fermenting Supplies - Vegetable Fermentation Tamper for Sauerkraut Crocks with Scale MarksOur score7.6/10
All 23 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.
#1JILLMO's wide mouth 2L glass fermentation jars with airlock and glass weight, pack of 2, for watching kraut and pickles bubble.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Clear glass lets you check brine level and color without opening the jar
- + Each jar includes an airlock and glass weight, so both are ready to use
- + 64oz size fits a head of cabbage and still slides into most fridges
- - Glass lets in light, so jars should sit in a dim spot while fermenting
- - Glass jars can break if dropped or hit with cold water while warm
#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
#3Elementi 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
#4Masontops' 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
#5Easy 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
#6Morton's all natural canning and pickling salt in a 4 lb box, a pure, additive-free salt for brines and kraut.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Morton is a trusted salt brand that is easy to find again
- + All Natural pickling salt has no iodine or anti-caking agents
- + 4 lb box covers a full season of pickling and fermenting
- - Cardboard box can clump in humid kitchens unless stored dry
- - Fine grains are denser by volume, so weigh salt for accuracy
#7Brewing America's 12 inches acacia wood vegetable fermentation tamper for packing sauerkraut into mason jars.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 12 inches of length reaches the bottom of half gallon mason jars
- + Acacia wood is dense and resists water better than softer woods
- + Tamper releases cabbage juice quickly so brine forms faster
- - Wood needs hand washing and drying, not a dishwasher
- - Narrow end may be slow when packing wide crocks
#8A 16 Inch heavy natural beech wood cabbage pounder and tamper for fermentation crocks, mason jars and kimchi.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 16 Inch length reaches the bottom of deep crocks without a crouch
- + Heavy beech wood does more of the pounding work for you
- + Works in both wide crocks and mason jars for kraut and kimchi
- - Long heavy tamper is awkward in small quart jars
- - Beech needs drying after each use to prevent cracking
#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.
#10A 13 inch bamboo fermentation tamper from Fermentaholics with two ends, one sized for wide mouth and one for regular mouth mason jars. Made for pounding cabbage and packing vegetables tight.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Two different ends fit wide mouth and regular mouth jars, from pints up to half gallons.
- + 13 inches reaches the bottom of tall jars and large pots while staying easy to store.
- + Bamboo is strong and fast-growing, and the shape is designed for a comfortable grip while pounding.
- - Bamboo should be hand washed and dried promptly, like any wooden kitchen tool.
- - At 13 inches it is sized for jars and pots, and may feel short in a deep multi-gallon crock.
#11KOMYLON's kit of two 50 oz (1.5L) wide mouth glass jars with clamp lids, silicone gaskets and one-way airlocks, a low-priced matched pair for kraut, kimchi and pickles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Two 1.5L jars in one kit, each with its own airlock, so two different ferments can run side by side.
- + 3.34 inch wide mouth for packing vegetables by hand, and the listing says all components are dishwasher safe.
- + A silicone plug closes the airlock hole after fermenting, so the same clamp-lid jar can move on to storage.
- - Glass weights are not named in the title, so check the contents and plan on a weight to hold vegetables under brine.
- - Clamp-lid jars from a lesser-known brand, so screw-on mason lids and airlock lids from other kits will not fit.
#12IceFun's kit of four 32 oz wide mouth mason jars with plastic fermentation lids, airlocks, glass weights and silicone stoppers that convert each jar to storage.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Four quart jars with weights and airlocks in one box, so four small ferments can start the same day.
- + Plastic lids avoid the rust concern of metal lids, and a stopper swaps in for the airlock when a batch is done.
- + 3.4 inch wide mouth with ml and oz markings on the glass for measuring brine and tracking fill level.
- - 32 oz per jar is small for a full head of cabbage, so big kraut batches need to be split up.
- - Lids are plastic, not stainless steel, a point to weigh if you want an all glass and metal setup.
#13laffeya's stainless steel fermenting lids with airlocks and grommets for wide mouth jars, a rust-resistant lid kit.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Stainless steel stays clean-looking and will not rust in salty conditions
- + Grommets seal the airlock hole tightly, limiting air leaks
- + Classic bubble airlocks make fermentation activity easy to watch
- - Water airlocks need topping up and can be knocked over on a busy counter
- - Confirm the exact pack count in the listing before you order
#14Haeljard's 1.5L glass jar with a water seal airlock lid, a single versatile vessel for pickles, kimchi, kraut or kombucha.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Water seal airlock lid lets gas escape without letting oxygen back in
- + Clear glass shows exactly when the brine turns cloudy and the ferment is active
- + Listed for pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha, so one jar covers many projects
- - Single jar only, so running two ferments at once means buying another
- - No glass weight is mentioned, so floating pieces need a separate weight
#15SOLIGT 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
#16Pickling & Canning Salt for Natural Preserving, Fine Kosher Salt for Brining, 30 oz Bag, Non Iodized
A 30 oz bag of non iodized fine kosher pickling and canning salt for natural preserving and brining ferments.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Non Iodized salt avoids additives that can slow lacto-fermentation
- + Fine grain dissolves quickly for clear, even brines
- + 30 oz bag covers many batches of kraut and pickles
- - Weigh the salt by grams rather than volume for a consistent brine
- - Fine salt measures differently by volume than coarse kosher salt
#17Single-piece beech wood sauerkraut pounder, 11.5 inches long, with two ends sized for wide and regular mouth Mason jars and ceramic crocks. A low-cost tamper for packing shredded cabbage.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Listing describes a single piece of natural beech wood with no glue, so there are no joints to loosen
- + Dual-end design is stated to fit wide and regular mouth Mason jars as well as ceramic fermentation crocks
- + The 11.5 inch length and curved grip are described as keeping knuckles clear of the jar rim
- - At 11.5 inches it is shorter than the 12 to 16 inch pounders, so it suits jars better than deep crocks
- - Lesser-known brand and the listing gives no wood finish detail, so oiling and care are up to you
#18BALCI's 4 pack of one-piece silicone lids for wide mouth mason jars, each with a built-in one-way valve that vents gas without water, a low-cost waterless airlock option.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Waterless one-way valve releases gas on its own, so there is no airlock to fill and no manual burping.
- + Low-profile shape lets several jars sit in a cabinet or on a fridge shelf where a tall water airlock would not fit.
- + Food-grade silicone described as BPA-free and phthalate-free, reusable and dishwasher safe.
- - Fits wide mouth mason jars only, so regular mouth jars need a different lid.
- - A silicone valve shows no bubbling the way a water airlock does, so activity is harder to read at a glance.
#19A large wooden walnut cabbage stomper and tamper for sauerkraut, made in the USA for heavy duty packing.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Walnut hardwood gives a heavy, sturdy feel for firm pounding
- + Made in the USA appeals to buyers who want a known origin
- + Large size works well for crocks and wide mouth vessels
- - Large head may be too wide for regular mouth mason jars
- - Walnut needs occasional oiling to keep from drying out
#20A 1 lb shaker of non iodized fine kosher pickling and curing salt for natural preserving and brining.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Shaker format makes it easy to salt cabbage layers as you pack
- + Non Iodized fine salt dissolves cleanly into brines
- + 1 lb size is handy for small batches and occasional ferments
- - Shaker size runs out quickly if you ferment every week
- - Curing salt name may confuse buyers, so confirm it has no nitrite
#21A 12 inch natural beech wood sauerkraut pounder and smasher for fermentation crocks and mason jars.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 12 inch length works in both crocks and tall mason jars
- + Beech wood is a classic hard kitchen wood for pounding tools
- + Natural finish keeps chemicals away from your vegetables
- - Check the listing photos for the wood finish before you order
- - Untreated beech can crack if left soaking in the sink
#22Honeydak stainless steel sauerkraut pounder sold as a pair, about 9.4 inches long with roughly 1.2 inch flat ends. A no-wood option for packing kraut and kimchi into jars and crocks.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Stainless steel body that the listing says resists cracking and corrosion and can go in the dishwasher
- + Two pieces in the box, so one can be kept as a spare or one kept for each jar size
- + Hourglass shaped handle and flat ends are described as giving a non-slip grip and good mashing power
- - Sold as a 2-piece set, so it costs more than a single pounder if you only need one
- - At about 9.4 inches it is short for large crocks, and steel is lighter in feel than hardwood for pounding
#23A 14 oz bag of non iodized fine kosher pickling and curing salt for natural preserving and brining at home.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + 14 oz bag is a low-commitment size for trying a first ferment
- + Non Iodized formulation keeps brines clear and cultures happy
- + Fine texture spreads evenly across shredded cabbage
- - Small bag costs more per ounce than bulk boxes
- - Unclear brand makes it hard to repurchase the exact same salt
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Ferment Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.