Which kit will turn your cabbage into cult-classic kimchi? We tested 8 ferments so your kitchen can keep calm and kimchi on.
Fermentation is MAGIC. Cabbage, salt, and a little patience can become something tangy and legendary. No lab coat required.
Ready to get your kimchi on without mystery or mess? These starter sets range from vintage crocks to all-in-one mason-jar kits — practical tools that make consistent, delicious ferments actually possible. Short learning curve. Big flavor payoff.
Top Fermentation Starter Sets
Masontops Complete Wide-Mouth Kit
This kit gives you nearly everything needed to turn wide-mouth mason jars into reliable fermenters for kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles and more. Its thoughtful tools (airlocks, weights, and a wooden tamp) make multi-batch experiments easy and repeatable.
Why this kit works
This Masontops bundle turns ordinary wide-mouth mason jars into proper fermenters. It’s built for people who want to run small experiments (or keep multiple batches going) and appreciate simple, reusable hardware that stands up to repeated use.
What’s in the box and how it helps
These parts are the trio every lacto-fermenter needs: a way to keep brine over the veg, a safe venting system, and a tamper to get rid of trapped air pockets. The kit’s materials are durable and mostly dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup painless.
Real-world benefits and limitations
The kit shines for anyone moving from curiosity to consistency: you can run test batches of different recipes at the same time (garlic ferment in one jar, kimchi in another). That said, you’ll need to provide your own quart jars and salt — so treat this as the “infrastructure” purchase rather than a complete food-and-jar bundle. Also, if you’re on a tight budget, single-jar kits will be cheaper, but won’t give you the same flexibility.
Practical tips and usage notes
If you’re starting with kimchi, use the tamp to help release juices from shredded cabbage before packing. Place the weight on top of the veg to prevent floaters; airlocks will bubble as fermentation begins — this is a good sign, not a leak. Expect a learning curve of a batch or two, but after that you'll get predictable, tasty results.
Humble House 2L Ceramic Fermentation Crock
This 2-liter ceramic crock brings a traditional water-seal design to small-batch fermenting, with glazed weights and a wooden tamper included. It’s excellent for kimchi and sauerkraut lovers who prefer an old-school approach and beautiful countertop cookware.
A classic approach to fermentation
If you enjoy the ritual of traditional ferments, the Humble House crock uses a water-trough seal to keep air out while allowing CO2 to escape. This design has been used for centuries and still delivers reliable, nuanced ferments for kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles.
What you receive and why it’s special
The fully glazed interior and weights mean there’s minimal flavor transfer and easy cleaning (though not dishwasher-safe). The crock’s aesthetics also make it pleasant to display on a countertop — yes, making kimchi can also be decor.
Practical drawbacks and real-world tips
The small mouth can make inserting your hand or a larger tamper awkward, and the crock is bulkier than mason jars for storage. However, for many users the trade-off is worth it: the water-seal system is very forgiving and reduces the need to burp jars or monitor airlocks.
Tips from seasoned fermenters
Use the wooden tamper to compact the cabbage well, then place the weights and fill the water trough. Let it sit at room temperature and taste at one and two-week marks — you’ll often notice a deeper, more rounded fermentation profile compared with jar ferments.
Elementi Glass Fermentation Weights (Set)
These heavy glass weights are perfect for keeping vegetables submerged and protecting your ferment from oxygen. Their non-porous glass construction avoids staining and odor absorption, making them easy to clean and keep hygienic.
What these weights do best
The core task of any fermentation weight is simple: keep your veg submerged. Elementi’s glass weights do that job without the downsides of cheap plastic or porous ceramic — they won’t absorb smells, discolor, or chip easily under normal use.
Design and material highlights
Because glass is non-reactive and non-porous, it’s a hygienic choice for repeated ferments. The set of two allows you to stack or use just one depending on jar size and ingredient buoyancy.
Practical considerations
If you use wide-mouth mason jars regularly, these weights are a small investment that makes fermentation more reliable. They aren’t universal — don’t expect them to fit narrow-mouth jars — and their weight can be awkward for users with limited grip strength. Still, in everyday use they simplify maintenance and reduce the risk of surface mold or spoilage caused by floating pieces.
User tip
If you’re fermenting slices or larger leaves that tend to float, use both weights and consider adding a cabbage leaf as an extra barrier under the weight. Cleaning is quick — a dishwasher cycle or warm soapy water gets them spotless.
Masontops Regular-Mouth Starter Set
Designed for regular-mouth jars and smaller batches, this compact set includes the essential tools to make sauerkraut, small kimchi portions and fermented condiments. It’s an economical way to get started without committing to large jars.
Who it’s for
This regular-mouth version from Masontops is aimed at people who want to test the fermentation waters without using quart jars. Think single-serve kimchi, fermented garlic, or condiments like a pepper paste — all perfect for a small household.
Key features and components
The kit pares down the wide-mouth components to suit smaller jars, which keeps costs and counter clutter low. The materials are durable and intended for repeated use, though follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to preserve seals and gaskets.
Benefits, limits and practical advice
If you live alone or want to experiment with flavors without committing to gallons, this is a very sensible buy. Keep in mind it’s limiting if you want to make large batches of sauerkraut or multiple full jars at once. For best results, use non-iodized salt and weigh down floating items properly with the included glass or ceramic weights.
Quick tips
Start with small heads of cabbage or pre-shredded mixes and track salt percentages (around 2% by weight is a common starting point). The smaller jars ferment a bit faster than large vessels, so taste-test earlier than you might expect.
2-Pack One-Gallon Fermentation Jars
These wide-mouth, 1-gallon jars include screw lids with silicone grommets and airlocks, making them a reliable, leak-resistant option for longer ferments. The included scale markings and accessories add convenience for repeatable recipes.
Built for bigger batches and repeated use
This 2-pack of 1-gallon jars targets fermenters who want the convenience of large, measured vessels with airtight threaded lids. The heavy-duty lids and silicone grommets are designed to be leakproof when used with the included airlocks.
Features that matter
The scale markings are particularly handy when scaling recipes or tracking brine ratios. Solid screw lids make these better for moving jars between counters and fridges compared to looser-fitting covers.
Trade-offs and real-world considerations
You get more capacity, but you also need more storage space post-ferment. Heavier, threaded metal lids are great for sealing but require slightly more care when fitting grommets to ensure an airtight seal. For many home fermenters, the convenience of two ready-to-use gallon jars outweighs these minor inconveniences.
Practical tip
If you plan to ferment bubbly recipes (like some kombucha SCOBY maintenance or highly active kimchis), monitor pressure closely in the first 48 hours and ensure grommets are seated properly to avoid pop-offs.
Masontops Single-Jar Fermentation Set
This compact single-jar starter kit includes the essential lids, weight and a tamper for one regular or wide-mouth jar. It’s an affordable, low-commitment way to try kimchi or kraut without buying a multi-set.
A no-nonsense single-jar kit
This Masontops starter set is built for the person who wants to try fermentation with minimal fuss. It includes the tools to convert a single jar into a fermenter: a lid with a grommet, an airlock, and a weight, plus a small tamp for packing.
What you get and why it matters
The compact size keeps the learning curve manageable: you can experiment with one kimchi or sauerkraut recipe without taking up too much counter or fridge space. It’s also a thoughtful gift for a curious friend.
Limits and practical usage
If you find yourself hooked, you’ll likely want more jars and weights — that’s when the multi-pack kits start to make sense. The single-jar approach does, however, make it easy to control variables and dial in salt levels and timing before scaling up.
Quick tip
Use this kit to perfect a single recipe (for example, a garlic-chili kimchi) and document salt percentage and fermentation time. Once you’re happy, scale the recipe using a multi-jar kit or gallon jars.
YARWELL 1-Gallon Fermentation Jars Set
This two-pack supplies 1-gallon, lead-free glass jars with weights, grommets, and airlocks for full fermenting capability. The larger volume is great for family-sized batches and long ferments when you want more yield per jar.
Big-batch glass jars
The YARWELL two-pack gives you two 1-gallon fermenters built from lead-free glass and furnished with the accessories needed to start fermenting immediately. If you’re feeding a family or want bigger yields of kimchi and sauerkraut, gallon jars are an efficient option.
Included accessories and benefits
Having a complete set ready out of the box reduces the friction for new fermenters. Because these jars are large, they are better for longer ferments and recipes that benefit from room to breathe (and bubble).
Limitations and practical notes
The product currently has limited user feedback, so long-term durability is less well-documented compared to established brands. Also, once fermentation is complete you’ll need suitable storage: large jars take significant fridge or cellar space, and you may need to portion out batches if you don’t consume them quickly.
Practical tip
Fill these jars to the recommended brine line and make sure the weights keep everything submerged. If you’re testing new recipes, consider doing a smaller jar simultaneously so you can taste-progress without opening the full gallon.
4-Set Wide-Mouth Fermentation Kit
A sensible, affordable kit that equips four wide-mouth jars for fermentation with stainless lids, weights and airlocks. It’s a practical pick for beginners who already own jars and want to outfit multiple fermenters quickly.
What’s included and who benefits
This fourth product bundles four sets of fermentation hardware: stainless steel lids with silicone gaskets, glass weights, and water-trap airlocks. It’s aimed at people who already have wide-mouth jars and want to turn several into fermenters at once — perfect for batch testing or gifting.
Key features at a glance
The stainless lids are a nice touch for durability, and the additional gaskets mean you can replace worn seals without hunting for parts. The kit is overall practical, though quality will vary slightly between batches of lower-cost components.
Practical limitations and usage
Because jars aren’t included, buyers should budget for quart or half-gallon jars separately. The kit’s hardware is economical rather than premium — that’s why it’s a great option for beginners but less compelling if you want highest-end polish or lifetime warranties.
Quick user advice
Check the fit with your specific brand of jars before starting active fermentation; some jar/lid combos require slight adjustments to grommets. If you plan to keep the ferment for weeks, periodically inspect silicone gaskets and replace any that compress or crack.
Final Thoughts
Masontops Complete Wide-Mouth Kit (9.5/10) — Best overall pick for everyday fermenters and experimenters. This kit gives you the full toolkit (airlocks, weights, wooden tamp) to convert wide-mouth mason jars into reliable fermenters. If you plan to batch, tweak recipes, or want repeatable results with minimal fiddling, this is the one: consistent seals, easy cleaning, and great for multi-batch kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles.
Humble House 2L Ceramic Fermentation Crock (9/10) — Best for traditional, hands-off ferments and countertop style. If you love the classic water-seal method and want an attractive, durable vessel that enhances slow fermenting, pick this crock. It’s ideal for small-batch kimchi or sauerkraut that benefit from a gentle, old-school environment and comes with glazed weights and a tamper for a mostly hands-off process.
I’m torn between the Humble House ceramic crock and the 1-gallon Masontops jars. Love the traditional vibe of the crock (and the water-seal sounds ideal), but I don’t have a ton of countertop space. Any advice?
Crock all the way if aesthetics matter — my guests always comment. But for practicality and batch control, jars are better. I use both depending on mood.
If you’re new, jars first. You can upgrade later to a crock once you’re sure you want the commitment.
If space is tight, go with the 1-gallon jars — they store easily and can be stacked or tucked away. The crock is lovely and a showpiece, but it does need dedicated space and can be heavier to move.
I laughed at the ‘jars not included’ note on the budget kit. Bought it and then had to buy jars separately — rookie move. 😅
Also: someone mentioned staining — do the glass weights really avoid staining and odor like the review says? I’m worried about kimchi pigments.
Good to know. I’ll invest in glass weights then.
Glass is indeed less likely to stain or trap odors than porous ceramic or wood. The Elementi glass weights get our nod for that reason.
I’ve had kimchi stains on plastic lids before — glass is infinitely easier to clean.
Thanks all — lesson learned: read the ‘jars not included’ small print 😂
Wanted to champion YARWELL 1 Gallon Jars — bought the two-pack for family batches. They’re sturdy and the extra volume is great for making enough to share. Downsides: they are heavy when full and take up fridge space if you want to cold-lacto afterwards.
I divide large batches into smaller jars after the primary ferment — easier for storage and gifting.
Smart idea, Lily. I should try that next time instead of cramming everything in the back of the fridge.
Great point about fridge space — big jars are awesome but make sure you have room to chill or repurpose the contents once fermentation reaches your preferred tang.
Anyone have tips for using Masontops regular-mouth kit vs the wide-mouth one? I grabbed the regular-mouth to save space but now I wonder if I should’ve gone wide.
Thanks! I mainly do jars for lunch sides so regular-mouth will probably be fine.
If you want one trick: remove an inner lid and use a fermentation weight with wide-mouth for deeper submersion in regular-mouth jars sometimes — works surprisingly well.
I own both. Use regular-mouth for hot sauces and small krauts; wide-mouth for full-on kimchi and big crunchy pickles.
Regular-mouth kits are great for small batches and condiments. Wide-mouth makes packing cabbage heads or large veg easier. If you plan bigger kimchi heads, wide-mouth is more convenient.
Great roundup — I actually own the Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit (wide-mouth version) and can vouch for that 9.5 score. The airlocks and wooden tamp made my first kimchi batch so much less fiddly.
Only caveat: the silicone gaskets need to be cleaned well or they’ll trap a bit of brine odor. Otherwise, five stars from me.
How long did your first batch take? I’m nervous about over-fermenting.
Thanks for the firsthand tip, Ethan — good call on the gaskets. We should add a cleaning note in the article for readers using plastic/silicone parts.
Totally agree — I soak my gaskets in warm water with a little vinegar and they come out fine. Saved me a stink disaster 😂
Marco — first batch was about 5 days at ~68°F before I moved it to the fridge. Taste-test after day 3 to see how tangy you like it.
Has anyone tried the Elementi glass weights? I’m worried about them floating or tipping and letting things come up to the surface. The review makes them sound perfect but curious about real-world use.
Elementi weights are pretty solid in wide-mouth jars — the weight and snug fit usually keep veg submerged. If your jar is shallow you might want to pair them with a plastic disc or a second smaller weight to stabilize.
I’ve used them for 6 months. They rarely tip in my 1-quart jars, but in very small jars they can wobble. Worth it for the non-porous glass though — no staining.
Thanks — good to know. I have shallow jars, maybe I should get the Masontops small-mouth kit instead.