The 9 Best Fermentation Crocks in 2023

Types of Fermentation Crocks

Open Crocks

Open crocks are simple, straight-walled vessels sold with or without a lid and weights. In the most basic setup, an open crock can simply be covered with a cloth, with ordinary items like plates or stones used as weights, or you can purchase weights and a lid separately. Open crocks are generally less expensive, more readily available, easier to clean, and can fit large items through the wide opening, such as a whole head of cabbage. The drawbacks to an open crock are that they require close and regular attention to prevent mold infestations and brine overflow, and they can let strong odors escape.

Water-Seal Crocks

German-style water-seal crocks come with a lid that’s designed to sit in a shallow “moat” around the mouth of the crock. The moat is filled with water to form an airtight seal, which creates an optimal anaerobic environment for fermentation while keeping out mold, yeast, insects, and dust, and sealing in funky fermentation smells. Water-seal crocks are more difficult to find and pricier, and the narrower mouth makes them harder to fit large ingredients into and trickier to clean. On the plus side, they’re more hygienic, failure-proof, and hands-off, and many experts swear that water-sealed crocks are the best way to get a deep, fully developed flavor in your fermented foods. You just need to occasionally check the water level in the moat and top it off, as necessary, to maintain the seal. Water-seal crocks usually come with two crescent-shaped weights in addition to the lid.

What to Look for When Buying a Fermentation Crock

Size

Fermentation crocks come in many different sizes, ranging from a gallon up to over 10 gallons. Before buying one, decide what food or drink you want to ferment, the amount you want to do at a time, how often, for how many people, and where you will store it when not in use. You might decide to start with a smaller-sized crock if you are just learning how to ferment foods.

Material

Fermentation crocks are manufactured in various types of materials, including ceramic, stoneware, porcelain, glass, and clay. What foods or drinks you want to ferment in the crock should factor into your decision on which one to purchase, and the weight of the crock might be an issue for you, too. 

Storage

If you have limited space in your kitchen, then storing a fermentation crock is a concern. Some crocks are stylish with beautiful hand-painted decorations or glass designs, so you might enjoy displaying one of those on the counter when not in use. (They also make great gifts for cooks who already have everything else!) A small crock can also hold cooking utensils or other dry items and can fit nicely on a counter. Before purchasing a large crock, make sure you have room for it in a cupboard or out in the open. 

FAQs

What's the difference between using a fermentation crock and a glass jar? 

A ceramic crock is the more traditional fermentation method, and many home fermentation experts say that it is the best (or even only) way to get a deep, fully developed flavor. But another option is using a wide-mouthed glass jar, such as a Mason jar, which has the advantages of being easier to find, inexpensive, and easy to clean since it doesn’t absorb odors or stains. The transparent glass lets you monitor progress, but they could be considered less attractive than an opaque crock, and the UV light they let in could negatively affect your fermented foods. They also generally hold smaller batches (perfect for foods like lacto-fermented carrots) and allow more air in and out than a water-sealed crock. A jar with a traditional lid can’t be tightened completely and needs occasional “burping” to allow built-up pressure to escape. These days many airlock fermentation lids are available for glass jars; they feature one-way valves that allow gas to escape but prevent air, mold, dust, and yeast from entering and keep strong odors sealed inside. On the downside, these extra lids take up more storage space in your kitchen and are an added expense. In the end, whether you use a crock or a jar comes down to personal choice, as each has its advantages and drawbacks. 

What size crock do I need?

For a small household of one or two people or those just starting out, a half-gallon (2-liter) crock should be sufficient; they are relatively light and won’t take up much counter space. For two to four people or larger batches, a 1-to-3-gallon crock might be more suitable and is still not overwhelmingly large or heavy. For larger households or those who have caught "fermentation fever" and plan to make multiple batches at a time, bigger crocks are available in sizes ranging from 3 gallons all the way up to more than 10 gallons. However, they start to get quite costly (and heavy) as the size increases. 

Are containers in any type of material safe to use for fermenting?

When looking for a crock that will be used for fermenting food or drinks, it’s important to make sure that it’s made with food-safe materials. Ceramic, porcelain, and glass are all nonreactive and will not corrode or leach chemicals into food, unlike some plastics and metals, but it’s important to make sure that any ceramics or porcelains you use with food have been made with a lead-free glaze. 

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This article was written by Danette St. Onge, a food writer and former features editor at Cook’s Illustrated magazine (part of America’s Test Kitchen). Long a proponent of from-scratch everything, she’s also an avid kitchen appliance and utensil junkie who spends hours combing the internet, comparing options, reading reviews, and testing to find the best tool for every job.

This roundup was updated by Arricca SanSone, who has both glass and Polish pottery fermenters that she uses to make her favorite sauerkraut, the traditional caraway-flavored version. She is a health and lifestyle writer for Prevention, Country Living, Veranda, House Beautiful, PureWow, and many others