The 10 Best Fermentation Crocks of 2023

Photo: Kenley

Fermentation crocks provide you with an effective traditional way of fermenting popular vegetables.

Most crocks are made of stoneware such as ceramic, which provides an ideal environment and surface for fermenting cabbages, and probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and several others.

Water-sealed crocks, such as the ones we’ve compiled for you, are great because they provide optimal conditions for fermenting. They come in different capacities.

Check out our top fermentation crocks review to discover the ones that are best suited for preparing your favorite probiotic-rich foods.

10 Best Fermentation Crocks – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Kenley fej-l5-fba.01 (Best Overall)	Decent 5-liter capacity High-grade food-safe ceramic Lid for efficient fermentation Weighting stones
	2. Seeutek Crock Jar (Best Budget)	Reasonably priced Food-safe, toxin-free ceramic Water-sealed lid Easy and convenient cleaning
	3. TSM Products 31070 (Best Ergonomic)	Ergonomic handle design Decent 5-liter capacity Extra-deep reservoir channel Weights for submerging contents
	4. Humble House Sauerkrock (Best Compact)	Compact space-saving design Contamination-free water channel Food-safe non-toxic materials 2 weights for content submersion
	5. Humble House Kombucha (Best for Continuous Brewing)	Spigot supports continuous brewing Decent 5-liter capacity Quality ceramic build Toxin-free glaze finish
	6. Ohio Stoneware Crock Kit (High-capacity)	High 11.3-liter capacity Food-safe stoneware build A reliable airlock Handy weighting stones
	7. Gardener’s Supply Company 2443 (For Multipurpose Use)	Supports diverse uses Large 11.3-liter capacity Uses food-safe toxin-free materials Easy dishwasher safe cleaning
	8. Kerazo COMINHKR099130 (German-style)	Strong German-style ceramic Uses toxin-free materials Deep anti-contamination gully Stylish earthen brown finish
	9. Ohio Stoneware 02436 (Great for Storing Vegetables)	High 7.6-liter storage capacity Strong stoneware build Offers alternative storage Dishwasher and oven safe
	10. TSM Products 31060 (With Efficient Water Seal)	Superior water sealable cover Decent 5-liter capacity Weights help submerge crock content Supports multi-food fermentation

1. Kenley fej-l5-fba.01 – Best Overall Fermentation Crock

Photo: Kenley

• Capacity: 5 liters (1.3 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 11.5 x 16 inches
• Diameter Opening: 11.5 inches
• Materials: Ceramic

Starting us off is Kenley fej-l5-fba.01, the best overall fermentation crock on our list. It has a decent capacity and features high-quality food-safe materials.

You can create your own healthy pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut using the decent 5-liter capacity offered by this crock. It will hold up to 3.5 kg (8 pounds) of vegetables.

For materials, it features high-quality ceramic with a food-safe coating. The ceramic will bring out all the natural unaltered tastes from your vegetables.

Another handy feature of this crock is its burp lid, which allows the gases produced during fermentation to escape easily while keeping out oxygen from getting in. A pickle tamper is included for enhanced handling.

You’ll also love the weighing stones that come with the crock. These are included to ensure that all your vegetables are constantly held below the brine, for thorough and even fermentation. 

Kenley fej-l5-fba.01 is, however, one of the pricey crocks we have on our list.

Pros:

• Decent capacity
• Food-safe materials
• Lid enhances preservation
• Weighted stones for efficiency

Cons:

• Pricey

2. Seeutek Crock Jar – Best Budget Fermentation Crock

Photo: Seeutek

• Capacity: 2 liters (0.5 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 8.5 x 13 inches
• Diameter Opening: 8.5 inches
• Materials: Ceramic

Seeutek Crock Jar positions itself as the best budget fermentation crock on our list. This affordable crock of value-packed and very reliable.

The crock has a superior preservation capacity that allows you to preserve fresh vegetables and their rich tastes all year round.

Its core material is natural ceramic, which is lead-free, alkali-free and non-toxic. The crock’s interior is glazed to bring out the rich flavors of your pickles and other ingredients.

Also, it comes with a water-sealed cover that is designed to allow outward expelling of fermentation gases while preventing oxidation and bad odor.

You’ll love the fact that this crock is easy to clean. Its glazed fermented surface and the jar’s mother have a reasonable and functional design that allows for easy hand insertion for convenient cleaning.

The slightly slanted handle design of Seeutek Crock Jar may make for an awkward grip that takes some getting used to.

Pros:

• Pocket-friendly pricing
• Food-safe materials
• Water-sealed cover
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Awkward handle design

3. TSM Products 31070 – Best Ergonomic Fermentation Crock

Photo: TSM Products

• Capacity: 5 liters (1.3 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 10.5 x 12.5 inches
• Diameter Opening: 5 inches
• Materials: Clay

TSM Products 31070 is the best ergonomic fermentation crock on our list. This crock has been designed for ease of handling and use.

It features a large ergonomic lid handle, which simplifies the process of handling the crock. You won’t be struggling to open or close it with this handle design.

The crock has a decent 5-liter (1.3 gallons) capacity, which offers enough space to fit up to 6 heads of cabbages. You can count on the crock to provide year-long fermentation for numerous contents.

As for efficiency, the crock comes with an extra deep reservoir water channel, which ensures less water filling, but even distribution, and no spillage. Also, it comes with weights that ensure vegetables are constantly submerged underneath the fermenting brine.

Our only disappointment with TSM Products 31070 is its high price, which makes it the most expensive crock on our list.

Pros:

• Ergonomic design
• Large capacity
• Efficient water channel
• Weights for holding vegetables

Cons:

• Very expensive

4. Humble House Sauerkrock – Best Compact Fermentation Crock

Photo: Humble House

• Capacity: 2 liters (0.5 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 6.2 x 8 inches
• Materials: Ceramic

For those conscious about space, then Humble House Sauerkrock is a great pick because it is the best compact fermentation crock.

Measuring only 6 inches in width and 8 inches in height, this crock is compact enough to fit in the smallest of spaces in your kitchen.

It is constructed using thick ceramic and also finished with a glaze that is lead-free and cadmium-free to produce healthy and contaminant-free fermentation of your favorite probiotic-rich foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

A gutter on the crock’s opening allows filling with water to create a seal that prevents contaminants such as insects and dust from getting it.

2 ceramic full-coverage weights have been included to press down the crock’s contents and ensure they are constantly submerged.

We did notice, however, that the wooden tamper is not the best quality and may attract mold, hence the need to clean it thoroughly.

Pros:

• Compact for limited storage space
• Water channel prevents food contamination
• Food-safe toxin-free glaze
• Weights for submerging crock contents

Cons:

• Wooden tamper could be better

5. Humble House Kombucha – Best Fermentation Crock for Continuous Brewing

Photo: Humble House

• Capacity: 5 liters (1.3 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 7.9 x 8.7 inches
• Diameter Opening: 7.9 inches
• Materials: Stainless Steel, Silicone

Humble House Kombucha is a unique piece because it is the best fermentation crock for continuous brewing.

To enable continuous brewing, this crock has a spigot attached to it. This attachment is made using food-grade 304 stainless-steel and leaking is prevented using a BPA-free silicone washer.

The spigot allows easy transfer of fermented fluids into bottles. With the 5-liter capacity of this crock, you can make up to 10 standard mason jars from each batch.

As for build quality, this crock is made using thick ceramic, which has been finished using lead-free and cadmium-free glaze to enable you to make health probiotic-rich beverages such as kombucha, kefri, jun tea, and more.

An issue we did not like with the Humble House Kombucha is that it does not come with a lid. You will need to cover it with a cloth or paper towel, which is not the most effective mechanism.

Pros:

• Supports continuous brewing
• High fermenting capacity
• Quality build
• Uses toxin-free materials

Cons:

• Does not come with a lid

6. Ohio Stoneware Crock Kit – High-capacity Fermentation Crock

Photo: Ohio Stoneware

• Capacity: 11.4 liters (3 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 12 x 15.5 inches
• Diameter Opening: 6 inches
• Materials: Stoneware

Ohio Stoneware Crock Kit is a fermentation crock that stands out from the rest of the pack because of its superior capacity.

This crock has can hold 11.4 liters (3 gallons) of content, allowing you to preserve numerous vegetables over extended periods, without worrying about running out of space.

The stoneware used to make this crock is lead-free and food-safe. It will also help preserve the rich tastes of your vegetables.

A water trough airlock has been incorporated in this crock to allow for carbon dioxide and fermentation gases’ expulsion while preventing oxygen from accessing the interior of the crock, and its contents.

For effective fermentation, this crock comes with weights that keep vegetables constantly submerged.

We did note, however, that Ohio Stoneware Crock Kit is very expensive, and may not appeal to those on a tight budget.

Pros:

• Large capacity
• Food-safe materials
• Airlock for effective gas expulsion
• Weights to hold crock contents

Cons:

• Expensive

7. Gardener’s Supply Company 2443 – Multipurpose Fermentation Crock

Photo: Gardener’s Supply Company

• Capacity: 11.4 liters (3 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 10.5 x 11.3 inches
• Diameter Opening: 10.5 inches
• Materials: Stoneware

Gardener’s Supply Company 2443 is a multipurpose fermentation crock that can be used to store other items when not serving its primary function.

The crock boasts of a high 11.4-liter (3 gallons) capacity. You can utilize this capacity to prepare homemade pickles, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods.

When you’re not using the crock for fermentation, you can convert it into a container for candy, cookbooks, kitchen utensils, pens, magazines, and a wide variety of items.

Food safety is a top priority for this crock. It is made of stoneware that is lead-free and does not contain any chemicals that could harm you or the food you’re preparing.

You’ll love the fact that this crock is easy to clean. It is dishwasher safe. Also, it is oven and microwave safe, allowing you to use it for heat-related food preparation.

An issue we found inconveniencing about Gardener’s Supply Company 2443 is the fact that it does not come with a lid for keeping its contents contamination-free.

Pros:

• Multipurpose crock
• Large capacity
• Uses food-safe materials
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Does not include a lid

8. Kerazo COMINHKR099130 – German-style Fermentation Crock

Photo: Kerazo

• Capacity: 5 liters (1.3 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 9.1 x 12 inches
• Diameter Opening: 8.8 inches
• Materials: Ceramic

Kerazo COMINHKR099130 is a unique German-style fermentation crock, which boasts of heavy-duty construction.

This crock features high-grade German ceramic, which is hand-made and fired by 1260℃ to harden and strengthen it. The material is also free of lead and cadmium for healthy toxin-free fermenting.

At the crock’s opening, there is a deep gully, which allows for fast expulsion of fermentation gases while preventing the entry of air and contaminant agents such as dust.

Because lifting such a high-capacity crock can prove cumbersome, it solves this problem using 2 handles on both sides, for easy handling and transportation.

It adopts a smooth and stylish finish, which includes speckled, earthen brown and copper coloring. Kerazo COMINHKR099130 is, however, pricey, especially for people on a budget.

Pros:

• Strong German-style build
• Made using toxin-free materials
• Efficient fermentation gas expulsion
• Stylish finish

Cons:

• Pricey

9. Ohio Stoneware 02436 – Great Fermentation Crock for Storing Vegetables

Photo: Ohio Stoneware

• Capacity: 7.6 liters (2 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 9.8 x 9 inches
• Diameter Opening: 9.8 inches
• Materials: Stoneware

Ohio Stoneware 02436 is a fermentation crock specialized for preserving and strong vegetables.

This high-capacity crock accommodates up to 7.6 liters of fermenting contents, which is enough capacity for a load of vegetables that should last for a long time.

It is made using reliable stoneware that is strong and capable of handling the weight of the crock’s content. The materials used on this crock are also lead-free and do not contain any harmful agents.

When you’re not using it for food storage or preservation, simply convert the crock into a storage container that can hold a range of items in your kitchen.

You’ll also love the fact that this crock is microwave-safe, food-safe, oven and dishwasher safe.

We didn’t like the fact that Ohio Stoneware 02436 does not have handles while it is heavy and gets heavier than its load increases.

Pros:

• High storage capacity
• Uses strong stoneware
• Can be used as an alternative storage
• Dishwasher, food, and oven safe

Cons:

• Heavy
• Has no handles

10. TSM Products 31060 – Fermentation Crock with Efficient Water Seal

Photo: TSM Products

• Capacity: 5 liters (1.3 gallons)
• Dimensions: (W x H): 9 x 12 inches
• Diameter Opening: 8.5 inches
• Materials: Ceramic

TSM Products 31060 is a high-performance fermentation crock, which has a water sealable cover for keeping out oxygen, and contaminants such as mold.

Because of the efficient water seal, this crock excels in creating the ideal environment for promoting lactic acid and vegetable fermentation.

You can count on the 5-liter crock for long-term vegetable storage and preservation. To make the fermentation process even more efficient, stone weights have been included to ensure the vegetables are constantly submerged in their fermenting liquid during the process.

With this crock, you can make a variety of healthy probiotic-rich foods in the comfort of your home. They include pickles, traditional sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and many more.

Although not the most expensive, TSM Products 31060 is still a very pricey crock especially when there are many cheaper rivals.

Pros:

• Superior water seal
• Decent fermenting capacity
• Weights for submerging crock content
• Ferments multiple foods

Cons:

• Pricey

How to Buy the Best Fermentation Crock

Photo: Kenley

1. Water-Sealed Crocks vs. Open Crocks

When shopping for fermentation crocks, you will encounter them in 2 main types: water-sealed, and open crocks.

Water-sealed crocks come with channel or tough, on which you can pour water and then insert a lid to create the seal. Water seals are great for keeping oxygen and other contaminants away from the crock’s content.

Open crocks, as the name suggests, have no tough or lid. You will need to improvise on the cover to create the seal if needed.

2. Size and Capacity

Fermenting seals come in different sizes and capacities, which is measured in liters or gallons.

High-capacity crocks can hold 5 to 11 liters of content. Ohio Stoneware Crock Kit and Gardener’s Supply Company 2443 are such crock with 11-liter (3 gallons) capacities.

It’s worth noting that the higher the capacity of your crock, the more space it occupies.

Low-capacity crocks hold up to 2 liters of content and are great for those with space limitations.

3. Materials

Material is another key consideration to make when choosing to ferment croaks. Ceramic is the most common material used to make crocks, and all the ones on our list contain it.

Ceramic is strong, toxin-free, and can is known to preserve the rich tastes of the items placed in it.

Crocks can also have coatings made of different materials. The glaze is the most common material used. You should ensure, however, that your crock is free of toxic materials and chemicals such as lead and cadmium.

4. Lids and Handles

Your crock may come with or without a lid. Crocks with lid offer additional value because the lid combines well with a water seal to keep out oxygen from the fermentation process happening inside.

Lids also work well to keep contaminants such as dust and insects away from the contents of crocks.

Handles are great additions to crocks, especially those high-capacity ones that tend to get heavy when fully loaded with pickles, cabbages, and other vegetables.

You can use the handles, such as those on Kerazo COMINHKR099130 to lift the crock.

5. Construction and Safety

Because a crock is built as a stoneware pot, it can be heavy especially as capacity increases. The weight of the crock should be constantly watched to ensure your safety when using the pot.

If the pot is heavy, try to minimize how often you move it. Also use the handles for lifting, if they are available.

The ceramic construction of most crocks is strong and firm, especially that of the German-style, Kerazo COMINHKR099130, to ensure durability even with intensive fermentation.

6. Easy to Clean

We all appreciate stoneware and cookware that is easy to clean. Fermentation crocks try to simplify this process too.

Since most crocks are made of ceramic, that can be cleaned easily by simple handwashing and rinsing with water. Crocks with wide diameter openings are easier to handwash because you can insert your hand into them easily.

Others such as Gardener’s Supply Company 2443 simplify the cleaning process even further by being dishwasher safe.

Conclusion

Our fermentation crocks review shows demonstrate the value of this stoneware when it comes to preserving vegetables and even brewing.

If you’re looking for the best fermentation crock, pick the Kenley fej-l5-fba.01 for its decent capacity, food-safe materials, and strong build quality.

If a large-capacity crock is what will meet your fermentation needs, grab the Ohio Stoneware Crock Kit or the Gardener’s Supply Company 2443.

For those on a budget, Seeutek Crock Jar offers great value for a pocket-friendly price.