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Gear Guides

Crocks, airlock lids, canners, dehydrators, and sealers, compared on specs, price, and tradeoffs.

A water-seal stoneware fermentation crock with ceramic weights
Gear Guides No. 05

Best Fermentation Crocks for Sauerkraut and Pickles

The best fermentation crock depends on batch size and style. Compare water-seal vs open crocks, sizes in pounds of cabbage, lead-safe glazes, and weights.

Sep 2026 Read entry
The dial pressure gauge on a stovetop pressure canner lid
Gear Guides No. 06

Best Pressure Canners for Beginners: Dial vs Weighted Gauge

The best pressure canner for beginners, compared: Presto vs All American, dial vs weighted gauge, jar capacity, induction fit, and electric canners.

Sep 2026 Read entry