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Gear Guides

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

A sealed glass jar of sliced pickled cucumbers with slices floating at the surface of the brine

Best Fermentation Weights: Glass vs Ceramic vs Stone

The best fermentation weights for mason jars and crocks, compared by material, diameter, and heft, with prices per weight and what to use if you own none.

Oct 2026 Read entry

A green glass water-filled fermentation lock sitting in the bung of a wooden wine barrel

Gear Guides No. 07

Best Fermentation Lids for Mason Jars: Airlock vs Valve

The best fermentation lids for mason jars, compared: waterless valves, water airlocks, and plain lids, with fit, cleaning, burping, and price per lid.

Sep 2026 Read entry

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