Our Favorite Fermentation Tools

Your Fermentation Journey Starts Here

Welcome to our hand-picked guide to fermentation tools that actually make a difference.
We’ve tested crocks, tweaked yogurt makers, and spilled brine on more countertops than we care to admit — so you don’t have to.

Some links here are affiliate links. If you buy through them, it helps keep Fermentfulness growing — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I’ve used, tested, and truly love. Learn more.

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Image of Baytoot Wide Mouth Sourdough Jar Starter Kit – 33 oz (Grey)Sourdough & Baking Gear

Baytoot Wide Mouth Sourdough Jar Starter Kit – 33 oz (Grey)

When You're Ready to Give Your Sourdough the Jar It Deserves

Yes, you can raise a beautiful sourdough starter in a Mason jar.
But if you’ve ever spilled discard on your counter, lost track of feeding days, or fumbled with cling wrap and rubber bands — this jar changes the game.

The Baytoot starter jar kit is thoughtfully designed for the fermentation-obsessed and the sourdough-curious alike.
The wide-mouth glass makes mixing and cleaning a breeze. The silicone sleeve keeps things cozy while shielding your starter from sunlight.
And the air-control lid? A dream. Let your starter breathe when it needs to, and lock things up when it doesn’t.

It even includes a silicone spatula (so you don’t destroy your knuckles scraping the jar) and a thermometer strip (for those of us who geek out over optimal temps).


Why I Love It:

  • Wide-mouth 33 oz glass jar — easy to mix, easy to clean, easy to love
  • Rotating lid with day markers — no more “wait… did I feed this yesterday?”
  • Silicone sleeve — maintains warmth and blocks light without hiding your starter
  • Airflow control lid — better than a cloth cover, with actual control
  • Bonus tools included — food-safe spatula + temperature strip
  • All parts dishwasher safe — because sourdough should be joyful, not messy

🍞 If you’re going to feed a living culture every day, it might as well live in a home that makes it (and you) feel taken care of.

$35
Image of Deluxe Kombucha Starter Kit with Kombucha SCOBY & Starter Tea, Full Kombucha Kit + 6 Bottles (Clear)Kits & Starter Packs

Deluxe Kombucha Starter Kit with Kombucha SCOBY & Starter Tea, Full Kombucha Kit + 6 Bottles (Clear)

A Kombucha Kit That Feels Like It Was Built by Fellow Brewers

This kit covers all the bases — from first ferment to bottle pop.

It comes with everything you need to start brewing, and everything you'll be glad to have when you're ready to flavor and carbonate. No scrambling for supplies, no guesswork. Just the core tools, chosen with care, plus a set of solid swing-top bottles that make bottling day feel easy instead of intimidating.

The jar is sturdy, the SCOBY comes packed in strong starter tea, and the instructions don’t assume you’re an expert — but don’t talk down to you either.

You can tell this was put together by people who actually make kombucha.


What You Get

  • 1-gallon glass brewing jar (with a non-reactive plastic lid)
  • Live SCOBY + strong starter tea
  • Organic cane sugar + black tea blend
  • Reusable tea bag
  • Coffee filters + rubber band (yep, they went with safety over style — good call)
  • Adhesive thermometer + pH strips
  • 6 glass swing-top bottles (16 oz / ~475 ml each) — great for second ferments
  • Full instructions + second fermentation flavoring guide
  • Bonus ingredients for one 2F recipe (lavender + lemongrass in most cases)

Why It Works

This kit doesn't overwhelm. It invites. It walks you through your first brew, equips you for bottling, and offers gentle guidance for stepping into the fun, fizzy world of flavored ferments.

No subscription needed. No extra gadgets. Just a well-considered kit from people who care about the process.


🥂 If you’ve been meaning to start brewing kombucha but didn’t know where to begin — this is a really good place.

$79.99
Image of E-Jen Premium Kimchi, Sauerkraut Container Probiotic Fermentation with Inner Vacuum Lid (Earthenware Brown, 2.9 gal/11L)Fermentation Vessels

E-Jen Premium Kimchi, Sauerkraut Container Probiotic Fermentation with Inner Vacuum Lid (Earthenware Brown, 2.9 gal/11L)

Why This Container Is My Go-To

Out of all the fermenting containers I’ve used over the years, this one stands out — by a mile.

It’s hands-down the easiest to use, and I recommend it to beginners and seasoned fermenters alike.
The inner vacuum lid keeps everything submerged, and when your ferment is ready, you can just open it, scoop out what you need, and press the lid back down.
No fuss. No mess. Still fully protected.

For long-term storage, nothing beats this.
It’s clean, odor-blocking, sturdy, and comfortable to use again and again.

Honestly, I’ve never had a fermentation fail in this container.
Sauerkraut, kimchi, giardiniera — they’ve all come out exactly how I wanted them, every single time.


Details:

  • Material: BPA-free, lead-free earthenware and food-safe plastic
  • Capacity: 11 Liters (2.9 gallons)
  • Style: Rectangular with clip-on vacuum lid
  • Care: Dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe
  • Odor Control: Excellent — thanks to the double-lid system

💬 If you want one container you can trust to get the job done every time, this is the one.

$46.99
Image of Fermentaholics Complete Kombucha Brewing Starter KitKits & Starter Packs

Fermentaholics Complete Kombucha Brewing Starter Kit

Your First Kombucha Brew Starts Here

This is the kit I wish I had when I brewed my first batch.

The Fermentaholics Complete Kombucha Brewing Kit isn’t flashy, but it’s deeply thoughtful. It’s got everything you need to get started, right down to the pH strips and the little thermometer sticker (yes, it actually helps).

The 1-gallon glass jar is sturdy and printed with space for brew notes. The SCOBY arrives healthy and ready to go, floating in a generous amount of mature starter tea. And the tea blend? A cozy mix of organic green and black leaves that kicks off a smooth ferment.


What I Love About It:

  • Includes everything — SCOBY, starter tea, jar, sugar, tea, cloth cover, thermometer, pH strips, instructions, and even a pipette
  • 1-gallon glass jar (3.8 liters) — with a spot for scribbling your brewing notes
  • Organic & kosher certified — every ingredient included meets high standards
  • Beginner-friendly — clear, friendly instructions and customer support if you need a hand
  • Reusable & scalable — once you start, you can keep going forever

My Honest Take

This is the kind of kit that turns curious dabblers into confident brewers. If you’ve got the kombucha itch, it’s everything you need to scratch it — and maybe even start a weekly brewing ritual.

🧡 Fermentation’s about transformation. This kit helps you start yours.

$41.95
Image of Fermentaholics ORGANIC Kombucha SCOBY with 12 oz Starter TeaKits & Starter Packs

Fermentaholics ORGANIC Kombucha SCOBY with 12 oz Starter Tea

A Reliable SCOBY That Starts You Off Right

This isn’t just a pellicle floating in a jar — it’s a well-fed, well-raised culture that comes with the right amount of strong starter tea (1.5 cups / 12 oz / ~355 ml) to kick off your first 1-gallon (3.8 L) batch with confidence.

Fermentaholics grows their cultures in a controlled lab, and it shows. The SCOBY arrives alive, healthy, and ready to get to work. Add it to sweet tea, give it a warm corner, and let the fermentation begin.


Why This SCOBY Is Worth It

  • USDA Organic + Kosher certified
  • Comes with 1.5 cups (355 ml) of mature starter tea — the real kind, not watered down
  • Instructions included for first-timers
  • Grown in a lab environment to ensure balance, pH, and strength
  • Ships fast, and arrives fresh
  • Backed by a helpful team that actually knows fermentation

Why It Matters

A good SCOBY isn’t just about starting kombucha — it’s about building a process that lasts. Once this one gets going, you’ll be able to split and brew batch after batch, no extra purchases needed.

This is the SCOBY I’d recommend to any friend asking how to start.

$13.89
Image of Fermentaholics Pro Kombucha Brewing KitKits & Starter Packs

Fermentaholics Pro Kombucha Brewing Kit

For When You’re Ready to Brew Kombucha on Your Terms

This kit is for the home brewer who wants a smoother process, fewer question marks, and all the tools in one place.

The Fermentaholics Pro Kombucha Kit doesn’t overdo it. It just includes what actually helps: a strong SCOBY, a 1-gallon glass jar, reliable pH and temperature tools, and a bottling setup that makes second fermentation feel manageable instead of messy. The heating wrap is especially useful if your kitchen runs cool — keeping your brew in the right range without fuss.

The gear is solid. The tea and sugar are organic. The instructions are clear and not condescending. And the whole kit feels like it was designed by someone who’s actually brewed batch after batch, not just assembled parts for a box.


What You Get (And Actually Use)

  • SCOBY + mature starter tea — a good culture makes a good brew
  • 1-gallon jar — glass, wide-mouth, and easy to clean
  • Organic cane sugar + tea blend — pre-measured, ready to steep
  • Brewing thermometer + pH strips — basic tools that make a big difference
  • 7 flip-top bottles, funnel, brush — to bottle without scrambling
  • Heating wrap — helps keep things consistent if your house runs cold
  • Muslin cloth + rubber band — keeps things protected but breathable

If you’re brewing regularly or looking to level up from pieced-together setups, this kit makes the routine easier. Nothing flashy. Just the right tools, all in one place.


🍵 Worth it if you’ve caught the kombucha bug and want to keep going without overthinking it.

$92.99
Image of Ohio Stoneware 2-Gallon (~7.5L) Fermentation Crock Kit – Made in USAFermentation Vessels

Ohio Stoneware 2-Gallon (~7.5L) Fermentation Crock Kit – Made in USA

Built Like the Old-School Crocs — Because It Is One

If you're craving a traditional, American-made fermentation setup that can handle years of bubbling kraut and hearty batches of pickles, this is it.

The Ohio Stoneware 2-Gallon Crock Kit includes everything you need to get started: the crock, the lid, and a pair of classic fermentation weights.
The stoneware is thick, heavy, and made in Zanesville, Ohio — it feels like something your grandparents might've passed down (if they were fermentation freaks like us).

It's not flashy, but it's incredibly solid.
It’s dishwasher-safe, food-safe, and frankly — it just gets the job done.

Perfect size for two large heads of cabbage, and a great pick for folks who want something reliable, zero-plastic, and ready for serious fermenting.


Details:

  • Material: Lead-free glazed stoneware
  • Capacity: 2 Gallons (~7.5 liters)
  • Includes: Crock, lid, 2 weight stones
  • Made in: USA (Ohio)
  • Care: Dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe
  • Weight: 22.1 lbs (10 kg) — it’s got heft

🇺🇸 Classic. Durable. Made for fermenters who appreciate craft.

$80.55
Image of Seeutek Fermentation Crock Jar 5L – Stoneware Pot with Weights, Lid & Pickle TamperFermentation Vessels

Seeutek Fermentation Crock Jar 5L – Stoneware Pot with Weights, Lid & Pickle Tamper

For Fermenters Who Want a More Classic, Hands-Off Setup

If you're looking for a non-plastic, beautifully traditional way to ferment — this stoneware crock delivers.
It’s solid, weighty, glazed inside and out, and makes your countertop feel like a little slice of farmhouse magic.

I often recommend mason jars — they’re versatile, affordable, and fantastic for small-batch experiments, yogurt, and daily kitchen rhythm.
But when it comes to longer ferments or bigger batches, this crock just makes life easier.

It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and the included stone weights and tamper mean your veggies stay fully submerged, right where they need to be.

Water-sealed crocks like this one are especially helpful for reducing surface mold and creating a more stable fermenting environment.
Gas escapes naturally, oxygen stays out, and your ferment does its thing with confidence.


Details:

  • Material: Lead-free, cadmium-free glazed ceramic
  • Capacity: 5 Liters (1.3 gallons)
  • Includes: Stone weights + wooden tamper
  • Weight: ~10.6 lbs (feels like quality)
  • Cleaning: Smooth surface for easy scrubbing — no corners or coatings to worry about
  • Design: Deep lid groove for water seal + breathable gas release

🥬 For big kraut projects or seasonal batches, this crock brings ease, beauty, and results.

$53.99