Best Fermentation Weights in 2026
Last updated February 8, 2026
Keeping vegetables submerged below the brine is the single most important thing in vegetable fermentation. Anything above the brine is exposed to oxygen and will grow mold. Fermentation weights solve this problem — they sit on top of your vegetables and push everything down. We tested weights across materials and price ranges to find the best options for mason jar fermenters and crock users.
Our Top Picks
1. Masontops Pickle Pebbles (4-Pack)
What we like
- Trusted, well-known brand in the fermentation community
- Certified lead-free, food-grade soda lime glass
- Finger-grip knob for easier removal
- Available in both wide-mouth and regular-mouth sizes
- Dishwasher safe
Watch out for
- Knob can be slippery — tricky to grip with wet hands
- Lighter than some competitors — gassy ferments can push them up
Our verdict: The most popular fermentation weight for a reason. Masontops Pickle Pebbles fit wide-mouth jars perfectly, clean up easily, and last forever. They work great for pickles, carrots, and any ferment with plenty of brine. For heavier ferments like sauerkraut, you may want to pair them with a cabbage leaf on top.
2. Trellis + Co. PickleHelix Stainless Steel Coils (3-Pack)
What we like
- 316 stainless steel — medical/food-grade, corrosion-resistant
- Spring coil design actively pushes vegetables down
- 3x the downward force of heaviest glass weights
- Barely displaces brine — no overflow risk
- Made in the USA
Watch out for
- Doesn't trap small floating bits (use a cabbage leaf underneath)
- Incompatible with some fermentation lids like Pickle Pipe
- Higher price point than glass options
Our verdict: The best weight for sauerkraut, kimchi, and any dense ferment that produces a lot of CO2. The spring mechanism doesn't just sit there — it actively pushes down as gas builds up. Nothing else on the market works this well for keeping stubborn vegetables submerged.
3. Elementi Glass Fermentation Weights (4-Pack)
What we like
- 4-pack at the lowest price point
- Bar-style handle for easy grip and removal
- Lead-free, food-safe soda lime glass
- Heavier than many competing glass weights
- Dishwasher safe
Watch out for
- Bar handle can interfere with some fermentation lid designs
- Less established brand than Masontops
Our verdict: The best budget glass weight. The bar handle is genuinely useful — much easier to grab than a small knob, especially with wet or briny hands. At about $5 per weight, it's the most affordable way to equip multiple jars.
4. Stone Creek Trading Luna Glass Crock Weights
What we like
- Handcrafted in Poland from unleaded glass
- 15% heavier than traditional ceramic crock weights
- Non-porous — won't absorb bacteria or odors between batches
- Available in 5 sizes (4.5" to 8.5") to fit any crock
- Transparent — you can see your ferment underneath
Watch out for
- Premium pricing — significantly more than mason jar weights
- Designed for crocks only, not mason jars
- Glass can break if dropped
Our verdict: The upgrade every crock fermenter should make. Traditional ceramic weights are porous and absorb odors and bacteria over time. These glass weights are non-porous, heavier, and you can see through them to check on your ferment. Available in every crock size.
5. YOUEON Glass Fermentation Weights (9-Pack)
What we like
- 9 weights for the price of a 4-pack from other brands
- Diamond-shaped handle provides good grip
- Each weight is about 7 oz — adequate for most ferments
- Lead-free, food-safe glass
- Great for fermenters running many jars at once
Watch out for
- Not tempered glass — occasional air bubbles that could cause cracking
- Less premium construction than Masontops or Elementi
- Lesser-known brand with less consistent quality control
Our verdict: Pure quantity play. If you're running 6+ jars of ferments at once, this is the most economical way to equip them all. The quality is a step below the premium brands, but at about $2 per weight, it's hard to argue with the value.
What to Look for in Fermentation Weights
Material
Glass is the most popular — it's non-porous, non-reactive, and easy to clean. Stainless steel (316 grade) is more durable and works well in acidic/salty environments. Ceramic is traditional for crocks but can be porous and absorb odors over time.
Jar compatibility
Most glass weights are sized for wide-mouth mason jars (Ball, Kerr). If you're using a fermentation crock, you need half-moon or full-disc weights sized to your crock's interior diameter. Always check the measurement before buying.
Handle or grip
Weights sit in salty brine for days or weeks. A knob, bar handle, or textured grip makes it much easier to remove them without dropping the weight into the jar or splashing brine everywhere.
Weight and density
Heavier is generally better — light weights can get pushed up by CO2 gas during active fermentation. Glass weights around 7–8 oz work for most ferments. For dense, gassy ferments like sauerkraut and kimchi, consider heavier options or stainless steel coils.
Frequently Asked Questions
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