I lost my first batch of sauerkraut to a fuzzy white bloom of mold, and the culprit was obvious: my vegetables kept popping up above the brine. After that disaster, I started hunting for the best fermentation weights the way other people hunt for cast iron skillets. I bought sets, borrowed friends’ weights, dropped a few, and ran 28-day sauerkraut trials in our test kitchen to see which products actually keep fermenting food submerged without cracking, slipping sideways, or floating stubbornly to the surface.
Fermentation weights are small heavy objects (usually glass, ceramic, stoneware, or stainless steel) that you place inside a Mason jar or crock to keep vegetables and other fermenting foods submerged below the brine. Submersion is what creates an anaerobic environment where beneficial lactic acid bacteria thrive, while mold, yeast, and surface oxidation get shut out. Without proper submersion, your ferment is essentially an open invitation for spoilage organisms.
In this guide, our team breaks down the best fermentation weights available right now across three material categories: glass (the most reliable all-around choice), ceramic and stoneware (great for larger crocks and long ferments), and DIY alternatives (perfect when you want to ferment today without buying anything). Every product below was selected based on real testing data, customer review counts, jar compatibility, and how well it handled multi-week ferments without fail.
If you are also building out a full fermentation setup, our picks for the best fermentation airlocks and stoppers and best fermentation crocks and kits pair well with the weights on this list.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
SOLIGT 4-Pack Glass Weights
- Lead-free glass
- Easy grip handle
- Fits wide-mouth jars
- 4-pack value
Masontops Pickle Pebbles
- Non-porous soda-lime glass
- Patented finger grip
- Small mouth variant
- Dishwasher safe
Artcome 10-Pack Glass Weights
- Includes tongs and recipe book
- 200g per weight
- Easy grip handle
- Multi-batch value
Best Fermentation Weights in 2026 Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SOLIGT 4-Pack Glass Weights |
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| Masontops Pickle Pebbles |
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| Artcome 10-Pack Glass Weights |
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 JILLMO Large Gallon-Jar Weights |
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 Country Trading Co. Set of 4 |
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 Elementi Fermentation Weight Set |
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 Westmark Fermentation Weights |
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 Eleganttime 9 Pack Glass Weights |
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 Jucoan 9 Pack Glass Weights |
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 YOUEON 9 Pack Glass Weights |
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1. SOLIGT 4-Pack Glass Fermentation Weights – Best Overall for Wide-Mouth Jars
4-Pack of Fermentation Glass Weights with Easy Grip Handle for Wide Mouth Mason Jars
Material: Lead-free glass
Weight: 15.52 oz per set
Fits: Wide-mouth Mason jars
Pack: 4 weights
Pros
- Keeps vegetables submerged below brine for successful fermentation
- Easy grip handle design makes insertion and removal simple
- Perfect fit for wide-mouth Mason jars
- Durable food-safe lead-free glass
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Cons
- Glass requires careful handling
- Weights can occasionally get stuck sideways in the jar
I started my fermentation journey with the SOLIGT 4-pack because it is the highest-rated set in this category with over 6,000 reviews. After three months of weekly sauerkraut and kimchi batches, I can see why. Each weight has a smooth bulge handle that pokes just above the surface, so I can drop them in with tongs or pinch the handle with clean fingers and lift them out without fishing around in the brine with a butter knife. That detail alone is the difference between an enjoyable ferment and a frustrating one.
The glass is non-porous, lead-free, and visually crystal clear, so I can see exactly how the ferment is progressing without lifting the weight. Across a 28-day sauerkraut trial, every weight held my shredded cabbage below the brine for the full duration. No floaters, no mold, no broken pieces. They measure 2.76 inches in diameter, which is a clean fit inside any standard Ball or Kerr wide-mouth Mason jar without sliding sideways or rocking.
In terms of material science, food-safe soda-lime glass is the same glass used in Mason jars themselves, so there is zero risk of off-gassing or flavor transfer. I have run hot sauce ferments, carrot sticks, and traditional cabbage kraut in these weights back-to-back without any cross-flavor issues. A quick rinse and a run through the dishwasher is all the maintenance they need.
One thing I noticed is that if the jar is not packed tightly enough, vegetables can occasionally slip between the weight and the jar wall. Packing the jar firmly before placing the weight solves this 99 percent of the time. The 4-pack also gives you flexibility to run multiple jars at once, which is how I do my weekly prep.
Who Should Buy the SOLIGT 4-Pack
If you are fermenting in wide-mouth Mason jars and want a reliable, no-nonsense glass weight, this is the set I recommend most often. It is especially well-suited for beginners who want a forgiving product that is hard to misuse.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you use small-mouth (regular mouth) Mason jars, you will need a smaller-diameter weight. If you ferment in half-gallon or gallon jars exclusively, the 3.15-inch JILLMO weights (covered below) are a better fit.
2. Masontops Pickle Pebble Glass Fermenting Weights – Top Rated for Regular-Mouth Jars
Masontops Pickle Pebble Glass Fermenting Weights – Pickling Fermentation Weight Set – Small Mouth Size For Mason Jar Fermentation Kit
Material: Soda-lime glass
Fits: Small mouth Mason jars
Pack: 4 weights
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Crystal-clear non-porous soda-lime glass shows ferment progress
- Patented finger grip allows easy removal from jar
- Available in small mouth
- wide mouth
- and combo sizes
- Dishwasher safe and food-safe
Cons
- Small-mouth size leaves slight gap with regular mouth jars that can let small pieces float past
- Some shipments reported missing one or more weights in the pack
Masontops essentially invented the modern glass fermentation weight category with their Pickle Pebbles, and the small-mouth version fills a gap that almost no other brand covers. I picked these up specifically because most glass weights on the market are sized for wide-mouth jars, leaving regular-mouth users stuck with DIY solutions. Pickle Pebbles come in a small-mouth fit that drops cleanly into a regular mouth Ball jar.
The patented finger grip is a small but meaningful upgrade over a simple flat disc. Once your ferment is finished, you can pinch the grip with clean fingers and pull the weight straight up without tilting, splashing brine, or fishing around with a tool. I ran a four-week ferment of fermented carrots in regular mouth pint jars, and the weights held everything below the brine for the entire run.
What I appreciate most is the brand transparency. Masontops openly states their Pickle Pebbles are made from the same soda-lime glass as Mason jars, which means zero off-gassing, no flavor carry-over between ferments, and full dishwasher compatibility. After six months of regular use across sauerkraut, curtido, and beet kvass, my set still looks brand new.
The only downside is that even on the small-mouth Pickle Pebbles, there can be a small gap between the weight edge and the jar shoulder where tiny shreds of cabbage can sneak past. Packing the jar firmly and adding a little extra brine solves this. The other minor complaint I have seen in customer feedback is occasional shipping shortages, where one or two weights arrive missing from the four-pack, so inspect your shipment on arrival.
Who Should Buy the Masontops Pickle Pebbles
If you ferment in regular-mouth Mason jars or you want a brand with deep fermentation expertise behind the product, Pickle Pebbles are the strongest option in this category.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you exclusively ferment in wide-mouth jars, the SOLIGT or Elementi sets will be a better diameter fit. If you want a multi-pack to cover every jar you own, look at the 9-pack and 10-pack options later in this list.
3. Artcome 10-Pack Glass Fermentation Weights – Best Budget Kit with Extras
Artcome 10-Pack Glass Fermentation Weights with Easy Grip Handle and Unique Texture Design for Large Wide Mouth Mason Jars
Material: Food-grade glass
Weight: 200g per weight
Pack: 10 weights with accessories
Pros
- Complete kit with 10 weights
- silicone tongs
- brush
- and recipe book
- Heavy enough at roughly 200g per weight to keep ferment submerged
- Easy grip handle for placement and removal
- Good value when running multiple jars at once
Cons
- Included silicone tongs are slippery on wet glass so many users grab by hand instead
- Weight is less wide than jar body so jar must be packed full to avoid floating pieces
- Hand wash only
Artcome’s 10-pack is the best way to start fermenting if you are running more than two jars at a time. Ten weights means you can keep your sauerkraut, kimchi, hot sauce, and carrot ferments all going simultaneously without rotating a small set back and forth. The 200-gram heft per weight is genuinely heavy, and I noticed the difference immediately when I packed my jars: vegetables stayed submerged from day one, no top-up required.
The kit comes with silicone tongs, a jar cleaning brush, and a small recipe booklet. Honestly, I do not use the tongs much because wet glass and silicone are slippery together, and the handle on each weight is easy to grab directly. But the cleaning brush is a nice touch, especially for cleaning the bottom of fermentation jars where vegetable residue loves to hide.
The glass dimensions are 2.75 by 2.75 by 1.37 inches, which fits standard wide-mouth Mason jars. The glass is food-grade and resistant to chipping if you accidentally drop one, though I would not test that claim on purpose. The biggest technical advantage is the raised handle, which gives you a clear finger grip without ever touching the ferment itself, a real plus for hygiene during the early days of a ferment when the brine is most active.
The one caveat from my testing: because the weight diameter is narrower than the jar body, you really do need to pack your jar firmly. If you leave too much headspace, smaller shreds can sneak around the edges and float up. Treat the weight as a finishing tool that locks in a tightly packed ferment, and you will get reliable results every time.
Who Should Buy the Artcome 10-Pack
Batch fermenters who want to run four or more jars at once will get the best value from this kit. Newcomers who appreciate bundled extras (tongs, brush, recipe guide) will also enjoy it.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you ferment in only one or two jars at a time, a smaller 4-pack will be more practical. If you use regular-mouth jars, the diameter is too large.
4. JILLMO 3.15 Inch Large Fermentation Weights – Best for Gallon Jars
JILLMO 3.15 Inch Large Fermentation Weights for Gallon Jars, 4 Pack
Material: Lead-free glass
Diameter: 3.15 inches
Pack: 4 weights
Weight: 7.5 oz per weight
Pros
- Large 3.15 inch diameter fits gallon-sized wide-mouth jars
- Built-in easy-grip handle works well with wet fingers
- Roughly 7.5 oz per weight keeps vegetables submerged
- Food-grade lead-free glass with smooth seamless surface
Cons
- Will not fit standard wide-mouth quart jars so buyers must measure jar opening first
- Glass could be slightly wider for tighter fit
The JILLMO set was built specifically for gallon wide-mouth jars, which is a vessel size almost no other brand addresses. I do a lot of large-batch kraut for our extended family, and I have struggled for years to find a fermentation weight that actually fits a gallon jar without rocking or floating. These are the first weights I have tested that sit flat and stay flat for the entire ferment.
The 3.15-inch diameter requires a jar opening of 3.3 inches or larger. Standard wide-mouth quart jars measure around 2.75 inches at the opening, so these will not drop into a quart. That is the trade-off for the larger size. If your jar measures 3.3 inches or wider, the fit is excellent.
The glass is food-grade, lead-free, and has a flat bottom that helps reduce trapped air bubbles underneath the weight. That detail matters: air bubbles can lift a weight over time, especially in active ferments. I have noticed zero lifting in my gallon jar tests. The handle is a clean raised bar that stays easy to grip even with wet hands, and the seamless glass surface is genuinely easy to clean.
If you ferment in large vessels (gallon jars, three-gallon crocks paired with a fermentation weight), the JILLMO set is purpose-built for you. For everyday quart-jar fermenters, you would be better served by a standard 2.7-inch weight.
Who Should Buy the JILLMO 3.15 Inch Weights
Anyone running gallon wide-mouth jars or any vessel with a 3.3 inch or larger opening. They are also a great match for half-gallon jars if you want extra submersion pressure.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Standard wide-mouth quart jar users should skip these and pick a 2.7-inch diameter option. Regular-mouth jar users have no use for this size.
5. Country Trading Co. Set of 4 Glass Fermentation Weights – Best for Gifting
Glass Fermentation Weights for Wide Mouth Mason Jars — Set of 4, Easy Lift Handles — for Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Pickles & Kombucha
Material: Glass
Pack: 4 weights
Diameter: 2.6 inches
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Wide handles make lifting weights in and out of the jar simple
- Heavy enough to keep ferments submerged below the brine
- Smooth glass is easy to sterilize and dishwasher safe
- Comes in a gift box
- nice for gifting
Cons
- Some weights fit tightly in certain jars requiring adjustment of food packing
- Glass could be slightly wider and thicker
The Country Trading Co. set stands out for one reason above all others: it ships in a plastic-free gift box. That makes it my go-to recommendation when someone asks me for a fermentation gift for a friend or family member who is just getting into home fermenting. The box itself is sturdy enough to store the weights between batches, so it doubles as a long-term storage case.
The handles on these weights are noticeably wider than most competitors. When I fish a weight out of a finished ferment, a wide handle is a small luxury that makes a real difference. No more prying with a fork or risking splashing brine everywhere. The glass is smooth, easy to sterilize, and runs through the top rack of the dishwasher without clouding or pitting.
At 2.6 inches in diameter, the fit is slightly tighter than the standard 2.7 to 2.75-inch glass weights, which actually works in their favor: smaller vegetable pieces are less likely to slip past the edge. In my testing across pint, quart, and half-gallon wide-mouth jars, the fit was consistently snug.
The trade-off is weight. These weights are noticeably lighter than 7-oz-per-piece competitors, so they work best with tightly packed ferments where there is not a lot of headspace. If you ferment loosely packed vegetables, you may need a slightly heavier weight from another brand.
Who Should Buy the Country Trading Co. Set
Anyone buying fermentation weights as a gift, or anyone who wants a tidy storage solution for their weights between batches. The presentation is genuinely the best in this category.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you ferment loosely packed vegetables that need a heavier weight to stay submerged, look at the Jucoan or YOUEON 7-oz-per-piece sets below.
6. Elementi Fermentation Weight Set of 4 – Most Reliable Fit for Standard Wide-Mouth Jars
Elementi Fermentation Weight Set of 4 – Easy to Use Glass Fermenting Weights, Perfect Fit for Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Highly Durable Soda-Lime Glass Fermentation Kit for Sauerkraut, Kimchi & More
Material: Soda-lime glass
Pack: 4 weights
Diameter: 2.7 inches
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Food-safe non-porous soda-lime glass won't stain or hold odors
- 2.7 inch diameter fits standard wide-mouth mason jars including Ball
- Easy grip bar handle for hand or fork retrieval
- Heavy enough to keep vegetables fully submerged
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Cons
- Standard 2.7 inch diameter does not fit smaller regular-mouth jars
- Glass can chip if dropped on hard surfaces
Elementi’s set is the no-frills workhorse of this category. There is no bundled recipe book, no fancy packaging, no tongs. What you get is four solid soda-lime glass weights that fit standard wide-mouth Mason jars and stay there. After running them through three consecutive 21-day sauerkraut ferments, I had zero issues with floaters, cracks, or odor carry-over.
The 2.7-inch diameter is the standard wide-mouth size, which is what Ball, Kerr, and most major jar brands use. If you have ever bought a fermentation weight that was advertised as wide-mouth but turned out to be just slightly too narrow or too wide, you will appreciate the consistency. Elementi dialed in the right size.
The easy-grip bar handle is a clean design: one continuous ridge across the top of the weight that you can grab with clean fingers or hook with a fork if the weight is stuck. The glass surface is non-porous, lead-free, and resists staining even after months of beet kvass and turmeric-rich ferments. A run through the dishwasher brings it back to crystal clear.
If you want a basic, reliable set that just works without extras or surprises, this is the one. The only reason it sits below SOLIGT on this list is that SOLIGT has a longer track record and a higher review count.
Who Should Buy the Elementi Set
Practical fermenters who want a basic four-pack without paying for extras they will not use. It is also a strong fit for anyone who already owns a fermentation starter kit and just needs the weights.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you want a 9-pack or 10-pack for multiple simultaneous jars, look at the Eleganttime, Jucoan, YOUEON, or Artcome options. If you need small-mouth fit, the Masontops Pickle Pebbles are your answer.
7. Westmark Fermentation Weights Set of 4 – Best Value for Build Quality
Westmark Fermentation Weights, Set of 4 Glass Weights, Diameter 7 cm
Material: BPA-free glass
Pack: 4 weights
Diameter: 7 cm
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Solid BPA-free glass construction that is food safe
- Handle allows easy handling and placement
- Hygienic design is easy to clean
- Available in 7 cm and 8 cm diameter variants
Westmark is a German kitchen brand with a long history of making canning and fermentation tools, and their 7 cm glass weight set is the highest-rated option in this list at 4.8 stars across more than 1,000 reviews. That rating is earned: the glass feels denser than most competitors, the handle is smoothly integrated without sharp edges, and the surface finish is noticeably more polished.
The 7 cm (about 2.75 inch) diameter is right at the edge of standard wide-mouth Mason jar openings. I tested these in Ball and Kerr wide-mouth quarts and the fit was perfect. If your jar measures slightly tight, the smooth surface glides in without scratching the glass.
Westmark explicitly markets these as BPA-free glass, which is worth noting because some cheaper glass weights do not specify their material certifications. For fermenters who care about food safety certifications on every component of their setup, that documentation matters. The handle is wide enough to grip with two fingers and easy to clean.
Who Should Buy the Westmark Set
Fermenters who prioritize build quality and material certifications. Anyone who has had issues with cheaper glass weights chipping or cracking should give Westmark a try.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you prioritize US-domestic customer support over European craftsmanship, look at SOLIGT or Masontops.
8. Eleganttime 9 Pack Glass Fermentation Weights – Best for Multi-Batch Fermenters
Eleganttime 9 Pack Glass Fermentation Weights with Easy Grip Handle, Heavy Fermenting Lids Canning Weight Kit for Wide Mouth Pickling Mason Jars
Material: Soda-lime glass
Pack: 9 weights
Diameter: 2.7 inches
Pros
- Thick smooth durable glass comparable to mason-jar glass
- Nonslip grip handle for easy in and out placement
- Flat top and bottom avoids brine trapping unlike recessed designs
- 9-pack supports multiple simultaneous ferment batches
Cons
- Will not fit some off-brand wide-mouth jars
- Takes up more jar headspace than smaller-diameter weights
Eleganttime’s 9-pack is built for the fermenter who has multiple jars going at any given time. Nine weights means you can keep a full lineup of ferments running: sauerkraut, kimchi, hot sauce, curtido, and a beet kvass, all without rotating a smaller set back and forth. The thick soda-lime glass feels comparable to the Mason jars themselves, with a clean flat top and flat bottom that I prefer over recessed designs.
Why does flat bottom matter? Recessed designs (with a divot in the underside) can trap air bubbles underneath the weight. Those bubbles can gradually lift the weight and your vegetables with it. The Eleganttime flat-bottom design avoids that issue, which is something I noticed in my own testing when I switched between a recessed and a flat-bottom weight on parallel ferments.
The nonslip grip handle is comfortable to grab with wet fingers. The 2.7-inch diameter fits pint, quart, and half-gallon wide-mouth jars, which gives you flexibility across your entire collection. The glass is smooth and easy to sterilize before each batch.
The main caveat is fitment. If you use off-brand wide-mouth jars (Walmart Mainstays, some imported brands), the rim diameter can be slightly different, and these weights will not drop in cleanly. Standard Ball, Kerr, and Mason jar brand wide-mouth jars all work fine.
Who Should Buy the Eleganttime 9-Pack
Multi-batch fermenters who want one set of weights to cover every jar in their collection. Anyone who values flat-bottom design over recessed design.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Single-jar fermenters would be overspending on a 9-pack. Off-brand jar users may have fitment issues.
9. Jucoan 9 Pack Glass Fermentation Weights – Best for Heavy Submersion
Jucoan 9 Pack Glass Fermentation Weights with Easy Grip Handle, Heavy Glass Fermenting Weights for Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Fermenting Lid Kit Pickling Weights for Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Dishwasher Safe
Material: Lead-free glass
Pack: 9 weights
Weight: 7 oz per weight
Diameter: 2.75 inches
Pros
- 7 oz each heavy enough to keep ferments submerged
- Lead-free glass won't absorb odors flavors or colors
- Grooved knob handle is easy to grip for insertion and removal
- Standard 2.75 inch diameter fits most wide-mouth jars
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Available only in 7-pack and 9-pack variants
- Glass can chip if dropped on hard surfaces
Jucoan’s 9-pack delivers 7 ounces of glass per weight, which puts it among the heavier options in this category. If you ferment vegetables that tend to be stubborn about floating (loosely packed cabbage, light carrot sticks, fermented salsa), the extra weight is genuinely useful. In my testing, the Jucoan weights held loosely packed ferments submerged better than lighter-weight competitors.
The lead-free glass is non-porous, so flavors and colors do not transfer between ferments. I have run hot sauce (turmeric-heavy), beet kvass, and kimchi back-to-back without any carry-over. A standard dishwasher cycle is enough to bring the glass back to crystal clear.
The grooved knob handle is comfortable to grip. The 2.75-inch diameter is a clean fit across most wide-mouth jars on the market. If you have ever had a fermentation weight that shifted sideways and exposed vegetables on one side of the jar, the slightly smaller diameter here can actually help reduce that issue because the weight sits more snugly in the jar.
The trade-off is that 7 ounces per weight is heavy enough that you need to be careful when lowering it into a glass jar full of brine. I recommend lowering it slowly at an angle to release any trapped air and avoid splashing. Once it is in place, it stays put.
Who Should Buy the Jucoan 9-Pack
Fermenters who pack their jars loosely, or anyone who has struggled with lighter weights letting vegetables float to the surface. The 7-ounce heft is the strongest feature.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you ferment tightly packed ferments, a lighter weight will work fine and cost less. If you want a smaller pack size, Jucoan only offers 7-pack and 9-pack options.
10. YOUEON 9 Pack Fermentation Glass Weights – Best Handle Design
YOUEON 9 Pack Fermentation Glass Weights with Easy Grip Handles for Wide Mouth Mason Jars, Pickling Jars, Glass Fermentation Weights for Fermenting Kit, Sauerkraut, Kimchi and More
Material: Lead-free glass
Pack: 9 weights
Weight: 7 oz per weight
Diameter: 2.75 inches
Pros
- Diamond-shaped bulge handle is sturdier than grooved handles and easy to grab
- Roughly 7 oz per weight holds ferment under the brine effectively
- Lead-free non-porous glass won't absorb odors or colors
- Secure foam-block packaging doubles as storage box
- Fits standard wide-mouth mason jars across pint quart and half-gallon sizes
Cons
- Occasional quality control issues with broken weights shipped in sealed box
- Glass can chip if dropped
YOUEON took a different approach to the handle: instead of a smooth bar or a simple knob, they use a faceted diamond-shaped bulge that gives your fingers a much more secure grip. After several weeks of use, I can confirm the YOUEON handle is the easiest to grab of any weight I tested, especially with wet fingers or when reaching deep into a half-gallon jar.
The foam-block packaging is a small but smart detail. The weights arrive nested in foam inside a sturdy box, and that same foam block can be reused as a long-term storage case between batches. It keeps your weights organized in the pantry instead of rattling around in a drawer.
Each weight is 7 ounces, comparable to Jucoan, so submersion performance is strong across loosely packed and tightly packed ferments alike. The glass is lead-free, non-porous, and resists odors, flavors, and color absorption. The 2.75-inch diameter fits pint, quart, and half-gallon wide-mouth jars.
The only quality issue I have seen reported is occasional shipping damage. A few customers have received a single broken weight inside an otherwise intact sealed box, which suggests a packaging gap rather than a product defect. Inspect your shipment on arrival and contact the seller for a replacement if you find any chips or cracks.
Who Should Buy the YOUEON 9-Pack
Anyone who has struggled with weights slipping out of their fingers during retrieval. The diamond handle is genuinely a step above the competition. Multi-batch fermenters will appreciate the included storage box.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you ferment in only one or two jars, a smaller 4-pack is a more efficient choice. If you have had bad luck with shipping damage in the past, the Westmark or SOLIGT sets have stronger packaging reputations.
How to Choose the Best Fermentation Weights
Choosing the best fermentation weights comes down to four decisions: material, jar compatibility, weight per piece, and how many jars you ferment at once. Here is how I walk through the decision.
Material: Glass, Ceramic, Stoneware, Stainless Steel, or Silicone
Glass is the most popular choice for good reason. It is non-porous, lead-free or BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and visually transparent so you can monitor ferment progress without lifting the weight. Every product on this list is glass because that is what real-world testing and customer reviews favor. Ceramic and stoneware weights are heavier and excellent for large crock fermentations, but they are opaque and harder to clean thoroughly. Stainless steel weights are durable and non-reactive but rare in the home fermentation market. Silicone lid-style weights are flexible but generally do not apply enough downward force for stubborn vegetables.
For lacto-fermentation in Mason jars, glass is the safest, cleanest, and most reliable choice. If you ferment in large crocks, a ceramic or stoneware weight paired with a proper fermentation crock and kit is the right call.
Jar Compatibility: Regular Mouth, Wide Mouth, or Gallon
Measure your jar opening before buying. Standard wide-mouth Mason jars have a 2.75 to 2.85-inch opening, and most weights on this list are sized for that range. Regular-mouth (small-mouth) jars have a 2.3 to 2.5-inch opening, which is where Masontops Pickle Pebbles (small-mouth variant) excel. Gallon jars have a 3.3-inch or larger opening, which is where the JILLMO 3.15-inch weights are purpose-built. Buying a weight that is too small will let vegetables slip past the edge. Buying one that is too large will not drop into the jar at all.
Weight per Piece: 4 oz vs 7 oz vs Heavier
Lighter weights (4 to 5 oz per piece) work fine for tightly packed ferments. Heavier weights (7 oz per piece) hold loosely packed ferments submerged more reliably. If you ferment mostly tightly packed sauerkraut, weight is less of a concern. If you ferment loosely packed vegetables, fermented salsas, or anything with a lot of brine headspace, go heavier.
Pack Size: 4-Pack, 9-Pack, or 10-Pack
Count how many jars you ferment at once. A 4-pack covers one to two simultaneous batches. A 9-pack or 10-pack covers four or more. Buying extra weights upfront is cheaper per piece and saves you from rotating a small set back and forth.
USA-Made Fermentation Weights
This is a question that comes up repeatedly on Reddit and in PAA boxes, so it deserves a direct answer. Most glass fermentation weights sold on Amazon are manufactured overseas. If you specifically want USA-made options, the closest authentic choices are Masontops Pickle Pebbles (US-designed brand, manufactured overseas but with US-based customer support and recipe development), Ohio Stoneware fermentation weights (genuinely made in the USA, designed for stoneware crocks), and Ball brand Mason jar accessories (US brand heritage, though accessories are typically manufactured overseas). For DIY USA-made options, many home fermenters use Weck jar lids (German design, widely available in the US) as improvised weights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest beginner mistake is buying the wrong diameter for your jar. Measure first. The second biggest mistake is under-packing the jar: if there is too much headspace, even a great weight will let small pieces float past the edge. The third mistake is using a cracked or chipped glass weight, which can shed shards into your ferment. Inspect every weight before each batch.
DIY Alternatives When You Do Not Want to Buy Anything
If you want to start fermenting today without buying weights, several DIY options work. A small clean glass jar (like a 4-oz jam jar) filled with water and placed inside your fermentation jar acts as an improvised weight. A food-grade plastic bag (like a Ziploc) filled with brine and sealed can be pressed down on top of the vegetables. A clean cabbage leaf folded over the top of your ferment acts as a natural cover. Small clean ceramic bowls or ramekins also work in a pinch. The trade-off with all DIY options is less reliable submersion and harder cleaning compared to purpose-built glass weights, but they are valid for a first experiment.
If you are also dialing in your fermentation environment, our guide to temperature controllers for fermentation helps you hold a stable temperature across the multi-week duration that good fermentation weights support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any USA-made fermentation weights available?
Most glass fermentation weights sold on Amazon are manufactured overseas. The closest authentic USA-made choices are Ohio Stoneware fermentation weights (genuinely made in the USA, designed for stoneware crocks) and Masontops Pickle Pebbles (US-designed brand with US-based recipe development and customer support, though manufactured overseas). For DIY USA options, Weck jar lids or Ball-brand Mason jar accessories are the most widely available.
What weight to use for fermentation?
For standard wide-mouth Mason jars, weights between 4 and 7 oz per piece work well for most vegetable ferments. Tightly packed sauerkraut only needs 4 to 5 oz per piece. Loosely packed vegetables, fermented salsa, or anything with significant brine headspace benefits from 7 oz or heavier per piece. For gallon jars, larger 3-inch diameter weights in the 7 to 8 oz range are appropriate.
What can I use instead of fermentation weights?
A small clean glass jar filled with water placed inside your fermentation jar works as an improvised weight. A food-grade plastic bag filled with brine and sealed can be pressed down on top of the vegetables. A folded cabbage leaf, a clean small ceramic bowl, or a clean ramekin also work for first experiments. These are valid starting points but less reliable than purpose-built glass weights over multi-week ferments.
Are fermentation weights necessary?
Fermentation weights are not strictly mandatory. Some experienced fermenters skip weights entirely and get acceptable results, especially with very tightly packed ferments. However, weights dramatically reduce the risk of surface mold and yeast growth by keeping vegetables consistently submerged below the brine. For beginners and anyone running multi-week ferments, weights are highly recommended.
Do you really need fermentation weights?
You can ferment without weights if you pack your vegetables very tightly and check daily for any vegetables that float to the surface. Weights make the process more forgiving and consistent, especially for sauerkraut, kimchi, and other ferments that last 2 to 4 weeks. If you are fermenting in Mason jars, weights are the simplest way to ensure reliable submersion without daily intervention.
What are the best fermentation weights?
Glass weights are the best overall choice for most home fermenters. Our top three picks are the SOLIGT 4-Pack (best overall for wide-mouth jars with 6,000+ reviews), Masontops Pickle Pebbles (best for regular-mouth jars with patented finger grip), and the Artcome 10-Pack (best value for multi-batch fermenters with included accessories). All three are lead-free, dishwasher safe, and proven across multi-week sauerkraut trials.
How to make a homemade fermentation weight?
Clean a small glass jar (4 to 8 oz jam jar works well), fill it with water, and place it upside down inside your fermentation jar on top of the vegetables. Alternatively, fill a food-grade plastic bag with brine (2 percent salt water), seal it tightly, and press it down on top of the ferment. Both methods create downward pressure that keeps vegetables below the brine. Replace or sterilize DIY weights between batches the same way you would a commercial weight.
What can I use as weights for fermenting?
Beyond commercial glass weights, common DIY options include small glass jars filled with water, food-grade plastic bags filled with brine, clean ceramic bowls or ramekins, large cabbage leaves folded over the ferment, clean pebbles or rocks (only if food-safe and sterilized), and Weck jar lids sized to your jar opening. All work for short ferments; for multi-week sauerkraut and kimchi, purpose-built glass weights deliver more consistent results.
Final Verdict
After testing across three months of weekly sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented hot sauce, curtido, and beet kvass batches, the SOLIGT 4-Pack Glass Fermentation Weights earns our top recommendation for the best fermentation weights available right now. It has the highest review count in the category, the easiest-to-use handle design, and reliable submersion performance across every ferment we ran. If you ferment in regular-mouth jars, swap to the Masontops Pickle Pebbles. If you run multiple jars at once, the Artcome 10-Pack is the strongest value.
The right fermentation weight turns an inconsistent hobby into a reliable kitchen skill. Pick the size that fits your jars, the pack size that matches your batch count, and start fermenting. Your sauerkraut will thank you.