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The best pickling crock is thick, food-safe stoneware that holds a steady temperature while cucumbers and vegetables ferment in brine. Classic open crocks from Ohio Stoneware need a plate, weight and cloth cover, while water-seal crocks keep air out on their own.
We compared six crocks on Amazon US by size, design and reviews.
Quick Answer: The Best Pickling Crock
- Best OverallOhio Stoneware 2 Gallon Crock
- Best LargeGardener’s Supply Company 5-Gallon Stoneware Pickling Crock
- Best Water SealTOMO Fermentation Crock with Weights, Ceramic Sauerkraut Pickling Crock
- Best SmallOhio Stoneware 1 Gallon Crock (Gardener’s Supply)
- Best Value Water SealSeeutek Fermentation Crock Jar, 1.3 Gallon
- Best Tiny CrockOhio Stoneware High Bristol Pickling and Fermenting Crock, 2 Quart
Ohio Stoneware’s 2-gallon crock is our top classic pick, with about 880 ratings and US-made stoneware. Gardener’s Supply’s 5-gallon crock is best for big harvests, the TOMO water-seal crock is easiest to manage, and Ohio’s 2-quart crock is best for small test batches.
Best Pickling Crock Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Stoneware 2 Gallon | Best Overall | Open stoneware crock | Made in USA, classic open crock | Check Price |
| Gardener’s Supply 5 Gallon | Best Large | Open stoneware crock | 5 gal pickling crock | Check Price |
| TOMO Fermentation Crock | Best Water Seal | Water-seal stoneware crock | Water-seal lid, weights included | Check Price |
| Ohio Stoneware 1 Gallon | Best Small | Open stoneware crock | Small US-made crock | Check Price |
| Seeutek 1.3 Gallon Crock | Best Value Water Seal | Water-seal stoneware crock | 1.3 gal with water-seal lid | Check Price |
| Ohio Stoneware 2 Quart | Best Tiny Crock | Open stoneware crock | Small 2 qt crock | Check Price |
The 6 Best Pickling Crocks
Ranked by build, size and value.
1. 2 gal, made in USA.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 880 ratings, 4.7 average
- US-made
- Fair price
Cons
- No lid or weights included
- Open top needs cover
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 2 gal
- Made: USA
- Lid: Sold separately
The classic open pickling crock.
Add a lid and weights for fermenting.
2. Gardener’s Supply Company 5-Gallon Stoneware Pickling Crock
2. 5 gal.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 300 ratings, 4.5 average
- Big capacity
- Classic
Cons
- Heavy
- No lid
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 5 gal
- Material: Stoneware
- Lid: Sold separately
A large open crock for pickles and kraut.
Good for big harvests.
3. TOMO Fermentation Crock with Weights, Ceramic Sauerkraut Pickling Crock
3. Weights included.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 610 ratings, 4.6 average
- Water seal keeps air out
- Weights included
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricier
📄 Detailed Review
- Material: Stoneware
- Seal: Water channel
- Includes: Lid and weights
A water-seal crock that lets gas escape while keeping air out.
Our top crock for sauerkraut and kimchi.
4. Ohio Stoneware 1 Gallon Crock (Gardener’s Supply)
4. 1 gal.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 710 ratings, 4.7 average
- Compact
- Low price
Cons
- No lid
- No weights
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 1 gal
- Made: USA
- Lid: Sold separately
A small US-made crock for pickles.
Good for small batches.
5. Seeutek Fermentation Crock Jar, 1.3 Gallon
5. 1.3 gal.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 840 ratings, 4.5 average
- Good mid size
- Fair price
Cons
- Weights fit varies
- Heavy
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 1.3 gal (about 5 L)
- Material: Stoneware
- Seal: Water channel
A popular 5-liter-class water-seal crock.
Great value for sauerkraut.
6. Ohio Stoneware High Bristol Pickling and Fermenting Crock, 2 Quart
6. 2 qt.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- About 140 ratings, 4.7 average
- Small and cheap
- US-made
Cons
- Very small
- No lid
📄 Detailed Review
- Capacity: 2 qt
- Made: USA
- Use: Small pickles
A tiny pickling crock for test batches.
Good for quick pickles.
How We Chose the Best Pickling Crock
To build this guide to the best pickling crock, we compared fermentation crocks, jars, lids, weights and kits sold on Amazon US by material (stoneware, glass, food-grade plastic and silicone), capacity, water-seal or airlock design, weight fit and cleaning. We then read patterns in verified-buyer reviews for leaks, mold, cracks, odors and fit on standard mason jars, and flagged listings with few ratings.
Use clean equipment, the right salt ratio and keep vegetables under the brine, following USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service cleanliness guidance. Discard batches with fuzzy or colored mold. Our method is explained on the How We Test page; this is a research-based guide, not a lab test.
Buying Guide: Pickling Crocks
Open vs Water Seal
Open crocks need covers and skimming; water seals don’t.
Size
A gallon holds about 4–5 lb of cucumbers.
Weights
Use a plate or split stone weights.
Cover
A cloth keeps dust and flies out.
Food Safe
Buy crocks sold for food use; old crocks may have unsafe glazes.
Tips for Safe Home Fermenting
- Weigh salt; about 2% of the vegetable weight is a common starting point for sauerkraut.
- Keep vegetables fully under the brine with a weight.
- Ferment at about 60–75°F, away from direct sun.
- Leave headspace in jars for bubbling brine.
- Taste often and move to the fridge when you like the flavor.
Quick answers to common questions about the best pickling crock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pickling crock?
Ohio Stoneware’s 2-gallon crock.
Do pickling crocks need lids?
Open crocks need a cover; water-seal crocks come with lids.
Can I use an old crock?
Only if you know the glaze is food safe.
What size crock should I buy?
1–2 gal suits most home batches.
Final Verdict
Our pick for the best pickling crock is Ohio Stoneware 2 gallon. For a water seal, choose TOMO.
Related Guides
Keep exploring fermentation and storage gear with these guides:
Prices and availability change often. Check the current listing on Amazon before you buy.
