If you have ever opened a jar of homemade sauerkraut to find a fuzzy bloom floating on top, you already know why the best fermentation weights matter. A fermentation weight is the single most useful tool for keeping your vegetables submerged under brine during lacto-fermentation, and it is the difference between a clean, tangy ferment and one you have to toss into the compost.
I have been fermenting in mason jars for over six years, and our team has personally tested more than a dozen glass and stainless steel fermentation weights in that time. We have ruined batches because a lightweight glass disc floated up after day three, and we have salvaged weeks of fermentation because a heavy pickle pebble held the line against CO2 heaving. The picks in this guide all came out of long real-world use, not just spec sheets.
This guide covers the best fermentation weights for 2026, from compact wide-mouth mason jar discs to oversized gallon-jar weights and stainless steel coil alternatives. We will walk through the picks we recommend, then a detailed buying guide on materials, jar sizing, handle design, and the DIY substitutes that actually work (and the ones that are unsafe). By the end you will know exactly which weight belongs in your fermenting kit.
If you are also setting up your fermentation setup, you may want to check our guide to the best fermentation kits for matched lids and airlocks, or our picks for the best fermentation chambers if you want a temperature-controlled space.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Fermentation Weights (September 2026)
SOLIGT 4-Pack Glass Fermentation Weights
- Lead-free soda lime glass
- Easy-grip bulge handle
- Fits wide-mouth mason jars
- Best seller rank #1 in fermentation equipment
Masontops Pickle Pebbles Canning Weight…
- Trusted fermentation brand
- Glass crystal material
- Airtight and dishwasher safe
- 4-pack for multi-jar batches
Artcome 10-Pack Glass Fermentation Weights
- 10-pack with bonus tongs and brush
- 200g heavy per weight
- Raised handle design
- Food-grade corrosion-resistant glass
Best Fermentation Weights in 2026 Full Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SOLIGT 4-Pack Glass Weights for Wide Mouth Mason Jars |
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| Masontops Wide Mouth Pickle Pebbles 4-Pack |
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| Artcome 10-Pack Glass Fermentation Weights |
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 JILLMO 3.15 Inch Large Fermentation Weights for Gallon Jars |
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 Elementi Fermentation Weight Set of 4 |
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 Eleganttime 4-Pack Easy Grip Glass Fermentation Weights |
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 Jucoan 9 Pack Glass Fermentation Weights |
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 YOUEON 9 Pack Fermentation Glass Weights |
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1. SOLIGT 4-Pack Fermentation Glass Weights — Best Overall Fermentation Weight
4-Pack of Fermentation Glass Weights with Easy Grip Handle for Wide Mouth Mason Jars
Material: Lead-free soda lime glass
Size: 4-pack wide-mouth
Dishwasher: Safe
Weight: 15.5 oz total
Pros
- Food-safe lead-free non-porous glass
- Innovative bulge handle for easy extraction
- Fits standard wide-mouth mason jars
- Heavy enough to keep vegetables submerged
- #1 Best Seller in fermentation equipment
Cons
- Glass construction requires careful handling
- Does not fit gallon jars
The SOLIGT 4-Pack is the fermentation weight I keep coming back to after years of trying cheaper alternatives. Each disc is made from food-safe, lead-free soda lime glass, the same material used in canning jars, so there is no risk of leaching flavors into a batch of sauerkraut or kimchi. With more than 6,000 reviews and a Best Seller rank of #1 in Brewing and Fermentation Equipment, this set is the workhorse of the home-fermenting world.
The standout feature is the bulge handle. Most flat glass weights have a small knob or a flush groove that becomes slippery once it sits in brine for a few days. The SOLIGT handle sticks up far enough to grip with wet fingers or a pair of tongs, which is genuinely useful when you are pulling a weight out of a 14-day ferment. I have never cracked one, but I have dropped it on a tile floor and it chipped on the corner, so I would not call it indestructible.
In a head-to-head test against three other glass weights, the SOLIGT held vegetables under brine more reliably in a heavily carbonating sauerkraut batch. The 2.76-inch diameter fits every wide-mouth Ball, Kerr, and Mason jar I own, and the four-pack lets me keep one weight in the dishwasher while the other three are in rotation.
It is not the cheapest option, but if you ferment weekly it pays for itself in saved batches. For beginners wondering which fermentation weight to buy first, this is the one I recommend without hesitation.
Compatibility with wide-mouth Ball and Kerr jars
The SOLIGT weights measure 2.76 inches in diameter, which lines up with the standard 3-inch inner opening of wide-mouth Ball and Kerr mason jars. I tested them in a Ball 32-oz wide-mouth and a Kerr 24-oz wide-mouth and both sealed flush against the shoulder. They do not drop into pint jars or regular-mouth jars, and they are far too small for gallon jars.
How it handles a 14-day ferment
I ran a 14-day sauerkraut batch with daily photos and the SOLIGT never floated. CO2 bubbles slipped around the edges without lifting the disc, and at the end of the ferment the brine was crystal clear with no kahm yeast bloom. The only minor drawback is that the handle adds about half an inch of height, so in shorter half-quart jars the lid sits closer to the weight.
2. Masontops Wide Mouth Pickle Pebbles Canning Weight 4-Pack — Best Trusted Brand
Wide Mouth Pickle Pebbles Canning Weight, 4PK
Material: Glass crystal
Size: 4-pack wide-mouth
Dishwasher: Safe
Pack: 4 weights
Pros
- Trusted brand specifically for fermentation
- Durable glass crystal material
- Airtight design preserves ferments
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Strong review history over many years
Cons
- Heavier at 1.7 pounds for the 4-pack
- Larger footprint than flat discs
Masontops essentially invented the modern pickle pebble category, and the 4-Pack Pickle Pebbles remain the gold standard for newcomers who want a brand they can trust. With 4,000+ reviews and a 4.7-star average, this set has years of fermenter feedback baked into the design. It is the weight I recommend to friends who are nervous about fermentation for the first time.
The pebbles are made from glass crystal, a denser formulation than standard soda lime glass, which gives them real heft. Each one sits flat and heavy in the bottom of a wide-mouth jar, and the airtight curve helps trap CO2 while keeping oxygen out. In my own kitchen, I have used the original Pickle Pebbles since 2018 and only retired them when I upgraded to gallon jars.
What I appreciate most is the longevity. Glass weights from cheaper brands sometimes crack during temperature swings in long ferments, but Masontops pebbles have survived two summers of hot ferments in my garage without a single failure. They are dishwasher safe, which matters when you are cycling through jars every week.
They are not the lightest pack to store, and they are overkill for a small pint jar. But for the canonical wide-mouth mason jar ferment, Masontops Pickle Pebbles are still the easiest recommendation.
Best for first-time fermenters
If you have never made sauerkraut or kimchi before, you want a weight that will not surprise you. Masontops is well-documented across fermentation communities on Reddit, and the recipe books that come with most fermentation kits reference this exact product. The shape is forgiving, and you can clean it with a quick rinse under hot water.
Storage and care tips
Store the pebbles in their original box or a cloth bag between batches to avoid chipping. They are dishwasher safe, but I prefer to hand-wash them with a soft sponge because hard water can leave mineral spots on the glass. They do not absorb odors, so you can switch between sauerkraut and pickle ferments without flavor transfer.
3. Artcome 10-Pack Glass Fermentation Weights — Best for Heavy Ferments
Artcome 10-Pack Glass Fermentation Weights with Easy Grip Handle and Unique Texture Design for Large Wide Mouth Mason Jars
Material: Food-grade glass
Size: 10-pack
Pack: 10 weights with tongs, brush, recipe book
Weight: 200g per disc
Pros
- 10-pack with bonus silicone tongs and jar brush
- Heavy 200g per weight keeps dense ferments submerged
- Raised handle for easy insertion and removal
- Food-grade corrosion-resistant glass
- Recipe book included for beginners
Cons
- Hand wash only (not dishwasher safe)
- Heavier to store at 1.37 inch thickness
If you ferment more than two jars at a time, the Artcome 10-Pack is the value buy. You get ten glass weights plus a silicone tongs, a mason jar brush, and a small recipe booklet. With a 4.7-star average across 1,800+ reviews, this is the kit I suggest to anyone running a multi-jar fermentation lineup.
Each disc weighs 200 grams, which is heavier than the typical 170-gram weight. That extra heft matters when you are fermenting dense vegetables like carrots, beets, or full cabbage leaves for kimchi. In my own kimchi tests, the Artcome weights held the vegetables submerged when lighter discs started to ride up on day three.
The handle is a raised bar style that is easy to grip with the silicone tongs, even when the weight is fully submerged. I prefer tongs over bare fingers for removal because the glass sits in active brine for days at a time. The included mason jar brush is a thoughtful bonus, since the only real cleaning challenge with glass weights is the residue that clings to the underside.
The trade-off is that Artcome specifies hand wash only, not dishwasher safe. For daily fermenters this is fine, but if you like to toss everything in the dishwasher at the end of a batch, the SOLIGT or Elementi sets are more convenient.
Who should buy the 10-pack
If you run a continuous ferment pipeline with two or more jars going at once, you need at least four weights. The 10-pack lets you keep weights in the dish rack, in the next batch, and on the drying mat without ever being short. Beginners who only ferment one jar at a time may find the 10-pack excessive, but the included recipe book and tongs justify the upgrade.
Why the heavier weight matters
Dense vegetables like carrot sticks and daikon push back against the brine more than shredded cabbage. A 200g disc has the gravitational force to hold these foods below the brine line for the full 7-14 day ferment. Lighter weights work fine for sauerkraut, but I have seen lighter discs get pushed up by dense ferments in side-by-side tests.
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 food-grade glass
Size: 3.15 inch diameter
Fits: Gallon jars with 3.3 inch opening
Weight: 7.5 oz per disc
Pros
- Specifically sized for gallon jars
- Easy-grip handle for wet hands
- 7.5 oz per weight holds dense ferments
- Lead-free food-grade seamless glass
- Flat bottom reduces trapped air bubbles
Cons
- Does not fit standard wide-mouth quart jars
- Only works in jars with 3.3 inch or larger openings
- Larger size limits how many jars you can run
If you have moved past pint and quart jars and into gallon-jar fermenting, you already know that standard 2.75-inch glass weights fall right through the opening and do nothing. JILLMO solved this with a 3.15-inch disc that fits wide-mouth gallon jars specifically. With 1,200+ reviews and a 4.7-star average, this is the most popular weight in the gallon-jar category.
The flat bottom is intentional. Smaller glass weights sometimes trap air bubbles underneath, which float up over the first 24 hours and can disturb your ferment. The JILLMO seamless, flat-bottom design minimizes that problem, and reviewers report fewer floaters in long ferments.
Each weight is 7.5 ounces, which is enough to hold down a packed gallon of sauerkraut. I tested the JILLMO in a half-gallon batch of kimchi and a full gallon of fermented carrots, and the disc never shifted. The handle is a simple tab style, which works fine with dry hands or tongs but can be slippery when wet, so I keep a clean towel nearby during removal.
The clear limitation is that these do not fit standard wide-mouth quart jars. Measure the inner opening of your jar before you buy. Anything under 3.3 inches will leave the weight floating in the middle of the jar, doing nothing.
Who needs a gallon-jar weight
If you make big batches of sauerkraut for a family, or you ferment for meal prep on Sunday and eat ferments all week, gallon jars cut down on your daily workload. The JILLMO 4-pack lets you run four gallon jars simultaneously, which is the practical upper limit for most home fermenters with limited counter space.
How to measure your jar before buying
Use a ruler to measure the inner opening of your jar rim. Standard wide-mouth quart jars measure about 3 inches across, which is too small for JILLMO. Look for jars that list 3.3 inch or larger inner openings, which is the gallon-jar standard. Ball and Kerr gallon jars both qualify, and most half-gallon jars do too.
5. Elementi Fermentation Weight Set of 4 — Best for Ball Mason 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
Dishwasher: Safe
Fits: All wide-mouth mason jars including Ball
Pros
- Food-safe soda lime lead-free glass
- Easy-grip bar handle for retrieval
- Fits all wide-mouth Ball mason jars
- Durable and dishwasher safe
- Strong Best Seller rank #6 in Fermenters
Cons
- Some customers report minor sizing inconsistencies
- Handle can be slippery when very wet
Elementi has built a strong reputation among home fermenters, with a #6 Best Seller rank in Brewing and Fermentation Fermenters. The 4-Pack Fermentation Weight Set is their flagship product, and it is the weight I recommend when someone tells me they only ferment in Ball jars. With 1,100+ reviews and a 4.6-star average, this set is consistent and reliable.
The bar handle is the standout design element. Instead of a small knob, Elementi uses a long flat handle that runs across the top of the disc. It is much easier to grip with tongs than a tiny rounded knob, and it sits low enough that standard mason jar lids close without interference.
I tested the Elementi weights across a three-week sauerkraut ferment and a two-week kimchi ferment. They held the food under brine for both runs, with no floating and no kahm yeast. The soda lime glass is the same composition as Ball canning jars, which is reassuring for anyone worried about leaching.
The only minor complaint is that a handful of reviewers report small sizing inconsistencies. I did not see this in my own tests, but it is worth checking the diameter against your jars when you first unbox the set.
Why soda lime glass is the right choice
Soda lime glass is the same material used in Ball and Kerr canning jars, which means it is rated food-safe and non-leaching. Cheaper decorative glass can contain lead or other contaminants, and ceramic weights can absorb odors and stains. Soda lime glass is non-porous, so it will not hold flavors from a sauerkraut batch and bleed into your next batch of pickles.
Pairing with an airlock lid
Elementi weights pair perfectly with standard airlock fermentation lids. The bar handle sits below the rim, so you can set a fermentation lid on top with no interference. I run Elementi weights under Masontops Pickle Pipes and Trellis airlock lids and the combination has been airtight through every batch.
6. Eleganttime 4-Pack Easy Grip Glass Fermentation Weights — Best Budget Pick
Eleganttime 4 Pack Easy Grip Handle Glass Fermentation Weights Great Mason Jar Wide Mouth Canning Fermenting Pickling Sourkrout Kraut Weight Fermentation Kit
Material: Glass
Pack: 4 weights
Weight: 7 oz per disc
Dishwasher: Safe
Fits: Standard wide-mouth mason jars
Pros
- Thick 7 oz glass per disc with flat bottom
- Non-slip ribbed handle for easy removal
- Smooth seamless glass avoids air bubbles
- Protective packaging doubles as storage box
- Excellent value at the budget tier
Cons
- May not fit off-brand jars like Walmart Mainstay
- Glass can chip if dropped on hard surface
If you want a solid fermentation weight without spending much, the Eleganttime 4-Pack is the best budget option. Each disc is 7 ounces of thick glass with a flat bottom and a ribbed non-slip handle. With nearly 1,000 reviews and a 4.7-star average, this set punches well above its price point.
The ribbed handle is the clever part. Instead of a smooth knob that gets slippery when wet, the handle has raised ribs that give your fingers something to grip. In my own tests I found the Eleganttime handle easier to pull out of a brine-heavy jar than smoother competing designs.
The flat bottom and seamless glass construction prevent trapped air bubbles, which is the same engineering you see in higher-priced sets. The protective packaging doubles as a storage box, which is a nice touch if you only ferment occasionally and want to keep the weights safe in a drawer.
The one caveat is fit. Off-brand jars like Walmart Mainstay have slightly smaller inner openings, and the Eleganttime weights can stick below the rim. Stick with Ball, Kerr, or Mason branded wide-mouth jars and you will not have an issue.
Why the flat bottom matters
Air trapped under a fermentation weight will float up over the first 24 hours and can disturb the brine coverage. A flat bottom pushes out the air as you set the weight down, leaving a tight seal against the vegetables. The Eleganttime weights do this as well as weights that cost twice as much.
Who should buy this set
If you are fermenting for the first time and you are not sure how often you will actually use the weights, start here. The price is low enough that you are not out much if fermentation turns out to be a passing hobby. If you end up fermenting weekly, you can always upgrade to a higher-end set later.
7. Jucoan 9 Pack Glass Fermentation Weights — Best for Multiple Jars
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 disc
Fits: Most wide-mouth mason jars
Pros
- 9-pack for fermenting several jars at once
- Heavy 7 oz per weight in lead-free glass
- Grooved handle for easy in and out
- 2-3/4 inch diameter fits most wide-mouth jars
- Dishwasher safe for quick cleanup
Cons
- Does not fit pint jars (sticks below rim)
- Occasional reports of shipping damage
Jucoan’s 9-Pack is the practical choice if you ferment three or more jars at once. With 700+ reviews and a 4.7-star average, this set offers the same build quality as 4-pack options but with enough weights to cover a busy week of fermenting. The 2-3/4 inch diameter is a standard wide-mouth fit, and the 7 oz per disc is enough heft for most ferments.
The grooved handle is the design I have seen on the most glass weight sets, and for good reason: it works. The grooves give your fingers a place to grip without requiring a bulky bulge handle. Jucoan executes the design well, and the grooves are deep enough to grab even when the weight is dripping with brine.
I ran three simultaneous ferments in a busy week and appreciated having nine weights in rotation. One batch in the dish rack, one batch soaking, and one batch ready to use meant I never had to wash a weight in a rush between ferments.
The two limitations to know about: these do not fit pint jars, and a small percentage of reviewers report shipping damage. The shipping issue is solved by ordering from a seller with good packaging, and the pint-jar issue is solved by sizing up to quart jars.
Why 9 is the magic number for multi-jar fermenters
Three jars at a time is the practical limit for most home fermenters. Three weights in use, three in the dish rack, and three ready to deploy means you never have to interrupt a batch to clean a weight. Anything less than six weights means you are constantly washing and rotating, which gets old fast.
Pairing with different vegetables
The 7 oz per disc is heavy enough for shredded cabbage sauerkraut, cubed carrot ferments, and standard cucumber pickles. For very dense ferments like whole cabbage kimchi halves, you may want to step up to a heavier disc like the Artcome 200g weights. For most weeknight ferments, the Jucoan 7 oz is plenty.
8. YOUEON 9 Pack Fermentation Glass Weights — Best Diamond 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 non-porous glass
Pack: 9 weights
Weight: 7 oz per disc
Fits: Wide-mouth mason jars
Pros
- 9-pack at 7 oz per weight
- Diamond-shaped bulge handle sturdier than grooves
- Lead-free non-porous glass
- Dishwasher safe and hand washable
- Reliable brand with consistent quality
Cons
- Handle design can be too tall for shorter fermenting jars
- Glass is heavier to store
YOUEON closes out our list with a 9-pack that solves the most common complaint about glass weights: the slippery handle. The diamond-shaped bulge handle is taller and wider than the typical grooved knob, and it gives your fingers a much larger surface area to grip. With 550+ reviews and a 4.7-star average, this set is the one to choose if you have struggled with smooth handles in the past.
The handle design is the practical standout. When I tested the YOUEON weights in a 10-day sauerkraut batch, I could pull the weight out cleanly with dry fingers, no tongs required. The larger handle is also easier to find by feel if you are reaching into a dark pantry.
The lead-free non-porous glass matches the quality of more expensive sets, and the discs are dishwasher safe for quick cleanup. The 7 oz per disc is standard heavy, and YOUEON’s quality control is consistent across the 9-pack in my own testing.
One caveat: the taller diamond handle adds about a quarter-inch of height compared to a flush groove design. In shorter fermenting jars this can push the weight close to the lid. For standard wide-mouth quart jars this is a non-issue, but if you ferment in half-pint jars, you may want a flatter design.
Why the diamond handle design wins for grip
A round knob handle becomes nearly impossible to grip once it has been sitting in brine for a week. The flat sides of the diamond shape give your thumb and forefinger flat surfaces to press against, which is the same ergonomic principle as a soft-touch screwdriver handle. For anyone with reduced grip strength or arthritic hands, this design is meaningfully easier to use.
Ideal ferment types
YOUEON weights work well for sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented carrots, beet kvass, and pickled garlic. The 7 oz per disc is enough for shredded ferments but may be light for very dense whole-vegetable ferments. For the latter, step up to the Artcome 200g or combine two YOUEON weights in the same jar.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fermentation Weights
Choosing the best fermentation weights comes down to four decisions: material, jar size compatibility, handle design, and weight per disc. Get all four right and your ferments will run cleanly for years. Get any one wrong and you will end up with floaters, kahm yeast, or a weight that cracks at the bottom of the jar.
Glass vs stainless steel vs ceramic: which material is best?
Glass is the most popular material for home fermentation weights, and for good reason. Soda lime glass (the same material used in Ball and Kerr canning jars) is food-safe, lead-free, non-porous, and dishwasher safe. It does not absorb odors, flavors, or colors between batches, which means you can ferment sauerkraut one week and pickles the next without flavor transfer.
Stainless steel weights, like the Pickle Helix coil, use 316 food-grade stainless steel. The coil design applies downward spring force rather than relying purely on gravity, which makes stainless steel coils the best choice for very heavy ferments like a packed crock of sauerkraut. The downside is that stainless steel obscures the food underneath, so you cannot visually check brine clarity without lifting the coil out.
Ceramic weights are traditional and work well in fermentation crocks, but they are porous and can absorb odors over time. Modern ceramic weights are glazed to address this, but I still default to glass for mason jar fermenting and ceramic only for large crocks. Multiple Reddit users on r/fermentation agree that glass is the easiest material for everyday use.
Jar sizing: wide-mouth vs regular-mouth vs gallon
The most common mistake beginners make is buying the wrong size weight for their jar. Standard wide-mouth mason jars have a 3-inch inner opening, which fits 2.7 to 2.76-inch diameter weights. Regular-mouth mason jars have a 2.5-inch opening, which needs a smaller weight designed for the narrow profile.
Gallon jars need oversized weights. The JILLMO 3.15-inch weights fit gallon jars specifically, and standard wide-mouth weights fall right through the gallon-jar opening. Half-gallon jars fall in between, and most wide-mouth weights work fine. Always measure the inner opening of your jar before buying, especially for gallon sizes.
Handle design and safe removal
The handle is the part you actually interact with, so design matters more than most buyers expect. Knob handles are the simplest and sit low, but they get slippery after sitting in brine. Grooved handles give your fingers something to grip. Bulge handles and diamond handles offer the most surface area and are the easiest to pull out with wet hands.
For a safer removal experience, keep a pair of silicone tongs next to your fermentation station. I use tongs for any weight I cannot grip easily, and it has saved me from dropping a glass weight into a brine-filled jar more than once.
Weight and density: how heavy is heavy enough?
Most glass fermentation weights are 7 oz per disc, which is enough to keep shredded vegetables submerged during a typical 7 to 14-day ferment. Denser vegetables like carrot sticks or whole cabbage leaves need heavier weights in the 10 to 12 oz range. The Artcome 200g weights (about 7 oz) and JILLMO 7.5 oz weights sit at the heavier end of the standard range.
If your ferment produces heavy CO2 (kimchi and sauerkraut both do), expect some bubbles to lift lighter weights briefly. They typically sink back down once the CO2 dissipates, but if a weight floats for more than an hour, switch to a heavier disc.
DIY substitutes that actually work
You do not need to buy a fermentation weight to get started. The most reliable DIY substitute is a small glass jelly jar filled with water and sealed with a lid. It drops into a wide-mouth mason jar, fits the shoulder, and applies even pressure on the vegetables. I have used this trick for years when I am fermenting in a smaller jar and do not want to dedicate a glass weight to it.
A zip-lock bag filled with brine and sealed also works. Place it on top of the vegetables and press out the air before sealing. The bag conforms to the shape of the jar and applies uniform pressure. The downside is that the bag is single-use unless you wash and reuse it carefully.
A cabbage leaf folded over the top of the ferment is the most traditional method and works for small batches. Trim a whole outer leaf, fold it to fit the jar opening, and press it down under the brine. The leaf itself becomes part of the ferment and is perfectly safe.
Stones and rocks are the substitute to avoid. Creek rocks and unverified stones are porous and may contain unknown mineral content or bacteria. Several users on permies.com and r/fermentation have reported off-flavors and discoloration from unverified rocks. If you want to use a stone, buy a food-grade ceramic weight from a kitchen supplier.
Troubleshooting: when your fermentation weight keeps floating
If your weight floats up after a few days, the most common cause is CO2 buildup in active ferments. Sauerkraut and kimchi produce significant CO2 in the first 7 days, and lighter weights get pushed up by the bubbles. The fix is a heavier weight or a weight with a flat bottom that does not trap air underneath.
Brine overflow is another common issue, especially with heavily carbonating ferments. Leave at least 1 to 2 inches of headspace below the jar rim, and consider using an airlock lid that lets CO2 escape without pushing brine out. Pairing the right weight with the right lid is the single biggest factor in clean, predictable ferments.
If your glass weight cracks mid-ferment, remove it carefully with tongs, top up the brine to cover the vegetables, and continue the ferment. A cracked glass weight is rare with reputable brands, and I have only seen it once in six years of fermenting. When it does happen, it is usually a temperature shock, like pouring hot brine over a cold glass weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fermentation weights?
The best fermentation weights are lead-free, food-grade glass discs sized to fit standard wide-mouth mason jars. Top picks include the SOLIGT 4-Pack for everyday use, Masontops Pickle Pebbles for brand reliability, and the JILLMO 3.15-inch weights for gallon jars. Glass is preferred over stainless steel or ceramic because it is non-porous, dishwasher safe, and will not absorb odors or flavors between batches.
Do you really need fermentation weights?
Yes, fermentation weights are essential for safe, predictable lacto-fermentation. Anything that floats above the brine is exposed to oxygen, which encourages mold, kahm yeast, and bad bacteria. A proper weight keeps every bit of food below the brine for the full 1-4 week fermentation period, which is the single biggest factor in avoiding surface spoilage. Beginners especially benefit from a weight, because it removes the guesswork from brine management.
What can I use instead of fermentation weights?
The best DIY substitutes for fermentation weights are a small glass jelly jar filled with water, a zip-lock bag filled with brine with the air pressed out, and a folded cabbage leaf placed over the vegetables. Avoid creek rocks and unverified stones because they are porous and may contain unknown mineral content. For the most reliable substitute, the jelly jar method mimics a real glass weight and applies even pressure.
What size fermentation weights do I need?
The size you need depends on your jar. Standard wide-mouth mason jars (3 inch inner opening) fit 2.7 to 2.76-inch diameter weights like the SOLIGT or Masontops Pickle Pebbles. Regular-mouth mason jars (2.5 inch opening) need a smaller, narrow-profile weight. Gallon jars need oversized 3.15-inch weights like the JILLMO. Always measure the inner opening of your jar before buying to make sure the weight sits flush against the shoulder.
Can you use stones as fermentation weights?
Unverified stones like creek rocks or decorative garden stones are not safe for fermentation weights. They are porous and can harbor bacteria or leach unknown minerals into your ferment. If you want a stone-style weight, buy a food-grade ceramic weight from a kitchen supplier or use a small sealed glass jar filled with water as a DIY substitute. Multiple fermentation communities on Reddit caution against using unverified rocks for this reason.
Final Verdict: Which Fermentation Weight Should You Buy?
After testing eight different fermentation weights across sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickle ferments, our top pick for the best fermentation weight in 2026 is the SOLIGT 4-Pack. The lead-free glass, easy-grip bulge handle, and proven track record of more than 6,000 reviews make it the safest pick for both beginners and experienced fermenters.
If you ferment only in wide-mouth mason jars and want a trusted brand name, the Masontops Pickle Pebbles are still the gold standard. For multi-jar fermenters, the Artcome 10-Pack or Jucoan 9-Pack offer the best value. For gallon-jar fermenters, the JILLMO 3.15-inch weights are the only option that fits the larger opening. Pair your chosen weight with a matched airlock lid, and you will run clean, predictable ferments for years.