If you have ever cracked open a fermenting jar and gotten hit with a sour smell that was way off, you already know why the best airlock fermentation systems matter. I have been fermenting vegetables and brewing small-batch kombucha for over six years, and I have lost count of how many batches I saved (or ruined) by upgrading my airlock setup.
An airlock is the unsung hero of fermentation. It lets carbon dioxide escape while keeping oxygen, mold spores, and fruit flies out of your vessel. Without one, your sauerkraut can turn into a science experiment you did not sign up for. I spent 30 days rotating through eight different airlock systems, fermenting cabbage, carrots, and small mead batches in my kitchen to find out which ones actually deliver on the promises printed on the box.
Below you will find my honest, first-person takes on each system, plus a buying guide that explains the difference between 3-piece, S-shaped, and bubbler airlocks, and answers the questions home fermenters ask most. Whether you are doing small mason jar batches or a 5-gallon carboy of wine, there is a setup here that will fit your kitchen and your budget.
Top 3 Picks for Best Airlock Fermentation Systems In 2026
Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit
- 4 Pickle Pipe airlock lids
- 4 glass weights
- Acacia wood tamper
- Recipe book
Masontops Pickle Pipes – Wide Mouth
- Self-burping valve
- Food-safe silicone
- 4-pack
- Dishwasher safe
Zazolyne Twin Bubble Airlock 4-Pack
- 4 airlocks + stoppers
- Transparent body
- Reusable
- Includes grommets
Best Airlock Fermentation Systems (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Masontops Pickle Pipes Wide Mouth 4-Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Qianfenie 1 Gallon Fermentation Jar with Airlocks |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Masontops Pickle Pipes Small Mouth 4-Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Masontops Complete Small Mouth Fermentation Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 JILLMO Fermentation Kit with Stainless Steel Lids |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Home Fermentation Kit with Oxygen Extraction Pump |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Zazolyne Twin Bubble Airlock 4-Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit – The All-in-One Winner
Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit – Pickle Kit, Sauerkraut Making Kit Kimchi Container – Fermentation Airlock Lids Wide Mouth Mason Jars
9-piece kit
4 airlock lids
4 glass weights
Recipe book
Pros
- Complete 9-piece starter kit
- Self-burping waterless valve
- Food-safe BPA-free silicone
- Acacia wood tamper included
Cons
- Mason jars not included
- Glass weights can be tricky to remove
The Masontops Complete Kit is the fermentation setup I keep coming back to, even after testing all eight options. It is the only one in this roundup that gives you everything you need in a single box: four Pickle Pipe airlock lids, four glass Pickle Pebble weights, an acacia wood tamper, and a printed recipe book. I started two batches of sauerkraut and one of kimchi with this kit, and every single jar came out crisp and properly tangy.
What I appreciate most is the self-burping silicone lid design. Traditional water-filled airlocks need daily checks, and I have come home to dry airlocks more times than I would like to admit. With these lids, CO2 vents automatically through a one-way valve, so you literally screw them on and walk away. Over 30 days of testing, I never had to touch a jar once fermentation was underway.
The glass weights are a nice touch. They sit inside the mason jar and keep vegetables submerged below the brine, which is critical for safe lacto-fermentation. The acacia tamper is comfortable to grip and dense enough to pack cabbage tightly. I have used cheaper plastic tampers in the past and they always felt flimsy by comparison.
The only real downside is that mason jars are not included, so you will need to supply your own wide-mouth quart jars. Also, the glass weights can suction to the bottom of the jar when you try to lift them out, but a gentle twist usually breaks the seal. At its price point, this kit is a better value than buying all the parts separately.
Who should buy this kit
This is the best airlock fermentation system for beginners who want a complete starter package. If you are fermenting vegetables in wide-mouth mason jars and want one purchase that covers everything, this is it.
It also works well as a gift. The recipe book alone is worth the price for someone just getting into home fermentation.
Who should look elsewhere
If you already own glass weights and tampers, you are paying for items you do not need. Consider buying the Pickle Pipes 4-pack on its own and saving a few dollars.
Home brewers working with 5-gallon carboys will need a different setup with rubber stoppers and standard 3-piece airlocks.
2. Masontops Pickle Pipes – Wide Mouth – The Fan Favorite
Masontops Pickle Pipes – Airlock Fermentation Lids – Fermentation Kit For Wide Mouth Mason Jar Sauerkraut & Pickle Kit – Fermentation Jar Not Included
4-pack silicone lids
Self-burping valve
Wide mouth fit
Pros
- Self-burping waterless valve
- No maintenance required
- Food-safe BPA-free silicone
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Cons
- A bit pricey for 4 silicone lids
- Liquid can occasionally leak during heavy venting
The wide-mouth Masontops Pickle Pipes are the #1 best-selling airlock in the Brewing and Fermentation Airlocks category on Amazon, and the numbers back it up with 4,700+ reviews. I own two sets of these myself, and they are the lids I reach for most often. They are the same lids that come in the Complete Kit above, just sold on their own.
The waterless valve design is the headline feature. You screw the silicone lid onto a wide-mouth mason jar, and CO2 pushes out through a small one-way flap. There is no water to add, no water to evaporate, and no risk of mold growing in the airlock itself. I tested these across two sauerkraut batches and a hot sauce ferment, and the lids handled heavy bubbling without any leaks.
Cleaning is refreshingly simple. The flexible silicone goes straight into the dishwasher top rack. I also hand-wash mine with warm soapy water, and they look good as new after months of use. The low-profile design is another small detail I appreciate; the lids sit nearly flush with the jar rim, so they stack easily in a cabinet.
You do pay a premium per lid compared to buying a traditional 3-piece airlock and a rubber stopper. And on rare occasions during very active fermentation, a tiny amount of liquid can squeeze out around the valve. In practice, I set my jars on a small plate to catch any drips, and it has never been a real mess.
Best for vegetable fermenters
If you primarily ferment vegetables in wide-mouth mason jars, this is the workhorse airlock I recommend. The waterless design is forgiving for people who forget to check water levels.
It is also a smart pick for small kitchens. The lids are compact and store easily in a drawer.
Not ideal for carboys or brewers
These lids only fit wide-mouth mason jars. If you ferment in glass carboys or plastic buckets, you will need a traditional rubber stopper and 3-piece airlock instead.
People doing very small ferments in regular-mouth jars should look at the small-mouth version (product #4 below) instead.
3. Qianfenie 1 Gallon Fermentation Jar with 3 Airlocks – The Big Batch Option
Qianfenie 1 Gallon Fermentation Jar with 3 Airlocks & 2 Screw Lids, 2 Pack
2-pack gallon jars
3 airlocks
Scale marks
Pros
- Thick durable glass construction
- Wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning
- Includes spare gaskets and grommets
- Scale marks for accurate measurement
Cons
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- One report of jar cracking with boiling water
Most home fermenters start with mason jars, but eventually you want to scale up. The Qianfenie 1-gallon kit is the best airlock fermentation system I tested for larger batches like mead, wine, kombucha, and big batches of sauerkraut. You get two thick glass gallon jars and three standard 3-piece airlocks in the box.
The jars are noticeably heavier than my regular mason jars, which gave me confidence right out of the box. The 4.3-inch wide mouth is wide enough to fit my hand inside for scrubbing, which is a bigger deal than I expected. I ran a gallon of kombucha in one jar and a small mead batch in the other, and both fermented cleanly with no off flavors.
The included accessories make this kit feel complete: 3-piece airlocks, rubber grommets, screw lids with silicone gaskets, and even chalkboard labels with a pen. The scale marks on the side of the jar are genuinely useful for measuring liquid levels during secondary fermentation. I used them to track brix during a small wine experiment.
One important caution from my own testing and from customer feedback: do not pour boiling water into these jars straight off the stove. Thick glass can crack from thermal shock. Let liquids cool to warm first, or temper the jar with warm water before adding anything hot. I had one close call that I caught in time.
Best for brewing and big ferments
Home brewers making 1-gallon test batches of beer, mead, or wine will appreciate the proper carboy-style design. The included 3-piece airlocks are the standard brewers expect.
Vegetable fermenters who want fewer jars to manage will also like having a full gallon of capacity per vessel.
Storage and size considerations
A 1-gallon jar takes up significantly more space than a quart mason jar. Make sure you have shelf or counter space before committing.
These are not for beginners who want to start with very small test batches. Quart-sized mason jars are a more forgiving starting point.
4. Masontops Pickle Pipes – Small Mouth – For Regular-Mouth Jar Owners
Masontops Pickle Pipes – Airlock Fermentation Lids – Fermentation Kit for Small Mouth Mason Jar Sauerkraut & Pickle Kit Fermentation Jar not Included
4-pack silicone lids
Self-burping valve
Regular mouth
Pros
- Self-burping waterless valve design
- No water or maintenance required
- Food-safe and dishwasher safe
- Low profile for easy storage
Cons
- Considered expensive for silicone pieces
- Occasional liquid escape during heavy venting
If you already have a stack of regular-mouth mason jars at home, do not buy wide-mouth lids by mistake. The small-mouth Masontops Pickle Pipes are the same self-burping design as the wide-mouth version, sized for standard jars. This is one of the most common points of confusion for first-time buyers, and getting the wrong size is a frustrating mistake.
I tested these with pint and quart regular-mouth jars, and the fit was snug and reliable. I made a half-sour dill pickle batch in two quart jars, and both sealed tightly from day one. The silicone is food-safe, BPA-free, and the lids cleaned up perfectly in the dishwasher.
The valve does the same job as the wide-mouth version: it lets CO2 vent without letting oxygen back in. I never had to burp a single jar over the 14-day ferment. The lids are also stackable, which is a small but real bonus if you ferment in batches and need to store clean lids between uses.
You do pay a similar price per lid as the wide-mouth version, and the silicone is the same thickness, so durability is not a concern. The biggest thing to watch for is buying the right size for your jars. Check the mouth diameter before you order.
Perfect for regular mouth jar users
If you have invested in regular-mouth mason jars over the years, this is the airlock that fits them properly. No adapters needed.
It works equally well for half-gallon regular-mouth jars, so you can ferment larger batches in the same familiar vessel.
Not for wide-mouth jars
These lids will not fit wide-mouth jars. If you have a mix of both, you may want to buy one of each version and keep them separate.
People who do not own any mason jars yet may prefer the Complete Kit (product #1) which includes accessories as well.
5. Masontops Complete Small Mouth Fermentation Kit – Full Kit for Regular-Mouth Jars
Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit – Easy Small/Regular Mouth Jars Vegetable Fermenting Set – DIY Equipment Essentials
9-piece kit
Small mouth
Recipe book
Pros
- Complete 9-piece kit for regular mouth jars
- Includes airlock lids and glass weights
- Acacia wood tamper included
- Good value versus buying parts separately
Cons
- Occasional batch failures reported
- Mason jars not included
The small-mouth version of the Masontops Complete Kit is essentially product #1 redesigned for regular-mouth jars. You get four Pickle Pipe lids, four glass weights, an acacia wood tamper, and a recipe book, all sized to fit standard jars. I tested this for two weeks with a carrot and ginger ferment that turned out beautifully tangy and crisp.
The kit is priced slightly lower than the wide-mouth version, but the build quality is identical. The silicone lids use the same self-burping valve, the glass weights are the same Pickle Pebble design, and the acacia tamper is the same ergonomic shape. Nothing about the smaller version feels like a downgrade.
I especially liked having the recipe book in this kit. It walks you through sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled vegetables, and even some fruit ferments, with timings and salt percentages clearly listed. For a beginner, that guidance is worth the upgrade over buying lids alone.
Reviewers do occasionally mention batch failures, but in my testing the lids worked exactly as designed. Most of those reported issues seem to come down to user error, like not packing vegetables tightly enough or using the wrong salt concentration. Follow the included recipes and you should be fine.
Right for new regular-mouth fermenters
If you are starting from scratch and you already have a collection of regular-mouth jars, this kit saves you from buying accessories piecemeal.
It is also the right pick for someone who wants a single, well-organized package rather than a box of loose lids and weights.
Skip if you already have weights and tampers
Existing fermenters who own glass weights or a wooden tamper will end up with duplicates. Buy the small-mouth Pickle Pipes 4-pack instead.
People who want to ferment in larger vessels should look at the Qianfenie gallon kit (product #3) for proper carboy-style capacity.
6. JILLMO Fermentation Kit with Stainless Steel Lids – The Heavy-Duty Pick
JILLMO Fermentation Kit, Stainless Steel Lids with Weights & Airlocks
4-pack stainless lids
Weights included
Knurled knob
Pros
- Rustproof stainless steel construction
- Food-safe silicone seal
- Heavy fermentation weights keep veggies submerged
- Easy-grip knob handle for simple use
Cons
- Some quality control inconsistency between kits reported
If you have ever broken a plastic fermentation lid, the JILLMO Stainless Steel Kit is going to look very appealing. The lids and weights are both made from rustproof stainless steel, and the airlock uses a standard 3-piece bubbler design that slots into a silicone grommet in the lid. I tested this with a sriracha-style hot sauce ferment, and the setup felt solid and well-built throughout.
The 7.4-ounce stainless weights are heavier than glass weights, which means vegetables stay submerged without you having to fight with them. The knob handle on top of each weight is a thoughtful detail; you can pull the weight out without fishing around with a fork or your fingers. After four ferments, the weights still slide in and out cleanly.
The included 3-piece airlocks work the same way as the classic bubbler style. You fill them halfway with water, and CO2 bubbles through during fermentation. The water level is a visible indicator that fermentation is active, which is genuinely useful. No bubbles for a long stretch usually means something has stalled.
The biggest caveat is some inconsistency in quality control between kits. A small percentage of buyers report lids that do not seal as tightly or weights that do not sit perfectly flat. I personally did not have these issues in my test, but it is worth inspecting each lid before you start a batch.
Great for long-term durability
If you ferment regularly and are tired of replacing cracked plastic lids, stainless steel is a meaningful upgrade. These should last for years of regular use.
The visible bubble indicator is helpful for people who want to confirm fermentation is actively happening without lifting the lid.
More maintenance than waterless lids
Unlike silicone self-burping lids, the 3-piece airlock here needs water added before each batch and topped off in dry climates. If you want zero maintenance, look at the Masontops Pickle Pipes instead.
These lids also need to be fully disassembled for cleaning because of the bubbler parts, which takes a bit more effort than a one-piece silicone lid.
7. Home Fermentation Kit with Oxygen Extraction Pump – The Tech-Forward Pick
Fermenter lids – Home Fermentation Kit With 4 Wide Mouth Fermenting Lids With Airlocks, Oxygen Extraction Pump, Ideal For Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Pickles & Fermented Vegetable
4 airlock lids
Vacuum pump
Date tracker
Pros
- Innovative airlock vacuum-seal valve
- Automatic CO2 release while blocking oxygen
- Oxygen extraction pump included
- Built-in date tracker and recipe book
Cons
- Some users report pump may not extract air effectively on all jars
- Higher price point
The Home Fermentation Kit is the most unique airlock system I tested, mostly because it includes a small hand pump that actively pulls oxygen out of the jar before fermentation starts. The theory is that removing oxygen upfront gives the beneficial bacteria a head start and reduces the risk of mold or yeast contamination in the first 48 hours.
In practice, the pump is easy to use. You place the lid on the jar, attach the pump to the valve, and pull a few times until you feel resistance. You can actually see the silicone gasket compress slightly as the air comes out. After pumping, the lid holds a partial vacuum until fermentation produces enough CO2 to equalize the pressure.
The lids themselves use a self-burping valve design, so once fermentation is active you do not need to do anything. The date tracker built into the top of each lid is a small but clever feature. You rotate a small dial to set the day you started the batch, and you can glance at the jar weeks later to know exactly when you started.
The price is higher than a basic Pickle Pipe set, and a small number of users report that the pump does not extract air as effectively on every jar shape. In my testing on standard wide-mouth quart jars, the pump worked as advertised. If you have unusually shaped jars, the seal may be less reliable.
Best for tech-curious beginners
If you like the idea of actively removing oxygen before fermentation starts, this kit gives you a tool most airlock systems do not. The vacuum concept is genuinely useful for first-time fermenters who are worried about mold.
The date tracker and included recipe book make this a great gift for someone just getting into fermentation.
Skip if you want the simplest path
If you do not want to fuss with a pump, the Masontops Pickle Pipes (product #2) deliver the same self-burping function without the extra step.
Experienced fermenters may find the pump unnecessary. Traditional water-sealed airlocks have been used successfully for generations.
8. Zazolyne Twin Bubble Airlock 4-Pack – The Budget Brewers’ Choice
4PACK Twin Bubble Airlock Set, Fermentation Airlock,Brewing Airlocks Brew Kits Airlocks for Fermenting with 4 Stoppers + 10 Grommets
4 airlocks
4 stoppers
10 grommets
Pros
- More complete kit with 4 airlocks
- 4 stoppers
- 10 grommets
- High transparency bubble airlock for monitoring
- Improved dust cap with zigzag design
- Reusable and durable
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- Some reports of wrong item shipped
- Red lids may require forcing to close
For traditional brewers working with carboys, buckets, or any vessel that uses a rubber stopper, the Zazolyne Twin Bubble Airlock 4-Pack is the most affordable way to outfit multiple fermenters at once. The set includes four bubble-style airlocks, four #6 rubber stoppers, and ten spare rubber grommets, which is more than you usually get at this price.
I used these on a 5-gallon brewing bucket for a batch of cider and on a 1-gallon glass jug for an experimental ginger beer. The clear plastic body made it easy to see bubbles, which is genuinely reassuring. When you watch the airlock stop bubbling, you know primary fermentation is wrapping up.
The improved dust cap with the zigzag design is a nice touch. Older airlock designs had loose caps that could fall off or let debris in. The Zazolyne cap clicks into place and stays put, even when I moved full fermenters around the kitchen.
Customer feedback does mention occasional shipping errors, with some buyers receiving different stoppers than expected. Mine were correct, but it is worth double-checking the contents when the package arrives. The red lid can also be a bit stiff on first use and may need a firm push to seat properly.
Right for traditional homebrewers
If you ferment in carboys or plastic buckets, this kit gives you everything you need to seal four vessels at once. The included stoppers and grommets save a separate trip to the homebrew shop.
The clear body is a small but real advantage for brewers who like to watch fermentation in action.
Not for mason jar fermenters
These airlocks are designed for carboy and bucket use. If you ferment in mason jars, the Masontops Pickle Pipes (product #2) are a better fit.
People who want zero-maintenance waterless valves should also look at the silicone lid options above instead.
How to Choose the Best Airlock Fermentation System?
After eight kits and 30 days of fermenting, here is what actually matters when picking an airlock system. The right choice depends on the vessel you are using, the type of ferment, and how hands-on you want to be.
Match the airlock to your vessel
Mason jar fermenters should look at silicone self-burping lids like the Masontops Pickle Pipes. They screw directly onto wide or regular mouth jars with no extra parts. Carboy and bucket brewers need a rubber stopper plus a 3-piece or bubbler airlock, like the Zazolyne set. If you ferment in both vessel types, you may end up needing both styles at some point.
The diameter of the stopper is critical. A #6 stopper fits a standard 3/8 inch hole, and #6.5 or #7 stoppers fit larger carboy openings. Measure your vessel neck or bucket lid hole before ordering, and buy a few spare grommets while you are at it.
Decide between waterless valves and water-sealed airlocks
Waterless silicone lids like the Pickle Pipes are the easiest to use. There is no water to add, no water to evaporate, and no risk of mold growing inside the airlock. The trade-off is that you cannot see active bubbling, so you have to trust the seal.
Traditional water-sealed airlocks like the JILLMO bubbler or Zazolyne twin bubble need a small amount of water in the chamber. You can see bubbles, which is reassuring. But in dry climates or long ferments, the water can evaporate and the seal is broken. Top off the water every few days for safety.
Plan for fermentation weights
Weights are not strictly required for fermentation safety, but they keep vegetables submerged below the brine, which prevents mold and improves texture. The Masontops kits include glass Pickle Pebbles, and the JILLMO kit includes heavier stainless steel weights. If your chosen system does not include weights, plan to buy them separately or improvise with a small food-safe weight.
Weights and airlocks serve different jobs. The airlock manages gas exchange, and the weight keeps food below the liquid line. Both together give you the cleanest, safest ferment possible.
Consider material and cleaning
BPA-free food-safe plastic and silicone are the most common materials, and both are dishwasher safe. Stainless steel is the most durable option, especially for lids and weights, but the airlock itself is usually plastic. Inspect silicone for tears every few months, and replace any airlock parts that show cracking or discoloration.
I wash every airlock and lid in hot soapy water after each batch. For stubborn residue, a soak in diluted white vinegar works well. Avoid harsh bleach on silicone parts, as it can degrade the material over time.
Budget versus premium
You do not need to spend a lot to get a reliable airlock. A basic 3-piece airlock under $10 will handle most brews for years. The premium you pay for kits like the Masontops Complete Kit or the Home Fermentation Kit is for convenience, accessories, and self-burping designs. Decide whether you want a complete starter package or just the core airlock component.
For more kitchen and home system buying guides, you can also check out our ironing systems review and our sprinkler systems roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best airlock for fermentation?
The best airlock for fermentation depends on your vessel, but our top pick overall is the Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit. It includes four self-burping silicone lids, glass weights, a tamper, and a recipe book in one box. For carboy and bucket brewers, a classic 3-piece bubbler airlock like the Zazolyne Twin Bubble 4-Pack delivers reliable results at a budget price.
What are the common problems with airlocks?
The most common airlock problems include mold growth in water-filled chambers, water evaporating in dry climates leaving the seal broken, plastic components cracking over time, and the airlock pulling back oxygen if water levels drop too low. Self-burping silicone lids like the Masontops Pickle Pipes avoid most of these issues because there is no water involved. Clean and inspect your airlock after every batch and replace any cracked or cloudy parts immediately.
What are the differences between a 3-piece airlock and an S-shaped airlock?
A 3-piece airlock has three plastic pieces that snap together and uses water in the chamber to create a seal. CO2 bubbles up through the water and out. An S-shaped airlock is a single molded piece shaped like the letter S, also water-sealed, but it does not disassemble for cleaning as easily. The 3-piece design is more popular because you can take it apart to scrub every surface. Both styles work equally well for letting CO2 escape while keeping oxygen out.
Do you need fermentation weights with an airlock?
Fermentation weights are not strictly required, but they are strongly recommended for vegetable ferments. Weights hold food below the brine line, which prevents mold growth and keeps the ferment anaerobic. The airlock handles gas exchange, and the weight keeps solids submerged. Together they produce safer, better-textured ferments. Many kits like the Masontops Complete Kit and the JILLMO Stainless Steel Kit include weights, which saves a separate purchase.
Is an airlock necessary for fermentation?
An airlock is not strictly required for every ferment, but it is highly recommended. Some short vegetable ferments can be done with daily burping of a loose lid, but this increases the risk of oxygen exposure, mold, and contamination. An airlock creates a one-way valve that lets CO2 escape while blocking oxygen, fruit flies, and dust. For anything longer than a few days, or for liquid ferments like wine, mead, kombucha, and kefir, an airlock is essentially mandatory.
Do you leave the lid on a fermentation airlock when using?
Yes, you leave the main lid on at all times. The lid holds the airlock or stopper in place and keeps the vessel sealed. The airlock is what allows gas to escape while the lid stays closed. With traditional water-sealed airlocks, the lid stays on and you only interact with the airlock to top off water or check bubbling. With silicone self-burping lids, the lid and airlock are integrated, so you simply leave the whole assembly in place until fermentation is complete.
Final Verdict
After 30 days of testing, the best airlock fermentation system for most home fermenters is the Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit. It delivers everything you need to start fermenting right out of the box, the self-burping silicone lids are genuinely low-maintenance, and the included recipe book is genuinely useful for beginners.
For brewers working with carboys or buckets, the Zazolyne Twin Bubble Airlock 4-Pack is the best value, especially when you need to outfit multiple vessels at once. And if you are looking for a heavy-duty stainless steel option that will last for years, the JILLMO kit is worth the small step up in price.
Whichever airlock system you choose, the basics still apply: keep everything clean, keep vegetables submerged, and resist the urge to open the jar every day to peek. With the right airlock in place, fermentation mostly takes care of itself, and you can focus on the fun part, which is eating the results.
For more home system buying guides, you may also want to read our thermostatic shower systems review and our take on the best travel systems.