Glass Weights That Keep Vegetables Under Brine
Masontops’ Pickle Pebbles lead this list for a one-handed fit into a wide mouth jar and enough mass to hold down shredded cabbage. Easy Fermenter’s glass weights follow for a thicker, heavier build, and Mortier Pilon’s set suits buyers who want a handle-style grip.
Masontops’ Pickle Pebbles are the simplest pick here, a single curved glass disk shaped to drop into a wide mouth jar and press straight down on shredded vegetables.
We compared mass, jar fit, material, and owner reports on cracking or floating to rank these seven weights, since none publish an independent pressure rating.
How to choose
Why vegetables need a weight during fermentation Fermentation only works safely when vegetables stay fully submerged under brine, since exposed surfaces above the liquid can grow mold. A weight presses shredded cabbage, cucumbers, or peppers down below the brine line and keeps them there without constant checking.
Glass versus ceramic weights Glass weights are the most common, since they are easy to see through to check on the ferment and will not absorb odors between batches. Ceramic weights run heavier for the same size, which helps with very buoyant vegetables, but add more cost and bulk.
Matching weight mass to the vegetable Light, leafy ferments need less mass to stay submerged than dense, chunky cuts like cucumber spears or whole small peppers. Buyers fermenting a mix of both benefit from owning at least one heavier weight alongside a lighter one.
When a jar weight is not the right tool Large batches in a stoneware crock need a crock-specific weight set, not a mason jar weight, since the diameters do not match. Anyone fermenting with a cabbage-only method that relies on the vegetable’s own liquid and packing, without added brine, may not need a weight at all.
Our top picks
Masontops Pickle Pebbles Glass Fermentation Weights
These glass weights curve to match the inside wall of a wide mouth jar, so they drop in and sit flat without tilting against shredded cabbage or cut vegetables. Two ship per pack for layering in a tall jar.
Pros
- Curved shape matches the jar wall for a flat seat
- Two weights allow stacking for taller batches
- Glass will not absorb odors between uses
Cons
- Only sized for wide mouth jars, not regular mouth
- Glass can chip if dropped on a hard counter
Easy Fermenter Glass Fermentation Weights
Easy Fermenter casts these weights thicker than most, adding mass that helps hold down denser vegetables like whole cucumbers or cabbage wedges. The round shape fits both wide mouth jars directly.
Pros
- Extra mass handles denser vegetables better than lighter weights
- Four weights cover multiple jars at once
- Round shape works whether stacked or used singly
Cons
- Thicker glass adds noticeable bulk inside the jar
- Four-pack costs more upfront than two-packs
FARMcurious Glass Fermentation Weights
FARMcurious sells these as single weights rather than multi-packs, suited to buyers running just one or two jars at a time. The smaller footprint leaves more headroom in a half-full jar.
Pros
- Smaller size suits lighter, small-batch ferments
- Lower cost per order for occasional fermenters
- Leaves more room above the weight in a partly filled jar
Cons
- Lighter mass may not hold down very dense vegetables
- Buying multiples for several jars adds up in cost
Fermentools Glass Weights
These weights are sized to match Fermentools’ own lid and airlock kits, useful for buyers restocking a weight that cracked without replacing the whole setup. They fit standard wide mouth jars on their own as well.
Pros
- Sized to match the brand’s existing lid kits
- Works as a standalone weight in any wide mouth jar
- Mid-range mass suits most vegetable ferments
Cons
- No particular advantage over competitors if bought alone
- Two-pack limits batches to two jars without reordering
Mortier Pilon Glass Fermentation Weights
Mortier Pilon adds a small notch to its weights, giving fingers something to grip when lifting them out of a jar full of brine. The brand is known mainly for fermentation crocks, so these weights also work in wider vessels.
Pros
- Notch makes lifting the weight out of brine easier
- Versatile enough for both jars and small crocks
- Mid-weight mass balances mobility and holding power
Cons
- Notch adds a small ledge where brine residue can collect
- Costs more than basic no-grip weights
Craft City Fermentation Weights
Craft City keeps the design simple, a flat glass disk without curves or notches, priced below most of the curved alternatives on this list. It still fits standard wide mouth jars.
Pros
- Lower price than curved or notched competitors
- Flat shape is easy to clean after use
- Fits standard wide mouth jars without issue
Cons
- Flat shape can tilt against uneven vegetable cuts
- Lighter mass struggles with very dense ferments
Cultures for Health Glass Fermentation Weights
Cultures for Health often bundles these weights with printed fermentation tips, aimed at buyers who are new to the process. The weights themselves are a straightforward curved glass design.
Pros
- Printed guidance helps first-time fermenters troubleshoot
- Curved shape seats well against jar walls
- Brand already trusted for starter cultures
Cons
- No major design advantage over cheaper curved weights
- Two-pack means reordering for larger batches
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Jar Fit | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Masontops Pickle Pebbles Glass Fermentation Weights | Wide mouth mason jar | Best overall | 9.2 | Check price |
| 2 | Easy Fermenter Glass Fermentation Weights | Wide mouth mason jar | Best heavier-mass option | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | FARMcurious Glass Fermentation Weights | Wide mouth mason jar | Best for small-batch jars | 8.7 | Check price |
| 4 | Fermentools Glass Weights | Wide mouth mason jar | Best paired with a full kit | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | Mortier Pilon Glass Fermentation Weights | Wide mouth mason jar and crocks | Best grip-style handle | 8.8 | Check price |
| 6 | Craft City Fermentation Weights | Wide mouth mason jar | Best budget pick | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Cultures for Health Glass Fermentation Weights | Wide mouth mason jar | Best for first-time buyers | 8.5 | Check price |
Good to know
What does a fermentation weight do?
It presses vegetables down below the brine line so no part of the ferment is exposed to air, which helps prevent mold.
Do you need a weight for every type of ferment?
Most vegetable ferments benefit from one, though some packed cabbage methods rely on the vegetable’s own weight instead.
Is glass or ceramic better for a fermentation weight?
Glass is easier to see through and will not absorb odors; ceramic is heavier for its size but costs more.
Will a fermentation weight fit a regular mouth jar?
Most are sized for wide mouth jars; a regular mouth jar usually needs a smaller or differently shaped weight.
Can a fermentation weight crack or chip?
Yes, glass weights can chip if dropped on a hard counter, so handling them over a sink or towel helps.
How many weights do I need per jar?
One is usually enough for a quart jar; taller or wider jars sometimes need two stacked weights.
Can I use a clean rock instead of a proper fermentation weight?
You can, but a boiled rock is harder to keep food-safe and clean than a purpose-made glass or ceramic weight.
Do fermentation weights need to be sanitized between batches?
Yes, washing them in hot soapy water or running them through a dishwasher between batches is recommended.
Our take
Masontops’ Pickle Pebbles are the pick for most wide mouth jar fermenters, since the curved shape seats flat without tilting and two weights stack for taller batches. Anyone fermenting denser vegetables like whole cucumbers should choose Easy Fermenter’s heavier glass weights instead, and occasional small-batch fermenters can save money with FARMcurious’s single-weight listing.
Dana Whitfield
Dana spent eight years buying and merchandising for a regional kitchenware retailer before moving into editorial work. She has handled thousands of SKUs across cookware, small appliances and kitchen organization, and focuses on the practical differences that matter once a product is actually in daily use.
