Can you really call it a Korean meal without a side of Kimchi? Kimchi is sort of a polarizing food: you either love it or hate it. At least that’s the way it seems. But if you love it, then you really can’t eat Korean food without it.
And making your own kimchi is actually pretty easy. You would be amazed at how many home fermenting kits there are. But choosing a quality product takes a discerning eye. So take a look at our list of the best containers for kimchi.
Easy Fermenter Wide Mouth Lid Kit
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
These kimchi containers were made for advanced fermenting. The lids are where the proprietary technology is housed. Each lid contains a gasket that keeps mold out of your cabbage while letting gases out.
In the set, you get three heavy plastic jars and three fermenting lids. There is also an included oxygen extractor so you can let out excess air without taking the lids off. The lids even have date markers so you’ll never forget when you started fermenting a batch.
E-Jen Premium Kimchi Container
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
This kimchi container comes in a very wide array of sizes. From less than a gallon to over 4 gallons, you can choose the size you want depending on how much you love kimchi. These polyprolene plastic containers all have vacuum lids for an airtight seal.
So they can be used for fermenting but they are also convenient if you simply need a solid kimchi storage container. The lids lock onto the jars via locking arms located on all sides 4 sides.
AMZUShome Fermenting Lids
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
This set is actually just 4 lids that you can place onto mason jars of various sizes for fermentation. The lids have airtight valves that allow carbon dioxide to escape while keeping mold out. This set also comes with an air pump to suck out all excess oxygen from the jar.
The lids are designed to fit over any “wide mouth” sized mason jar. You get 4 plastic lids in the set. And each lid comes with a date marker so you can keep track of fermentation time easily.
Fermentation Crock Jar 2 Liter
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
For a kimchi fermentation container that is closer to the authentic method of fermentation, you would do well with this earthen jar. The jar can hold up to 2 pounds of cabbage or other vegetables. The set also comes with 2 weighting stones so you can ferment the authentic way.
The jar and the heavy lid are made of ceramic and finished with black paint. The stone helps keep your vegetables under the brine while the lid allows gases to escape but keeps air out.
1 Gallon Glass Jar w/Plastic Airtight Lid
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
This is a simple fermentation set but it is also very versatile. The set comes with 2 glass jars that are each 10 inches tall and 6 inches wide. It comes with matching plastic lids and a muslin cloth for making kombucha and other drinks/foods.
You can even use this set for making sourdough starter. And of course, it’s a useful kimchi fermentation container.
Kenley Fermentation Crock 5 Liter
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
This is essentially the same product as the other Kenley crock fermenter on our list but this one can handle a whole lot more cabbage. This crock jar can hold up to 8 pounds of vegetables! It also comes with a wooden pounder so you can pat down all your ingredients nice and tight.
The lid also incorporates a deep water groove so water can be added to dilute the brine over time. And like the last Kenley kimchi fermentation jar on our list, you get a pair of weighting stones to help keep your vegetables under the brine.
Authentic Crazy Korean Cooking Kimchi Container
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
This is a great container for making all kinds of Korean goodies. If you want to try your hand at making homemade SaamJang (hot pepper paste) this is the container set for you. The set include 2 plastic jars with self-locking lids.
The jars are 0.9 gallons each and the lids have a double insulator. This double insulation makes them great for storing kimchi too because it doesn’t let any of the smell out into your refrigerator or your kitchen.
Container for Kimchi Buying Guide
There is a lot that goes into the fermentation process. So in order to get the best container for kimchi, look out for these features:
Heat Resistant
This applies more to kombucha and other fermentation processes, but you should try to get a container that can withstand up to 350 degree hot water.
Natural Liner
If you don’t want a natural liner like ceramic, opt for a sterile one like plastic. This will ensure that no taste or toxins get infused with your kimchi.
Tight Lid
Of course, you are going to want the tightest seal possible so make sure the lids fit the jars snugly or are self-locking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can kimchi be stored in a plastic container?
A: Yes, many people use either stainless steel or plastic containers to store kimchi these days. These materials are optimal because they are non-porous. They don’t allow any smell to escape form within the jar.
Q: Can you make kimchi in Tupperware?
A: Some people do use Tupperware. While it is not ideal since the seal is always airtight, it is a viable option. However, the most important thing is that you use a container that is BPA free.
Q: Does kimchi need to be covered in liquid?
A: This is a matter of debate. But most people have no problem successfully fermenting kimchi without completely submerging the cabbage in liquid.
Some Final Advice
If you plan to ferment for more than a week and the jar you are using does not have a gasket to allow carbon dioxide out, it is a good idea to burp your jar every once in a while. There are lots of fermentation methods so simple trial and error will help you figure which is right for you.
Of course, it always helps to have the right equipment on hand and our list of the best containers for kimchi would be a great place to start your shopping so get started fermenting and enjoying fresh kimchi today!