Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit — Wide Mouth vs Nik Schmitt Gairtopf 5-Liter German Fermenting Crock Pot
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right crock for your needs.
Masontops
$38
Nik Schmitt
$149
Verdict
It's a Tie
The Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit — Wide Mouth and Nik Schmitt Gairtopf 5-Liter German Fermenting Crock Pot are evenly matched — your choice depends on which features matter most to you.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit — Wide Mouth | Nik Schmitt Gairtopf 5-Liter German Fermenting Crock Pot |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Mason Jar Kit | Water-Seal Crock |
| Capacity | 1 L | 5 L |
| Material | Glass | Stoneware |
| Water-Seal Lid | No | Yes |
| Weights Included | Yes | Yes |
| Stamper Included | Yes | No |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | No |
| Lead-Free Glaze | Yes | Yes |
| Made In | Canada | Germany |
| Price | $38 | $149 |
| Rating | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit — Wide Mouth
Pros
- Pickle Pipe lids are one-way airlocks — CO2 escapes automatically, no burping required
- Includes 4 lids, 4 glass pebble weights, and an acacia wood tamper/stamper
- Glass weights keep contact surfaces food-safe with no metallic taste
- Works with any standard wide mouth mason jar you already own
- Tamper/stamper included makes packing cabbage and dense vegetables easy
Cons
- Jars not included — you need to supply your own wide mouth mason jars
- Pickle Pipe membrane can crack if dropped or handled roughly
- Four-set means four small batches, not one large batch
Nik Schmitt Gairtopf 5-Liter German Fermenting Crock Pot
Pros
- German-made Gairtopf design with water-seal gutter — the original format that all water-seal crocks copy
- Thick, high-fired German stoneware is demonstrably more durable than Chinese alternatives
- Water seal gutter is wider and deeper than most competitors — significantly harder to accidentally drain
- 100+ year production history means the mold quality and fit-and-finish are exceptional
- The premium buy-it-for-life crock — owners report 20+ years of reliable use
Cons
- Expensive — typically $140–$170 for the 5L model
- Heavy shipping weight adds cost and handling difficulty
- Weights sold separately for some listings — verify before ordering
Our Verdicts
Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit — Wide Mouth
The smartest upgrade for fermenters who already have mason jars. The Pickle Pipe airlock design is genuinely better than open-lid methods, and the glass weights are a quality touch.
Nik Schmitt Gairtopf 5-Liter German Fermenting Crock Pot
The best water-seal crock money can buy if you're committed to fermentation for life. The Gairtopf format is what every water-seal crock aspires to be. Justifies the price for serious fermenters.