Two Tools That Work Together
Successful home fermentation depends on keeping ingredients submerged and packing them properly. Glass fermentation weights hold vegetables below the brine, while a fermentation packer helps you compress and prepare ingredients before fermentation begins. Together, they form the core of a reliable setup.
This guide compares the available Kilner glass weight sizes and the Fermentation Packer, so you can choose the right combination for your jars and recipes.
Fermentation Weight Sizes and Compatibility
- Fermentation Weight 79mm: The Kilner 79mm Glass Fermentation Weight is crafted from high quality glass, features a rounded knob for easy lifting, and is perfectly sized to fit the Kilner Fermentation Sets and the 1 Litre Wide Mouth Preserve Jar. If you own a 1 Litre Wide Mouth Preserve Jar or a dedicated Kilner Fermentation Set, the 79mm weight is the correct fit.
Fermentation Weight 79mm - Fermentation Weight 70mm: The Kilner 70mm Glass Fermentation Weight is also made from high quality glass with a rounded knob, and is perfectly sized to fit the Kilner Wide Mouth Preserve Jar range. The 70mm weight suits standard wide mouth preserve jars. Choosing the wrong diameter can lead to instability or floating ingredients.
Which Weight Size Should You Choose?
The main decision is jar mouth diameter. The 79mm weight fits Kilner Fermentation Sets and the 1 Litre Wide Mouth Preserve Jar. The 70mm weight fits the general Kilner Wide Mouth Preserve Jar range. If you are unsure, measure the inner diameter of your jar opening.
Both weights are dishwasher safe and made from hygienic glass. The rounded knob on each works with the Kilner Fermentation Tongs, which grip the knob securely for lifting and lowering without touching the brine.
The Fermentation Packer: Preparing Ingredients
- Fermentation Packer: The Kilner Fermentation Packer is made from FSC-certified beech wood with a textured mashing head designed to break down ingredients, eliminate air bubbles, and release flavours. It is suitable for the Kilner 3 and 5 litre Fermentation Sets and other wide mouth jars. A packer is essential for recipes like sauerkraut and kimchi where you need to crush and compress vegetables before adding the weight.
Fermentation Packer
How the Packer and Weights Work Together
The typical workflow: pack vegetables into your jar using the Fermentation Packer to remove air pockets, then place a glass weight on top to keep everything submerged. The packer's textured head helps release juices and creates a dense layer that the weight can hold down.
The Packer is designed for 3 and 5 litre Fermentation Sets but can also be used with other wide mouth jars from the collection. If you primarily make brine-based ferments (like pickles) where ingredients are already submerged, you may only need a weight. For shredded or leafy ferments, the packer is a practical addition.
What the Catalog Does Not Cover
The supplied information does not include specific care steps for the wooden packer (e.g., oiling or hand-washing recommendations) beyond its material description. Glass weights are confirmed dishwasher safe. The packer's compatibility with non-Kilner jars is not documented, so you may need to test fit with other brands.
