Ball 32oz Wide Mouth Fermentation Kit vs TSM Products Round Polish Fermenting Crock with Stone Weights 5L — Burnt Sienna
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right crock for your needs.
Ball
$22
TSM Products
$70
Verdict
It's a Tie
The Ball 32oz Wide Mouth Fermentation Kit and TSM Products Round Polish Fermenting Crock with Stone Weights 5L — Burnt Sienna are evenly matched — your choice depends on which features matter most to you.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Ball 32oz Wide Mouth Fermentation Kit | TSM Products Round Polish Fermenting Crock with Stone Weights 5L — Burnt Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Mason Jar Kit | Open-Top Crock |
| Capacity | 0.95 L | 5 L |
| Material | Glass | Stoneware |
| Water-Seal Lid | No | No |
| Weights Included | Yes | Yes |
| Stamper Included | No | No |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | No |
| Lead-Free Glaze | Yes | Yes |
| Made In | USA | Poland |
| Price | $22 | $70 |
| Rating | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Ball 32oz Wide Mouth Fermentation Kit
Pros
- Everything in one box: wide mouth quart jar, fermentation lid, stainless steel spring weight, and recipe booklet
- Ball brand reliability — the jar and lid use the same proven seal quality as Ball canning jars
- Spring weight holds vegetables below brine without fussing with heavy stones
- Compact quart size fits easily in a cabinet or fridge during cold ferment
- Under $25 — lowest cost of entry for any verified fermentation system
Cons
- Single-jar kit — serious batches require buying multiple units
- 32oz (1 quart) is small; a single cabbage produces more than this
- Spring weight is stainless steel, not glass — some fermenters prefer glass-only contact
TSM Products Round Polish Fermenting Crock with Stone Weights 5L — Burnt Sienna
Pros
- Hand-crafted in Poland by artisan potters — provenance is real, not marketing
- Burnt Sienna glaze is genuinely attractive — the best-looking crock at this price
- Wide cylindrical shape makes it easy to reach in and pack vegetables tightly
- Stone weights fit the curved bottom snugly, staying in place under brine
- Thick walls provide good thermal mass for stable fermentation temperatures
Cons
- Open-top design requires more attention than water-seal alternatives
- No lid included — you need to source a wooden board or plate that fits
- Heavier than it looks; 5L filled is around 14–15 lbs total
Our Verdicts
Ball 32oz Wide Mouth Fermentation Kit
The easiest on-ramp for a first ferment. The Ball name means quality, the included spring weight actually works, and the price removes all excuses. Not for large batches.
TSM Products Round Polish Fermenting Crock with Stone Weights 5L — Burnt Sienna
The most handsome open-top crock we tested. The Polish craftsmanship is visible in the clay and glaze quality. Worth the upgrade over Ohio Stoneware if aesthetics matter.