Mortier Pilon 5L Fermentation Crock vs Roots and Harvest 10L Traditional Water-Seal Fermentation Crock with Lid and Weights
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right crock for your needs.
Mortier Pilon
$89
Roots & Harvest
$130
Spec Winner
Roots and Harvest 10L Traditional Water-Seal Fermentation Crock with Lid and Weights
Wins on 2 of 3 spec categories
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Mortier Pilon 5L Fermentation Crock | Roots and Harvest 10L Traditional Water-Seal Fermentation Crock with Lid and Weights |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Water-Seal Crock | Water-Seal Crock |
| Capacity | 5 L | 10 L |
| Material | Stoneware | Stoneware |
| Water-Seal Lid | Yes | Yes |
| Weights Included | Yes | Yes |
| Stamper Included | No | No |
| Dishwasher Safe | No | No |
| Lead-Free Glaze | Yes | Yes |
| Made In | China | China |
| Price | $89 | $130 |
| Rating | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Mortier Pilon 5L Fermentation Crock
Pros
- 5-liter capacity handles large batches — ideal for kimchi or sharing with multiple households
- Attractive modern design looks good on a kitchen counter or as a gift
- Water-seal moat built into the lid design prevents oxygen ingress
- Comes with two half-moon ceramic weights sized for the 5L interior
- Lead-free, BPA-free, food-safe stoneware throughout
Cons
- Heavier than comparable crocks when filled — not easy to move to the fridge
- Lid seal moat requires topping up with water during long ferments
- No recipe guide or beginner instructions included
Roots and Harvest 10L Traditional Water-Seal Fermentation Crock with Lid and Weights
Pros
- 10-liter capacity handles a full 5-head-of-cabbage sauerkraut batch in one vessel
- Traditional water-seal moat design passively vents CO2 while excluding oxygen and pests
- Fully vitrified stoneware — denser and more durable than lower-fired alternatives
- Built-in side handles make the crock manageable even when full
- Lead-free, food-safe glaze verified by Roots & Harvest with certification documentation
Cons
- Expensive at $130+ — a serious commitment for a first purchase
- 10L is a lot of vegetable; smaller households may not fill it efficiently
- Heavy when full — approaching 25–30 lbs fully loaded, not easy to relocate
Our Verdicts
Mortier Pilon 5L Fermentation Crock
The best mid-size water-seal crock for kimchi and larger sauerkraut batches. The modern aesthetic and generous 5L capacity make it an excellent gift pick.
Roots and Harvest 10L Traditional Water-Seal Fermentation Crock with Lid and Weights
The right crock for fermenters who've outgrown the 2L–5L range and want to produce in bulk. The water-seal design, vitrified stoneware, and 10L capacity justify the premium price.
Roots and Harvest 10L Traditional Water-Seal Fermentation Crock with Lid and Weights
$130