Won't the stainless steel react with the fermenting pickles? I thought you should only use non-reactive crockery or glass when fermenting
1481126
I believe it is a galvanized stainless steel. I have been using mine for a few months, and they are in perfect condition. Also, the food does not touch the lid anyway because you have to leave about an inch or two at the top for the bubbles and air.
1788504
I am thinking of getting one too - I am just reading ingesting small amounts of rust isn't harmful, and various cleaning techniques can help (baking soda, bottle brushes). I think I will take the risk and just make an extra effort to make sure it's dry when it's not in use. I can't imagine that it's made of any but food-grade stainless steel...
655946
I would not recommended freezing things in stainless steel bottles. there are great bpa free plastic bottles you can use instead.
677914
Sorry. I have not done that, but I do not think it would not react, since I have made lemon tea, in my stainless steel pans and they have no reaction it's kind of the same, right?
1392022
Citric acid is a good organic stainless steel cleaner, so I don't think it will hurt it. But I'm not a metallurgist, so take this advice with a grain of salt!
938171
Thank you everyone for your replies. I 'was' concerned about over tightening, as they do appear rather thin; but it's good to know they have been re-used repeatedly. If my first choice for sealing my fermented veggies fails, this will be my second choice. Thanks again for all the help and personal advice! : )
1937150
hi-- regular salt has an additive for better flow. also,usually has iodine, both of which will cloud the liquid. iodine is also not good for fermenting pickles, as it is an anti-microbal (you want the good probiotics to thrive). you don't have to use "pickling salt" per se: kosher, pure salt and sea salt with no additives are fine. an excellent book is "the joy of pickling" by linda ziedrich.
1766054
Definitely not. The stainless steel is not very heavy. Great for vegetables, though.
758079
I dont know! are u using a nonreactive container like plastic, glass, ceramic or stainless? try using bottled water?
2227508
Depends on what you use the crock for. If you are making Kraut....no lid, weights and a cloth cover so that oxygen can get to the brine. If storing food that needs a cover then yes.
288802
Yes. In the picture, to the left of the stainless steel lids, is a stack of clear glass disks with frosted edges, that fit in a wide-mouth jar opening and will hold the fermenting material below the surface of the liquid. The kit is well made and just as advertised. A good investment if you want to do small batches of fermented foods. I have several going at the same time.
170731
No it won't break, but I would try to cool down your wort as quickly as possible before transferring to the fermenter. BullDog Brewhouse.
92863
I've never noticed any of that but I would say use Bar Keepers Friend. It good for stainless steel.
120350
I put a white plastic lid on my jars of fermented food in put them in my fridge in the garage because I don't have a root cellar. The cooler temperatures in the fridge or a root cellar if you have one will dramatically slow the fermentation process which prevents pressure build up in sealed jars. I have never used the metal lids on jars of fermented foods. I have read that over time the salt brine causes them to rust. A rusted lid creates places where unwanted bacteria can hide, thrive, & potentially contaminate your food. I hope this info helps.
2122126
Don't do it. It's expensive and you're much better off using freshly cut cabbage that you did yourself. If you're going to get into fermentation, the act of simply doing it is not whats important. What's important is that it's the best and you made it. You want kraut heads to drop their jaws and you want you and your family to over it because it's the best you've ever had.
1905894
Also if you are worried about sediment...you can always re-rack your brew 2-3 times prior botteling...the sediment falls to the bottom of the carboy...just be careful to not let your siphon tip reach the sediment layer!!
2262474
I was worried about this, too. All the research I did calmed me down a lot. Even if there are trace amounts of lead in the earthenware crock itself, the glazing, if it's not pitted anywhere, should protect the food and anyone who eats it. I feel safer using my crock pot than I do using those old aluminum pots and pans I got ages ago, and used a lot, and which I have gratefully retired....