What’s the most important part of the equipment, when it comes to kefir making?
The right container.
After all, we use a container to brew the beverage. Then we can use another container if you want to do the secondary ferment. And, ultimately, we need a vessel of some sort to store the kefir and to serve it.
Of course, you have to choose the containers carefully. There are certain materials that cannot be used for brewing.
Yes, choosing the right vessel is real science.
Let’s find out what are the best kefir containers to buy for every occasion. We are also going to mention the kind of vessels that you would have to avoid if you want your kefir to turn out beautifully.
However, if you are simply looking for the best kefir containers out there, here is our carefully compiled list.
1. Bormioli Rocco Hermetic Seal Glass Pitcher with Lid and Spout
2. Bormioli Rocco Clear Fido Glass Storage Jar
3. Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Glass 0.5 Gallon Storage Jar
5. Bayou Classic 1024 Stainless Steel Stockpot
Table of Contents
Review: 5 Best Kefir Containers to Buy
1. Bormioli Rocco Hermetic Seal Glass Pitcher with Lid and Spout
![Bormioli Rocco Hermetic Seal Pitcher With Lid and Spout [68 Ounce] for Homemade Juice & Iced Tea or for Glass Milk Bottles, Clear](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eJB6bUA5L.jpg)
- WARNING NOT TO BE USED WITH HOT WATER!
- Constructed of thick glass, the absence of lead guarantees 100-percent recyclable products. Resistant to abuse and dishwasher safe, it is guaranteed to be a long lasting product. Textured glass allows for an immediate view of the beverage contained. Made in Italy.
- An integrated strong handle, wide mouth, and built-in pouring spout make it very simple to fill with ice or your favorite cut fruits. Easy to hold, dispense, and hand wash them, yet a small enough pitcher to fit perfectly in refrigerator door.
- Perfectly houses your favorite beverage. The glass bottle holds 68 ounce or 2 liter. Great glass jar with lid to store milk or store-bought beverages, homemade lemonade, or juices in durable, safe glass storage container with lid for easy, feel-good enjoyment.
- Modern square Bormioli frigoverre glass jug with hermetic lid is the perfect glass pitcher for serving water for any occasion and enhances every table. BPA free, leak proof lid keeps beverages cold fresh and tasty for much longer.
The glass pitcher is made in Italy. The glass is thick and doesn’t have any lead in it. Moreover, the container is resistant to use and can be easily washed in the dishwasher. The glass is completely transparent. That is great as you will be able to see the grains and control the fermenting process.
However, this container can be used not only for fermenting but also for storage (in case your fridge is big enough). The handle is strong, so you don’t have to worry about it whenever you’re handling the big container. Even though once you fill the vessel with kefir it’s going to be heavy, the actual pitcher is lightweight.
The lid can easily be removed if you wish. However, it stays secure on the pitcher once you need it. Bear in mind that this container is not designed to handle hot content.
2. Bormioli Rocco Clear Fido Glass Storage Jar
- KEEP IT FRESH: This airtight storage jar is absolutely essential for every kitchen! The glass container has a hinged lid for airtight sealing so you can perfectly preserve any dry or liquid ingredient and keep it fresh for longer. The canning jar also has a leakproof rubber gasket on its wide mouth opening for maximum security so that no mess will be made!
- FOR EVERY USE: You can use this convenient glass jar to store and preserve any kind of ingredient or supplies. Perfect for canning up to 67.75 ounce capacity. Use the clear container to store spices, sugar, flour, rice and herbs in the kitchen, or even to organize beads, arts and crafts supplies, cosmetics and anything around the house!
- UNIQUE STYLE: The clear jar has a stylish design that is essential for every home and business. Use the classic container to create unique art, place fairy lights in it and turn it into a light fixture, or store and showcase any ingredient for a unique decoration.
- HASSLE-FREE WASHING: This clear container is dishwasher safe without the metal clamp so you can just place it in the dishwasher and keep it clean and in perfect condition at all times with no hassle! Hand washing is recommended for gasket and metal ring.
- ITALIAN QUALITY: The Bormioli Rocco Group has a long tradition in glass, starting in Parma in 1825. Each and every one of our products is made in Italy with care and the finest quality materials. In fact, all the components are made in Italy, from the glass jar to the metal clamp and gasket. Out clear jars are BPA-free, strong and durable so you can always count on them for flawless results.
You can easily use this container for storage as the lid makes sure that no air can enter the vessel. The container is also suitable for fermenting, in case you change the lid to something breathable. The jar is strong and durable, BPA-free and made in Italy. The glass is transparent. The vessel is dishwasher safe, in case you remove the lid.
The container has a leak-proof rubber gasket that will help make sure that no mess is made once you need to pour something in or out. You can easily use the jar to store your milk or water kefir if your refrigerator has enough space. The vessel is ready to serve you for years and years. Moreover, it just looks great.
Check out the current price for Bormioli Rocco Clear Fido Glass Storage Jar on Amazon.
3. Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Glass 0.5 Gallon Storage Jar
- Glass lid helps keep contaminants out of the container
- Wide opening allows for easy access to contents
- 1/2 gallon capacity can be used for various high-volume storage needs
- Popular in cafes, delis, or catering businesses
- Ideal for storing dry goods, candy, or coffee beans
The container is made out of transparent, smooth glass. It comes with a removable, loose fitting lid. Thanks to the wide mouth design, it is incredibly easy to pour anything inside without spilling. This might become the perfect fermenting container for those who are used to smaller batches of kefir.
This vessel is high-quality and it is made in the USA. However, the thing weighs a little more than 3 pounds, so bear that in mind. Once you pour the kefir inside, it is going to weigh at least twice as much.
Check out the current price for Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Glass 0.5 Gallon Storage Jar on Amazon.
4. Stoneware Pickling Crock
- "OHIO STONEWARE" CROCK
- 1 gallon
- 7-34/" dia x 8-1/4" H
- Crocks are food safe and lead free
- 100% American made
This is a real splurge. But if you are serious about your kefir, then you might want to take this container into consideration. Bear in mind that you would have to pick the lid separately. The container is dishwasher-, oven- and microwave-safe. This stoneware crock is perfect for fermenting, as well as for storage. The thick-walled crock is made in Ohio. Each piece is fired at a high temperature to ensure that the container is durable. The crock is later on finished with a food-safe glaze that does not contain lead.
The container weighs 8.6 pounds. It can become a wonderful addition to your kitchen equipment collection.
Check out the current price for Stoneware Pickling Crock on Amazon.
5. Bayou Classic 1024 Stainless Steel Stockpot
- Multi-tasking Stainless Stockpot
- Side indentation accommodates corresponding accessory basket for steaming
- Heavy welded loop handles allow for easy transfer
- Vented Lid prevents vapor lock when boiling
- Use to boil shrimp, seafood, vegetables, tamales, and peanuts
This is a giant container made out of stainless steel. The stockpot comes with a lid made of the same material. The handles are welded for your convenience. The container can easily fit a 5-gallon fermenting batch. This is a great option for those who are extremely serious about their kefir and want to make large quantities of this beverage.
The stockpot is 14.5 inches tall and weighs 8 pounds.
Check out the current price for Bayou Classic 1024 Stainless Steel Stockpot on Amazon.
What Containers Would You Need to Make Kefir?
Here is one extremely important thing that we have to mention from the very beginning. One container is not enough for making water or milk kefir. Well, the truth is, that you will be able to somehow get along with one single vessel, but it will be so much more inconvenient and even time-consuming than if you don’t decide to invest in a few different options.
However, if you are only getting started or if you know that a little amount of kefir will do the job for you, then one container might be enough. You brew the beverage in the vessel, filter the water or milk kefir using a bowl that you already have in your kitchen, drink the beverage right away and then ferment the next batch in the same container.
You are going to need more containers, if you want to make a lot of kefir and if you want to always have a certain amount of this healthy drink waiting for you in the fridge.
Ideally, you would need around three different containers that serve their own different purpose.
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A primary ferment container
You can go all out with this one. Because a primary ferment container can be as large as you want it to be. But you can always choose to have two of these instead of one gigantic option. If you have at least a couple of primary ferment containers, then you can ferment two batches simultaneously. Or you can start brewing a new batch as soon as you are finished with the previous one.
Having at least two definitely is more convenient. But bear in mind that these vessels are usually quite pricey.
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A secondary ferment container
You would need this one only in case you intend to do the secondary ferment.
During the first fermentation, the kefir grains are added to the water or milk, and this mixture is cultured for around a day. Secondary fermentation may happen once you remove the grains. People usually do that to change the taste of the kefir and to reduce the content of lactose. Usually, the second fermentation lasts between six and twelve hours and it would be great if you could taste the thing throughout the whole process to ensure that you get the right flavor.
That’s exactly why we need a container that can be easily opened. A clamp-style vessel, for example, will do the job perfectly well. You might want to have at least two of these.
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A storage container
There are times when you simply can’t consume the whole batch at a time. Moreover, you might want to have enough kefir at least for a couple of days, so that you can enjoy the nutritious beverage whenever you want. That’s exactly why you would need a storage container. You can always use flip top bottles or a pitcher-style container, whatever works better for you. A primary ferment container, most likely, is a bit too big to be stored in the fridge. That’s why buying some additional storage vessels is a great idea.
What Kind of Containers Should You Avoid?
It is important to take into consideration the material from which every container is made as the wrong type of material can introduce various toxic substances to your precious kefir. You might end up not only killing the kefir grains, but also damaging your own health.
And we certainly don’t want that, right?
It is not recommended to use plastic containers. Even though the rest of your equipment (like spoons and bowls, for example) can be made out of this material, it is better not to keep the kefir in plastic for a prolonged period of time. Plastic can be easily scratched and the pathogenic bacteria love to live in these scratches. Moreover, kefir has an acidic pH and the substance can literally start ‘eating’ the container.
Do not use vessels that are not made out of stainless steel. Once again, the acidic kefir might react with the metal and this can lead to dangerous consequences.
We hope you will find the one (or even a few) that will fit your needs perfectly.