Fermentation Crocks: Water-Seal vs Airlock, and Which to Buy

7 Best Fermentation Crocks for Sauerkraut in 2026

A dedicated fermentation crock takes the guesswork out of keeping cabbage submerged and protected from air — the two things that matter most for safe, successful sauerkraut and kimchi. Most designs use either a water-filled channel around the rim (a water-seal crock) or a modern airlock to let fermentation gases escape without letting air or … Read more

Water Bath Canner Buying Guide for First-Time Canners

7 Best Water Bath Canners for Beginners in 2026

Water bath canning is the entry point into home preserving — it’s the method used for high-acid foods like jams, pickles, and tomatoes, and doesn’t require the pressure equipment that low-acid canning does. A good beginner canner mostly comes down to having enough depth to fully submerge jars and a rack to keep them off … Read more

How to Choose a Tamale Steamer (and When a Stockpot Will Do)

7 Best Tamale Steamers in 2026

A dedicated tamale steamer (tamalera) solves one very specific problem: holding a large number of tamales upright, packed snugly, above simmering water for over an hour without them tipping over or drying out. You can improvise with a stockpot and a steamer basket, but a purpose-built option makes a big batch much less fussy. What … Read more