Masontops Complete Fermentation Kit Review — Is It Worth It for Beginners?
If you’ve been thinking about starting fermentation at home, a starter kit can make the difference between success and a moldy mess. The Masontops Complete Fermentation Kit (9-Piece) is one of the most talked-about beginner setups for mason jar fermentation, promising an easy, foolproof way to make sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, and more.
But does it actually work — or is it just another gadget bundle?
Here’s a full hands-on style breakdown so you can decide if it’s worth it.
Quick Verdict
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Beginner Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Bottom line: One of the easiest fermentation starter kits for beginners, especially if you already own mason jars.
What Comes in the Kit
The Masontops complete set typically includes:
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fermentation lids with airlock system
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glass or ceramic weights
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silicone valves
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storage caps
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accessories for removing fermented foods
Each piece is designed to solve one of the main problems beginners run into: keeping oxygen out while letting gases escape.
That’s critical because fermentation needs an anaerobic environment to work properly.
Who This Kit Is Best For
This kit works especially well for:
✔ first-time fermenters
✔ people using mason jars
✔ vegetable fermenters (pickles, cabbage, carrots)
✔ anyone wanting a low-maintenance setup
It’s less ideal for advanced fermenters who already own separate specialized tools.
Real-World Performance
Here’s how it performs in real use scenarios:
Setup:
Extremely simple. Add vegetables + brine → weight → lid → done.
Seal quality:
The airlock lids allow gas to escape without letting air in, reducing mold risk.
Smell control:
Better than open-jar methods because gases vent gradually.
Monitoring:
Minimal. You don’t need to burp jars daily like with manual lids.
For beginners, that last point alone is a huge advantage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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beginner-friendly system
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reusable components
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reduces fermentation mistakes
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compatible with standard mason jars
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cleaner process than DIY methods
Cons
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requires jars (not included)
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slightly pricier than generic kits
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weights can feel small for large batches
Masontops vs Generic Fermentation Kits
| Feature | Masontops Kit | Generic Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of setup | Easy | Moderate |
| Durability | High | Varies |
| Consistency | Reliable | Inconsistent |
| Instructions | Clear | Often minimal |
Generic kits can work, but consistency and durability tend to vary widely.
Common Beginner Mistakes This Kit Helps Prevent
Most failed fermentation attempts happen because of:
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oxygen exposure
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floating vegetables
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inconsistent sealing
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contamination
This kit directly addresses those issues with:
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weighted submersion
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airlock venting
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sealed environment
That’s why many beginners find kits easier than DIY methods.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re new to fermentation and want the highest chance of success with the least effort, this kit is absolutely worth considering.
It removes most of the technical guesswork and gives you a controlled setup from the start — which is exactly what beginners need.
Final Verdict
The Masontops Complete Fermentation Kit is one of the safest entry points into home fermentation.
It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s one of the most beginner-friendly and reliable starter kits available. If your goal is to start fermenting successfully without trial-and-error frustration, this kit delivers.