Can we talk about switching from airlocks to silicone lids for ferments?

For years I used the standard airlock setup on my half gallon jars, but after a batch of kimchi overflowed last month, I switched to those silicone lids that let gas out but keep air out. It's been way cleaner and I haven't had any mold. Has anyone else made this change and found a specific brand that holds up?

3 comments

3 Comments

burns.jenny5d ago

Honestly I'm sticking with airlocks. Those silicone lids can let in tiny amounts of oxygen over time, which is a problem for longer ferments. I've had batches go bad with them that would have been fine with a proper airlock. The overflow mess is just part of the process, you gotta use a bigger jar or leave more headspace.

phoenixb344d ago

But how much oxygen are we really talking about here? Seems like @burns.jenny might be overthinking it a bit for a home setup.

jamie_carter874d ago

Actually the Fido jar system with its rubber gasket creates a true seal that blocks oxygen completely. My six-month kimchi ferment stayed perfect without any airlock at all. The key is burping it regularly during the first active week.