Victoria Cast Iron 8-Inch Tortilla Press
Made by a three-generation family metalworking business, this cast iron tortilla press is made with care and craftsmanship in mind. Aluminum tortilla presses are common, but sturdy cast iron yields more even pressure and extra weight. Its plates are made through a precise sand-casting and molding technique to ensure they (and your tortillas) are perfectly flat. A lever helps you evenly press the plates together, while the base and handle are reinforced so it will last for generations. Plus, it’s pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil, which is generally regarded as the most durable oil for seasoning cast iron because, when it polymerizes at high temperatures, it forms a structure that’s more durable than other common oils.
Crazy Korean Cooking E-jen Fermentation & Storage Container
This durably built 0.9-gallon Korean container is designed for fermenting kimchi, sauerkraut or pickles and is a breeze to use. The double lid locks tightly and is effective for containing odors, while the sturdy polypropylene construction scrubs up beautifully. The inner vacuum lid sits snugly on top of the fermenting products, preventing oxygen contact, which can lead to mold growth and spoilage; it also has a small covered valve that you can unseal to vent carbon dioxide buildup during fermentation.
Brod & Taylor Folding Bread Proofer
This nifty box creates a perfect proofing environment every time—and we all know consistency is key when it comes to getting a good rise on your loaf. It keeps an optimal 60-80% humidity level thanks to the included water plate and allows you to set a perfect proofing temperature (we recommend 85 degrees Fahrenheit) through the heated base plate—plus the structure keeps out any drafts or other environmental factors that would cause change. The proofer is large enough to accommodate several hand-shaped loaves, though when you’re finished using it, it folds completely flat for stress-free storage. And the additional accessory shelf creates even more room inside if you need it. We found that wheat loaves (which can be fickle) rose quicker and more consistently in the proofer, and it also worked wonders to revive a dormant sourdough starter.
Sarah Kersten Studio 2-Quart Vegetable Fermentation Jar
Handmade in a small Oakland, California studio, this fermentation jug is elegant, functional and compact enough for apartment kitchens. It’s rustic, minimalist aesthetic will be at home on any countertop—made from high-fired stoneware and finished with a hand-made glaze in a glossy, speckled white or silvery, matte black. We also love how the crock uses a traditional water-lock style seal, an ancient fermentation style which does wonders to keep out oxygen. After a water-sealed crock is packed, two half-circle weights (which are included) are placed into the crock to keep your veggies submerged. Then, the lid is placed into an open moat which is then filled with water. Now, outside air is prevented from entering the crock and carbon dioxide gases created during fermentation easily bubble out.