Ohio Stoneware Fermentation Crock

If you are over 60 yrs. of age and have no built-in kitchen "help," this crock is the size for you! Not too heavy; you can lug it around yourself. "3 Gallons" is about 12 liters, in case you are comparing the European models, in which case their "10 liter" is a little smallish. The mnfr. fixed the problem they had in the top drainage, so now this is the vessel to get. If you are serious about all the health benefits of fermented veggies, plan on buying two or three of these, so you can have a sauerkraut/kimchi-dedicated one for long- term, and another for carrots, beets, cukes, etc. short-term. (They line up nicely in your coolest alcove, and look clean and neat in their light colors, as opp. to the "old country" browns. But have to warn: putting them smack dab in your kitchen makes every visitor ask: "Hey what's in there?"--and then you have to share your treasure.... Your sauerkraut won't stretch as far as you think! Boot up early while the cabbage is cheap, in Autumn!!!!

I received my fermentation crock today, and have mixed feelings about it.
First, it arrived very quickly and was well packaged, and was not damaged. The crock itself is sturdy and looks nice enough to sit out on the floor or on the counter. I'm not impressed with the "handles" on the sides. They are not much more than bumps, so I wouldn't trust them to hook my fingers under them to lift or carry the crock, especially when full! I plan on putting my hands around the crock body, and use the handles to keep it from slipping through.
My real concern is how thin the lid is... as thick as the crock is, I was surprised how fragile the lid feels. I suppose that's so the gasses can lift it and escape. I have to do more research (starting with reading the directions).
I havent used the crock yet, but am looking forward to making my first batch of sauerkraut !!! So far, I would definatly order from Red Hill again, and will probably like the crock, I'll just have to handle the lid very carefully.