Yes. The new Gasket Ring enhances the pickling action. By sealing the Lid to the Jar you will notice subtle changes during fermenting. To recap the unique action of the Perfect Pickler, originator of jar-style pickling fermentors:

Sequesters air from the Jar with floating Spacer Cup
Seals out airborne bacteria, yeast, and mold
Expels gasses using a Fermentation Lock
Keeps vegetables under brine using the Lid

The mission is still accomplished without using the Gasket Ring, however you will improve on each of the benefits above.

The Spacer Cup (aka “Brine Overflow Cup)”, is designed to collect brine that wants to otherwise leak out of the Jar. Fermentation produces gas, which builds pressure in a sealed jar. The Spacer Cup does this in a unique and clever way. It seals itself firmly under the Lid due to its strong buoyancy. The air inside the Jar is now becomes sequestered from the recipe. That’s important —lactic acid pickling microbes need an airless environment. As fermenting gasses form, the Spacer Cup barely dips down to relieve the pressure. Some of the brine seeps into the cup and then instantly reseats itself. The pressure is automatically regulated. At the same time, the gasses vent out through the Spacer Cup into the Fermentation Lock.

Many picklers believe the Spacer Cup is to keep the pickles below the brine. This is not case, the Lid holds the pickles below the brine. The Spacer Cup is unique to the Perfect Pickler.

The Gasket Ring fully pressurizes the Jar and forces all parts to work more perfectly. Without the Gasket Ring the pressure may push the brine out around the Lid’s threads rather than into the Spacer Cup. With the Gasket Ring installed, the brine overflow is collected entirely by the Spacer Cup. This is a big advance in jar-style pickling fermentors.

Yes—but there are rare exceptions which doesn’t compromise the pickling action. If there is vigorous fermentation, say from a well packed jar of sauerkraut, the Spacer Cup may fill all the way up. In this situation, the brine will overflow into the Fermentation Lock. When you notice this, open the Lid and pour half the brine from the Spacer Cup back into the Jar and then discard the rest. Rinse the Spacer Cup and reinstall it. You may need to do this twice in the first couple days, until primary fermentation has peaked.

Sometimes the recipe is so tightly packed there is no room for the Spacer Cup to float inside the Jar. If it can’t float it won’t receive the brine overflow. Should this happen—not to worry. Twist off the Lid and remove the Spacer Cup, remove a spoonful or two of the pickles to allow it to float. Test to be sure. Check that there is enough brine in the Jar so that a little pours out as you install the Lid. Add a little water if needed.

The Fermentation Lock should be pushed in only until it is just seated and stands erect. You don’t need to push it down more than that. If you do, it will cause brine to climb up into the Fermentation Lock before the Spacer Cup is full.

The Gasket Ring is only available in the kit.

No.

Yes.

It only needs to lightly contact the jar. You don’t need to power tighten for it to pressurize.

Please email Bill Hettig at bill@perfectpickler.com.