A valve that lets kimchi breathe

As kimchi ferments, it gives off gas. Lock & Lock's patented breathing valve lets that gas escape while keeping outside air from getting in, so your kimchi ripens evenly and keeps its crunch.

Once it tastes just right, slide the valve shut. The smell stays sealed inside, and the rest of your fridge stays kimchi-free.

Open while it ripens, close once it's right

Homemade kimchi: keep the valve open for about the first month while it ripens, then close it to keep the flavor fresh for longer.

Store-bought kimchi: keep it open for about a week to release any leftover gas, then close it and enjoy it at its best.

New containers arrive with the valve closed, so remember to open it when you first fill it.

Suggested timings from Lock & Lock. Adjust to your kimchi and how ripe you like it.

No smell, no red stains

The body is made of POSCO STS 304, a food-grade stainless steel. Unlike plastic, it doesn't soak up kimchi's smell or its red color, so it stays clean and hygienic batch after batch.

No polishing compound to scrub off

Many stainless containers are polished with a chemical compound that can leave a black film you have to wipe away before first use. This one is finished by electropolishing instead, with no chemical compound at all, so there's none of that tedious cleanup.

Like any new kitchenware, give it a wash before you use it. If you spot any fine dust from production or shipping, wipe it off with a paper towel and a little cooking oil, then wash as usual.

Redesigned snap wings, sealed tight

The snap wings have been redesigned. They're wider and easier to grip, snap open and shut with less effort, and lock the lid on tighter. Silicone seals around the lid and valve keep everything airtight, and a fold-up handle makes it easy to lift a full container out of the fridge.

Before lifting it by the handle, check that all four clips are fully locked.

Room for a whole cabbage

The lid domes upward, which adds extra space on top. Bulky whole cabbage kimchi goes in without being pressed down and crushed.

Pick a small square for everyday serving, or a big rectangle for whole-cabbage kimchi and kimjang batches. See the size guide below for which one fits your household.

A clear lid that can go in the dishwasher

The lid is made of premium Ecozen®, a clear material that lets you see your kimchi at a glance without opening it.

It's dishwasher-safe too, so you don't have to worry about it warping. Keep the cycle at 80°C (176°F) or below and put the lid on the top rack.

Five parts, one airtight container

Lock & Lock's patented breathing valve sits in a clear Ecozen lid that's dishwasher-safe and domed to hold more.

A silicone gasket seals the lid tight, and the body is POSCO STS 304 stainless steel that won't hold on to smells or stains.

Which size is right for you?

2.8LSquare1–2 people who eat kimchi occasionallyAbout 1 napa cabbage (1–2 kg). A handy serving container you'll take out often. Also great for kiwis and plums.

3.4LSquare1–2 people who eat kimchi oftenAbout 1–1½ napa cabbages (3 kg). Also great for apples, onions and peppers.

3.0LRectangle1–2 people who eat kimchi occasionallyAbout 1 napa cabbage (2–3 kg). Made for small batches. Also great for tomatoes and melons.

3.7LRectangle2–3 people who eat kimchi oftenAbout 1½ napa cabbages (3–3.5 kg). Also great for grapes and peaches.

4.0LRectangle3–4 people who eat kimchi oftenAbout 1½ napa cabbages (3–3.5 kg). Also great for marinated meat and banchan.

5.0LRectangle4+ people who eat kimchi oftenAbout 2 napa cabbages (4–5 kg), or several kinds of kimchi at once. Also great for watermelon and rice.

9.2LRectangle4+ people who make big batchesAbout 3–3½ napa cabbages (8 kg). Made for kimjang, long storage and holiday cooking in bulk.

Lock & Lock's recommendations. How much fits depends on the size of your cabbages.