If you’re not sprouting seeds, you should be. No matter how big, small or nonexistent your garden, seed sprouts are one of the healthiest and quickest things you can grow.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that “sprouters” are a waste of money. A jar and square of cheesecloth are just as good, surely?
Well, not entirely. The main benefit of sprouters is that they allow you to sprout lots of different seeds in one big, multi-compartment “jar”. They’re also much easier to water and clean. I’m a convert and I guarantee you will be once you give them a go.
The Short Version: Best Seed Sprouters
- Rapunzel BioSnacky (£) (Top Pick)
- 4-Tray Sprouter (Victorio) (££)
- Freshlife 3000 Automatic Sprouter (Tribest) (£££) (Best Premium Option)
- Demoyaya Sprouting Mason Jars (£) (Best Two-Jar Pack)
- Verdant Republic Clay Sprouter Kit (££) (Most Aesthetic Option)
Sprouts are Rich in Many Nutrients
I’ve written about some of the health benefits of sprouts before. They are, quite frankly, amazing. I know that everybody and their pet iguana is banging on about the latest superfood, but sprouts really do stand up to the scrutiny. If you were to actually get a group of nutritionists together to decide on the “world’s healthiest food” then I’m pretty sure sprouts would win.
They’re rich in a myriad of disease-fighting and rejuvenating nutrients and compounds. A study by John Hopkins University found that broccoli sprouts contain between 20 and 50 times the protective compounds found in a mature plant. Mung beans are another noteworthy example. They have been eaten for millennia and are packed full of proteins and antioxidants.
What Is a Sprouter?
You’re basically getting three things: a “sieve” lid for letting water in, stackable chambers and a drainage base. With the more expensive models, there are also other frills like self-watering mechanisms.
These big three are all improvements over the DIY method. The sieve lid is easy to clean and doesn’t need to be thrown away after every use like cheesecloth. The chambers allow you to grow different types of seeds. So you don’t need one jar for the radishes, one for the mung beans and another for the broccoli. Finally, the drainage base is great for preventing the build-up of stagnant water. I used to have to tip my mason jars upside down in a bowl to make sure all the water drained out.
Water will drain down through the chambers so you only need to rinse once, no matter how many different types of seeds you’re sprouting.
Best Seed Sprouters: Top Picks
***Full Disclosure – Where appropriate, I’ve linked product images to commercial sites and Amazon (see Amazon Disclosure). If you buy from these sites, I earn a small affiliate fee, which helps me keep Urban Turnip going.***
1. Rapunzel BioSnacky
This is my favourite sprouting jar. I can’t recommend it enough. I have two on my kitchen windowsill all the time.
It’s large enough to give a good yield, the lid is perfectly angled to drain water, and I’ve never had an issue with sprouts getting stuck in the holes and affecting the drainage. The lid is also much easier to clean and more hygienic than cheesecloth.
The other good thing about this product is the price. It’s inexpensive but quality isn’t sacrificed.
The one potential downside is that it doesn’t come with a draining tray or built-in draining catcher, so you will need to rest them on a saucer or small tray. Personally, this doesn’t bother me. But it might be an issue for you.
2. 4-Tray Sprouter (Victorio)
I think this sprouter from Victorio is the best option if you want lots of sprouts. It costs more than individual jars but you get four big trays (6 inches in diameter), a mesh top and a drainage tray. You can actually buy more trays to increase the size too, which is a nice little plus. The plastic is BPA-free.
One of the interesting things about this sprouter is the unique drainage design. Cleaning trays can be a real headache. The little embryonic seedlings have a way of lodging themselves into drainage holes and they’re a nightmare to get out. The uniquely-designed slats in the base of the compartments prevent this from happening.
You water by filling a reservoir at the top and it filters through the trays. Much easier than having to rinse and drain!
3. Freshlife 3000 Automatic Sprouter (Tribest)
If you really want to supercharge your sprouting then this is the product to go with. It’s pricier than other options but will turn your kitchen worktop into a veritable jungle. Ok, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it ain’t far off!
The water goes into the base of the sprouter, where a motor lifts it through various tiers. The tube can be adjusted for various levels of pressure (more or less water). Water is released and distributed via a small spinner at the top of the unit. Below is an excellent video from Steve Meyerowitz (aka “The Sproutman”) where he goes through each of the individual parts.
One last point: don’t be put off by the price. This is for those people that want to grow lots of sprouts. Because of removable pads that are included, you can also grow plants like wheatgrass upright (as you would with microgreens), with the roots at the bottom, which will cling to the removable seed trays.
4. Demoyaya Sprouting Mason Jars
This kit is a good option if you don’t want to worry about using saucers to collect water. It contains two 1000ml mason jars, two mesh stainless steel heads, two stands a tray. It’s all dishwasher safe, too.
The mason jars look the part on a windowsill and both jars are big enough to give you copious amounts of seed sprouts. If you stagger harvesting, you’ll have a continuous supply.
For a two jar pack with all the trimmings, I’ve not found a more inexpensive alternative and the quality is very good, so this is the one to go for
5. Verdant Republic Clay Sprouter Kit
This sprouter is the prettiest I’ve reviewed. Yet clay seems an unusual choice for a sprouter. It’s porous so will create dryer conditions, surely?
The argument is that it holds water, drawing it out when conditions are too wet and releasing it when they’re too dry. Personally, I’m not 100% convinced about his. But the sprouter does look the part. And it certainly does the job well. The terractotta probably also does help with temperature control.
In the set, you’ll get three sprouting trays, a drainage tray, and ten paper discs, which you don’t have to use but are helpful with smaller seeds.
What Are Your Thoughts? Leave a Comment Below!
So there you have it! My selection of the best five sprouters! Have you tried any of the products on this list? Do you have your own suggestions? Leave a comment below and let me know!
Image credits: Sprouter by Jovan J; Sprouts: Broccoli by Suzie’s Farm; Early early birthday gifts by Eliot Phillips.
