The 10 Best Sprouting Kits
Special Honors
GardenChef This company offers a number of relatively compact solutions aimed at users thinking of scaling up their gardens and going commercial. Their website lets you compare your current costs against those offered by their cabinet systems, so you can estimate how much money they might save you. gardenchef.com
AeroGarden If you're enjoying your sprouting adventures, and think you might be ready to take your indoor horticultural pursuits to the next level, this company offers a number of beginner-ready solutions, with various sizes available. They also tend to feature integrated grow lighting, so you won't be restricted to locations next to your sunniest windows. aerogarden.com
Editor's Notes
February 22, 2021:
It was an easy round of updates, as all of our previous picks continued to be good recommendations. We did, however, find a couple new options to add to our list.
Our first new choice, the Alcedia Decorative, got our attention with its eye-catching, hanging design — which some users may find reminiscent of a "banana tree" fruit basket. Its 30-ounce capacity isn’t huge, but it’s fair, and what makes this option worth considering is the simple fact that, unlike some of the clunky plastic models it competes against, it can make quite an attractive accessory, sitting next to your kitchen sink or on your island. Children and plant lovers in general are likely to get quite the kick out of watching it grow.
Our second fresh pick, the Grow Your Pantry 3 Piece, is a stainless-steel model with an eight-inch diameter. We also thought this one was better looking than much of the competition, and its simple design appealed to us, as did its helpful scheduling sticker, which comes with a marker to label it, helping you stay on top of your sprout maintenance.
Sprouts are a great way to add some fresh flavor, colorful garnish and nutrition to a dish, and growing them can be a great introductory project for aspiring indoor gardeners. But once you’ve caught the bug, you may find that you want to progress past sprouts, to try your hand at other herbs and veggies. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’ve got lists of indoor herb gardens, hydroponic starter kits and LED grow lights that you’re going to want to check out.
March 05, 2019:
When done correctly, growing sprouts gives you a great way to boost the nutritional profile of your diet, but it's worth noting that sprouting requires some care. This is due to the potential of growing bad bacteria and mold along with your sprouts. The kits we've selected should help you avoid these issues, but you'll need to follow all directions. For newbies, the Handy Pantry Sprout Garden is a good place to start (if you don't mind its rather bulky look); for those with some practice, The Jar 1-Quart by Sprout-Ease might be better. It's simple and won't take up too much space in your kitchen. Those of any skill level might appreciate the Window Garden Grow 'n Serve, although it technically grows microgreens and not sprouts. An all-in-one that gives you healthy foodstuffs, it can help connect you to nature and bring some green into your home. Finally, we removed both the Lela Belle Farms Sprout Life and the Headwaters Trading Company Kit, as both have some issues with availability.