Pickling cucumbers are the best for recipes or use regular garden cucumbers. Do not use waxed cucumbers sold in supermarkets that are sold as salad cucumbers, the vinegar and salt will not penetrate them properly. Kirby cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are great varieties for quick refrigerator pickles. Also, avoid using thin-skinned English cucumbers, they don't hold up well to pickling, and can make softer pickles.