#3 – Kombucha – Equipment Needed

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Here is just a quick summary of the equipment that I use and/or recommend.  We all know that starting off with the best quality ingredients makes all the difference in the outcome of a recipe.. the same goes with having the right equipment.

I always want to do my best in setting you up with the right equipment from the get-go so you can have a successful experience. Let me learn from my mistakes, so you don’t have to unless you’re into that kind of thing. hehe

Kombucha making can become a very ceremonial tradition, and as time passes, you will find that there is a wide range of ways kombucha is made.  Don’t let any of this frighten or confuse you. I am laying out the simple basics, and in time you will find your rhythm. We all dance to beat of our own drum, right?!

SCOBY:

• SCOBY – Learn how to grow your own (here).
• Or purchase one. I recommend (this) one.

Brewing Vessels:

• Glass jar – 1 or 2 gallons for batch brewing or
• Glass jar with a spigot for continuous brew
• Wooden barrel
• Stainless steel (grade 304 or higher) vessel
• Porcelain or Ceramic vessels
• The one I use no longer shows for sale but this (one) is close.

Spigot for Continuous Brew:

• You will want a glass container large enough for the amount you desire, and it needs to have a corrosion-resistant spigot. Most glass jars that come with a spigot made of poor quality materials.
• The spigot should be made from either wood, stainless steel (304 grade or better, or a professional-grade plastic.
• The spigot needs to be removable for cleaning.
• I use (this) one.

Optional – add a heating band

Heating Band:

• A heating band will help keep your brew at an even, optimal temperature.
  • If your brew doesn’t hold the right temperature, you will end up with a thin SCOBY, a slow ferment, and even run the risk of the SCOBY falling asleep, stopping the fermenting process.
• I use (this) one because it has a digital temperature controller.  You can set the temp you want to band to reach and walk away.
• This (one) works too; it just doesn’t come with the digital temp controller, you slide the dimmer up and down to find the sweet spot of temperature.

Thermometer Strip:

• To create a healthy brew, you want to monitor its temperature. The adhesive strip thermometer attaches to the side of the vessel letting you just how warm or cool the liquid is.
• I use (this) one.

Tightly woven fabric or a coffee filter, rubber band:

• Do not use cheesecloth because the holes are too big and fruit flies can squeak through.
• Use a breathable cloth that is lint-free.
• I use an unbleached coffee filter and a rubber band to secure it.

Long handle spoon:

• Needs to be long enough to reach the bottom of the brewing vessel.
• It can be wood, plastic, or stainless.

Funnel:

• A funnel may be needed for bottling if you are not doing continuous brew kombucha.
• It should be stainless steel or good quality food grade plastic.
• Click (here) to see the ones I recommend.

Bottling:

• Use heavy-duty glass jars that can handle pressure from carbonation. If you don’t plan on doing a second fermentation, then you don’t need to worry so much about this.
• Swing-top bottles are perfect. Just make sure you get good quality ones.
• Avoid using mason jars.  They don’t hold a seal well, especially if doing a second fermentation.
• Avoid plastic containers as they don’t handle acidic liquids well.
• Avoid metal lids that may come in contact with the kombucha.
• I use the bottles found on (this) page.  Don’t forget to get a bottle cleaning brush!

Let’s Go Shopping

SCOBY

• Kombucha Kamp Genuine KOMBUCHA CULTURE (1 Lrg SCOBY + 1 Cup Strong STARTER LIQUID – Makes 1 Gallon)

Brewing Container & Spigot

• Home Essentials 2 Gallon Nantucket Drink Dispenser 
• 1 X Stainless WorksTM Stainless Steel Beverage Dispenser Replacement Spigot(Polished Finish)

Heating Band & Adhesive Temperature Strip

• The Kombucha Mamma FERMENT FRIEND Heater with Thermostat
• The Kombucha Mamma Year Round Heating System with Dimmer
• Adhesive Temperature Strip

Misc. Tools

• OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Funnel and Strainer Set
• Tiemom Beer Bottle Brush (1)

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha Continuous Brew Method

Kombucha Maintenance of Continuous Brew

Kombucha – Ingredients Needed

Kombucha SCOBY – Growing from Scratch

Testing Sugar Levels in Kombucha

Bottling Kombucha from a  Continuous Brew

Second Fermentation of Kombucha – Adding Flavor & Effervescence

Kombucha Aesthetics

Kombucha SCOBY Hotel

Dealing with Fruit Flies

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