Kombucha, a fermented tea that has been around for thousands of years and was once considered a niche health drink, is currently experiencing a surge in popularity as more consumers seek out gut-friendly drinks. However, this carbonated drink isn't necessarily cheap, and home-brewing can be tedious, very complicated, and time-consuming. Additionally, the necessary supplies take up a considerable amount of space, making homebrewing impractical for many people.
At CES 2025, San Francisco-based hardware startup Kombu announced a home kombucha brewer that aims to combine all the essential steps of the DIY brewing process while reducing the challenges of typical setup. , exhibited The Fermenstation.
Kombu was created by husband and wife team Michael Churchill (CEO) and Natalia Amijo, who studied together at Art Center College of Design. Mr. Churchill has experience working with automotive OEMs and electric vehicle startups, and Mr. Amijo's background includes startups in the virtual reality and mobility space.
“I had been brewing kombucha for years, but one day Natalia pointed out that my setup, basically a collection of parts cobbled together, was far from aesthetically beautiful. It was a mess. '' Churchill told TechCrunch. “Sure, we needed a kombucha brewing device that combined functionality with great design. After searching the market and finding nothing, we decided to create our own solution.”
Brewing kombucha at home traditionally requires multiple steps: boiling the tea, cooling it, adding sugar, waiting for fermentation, and periodically testing for flavor. It also comes with risks, as glass bottles need to be covered with cloth, which detracts from their aesthetic appeal, and open containers can introduce unwanted bacteria and mold. Fermenstation aims to streamline this process and allow users to create kombucha with minimal effort.
Image credit:Konbu
One of the main challenges of traditional kombucha brewing is achieving consistent results. Changes in temperature, humidity, and brewing environment can affect fermentation time, flavor, and carbonation. The Ferment Station addresses this issue by utilizing a low-heat temperature control system to maintain a stable temperature (75°F to 85°F), allowing for more predictable results.
Additionally, Kombu believes its sleek device, which resembles a high-end water dispenser, is more visually appealing and takes up less space than a bunch of jars cluttering your kitchen counter. It also creates a closed, sterile environment, greatly reducing the chance of harmful bacteria contaminating your beer.
The device also includes a companion app that allows users to remotely control the device, set timers, monitor temperature, receive notifications, and more.
In August 2024, Kombu launched its patented kombucha beer through a Kickstarter campaign that, as of this writing, has amassed 305 backers, surpassing its $25,000 goal and reaching nearly $105,000. did. It is available for pre-order now and is expected to begin shipping to customers in the US and Canada between April and June.
Special launch price is $360, MSRP is $500. While the initial cost of the device may seem higher than purchasing jars and basic brewing supplies, this system requires only the purchase of tea, sugar, and possibly a new SCOBY to continue. It pays for itself over time because it's much cheaper than buying it online. You can also purchase commercially available kombucha (often costing $3 to $5 per bottle) or replace damaged brewing supplies.
Konbu plans to grow its business by adding fermented foods. The company also plans to consider offering more accessories and subscription services for tea and concentrated flavors.
“Our ultimate goal is to establish kelp as a household name in modern fermentation and gut health, ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of fermented foods,” Churchill said. said.