Kombucha, an ancient fermented tea drink, is gaining significant popularity as more individuals seek beverages that promote gut health. However, the costs associated with this fizzy drink can be high, and home brewing often presents challenges such as messiness, complexity, and time consumption. Furthermore, the necessary supplies can take up considerable space, making home brewing unfeasible for many people.
At CES 2025, Kombu, a startup from San Francisco, introduced The Fermenstation, an at-home kombucha brewing appliance designed to simplify the essential steps of home brewing while reducing the typical setup difficulties.
Kombu is the brainchild of Michael Churchill (CEO) and Natalia Amijo, a husband and wife duo who studied together at the Art Center College of Design. Churchill brings valuable experience from the automotive and electric vehicle sectors, while Amijo has a background in virtual reality and mobility startups.
“I had been brewing kombucha for years when Natalia pointed out that my set-up, made of an assortment of mismatched parts, was anything but attractive. It was a mess,” Churchill remarked to StartupSuperb. “Surely there must be a kombucha brewing appliance that merges functionality with elegant design. After searching the market and finding none, we decided to develop our own solution.”
The traditional method of brewing kombucha at home can be tedious, involving several steps like boiling tea, cooling it down, adding sugar, waiting for fermentation, and regularly tasting the mixture. It also requires the use of glass bottles covered with cloths, which can be aesthetically displeasing and pose risks of exposing the brew to unwanted bacteria or mould. The Fermenstation seeks to streamline this process, enabling users to effortlessly create kombucha.
A significant challenge encountered in traditional kombucha brewing is achieving consistent results. Factors like temperature, humidity, and the brewing environment can influence fermentation times, flavours, and carbonation levels. The Fermenstation tackles this issue by employing a low-heat, temperature-controlled system that maintains a stable temperature range of 75°F to 85°F, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
Moreover, Kombu asserts that its stylish device, which resembles a high-end water dispenser, is more visually appealing and requires less space than an assortment of jars cluttering your kitchen. It also creates a sealed, sterile environment, significantly diminishing the likelihood of harmful bacteria contaminating your brew.
The device features a companion app that allows users to control it remotely, set timers, monitor temperatures, and receive notifications.
In August 2024, Kombu launched its patented kombucha brewer via a Kickstarter campaign, which, as of this writing, has garnered 305 backers and surpassed its initial goal of $25,000, reaching nearly $105,000. The product is now available for pre-order and is expected to start shipping between April and June to customers in the U.S. and Canada.
The special launch price is set at $360, while the recommended retail price stands at $500. Although the initial cost of the device may appear higher than purchasing traditional jars and basic supplies, it is likely to prove cost-effective in the long run, as users will only need to purchase tea, sugar, and occasionally a new SCOBY—far less expensive than constantly buying store-bought kombucha (typically priced at $3-$5 per bottle) or replacing ruined brewing supplies.
Kombu intends to expand its offerings to include more fermented food products. The company is also exploring the possibility of providing additional accessories and subscription services for teas and flavour concentrates.
“Our ultimate vision is to establish Kombu as a leading name in modern fermentation and gut health, ensuring that the advantages of fermented foods are accessible to everyone,” Churchill expressed.
