Selecting the right vessel for brewing kombucha is an essential part of ensuring a successful first fermentation (F1). The right container can help you maintain the right environment for your SCOBY, ensure proper airflow and allow you to monitor your brew. In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know when choosing the perfect kombucha brewing vessel for that first fermentation. 

Quick Overview of Kombucha Fermentation 

Before we dive into the specifics of choosing a vessel, here’s a refresher on the two phases of kombucha fermentation: 

  • First Fermentation (F1): This is when sweet tea is transformed into kombucha by the SCOBY and starter tea. F1 usually lasts 7-12 days and at the end, you’ll have unflavoured, uncarbonated kombucha. 

Best Vessels for First Fermentation 

When choosing your brewing vessel for F1, keep the following materials and considerations in mind: 

1. Glass Vessels 

  • Why Glass is Great: Glass is the most popular material for kombucha brewing. It’s non-reactive, meaning it won’t interact with the acidic kombucha or leach chemicals into your brew. Clear glass jars are ideal because you can easily monitor the fermentation process without disturbing the brew. 
  • Size: A 1-gallon clear glass jar is a common choice, but you can use larger or smaller jars depending on your batch size. Just be sure to adjust your ingredients accordingly. Some brewers find that larger vessels may extend the fermentation time or alter the flavour. 

2. Ceramic Vessels 

  • When Ceramic is a Good Choice: Ceramic can also be a great option for brewing kombucha, as long as it’s food-grade and free from harmful glazes that could leach chemicals into the kombucha. Always ensure that the ceramic is specifically marked for food use. 

3. Food-Grade Stainless Steel 

  • Stainless Steel Caution: If you’re considering stainless steel, make sure it’s food-grade (grade 304 or higher). Lower-quality metal or non-food-grade steel can react with the kombucha’s acidity and affect the brew. 

4. Materials to Avoid 

  • Plastic or Metal Containers: Avoid plastic or non-food-grade metals for long-term kombucha brewing. These materials can leach harmful chemicals into your kombucha over time, especially when exposed to acidic liquids for long periods. 

Covering Your Brew Vessel 

During fermentation, it’s crucial to cover your vessel with a breathable material that allows airflow but keeps out dust, insects, and contaminants. 

Recommended Covers: 

  • Clean Cotton Cloth: A simple cotton cloth works perfectly. You can even cut up an old, clean T-shirt to cover your jar. 
  • Fine-Weave Cheesecloth: If you use cheesecloth, make sure it has a tight weave. Loose or open cheesecloth can allow fruit flies to get in, which can ruin your brew. 
  • Coffee Filters: Large coffee filters can also work well as long as they cover the entire opening of your jar. 

Always secure the cover with a rubber band to keep it in place and ensure it won’t shift or allow contaminants inside. 

What About Continuous Brew (CB) Vessels? 

While the recommendations above focus on batch brewing (brewing one batch at a time), you may have heard of continuous brewing (CB), where kombucha is continuously brewed in larger vessels with a spigot at the bottom. Here are a few things to keep in mind about CB: 

  • Not Ideal for Beginners: If you’re new to brewing kombucha, batch brewing offers more control over your process. Continuous brew systems can be more challenging to manage and monitor. 
  • Materials for CB: If you decide to try continuous brewing, stick with food-grade glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for your vessel. Make sure the spigot is also made from food-grade materials, as plastic or metal spigots could leach into your kombucha. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right kombucha brewing vessel is all about selecting safe, non-reactive materials and ensuring proper airflow. Glass is often the go-to for most home brewers due to its transparency and ease of use, but ceramic and food-grade stainless steel are also great options if used correctly. Make sure to cover your vessel properly to protect your brew, and you’ll be on your way to making delicious, homemade kombucha!