Kombucha, a trendy fermented tea that has been enjoyed for centuries and was once considered a niche health drink, is currently booming in popularity as more people seek out gut-friendly beverages. However, this fizzy drink can be pricey, and brewing it at home can be messy, complicated, and time-consuming. Not to mention, the equipment needed takes up a lot of space, making home brewing impractical for many.
At CES 2025, Kombu, a San Francisco-based hardware startup, unveiled The Fermenstation, an at-home kombucha brewer designed to simplify the DIY brewing process and overcome common setup challenges.
Kombu was founded by Michael Churchill (CEO) and Natalia Amijo, a husband and wife team who studied together at the Art Center College of Design. Churchill has automotive OEMs and electric vehicle startup experience, while Amijo’s background includes virtual reality and a mobility sector startup.
“I had been brewing kombucha for years, but Natalia pointed out that my setup, essentially a collection of mismatched parts, was far from visually appealing. It was messy,” Churchill told. “Surely, there had to be a kombucha brewing appliance that combined functionality with great design. After searching the market and finding nothing, we decided to create our own solution.”
Traditional home kombucha brewing involves several steps, such as boiling tea, cooling it, adding sugar, waiting for fermentation, and regularly checking the flavor. It also requires glass bottles covered with cloths, creating a less-than-appealing process that can lead to unwanted bacteria or mold. The Fermenstation streamlines this process, allowing users to make kombucha with minimal effort.
One of the biggest challenges of traditional kombucha brewing is achieving consistent results. The Fermenstation tackles this by using a low heating, temperature-controlled system to maintain a steady temperature (75°F to 85°F), resulting in more predictable outcomes.
Additionally, Kombu’s sleek device, which resembles a high-end water dispenser, is more visually appealing and takes up less space than multiple jars spread out on your kitchen counter. It also provides a sealed, sterile environment, reducing the risk of harmful bacteria contaminating your brew. The device includes a companion app for remote control, setting timers, monitoring temperature, and receiving notifications.
In August 2024, Kombu launched its patented kombucha brewer through Kickstarter, garnering 305 backers and surpassing its $25,000 goal with nearly $105,000. It’s currently available for preorder and is expected to ship between April and June to U.S. and Canadian customers.
Special launch pricing is $360, with a suggested retail price of $500. While the initial cost may seem high compared to buying jars and basic brewing supplies, the system can pay for itself over time as you’ll only need to purchase tea, sugar, and occasionally a new SCOBY, which are more affordable than store-bought kombucha (which can cost $3-$5 per bottle) or replacing damaged brewing supplies.
Kombu plans to expand its business by introducing more fermented foods and exploring additional accessories and subscription services for teas and flavor concentrates. The ultimate goal is to establish Kombu as a familiar name in modern fermentation and gut health, making the benefits of fermented foods accessible to all.
