Kombucha, a fermented tea that has been around for thousands of years and was once considered a specialty health drink, is currently growing in popularity as more consumers seek out a gut-friendly beverage. However, this fizzy drink isn't exactly cheap, and making it at home can be messy, overly complicated, and time-consuming. Additionally, the necessary supplies take up a considerable amount of space, making homemade impractical for many.
At CES 2025, KombuA San Francisco-based hardware startup, showcased The FarmStation, an at-home kombucha brewer that aims to combine all the essential steps of the DIY brewing process with one. Alleviating common setup challenges.
Kombu was created by husband and wife team Michael Churchill (CEO) and Natalia Amizzo, who studied together at the Art Center College of Design. Churchill has experience working with automotive OEMs and an electric vehicle startup, while Amizo's background includes a startup in the virtual reality and mobility sector.
“I had been making kombucha for a few years, but one day, Natalia pointed out that my setup, basically a collection of cobbled-together parts, wasn't aesthetically pleasing. It was a mess,” Churchill told TechCrunch. “Of course, there has to be a kombucha brewing appliance that combines functionality with great design. After searching the market and finding nothing, we decided to create our own solution.”
Making kombucha at home traditionally involves multiple steps, including boiling the tea, chilling it, adding sugar, waiting for fermentation, and regular taste testing. It also requires glass bottles to be covered with cloth, making the process less aesthetically pleasing and carrying risks, as open containers can harbor unwanted bacteria or mold. Fermanstation aims to streamline This process, so users can brew kombucha with minimal effort.
One of the main challenges of making traditional kombucha is achieving consistent results. Variations in temperature, humidity and brewing environment can affect fermentation time, flavor and carbonation. The FermentStation solves this problem by using a low-heat, temperature-controlled system to maintain a stable temperature (between 75°F and 85°F), allowing for more predictable results.
Additionally, Kombu believes its sleek device, like a high-end water dispenser, is more aesthetically pleasing and takes up less space than the numerous jars scattered across your kitchen counter. It also creates a sealed, sterile environment, significantly reducing the chance of harmful bacteria contaminating your brew.
The device also has a companion app, which enables users to control it remotely, set timers, monitor temperature and receive notifications.
In August 2024, Kombu introduced its patented kombucha brewer with a Kickstarter campaignWhich, at the time of this writing, has attracted 305 backers and surpassed its $25,000 goal, reaching nearly $105,000. It is currently available for pre-order and is set to begin shipping to customers in the US and Canada between April and June.
The special launch price is $360, and the suggested retail price is $500 While the upfront cost of the device may seem higher than buying jars and basic brewing supplies, the system can pay for itself over time because you only need to buy tea, sugar, and occasionally a new SCOBY, which is much cheaper than continuous brewing. Buying store-bought kombucha (often $3-$5 per bottle) or replacing damaged brewing supplies.
Kombu plans to grow its business by adding more fermented foods. It will also look at offering more accessories and subscription services for tea and flavor concentrates.
“Our ultimate goal is to establish kombu as a household name in modern fermentation and gut health, ensuring that the benefits of fermented foods are within everyone's reach,” said Churchill.