For many aspiring kombucha producers, brewing at scale becomes a challenge due to inconsistent batches, poor temperature control, and limited fermentation capacity. Without the right tools, producing high-quality kombucha that meets commercial standards can feel impossible.
Kombucha brewing equipment includes fermenters, kettles, bottles, and control systems designed to support proper kombucha fermentation, carbonation, and bottling for home or commercial use. These tools ensure consistent flavor, hygiene, and scalable production.
What Is Kombucha Brewing Equipment?
Kombucha brewing equipment refers to the full range of systems and components used to produce kombucha at various scales—from small-batch home setups to large-scale commercial breweries. As kombucha is a fermented tea beverage, the process requires precise control of time, temperature, and cleanliness.
Key components of a typical kombucha brewery setup include:
- Stainless steel fermenters or food-grade glass jars
- Brew kettles for boiling water and steeping sweet tea
- Bottling lines and glass swing top bottles
- Heat mats and thermometers for temperature regulation
- pH test strips and test kits for acidity control
- Carbonation tools like brite tanks or inline CO₂ injectors
These components support each step in the kombucha production process: brewing the base tea, inoculating with scoby (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), fermentation, bottling, and flavoring.
Whether you’re a new brewer or scaling into commercial kombucha, the right equipment simplifies your workflow, helps maintain flavor quality, and ensures regulatory compliance.
What Are the Essential Steps in Commercial Kombucha Brewing?
Producing commercial kombucha requires more than just letting tea ferment in a jar. A proper facility includes a systematic approach involving hygiene, temperature control, and scalable equipment. Here’s a simplified outline of the kombucha brewing cycle:
- Tea Brewing
Use a brew kettle to boil water and steep tea blends with sugar to create the base. - Fermentation
Once cooled, the sweet tea is transferred to a kombucha fermenter, where scobys are added for kombucha fermentation over 7–14 days. - Testing
Use pH test strips and thermometers to monitor the fermentation environment. Ensuring a proper pH level prevents contamination and promotes the production of beneficial acids. - Bottling & Flavoring
After the first fermentation, the liquid is transferred to bottles—often glass kombucha jars or swing-tops—with added fruit, herbs, or flavorings. - Secondary Fermentation
This step adds carbonation and enhances taste. The bottles are left sealed at room temperature for 2–5 days, then refrigerated.
This workflow is repeated across large batches using commercial brewing vessels, valves, fermentation tanks, and bottling systems, which help manage automation, hygiene, and consistency.
Why Is Stainless Steel Preferred for Kombucha Brewing Equipment?
For producers aiming to scale their operation, stainless steel kombucha brewing equipment is often the best choice. Here’s why:
| Feature | Stainless Steel | Glass or Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Hygiene | Easy to clean and sanitize | May retain residue or odors |
| Durability | Long-lasting, impact-resistant | Fragile, more prone to damage |
| Temperature Control | Compatible with glycol or heating jackets | Relies on external room temp |
| Professional Look | Commercial-grade appearance | Often considered amateurish |
| Cost (long term) | Higher upfront, lower lifecycle cost | Lower upfront, higher replacement rate |
Most kombucha brewers use 304 stainless steel fermenters, known for their corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems. These fermenters often come with valves, thermowells, and ports for sensors, allowing precise monitoring of the kombucha fermentation process.
What Equipment Do You Need to Brew Kombucha at Scale?
Scaling your kombucha brewing operation requires careful equipment planning based on production goals, space, and volume. Below is a typical commercial setup:
Core Kombucha Brewing Equipment:
- Brew kettle: 100L–1000L for brewing the tea base
- Kombucha fermenter: Cylindrical or conical tanks for primary fermentation
- Heat mat or glycol system: For temperature control
- pH test strips and thermometer: To ensure fermentation integrity
- Flavoring tanks: Optional, for mixing ingredients
- Bottling line: Manual or automatic, depending on scale
- Brite tanks: For carbonation and finishing
Some advanced brewhouses also include automation for flow control and temperature monitoring. Equipment made from food-grade stainless steel ensures longevity and regulatory approval. As kombucha grows in popularity, having quality equipment in place allows you to maintain flavor consistency and streamline production.
How Does Kombucha Fermentation Work?
Kombucha is a fermented sweet tea made using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast known as a scoby. Fermentation transforms sugars into beneficial acids, trace ethanol, and carbon dioxide—giving kombucha its signature tang and fizz.
The fermentation process includes:
- Primary fermentation: Sweet tea sits with the scoby for 7–14 days
- Secondary fermentation: Bottled kombucha is left to carbonate
- Final storage: Refrigeration slows activity and preserves shelf life
During fermentation, controlling temperature (22–28°C), pH (2.5–3.5), and time is crucial. High-end kombucha brewing equipment often includes built-in temperature control and fermenter insulation to maintain ideal conditions.
Poor control can lead to off-flavors, over-fermentation, or microbial contamination. This is why test strips, thermometers, and clean and sanitize protocols are essential parts of the brewing process.
How Do You Ensure Consistency and Quality in Kombucha Production?
In commercial settings, maintaining consistent flavor, pH, and carbonation is non-negotiable. Fluctuations in fermentation time, temperature, or scoby health can lead to batches that are too sour, flat, or contaminated.
Methods to ensure quality:
- Use of standardized brewing vessels with precise temperature control
- Frequent testing with pH test strips to monitor acidity
- Maintain hygiene through clean and sanitize protocols
- Track batch data using software or analog logs
- Rotate and maintain healthy scobys (replacing old or weakened cultures)
Automation systems—such as temperature-controlled fermenters with digital sensors—are now common in larger kombucha breweries, helping reduce labor costs and production errors. Paired with quality ingredients and brewer training, this forms the backbone of a scalable operation.
What’s the Role of Bottling and Carbonation Equipment?
Once primary kombucha fermentation is complete, bottling and carbonation play a critical role in final product presentation. The right kombucha brewing equipment helps ensure proper fizz, extended shelf life, and minimal contamination.
| Stage | Equipment Used | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Bottling | Semi-auto filler, capper, or manual bottler | Clean glass, volume accuracy |
| Flavoring | Mixing tank or by-hand in each bottle | Prevent overflow during secondary fermentation |
| Carbonation | Brite tank, inline CO₂ injector | Pressure control, avoid over-carbonation |
| Packaging | Swing-top, crown cap, or PET bottles | Aesthetic, oxygen barrier |
Many producers choose glass kombucha bottles for their premium appearance and oxygen retention. Some use glass swing top bottles which are reusable and visually appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
The key to high-quality bottling is ensuring clean surfaces, avoiding oxygen contamination, and maintaining consistent batch testing before shipment.
How Can New Kombucha Brewers Scale From Homebrew to Commercial?
Scaling from kombucha at home to a full kombucha brewery isn’t just about brewing more—it’s about rethinking your entire process.
Here’s how a typical transition looks:
- Start with kombucha starter kits and basic fermentation jars
- Upgrade to 50–100L stainless steel fermenters for small-batch pilot testing
- Add a brew kettle with temperature monitoring
- Include kombucha brewing supplies: thermometer, test strips, bottle filler
- Move to a dedicated brewing space with stainless steel brewery equipment
By partnering with kombucha brewing equipment manufacturers like us, you get not only tools, but layout guidance, technical support, and customer support throughout your brewing journey.
We help you choose the right range of equipment tailored to your space, production goals, and budget. Many of our clients started with 100L setups and now produce thousands of liters per month for retail and wholesale markets.
What Makes Great Kombucha Brewing Equipment?
Not all systems are equal. Quality kombucha equipment is about more than just tanks—it’s about how each part supports proper kombucha fermentation and product safety.
Key features of great equipment:
- Made from food-grade stainless steel
- Designed for easy to clean surfaces and prevent contamination
- Built with scalability and automation compatibility
- Offers temperature control options or integrations
- Comes from a manufacturer offering technical support and educational resources
For kombucha producers, equipment isn’t a purchase—it’s an investment in your brand’s consistency and scalability. That’s why working with an experienced equipment supplier who understands fermentation, carbonation, and packaging is essential.
What Technical Support and Resources Should a Supplier Offer?
Beyond the tanks and kettles, kombucha brewing equipment manufacturers should act as long-term partners. Look for providers who go beyond hardware.
A good supplier offers:
- Site layout consultation for your kombucha brewery
- CAD drawings and piping plans for fermenters and tanks
- Remote and onsite training for new brewers
- pH testing protocols, recipe scaling support, and brewery goals planning
- Emergency support for equipment repairs or replacements
At Micet, we support you from design to delivery and beyond. Our kombucha clients receive full-cycle assistance—planning, installation, commissioning, and future expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best material for kombucha brewing equipment?
Stainless steel, particularly 304-grade, is best. It’s hygienic, corrosion-resistant, and compliant with food safety regulations.
Can I start a kombucha brewery with homebrewing experience?
Yes. Many successful kombucha entrepreneurs began with homebrew. Scaling requires more equipment, automation, and quality control, but the learning curve is manageable.
How long does kombucha fermentation take?
Typically, primary fermentation takes 7–14 days. Secondary fermentation for carbonation may take 2–5 additional days.
What role does a brite tank play in kombucha production?
Brite tanks are used to carbonate and clarify kombucha before bottling. They’re optional but improve consistency in commercial operations.
Is temperature control important for kombucha making?
Yes. Kombucha fermentation is temperature-sensitive. A heat mat or glycol system ensures consistent results, especially in changing climates.
What’s the difference between kombucha brewing and beer brewing equipment?
Beer systems require boiling and higher-pressure fermenters. Kombucha brewing equipment is optimized for lower pressure, gentle fermentation, and minimal alcohol production.
Key Takeaways
- Kombucha brewing requires specialized equipment for tea brewing, fermentation, flavoring, and bottling
- Fermenters, kettles, and carbonation tools must support sanitation, scalability, and temperature precision
- Stainless steel is the gold standard for quality kombucha brewing equipment
- A reliable equipment manufacturer should offer layout support, customization, and post-sale service
- New brewers can scale gradually with the right kombucha brewing supplies and process guidance
Ready to Start Brewing with Confidence?
Whether you’re just starting your kombucha-making journey or scaling into full production, your equipment defines your success. Micet provides tailored brewing systems that are built to last, easy to clean, and designed to match your brewing goals.
Let’s build your kombucha brewery together—from design to installation and beyond.