The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Vessel for Brewing Kombucha

Brewing kombucha at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to customize your brew to suit your tastes.

However, one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process is choosing the right vessel for fermentation. The vessel you choose can impact the flavour, safety, and success of your kombucha brew. In this post, we'll explore the different types of vessels available, their sizes, colours, and materials, to help you make the best choice.

1. Understanding the Basics: What Makes a Good Kombucha Vessel?

Before diving into specific jars, let’s cover the basics of what makes a good kombucha brewing vessel:

Material: Non-reactive materials are essential as kombucha is acidic and can react with certain metals.

Size: The size of your vessel will determine how much kombucha you can brew at a time.

Shape: A wide-mouth vessel is ideal for easy access, cleaning, and SCOBY transfer.

Colour: While not as crucial as material, the colour can impact the amount of light exposure, which can affect fermentation.

2. Materials: Glass, Ceramic, or Stainless Steel?

Glass: The Gold Standard

Appearance: Glass jars are typically clear, allowing you to monitor the fermentation process.

Qualities: Glass is non-reactive, meaning it won’t interfere with the acidity of your kombucha. It’s easy to clean, doesn’t retain odours, and allows you to see the fermentation process.

Best For: Beginners and experienced brewers alike. Ideal for monitoring the brew.

Drawbacks: Glass can be heavy and fragile, so it requires careful handling.

Ceramic: Elegant and Effective

Appearance: Ceramic vessels come in various colours and designs, making them an attractive addition to your kitchen.

Qualities: Ceramic is also non-reactive, provided it is food-grade and free of lead or other harmful chemicals. It holds temperature well, which can help with consistent fermentation.

Best For: Those who want an aesthetically pleasing brewing vessel and don’t need to see the brew constantly.

Drawbacks: Not all ceramics are food safe. Ensure that any ceramic vessel you choose is lead-free and intended for food use. Opaque ceramics prevent you from easily monitoring your brew.

Stainless Steel: Durable and Safe

Appearance: Stainless steel is sleek and modern, usually in a shiny silver or brushed finish.

Qualities: High-quality, food-grade stainless steel is non-reactive and highly durable. It’s easy to clean, doesn’t retain odours, and can withstand years of use.

Best For: Experienced brewers who value durability and don’t need to see the fermentation process. Great for those brewing larger batches.

Drawbacks: Some metals can react with kombucha, so only high-quality, food-grade stainless steel should be used. It’s also more expensive and less common than glass or ceramic.

3. Size Matters: Small, Medium, or Large?

Small (1-2 litters)

-Best For: Beginners or those brewing for one or two people.

Qualities: Small vessels are easy to handle and perfect for experimenting with different flavours.

Drawbacks: You’ll need to brew more frequently if you consume a lot of kombucha, as the batch size is limited.

Medium (3-5 litters)

Best For: Small families or regular kombucha drinkers.

Qualities: A medium-sized vessel strikes a balance between volume and manageability. It’s large enough for consistent brewing but small enough to handle and clean easily.

Drawbacks: It requires a bit more space and can be heavy when full.

Large (6 litters and above)

Best For: Large families, dedicated brewers, or those who consume kombucha daily.

Qualities: Large vessels allow for brewing substantial amounts of kombucha at once, reducing the frequency of brewing cycles.

Drawbacks: They can be cumbersome to handle, harder to clean, and require significant counter space.

4. Shape and Design: Wide-Mouth vs. Narrow-Mouth

Wide-Mouth Vessels

Qualities: Easier to clean, easier to remove the SCOBY, and allows for better oxygen exposure, which is beneficial during fermentation.

Best For: All levels of brewers. Wide-mouth jars are particularly great for those who want to add or remove ingredients easily.

Drawbacks: They can be more prone to spills if not handled carefully.

Narrow-Mouth Vessels

Qualities: Less exposure to air can help reduce the risk of contamination. They also tend to take up less space.

Best For: Those with limited counter space or who prefer a more controlled brewing environment.

Drawbacks: Harder to clean and more difficult to remove the SCOBY.

5. Colour: Clear vs. Opaque

Clear Glass

Qualities: Allows you to observe the fermentation process, which is great for beginners. It’s easier to monitor the colour and progress of your kombucha.

Best For: Beginners and visual learners who want to keep a close eye on their brew.

Drawbacks: Exposure to light can affect the quality of your kombucha, so it’s important to store it in a dark place or cover it.

Opaque Ceramic or Tinted Glass

Qualities: Reduces exposure to light, which can help protect the kombucha during fermentation.

Best For: Experienced brewers who don’t need to see the fermentation process. Perfect for kitchens with lots of natural light.

Drawbacks: Makes it difficult to monitor the brew without opening the vessel.

6. Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Kombucha Brewing Vessel

If you are interested in detail, then don’t miss out the video below where we explain lots more about selecting the right vessel to brew KOMBUCHA.

Choosing the right vessel for brewing kombucha comes down to understanding your needs, space, and brewing style.

For most beginners, a medium-sized, wide-mouth glass jar is a fantastic starting point. It’s easy to use, allows you to monitor your brew, and is widely available.

As you gain more experience, you might experiment with larger vessels, or perhaps move to a ceramic or stainless-steel option for their additional benefits.

Remember, the best vessel for brewing kombucha is one that suits your brewing habits and kitchen setup, ensuring a delicious and safe ferment every time.

Happy brewing!