Hi, Rebecca Minich here! I'm moonlighting as the CircuitPython wiz Scott Shawcroft today so I can share my Kombucha thermostat project. If you are a fan of sour, this fermented drink might be for you. Unfortunately, it comes with the health food price tag of $3/bottle. Brewing it is much cheaper and way more fun!

For a healthy culture and delicious tasting 'buch you'll need to maintain a pretty high temperature (~77F/25C) while brewing (5-7 days). Keeping the brew that warm is challenging in colder climates. With a little help from a terrarium heater and some electronics, I created a thermostat for brewing year round. Check it out below!  

Parts Required

1. FOR KOMBUCHA BREWING:

• Glass/Ceramic container: I highly recommend a container with a spigot. 
• SCOBY and starter liquid: I bought my SCOBY from a local vendor but I've used this one too.
• Green or black tea  
• Sugar: When first starting out it's best to use regular white cane sugar 

 

2. FOR KOMBUCHA THERMOSTAT:

• Terrarium heater: I have this one but any low output heater will do.
• PowerSwitch Tail 2  
• Adafruit Feather:  I used the Adalogger in case I decide to store temperature data. 
• High Accuracy Temperature Sensor Breakout Board (MCP9808): AKA thermometer
• Micro USB to USB cord and AC wall adapter:  An old phone/kindle charger works fine.  
• Jumper Extension wires
• Wire Spool (optional): Depending on your Kombucha setup you may need extra long connectors. I used wire spool between my Feather and my PowerSwitch Tail. 
• Misc: Small Phillips head screwdriver, electrical tape, infrared thermometer.