We're honored to be recognized by the 2025 Core 77 Design Awards! 🏆

KOMBU is the first modern kombucha brewer designed for the home—a reinvention of an ancient craft, tailored for the fast-paced, design-conscious world we inhabit. By addressing the frustrations of traditional DIY brewing, the Fermenstation transforms the process into something intuitive, elegant, and enjoyable. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned fermenter, this device lets you create delicious, healthy, and affordable kombucha without sacrificing your time, space, or sanity.  

Kombucha, that effervescent, tangy tonic with thousands of years of history, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity as consumers embrace gut-healthy beverages. It’s a drink that feels both ancient and impossibly modern, a staple of ancient medicine that now graces the shelves of every hip café and health-conscious grocery store. But while it’s trendy and undeniably delicious, store-bought kombucha comes with a hefty price tag, and homebrewing can often feel like a sticky experiment in frustration. Glass jars covered in cloth, unpredictable results, and countertops taken hostage by the chaos—traditional methods are, frankly, a mess.

The Fermenstation dismantles these barriers with a low-heat, temperature-controlled system that keeps fermentation stable at a reliable 75°F to 85°F. This precise control guarantees consistent and high-quality results, bottle after bottle. For those who appreciate a little modern wizardry, the brewer pairs with a companion mobile app that lets you set timers, monitor temperature, and receive notifications, so you can master your brew while doing something else—like living your life.

Designed to solve the challenges that have long plagued home kombucha brewing, the Fermenstation is a product born of necessity and shaped by creativity. Traditional setups—glass jars cloaked in makeshift covers—feel like something from a laboratory, not a home. They’re visually unappealing and easily compromised by errant bacteria or mold. KOMBU, however, merges function with design to create a brewer that feels at home in the most sophisticated of kitchens.

The device’s design draws inspiration from minimalist architecture, a nod to clean lines and bold forms. Its monolithic presence is sculptural, more at ease among gallery pieces than kitchen clutter. This isn’t just a tool; it’s a statement of purpose—brewing as an art form. Whether sitting on a countertop or nestled beside modern decor, the Fermenstation fits seamlessly into contemporary living.

KOMBU is the brainchild of Michael Churchill and Natalia Amijo, a husband-and-wife duo with a combined pedigree in automotive and industrial design. After years of frustration with the mess and unpredictability of traditional homebrewing, they turned their expertise toward creating a purpose-built device that marries precision engineering with thoughtful aesthetics. Their hands-on brewing experience and designer’s eye resulted in a product that feels as intuitive as it is beautiful.  

The Fermenstation is designed for the modern household, with a right-sized capacity to meet the weekly needs of small families or couples. Its compact form integrates dual fermentation chambers, a brewing jar, four carbonation bottles, insulation, sensors, and electronics in an efficient package. Premium materials and automated heating elevate the experience to meet the expectations of today’s consumer. KOMBU’s smart technology ensures the process is simple, freeing you to enjoy the journey rather than wrestle with the details.  

Fermented foods, like kombucha, are no longer a niche pursuit but a vital part of modern wellness. KOMBU’s mission is to make them accessible to anyone, blending the wisdom of ancient techniques with the convenience of modern innovation. While fermentation still takes time—it’s not a process that can be rushed—the Fermenstation strips away the mess and frustration, leaving only the joy of creating something truly your own.

KOMBU is more than kombucha; it's a contemporary revival of the age-old art of fermentation. Embrace the timeless craft and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something ancient yet modern.

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A huge thank you to the Core77 design community for celebrating thoughtful, purpose-driven design. 

Link: https://www.core77.com/posts/137463/The-2025-Core77-Design-Awards-Home-n-Living-Winners