A few years ago, I switched my kombucha-making operation from a single batch brew to a continuous brew system. Single batch was fine, absolutely nothing wrong with it! But I immediately found that continuous brew worked better with my schedule, provided me with booch on demand, and produced kombucha with a flavor I preferred and more fizz. As an irrelevant and superficial but fun side note, my SCOBYs became flat, white and pristine, rather than browned, lumpy and laden with loads of slimy strands of excess yeast. You can find my process for continuous brew kombucha here.
I had wanted to try continuous brew for years before I actually did, but I was always concerned that I would have to lay down a lot of cash. As regular readers will know, in addition to being a wild and lazy fermenter, I’m also a cheap fermenter in a small, city house. I never want to buy equipment until I’m sure I’ll use it and I know I’m getting a good deal. I found a small, cheap container that worked really well, but after a while, I wanted to get a larger batch going.
Enter Fillmore Container. Lisa and Keith the kind and lovely owners of Fillmore, brought me to the Pennsylvania Farm Show earlier this year (it was a blast to hang out with them, btw), and the whole time I was at their booth, I was eyeing this 1 1/2 gallon beverage dispenser they had on display. It had a super wide mouth, which is wonderful for the air exposure that kombucha needs to thrive. It had a spigot at the very bottom (something I love in a continuous brew container, because you are drawing right from the bottom (below even a low-hanging SCOBY), and it makes draining the whole thing for (the infrequent) cleanings easier. The spigot is also plastic, which I like in a continuous brew container. If that freaks you out, you can always replace the spigot with one made of restaurant grade stainless steel.
What to look for in a continuous brew kombucha container
Readers in the Continental US have a chance to win the same vessel that I bought from Fillmore back in January (details below), but here are some things to look for in a Continuous Brew vessel if you aren’t the lucky winner:
- Large capacity – Minimum 1-gallon, and larger is better and wider is better than taller.
- Wide opening – Kombucha is an aerobic ferment, you want to make sure an allow as much air exposure as possible for the healthiest possible culture.
- Low spigot – Allows for easy pour off and draining for quarterly or bi-annual cleanings
- Glass or acid tolerant ceramic – I prefer glass because I like to see what’s going on in there, but there are some nice ceramic bev dispensers out there, too.
- Plastic or stainless steel spigot – If you get a plastic spigot, my preference is for one that is not coated, as the coating might be susceptible to chipping by acid. If you get a stainless spigot, look for one that is “acid resistant.” I used this spigot on another vessel and I was happy with it.
- Large spigot opening – Check the opening of the spigot. If you have multiple options, go for the widest one. little bits of SCOBY and excess yeast will always be present in kombucha and can sometimes get stuck in the spigot and clog it. If this happens, try poking at it with a chopstick to break it up or loosen it. If you have a broader opening on your spigot, this is less likely to ever happen.
Or, you can win the one I use and love, thanks to Fillmore Container!
I bought my kombucha dispenser from Fillmore Container, but they are providing the one for this giveaway for free to the winner. I was not compensated for this post, I just like this dispenser a lot and I think you will too!
Liz says
Just in time, the fruit flies got to my scoby this weekend and I’m frustrated enough to try a new brew setup. Thanks! My favorite kombucha flavor to make is grapefruit lemongrass! I really like the Bucha stuff, so I figured out how to make my own.
Amanda says
Booo! Sorry those fruit flies got you! That’s a bummer, but yes, the bright side is a brand new setup. And I’ll definitely be trying your grapefruit lemongrass! Delish.
Dee says
What is this drink? Interested, and can diabetic drink?
natalie says
A co-worker started a continuous brew set up at work that I’ve been watching. It seems like something that could be easier to do rather than having to pour it out all the time to start a fresh batch.
Amanda says
It’s so easy to do. The initial set up is right about the same level of difficulty as a single batch, and from then on, it’s easier. No reason not to do it once you have a solid container!
natalie says
Ooops! I forgot to say my favorite flavor is to brew is ginger. I’ve always enjoyed the sharp bite.
Jamie says
I love making ginger brew but my husband loves unflavored. We compromise with each other on each batch. Love your recipes!
Kathleen says
I’ve been continuously brewing kombucha for a little over a year and you’re right, the scabies are so white and clean looking. After my last divide though, my brew is not as bubbly but I hope it gets more fizz this summer.
I love doing a second ferment with peaches and ginger when the peaches are in season. Yum!
Kathleen says
Um, SCOBIES, not scabies! Darned autocorrect ????
Amanda says
I know! Autocorrect does this to me all the time! It’s the grossest possible autocorrect.
corrie says
I like just plain kombucha most of the time. I have experimented with lemon and ginger, and pomegranate raspberry though, and they are pretty tasty.
Amanda says
I also usually do plain, but mostly because I have this easy peasy continuous brew setup and bottling takes effort 🙂
Kelly says
I make a lovely mint kombucha, but my friend makes this INCREDIBLE lemon basil booch that I NEED to get the recipe for!
Amanda says
Sounds wonderful, Kelly. I love an herby booch!
Cass says
I love mint kombucha!!! Thank you for reminding me of the delicious flavor that my best friend used to always make 🙂
Julie says
I like raspberry kombucha, but I’ve only ever had it a couple of times…I need to start making my own.
Amanda says
You’ll be so happy you did! There is really no price comparison, and you can make so many wonderful flavor combos.
Karen says
We mostly make ginger but anything in season will do.
Amanda says
I’m with you, Karen! Seasonal is the way to go!
Deborah McWhorter says
When I moved from Florida to southern Indiana, I moved to a place with no extra space for my kombucha jar, but now I’m moving back and will have plenty of space! I used to make mine strawberry-mint flavored.
Amanda says
Yum, Deborah! Sounds tasty. I can’t wait for those strawberries to come in!
Erin says
I’m still figuring out my favorite flavor. I’ve made a lemon ginger I like pretty well and one time I did pomegranate that was good. I haven’t made any one flavor consistently enough to say it’s my favorite though 🙂
Amanda says
Gotcha! I also bounce around on flavor preference a lot. Ginger is a classic, but I like to add seasonal flavors. There’s a newish kombucha book that has some good flavor combos, including a lavender lemonade flavor that I tweaked to my preferences.
Lindsay Duggan says
I’m actually a really big fan of plain kombucha, but mango is really good too.
Amanda says
We agree!
Diane says
My favorite is ginger.
Amanda says
A classic combo!
Michelle C. says
I’m just getting started so I don’t have a favorite yet!
Amanda says
Lucky you! You have so many wonderful tastes to discover!
Heather says
I love to make a raspberry black tea kombucha with violet syrup! Thanks, Fillmore Container!
Laura says
Just starting so no fave yet!
Ben Kullerd says
I’ve yet to make kombucha myself, but my favorite flavors to *drink* have been those that feature melon, ginger or more savory flavors along with berries and sweeter notes. If I win, I’ll be giving my prize to my sister-in-law, Nora, who has been teaching me in the ways of fermentation and makes a mean kombucha herself!
Yuriy says
Love Ginger and Watermelon!
Colleen says
I have not tried this yet but really want to !!!
Steff says
I love making a fresh strawberry with a hint basil or ginger and lemongrass….just depends on what my pallet is craving!
Brittney says
Blackberry Ginger is my favorite. Or Peach Ginger. Pretty much anything with ginger. 🙂
Ouida says
Just starting out and haven’t made any flavors, but I LOVE to drink the ginger ade flavor.
Melissa says
I just got my scoby from a friend and some starter tea and am looking forward to brewing my first batch. I would love some flavour ideas!
Tori says
I have forever been starting and failing with my kombucha. I feel like this continuous brew system might be my golden ticket!
christopher says
ginger is my favorite to make
Di says
I don’t have a favorite flavor……………yet.
lindsey says
I have not yet tried kombucha! I can’t wait to get started!
Tabitha says
I like plain the best but enjoy mixing it up from time to time with ginger and watermelon in the summer.
Aimee C says
I’ve never made or had any. Would love to get into it!
carrie says
Looks so awesome! Haven’t tried it yet…
Karen Wood says
I haven’t made any yet but I want to and want to try different flavors especially rosehip, cinnamon, ginger, because because that would be healthy if it would work and I put it in my oatmeal sometimes and love it. I grow different fruits and my own ginger and am open to trying all of them.
bonni says
I just work with whatever’s going on at the time. Right now I’ve got some mango ginger green tea in its second ferment.
Amanda says
I’ve never tried it yet but would love to. Ginger sounds good!
Alisha Sienkiel says
I’m just getting starting but I really enjoy ginger so far. 🙂
Roxy Pinsonneault says
my favorite is strawberry/raspberry….second favorite is ginger! Love kombucha!
Sandra Lewis says
My favorite kombucha is regular organic black tea & turbinado sugar. The fizzier the better!
GeckoHiker
Jensen says
I’ve never brewed kombucha, but I am an avid drinker! My favorites are raspberry and blueberry flavored. I’ve recently been researching how to brew it myself. I think it could be a really fun hobby and would definitely save me some money! haha
erin says
Thanks for this (and for the continuous brew recipe)! My favorite’s ginger…
Jo Skidmore says
I don’t get fancy with my kombucha – plain is tasty for me!
Claire says
I’ve been very interested in continuous brew kombucha, so this would be perfect! My favorite flavors that I’ve brewed so far has been jasmine and ginger. The peach and ginger variety mentioned sounds awesome! I’ll have to try that this summer. Thanks!
kc says
raspberry sounds really good!
Andrea G says
I just like plain the best, I think I should get a little more adventurous and try more different flavors.
Portia says
I haven’t brewed my own, but I’d love to start! My first choice of flavor would be ginger!
Natalie Crittenden says
I love the idea of continuous Kombucha!
Eric says
I have never tried to make kombucha at home, I have always wanted to try it! This set-up would be awesome!
Nicole Novak says
Our latest favorites are Hibiscus Grape and Jasmine Green Tea with Spirulina and Chlorella with Apple!
Matthew Groves says
We love black cherry flavored kombucha!
marie says
Cherry is my favorite.
Linda says
I am currently rehydrating a dehydrated scoby in the hopes that I can get started brewing kombucha. I’m thinking that the continuous brew system sounds like less work than the single batch method. I appreciate your information on setting up this system.
Marcia P says
Just had blackberry sage which was selfish!
Marcia P says
Delish not selfish….
Lauren says
lol but also blackberry sage sounds incredible. never thought about adding herbs!
Maria says
My favorite flavor to make is strawberry chia.
stephanie says
anything ginger is my favorite!
Connie B says
I have never tried it… but now it looks like I will be!
Christine says
I drink a lot of kombucha, but I’ve never made it. I want to try! I had some lavender kombucha recently that was awesome.
Kim says
I don’t have a favorite flavor to make yet – I’m just getting started!
Leslie says
Ginger is my go-to favorite…but getting lots of ideas from the comments!
Amy Menzies says
I don’t have a favorite yet. I’ve only done 3-4 batches, and have yet to get acquired to the taste or finds my favorite. I love seeing everyone’s ideas and suggestions.
Holly E says
Cherry is my favorite to make.
BETTY says
I’ve been fermenting almost a year and I love it. I’m always looking for new jars.
BETTY says
My favorite kombucha is Lemon/Cranberry.
Lauren says
that sounds amazing!
Stephanie M says
I haven’t made my own kombucha, yet, but I am very anxious too! I spend way too much money buying store bought. My favorite flavor is anything ginger. I would love to try to make a peach-ginger, or something herby (is that even a word? 🙂 )
ps. I really enjoy your site! Thank you!
Tamar says
I just started my first batch of kombucha. I don’t have a favorite flavor yet- I didn’t even know there were different flavors! I’ll have to read more of your website!
Amanda says
Hey Tamar,
The flavor choices are endless! It’s really all about what you do in phase two. Plenty of good information here and on the internets! I’m happy to answer questions on specific posts, too. Definitely check out the Kombucha page.
beth says
Blueberry and ginger are my go-tos, but watermelon was one of my favorites last summer!
Joy says
Ginger!
Mara says
love me some ginger kombucha
Stephanie says
I’ve never made it before, but I’d love to learn to brew kombucha.
Dawn McKinney says
I love just plain ‘booch, then flavor it as I pour it.. 🙂 Favorite is cherry or cranberry 🙂
Micaela says
My favorite flavor is strawberry ginger!
NC Super Nurse says
Strawberry / ginger is my favorite!
Melissa Mazzur says
Ginger is my favorite flavor to brew
Cecilia Zarate says
My favorite is pineapple ginger.
Alana says
These look like great jars!
Dina says
Wow! I get Fillmore’s eblasts, so they let me know about this contest, but total win either way because I found Phickle!
I’ve got to be honest I really like the plain stuff. I never have the patience or forethought to get anything to do a secondary ferment with :}.
Amanda says
Awww, thanks so much, Dina!
Sheree Norrie says
i love just regular green tea. And when I add berries for a second ferment. it’s amazing!!
Does anyone else else use the scobies for a face mask?? My skin is amazing and it feels divine!! Just throw the Scoby on your face and let it sit for up to 20 minutes… Natural enzyme chemical peel. Glorious!!! Xoxox
Kate @ Snowflake Kitchen says
I’ve been alternating between elderberry ginger and cherry ginger booch. Both good, but need some new flavors!
Angie says
The only flavor I have tasted was mango. I wasn’t too sure about that one but it did spurr me to on to try brewing my own. I put it in a closet and completely forgot about it! LOL I want to try again, but I am not sure about making a whole gallon.
Debby says
I love raspberry or peach. Yum!
Debbie says
I love lavender and cherry!
Machelle Cotton says
My favorite is the lemon.
Tonnie Rogers says
Just discovered kombucha..this jar looks perfect for brewing your own!
Nan Bixby says
I am a newbie and just beginning to learn about fermintation.
Mary says
A friend makes what she calls Honied Green Tea. I love it!
Cindy says
There are some great flavor combos mentioned here! I like the taste of my plain, but add whatever fresh I have; berries, ginger, lemon. Recently had a lavender, elderberry KT; amazing! 🙂
Marian A says
I am just getting in to it, but something with ginger
Beth says
My favorite kombucha is fermented with fresh raspberries
Shelby says
So far I haven’t flavored my Kombucha but my favorite flavor I’ve ever had was a cranberry ginger kombucha!
Rachael says
Hi! Thanks for this opportunity! That is a gorgeous vessel and I have the perfect spot in my kitchen for it. I have a couple different batches going, for now I have hibiscus, plain and ginger. I prefer to keep the sugar down as much as possible by adding herbs and spices. I look forward to doing a turmeric brew.
Barbara says
I’ve never seen kombucha, made it or tasted it, so I’ll be going into completely new territory with it! I’ve been looking at your blog, Amanda, and will delve in more deeply in a moment! Thanks for the introduction to this drink!
Holly C says
I haven’t actually tried kombucha yet, but am interested to learn more about it as I hear about it! I will be visiting your “Getting Started” page to find out more… 🙂
Dee Fedor says
I have only tried the plain! Time for MORE!
Samantha says
I’ve only ever tried plain, I’d love to experiment with different flavors though, hopefully this year.
Sammy Pineau says
I like lemon or apple. I haven’t tried the continuous brew method but am intrigued.
Rachael Bakes says
My favorite kombucha flavor to brew is ginger, turmeric and black pepper. A little spicy and really great for inflammation. It would be awesome to have it on hand with this dispenser!
Jenni T says
Ginger peach—come on July!!!! Hope there’s a bumper peach crop this year.
Pamela says
My fave kombucha to brew is lemon ginger.
Alex says
I love me some ginger booch — or any seasonal summer fruit!
Ann says
Green tea with candied ginger is my favorite right now!
kelly bakes says
i love ginger kombucha and this beautiful container! I’m super intrigued by the idea of continuous brew; I’ll have to look into it this summer! It’ll make my life a whole lot easier! 🙂
Risa says
We need to start making continuous booch!! My favorite flavor… summer berries – cherry or blueberry.
Sharyl Wolter says
I’ve Never Made it!
Samantha says
I haven’t tried making kombucha yet. I love drinking buch with ginger, so that would be the first flavor I try to make myself.
Ronda RS says
I’ve never tried it, but my friend swears by it!
BN says
I haven’t started brewing yet, but I love ginger flavored kombucha.
Lisa Roussel says
Have not tried making any kombucha – yet- my neighbor is going to teach a group of us how to make some along with water kefir, kimchi, etc. It would be so great to be prepared!
Andee says
I’ve done water kefir and milk kefir but really would like to try making my own Kombucha. Continuous brew seems to be the way to go with a busy schedule so I’d love to win this to get started!
Jenny Ampersand says
On a daily basis I’m a sucker for ginger kombucha, but I also like to add rosewater when I’m feeling wild!
Adriene says
My favorite is ginger, or sometimes just the bite of an overfermented batch without any additives!
Erin says
Ginger-licious!
Flynn says
Strawberry is amazing. Lemon and lime or lemon ginger is pretty great too.
Daisey says
My favorite flavor of kombucha to make is strawberry blackberry.
Linda says
I’m currently brewing my very first kombucha right now… Although a friend once gave me an unflavored bottle and I added blood orange juice and it was yummy!
Susan E says
I never made it but want to learn! I like drinking the ginger,mango or raspberry kombucha the best. I buy kombucha from someone local because I prefer homemade from someone I know as first choice.
Nicole says
I have been looking at starting to make my own kombucha and this would be awesome.
constance mattson says
I like ginger ale with craisins!
Nicole says
I switched to continuous brew booch as soon as I found a container I thought was appropriate, but now the spigot is clogged so it’s hardly continuous brew at all any longer! My SCOBYs are still perfect, flat, and white, with an adorable little fan shape as they slip down into the booch though. I’m making amazing, fantastic flavors incorporating beautiful, fresh Spring and Summer fruit into my brews now too! Strawberry basil was dreamy, looking forward to some apricot blends this week!
Janice DeC says
Right now I have 3 different SCOBYs making kombucha so they can be ready at different times. I’ve only made traditional ‘tea’ flavor so far, but now that I’ve had some success, I’m ready to branch out.
Lauren says
I love making ginger kombucha. I just brewed a batch of ginger, strawberry, carrot…can’t wait to break it open.
sue hegle says
I have never made my own, but I usually get ginger, though one restaurant I go to has a beet one that is so yummy! Would love to try making it myself.
GinaG says
I love ginger kombucha! I’ve also tried blackberry and it’s delicious!! I would like to get a bit more adventurous with my flavoring…but I’m kind of lazy.
Amanda says
I definitely relate to laziness :-). I tend to try flavors when I have an event coming up or when my husband makes a special request. Other than that, it’s straight from the spigot.
Jovan says
I’m all about keeping ginger kombucha in stock in my household.
Tammy Huls says
Honestly, I enjoy all of them. Probably pineapple
Emily says
I think this post has convinced me to switch to continuous. Sounds like it’s so much easier overall! My husband still wants second fermentation though, he loves the carbonation! We have a peach, mango, pineapple flavored one in second fermentation right now, can’t wait to try it! Pineapple has been our favorite so far!
Tim Nona says
never tried making this at home, very expensive in the stores, great prize offer
Cathy says
I use a jasmine green tea. Haven’t experimented with secondary fermentation yet. And I know I’d really enjoy a little fizz! Hope I get a chance to work this magic – continuously!
Ali says
Strawberry Lemonade is my fav!
Amanda says
A tasty classic!
Celeste says
I love making lavender kombucha! I currently gave up kombucha when I moved cross-country, but I’ve been making lots of shrubs instead, because they feel like a lazy kombucha. I think this set up would be great for getting started brewing again!
Amanda says
I’m with you on the lavender booch! Pretty and so tasty!
AbbyK says
I don’t have a favorite yet. I have only tried a few types but I would love to brew at home and experiment!
Tina says
Ginger is my favorite flavor so far.
Hanna says
Ginger cherry!
Silly says
Ooh, cool! I might actually make kombucha if I had one of these, lol! I don’t have a favorite flavor to make yet, but all of the ones people are sharing sound so good, I’m dying to find one. 😀 Think this container might be good to make things like gingerale or a liquid-consistency yogurt style, too?
Brenda says
I basically go seasonally.. Over winter months I loved the elderberry, and grapefruit rosemary and in the summer just about any fruit in season tasted awesome!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Anna says
Amazing jar, I keep looking at boot sales but haven’t been successful so far 🙁
Best flavour, blueberry
Vanessa says
We like to add fruit (strawberries, raspberries, peaches) to our second ferment occasionally but mostly we just prefer plain Oolong tea flavor!
Sue says
I have never brewed booch but I do love it! I’ve watched some videos and would love to try it! My favorite flavor when I buy it is a citrusy ginger. Yum!
Alicia says
This looks so fantastic! I’ve been looking at continuous brew for a while and I’m hunting down a container now. My favorite flavor is lemon ginger :). (I know, pretty normal).
Rachel says
I don’t know what my favorite flavor is as I’ve never heard of this drink or tried it, but I’d sure like to.
holly says
Your little cups of kombucha look like little jewels; they are so pretty that it made me run to the fridge to get some of my own. How do you get that intense color and what flavors are those? So far my favorite is pineapple. It reminds me of a pineapple soft drink my Dad turned me on to when I was a kid. I just got some hibiscus flowers and am looking forward to a mixed berry with those and want to try an orange vanilla when oranges are back in season.
Sarah says
I just started thinking about starting a second vessel of kombucha, looking ahead to warm summer months and lovely summer fruit. This would be so perfect!
Julie says
my favorite is anything with fresh or frozen fruit.
Latika says
This would be super useful. I like to flavor mine with various fruit juices.
Sue says
I usually make ginger-turmeric kombucha
Judy says
Haven’t made any yet, but I’m dying to try to replicate (better yet improve upon) a chai stout made by a brewer in Norfolk, Va. It’s awesome and it’s four plus hours to Norfolk, I need to make my own.
DeeDee M says
no favorite yet … just learning but very excited to give it a whirl .. should fit in nicely with our other back to organic health practices.
Janie says
I’m new to kombucha, but my friend makes a really good ginger one!
Betsy says
I could even use this to make apple cider vinegar!
Jamie says
Ginger is my fave.