· By Ellie Wilson
Beginner's Guide to Brewing Kombucha at Home (The Easy Way with Bruusta)
If you’ve been curious about brewing kombucha at home, you’re not alone. It’s one of those things that feels exciting to start… but can quickly feel a bit overwhelming once you realise how many steps are involved.
The good news is, there isn’t just one way to do it.
Today, you can either follow the traditional method using a SCOBY - or use a kombucha home brewing system like Bruusta, which simplifies the process completely.
This guide walks you through both, so you can decide what works best for you.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea that’s lightly fizzy, slightly tangy, and easy to make part of your daily routine.
It’s made by fermenting sweet tea with yeast and bacteria, creating a drink that’s refreshing, naturally carbonated, and full of flavour.
Two Ways to Brew Kombucha at Home
If you’re just starting out, it helps to know there are two main approaches:
1. Traditional brewing
2. Using a kombucha brewing system (like Bruusta)
Both get you to the same place - fresh kombucha - but the process looks very different.
Traditional Kombucha Brewing (Step-by-Step)
This is the original way of brewing kombucha at home.
What you’ll need:
- Tea
- Sugar
- A SCOBY
- A glass jar
- Cloth cover
The process:
- Brew tea and dissolve sugar
- Let it cool
- Add the SCOBY and starter liquid
- Leave to ferment for 7–14 days
- Bottle for a second fermentation to create fizz
What to expect:
It’s hands-on and can be really rewarding - but it does take time, patience, and a bit of trial and error.
Brewing Kombucha with a Machine (The Easier Way)
Bruusta is designed to simplify the process and make brewing kombucha at home feel effortless.
A kombucha home brewing system like Bruusta brings everything into one place - fermentation, carbonation, and pouring - so you don’t have to manage multiple steps.
How it works:
Step 1: Add your ingredients
Add your brewing base, yeast, and water.
Step 2: Let it ferment
The system handles fermentation over around 4 days.
Step 3: Chill and pour
Once ready, pop it in the fridge for 2 days and pour fresh kombucha straight from the tap.
How Long Does Kombucha Take to Brew?
- Traditional brewing: 7–14 days + extra time for carbonation
- Kombucha machine: 4 days + 2 days chilling time
If you’re looking for something quicker and more predictable, a kombucha machine is often the better option.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Starting out, it’s easy to run into a few issues:
1. Contamination
Open brewing can expose your kombucha to unwanted bacteria.
2. Over- or under-fermenting
Timing can be tricky, especially at the beginning.
3. Bottling problems
Too much sugar = over-carbonation
Too little = flat kombucha
4. Giving up too soon
Traditional brewing can feel like a lot to keep up with.
This is where a kombucha machine like Bruusta makes things easier - it removes a lot of the guesswork and helps you stay consistent.
What Is the Easiest Way to Brew Kombucha at Home?
For most beginners, the easiest way to brew kombucha at home is by using a kombucha brewing device.
A kombucha machine like Bruusta simplifies the entire process by:
- removing the need for a SCOBY
- reducing hands-on steps
- delivering consistent, repeatable results
It turns kombucha from a project into something you can actually build into your routine.
Final Thoughts
Brewing kombucha at home doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you enjoy the process and want to experiment, traditional brewing is a great place to start. But if you’re looking for something simple, reliable, and easy to stick with, a kombucha home brewing system like Bruusta is a great option for beginners.
It’s less about learning a complex process and more about enjoying fresh kombucha whenever you want it.
FAQs
Do I need to know how to care for a SCOBY to make kombucha?
Only if you’re using the traditional method. A kombucha brewing device doesn’t require keeping a SCOBY alive inbetween brews.
What is the easiest way to make kombucha at home?
Using a kombucha machine is typically the easiest way, as it simplifies the process and reduces the chance of error.
Is brewing kombucha at home difficult?
It can be with traditional methods, but modern kombucha machines make it much more straightforward.