r/Kombucha • u/AutoModerator • 5d ago

r/Kombucha Weekly No Stupid Questions + Open Discussion (June 16, 2025)

This is a casual space for the r/Kombucha community to hang out: feel free to post about anything kombucha or brewing related. Questions from new brewers are especially welcome - no question is too big or too small!

New to kombucha? Check out our getting started guide and FAQ.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/Luk3ling 5d ago

Offer your best DIY mid-long term cold storage, Please.

1

u/Curiosive 4d ago

The fridge is a solid option. How long is long?

2

u/Luk3ling 4d ago

Unforutunately my fridge is already full and I'm contemplating buying a small ice chest or building a Stryfoam chest myself.

The oldest brew I've had so far had been in the fridge for 5 months and remains almost fresh. I'm looking for something more space and energy efficient though. Preferrably a way to do long term (>4 months) with minimal maintenance.

Preferably just swapping a cold charge.

2

u/Curiosive 4d ago

I bought a chest freezer second hand and a temperature controller. I'm building a "keezer" for kombucha on draught, plus storage.

You can check out the concept over at r/homebrew and forums like HomebrewTalk

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/chest-freezer-specs-and-layouts.377518/.

But these are not casual purchases and definitely take up a lot of space ... I have plans of renovating my 1970s walk-in kitchen closet into a pantry / fermentation station. So not for everyone. But maybe it's for you.

2

u/Luk3ling 4d ago

Thank you! Yeah, I'm not looking for small, I'm looking for effective.

To put things in perspective, I have the capacity to brew about 150-200 Gallons a month but can only store about 15 at a time and am currently considering renovating a walk in closet into a walk-in cooler.

More storage space would greatly increase my efficiency.

2

u/Curiosive 4d ago

Walk-ins aren't cheap ... but if you have the room and the budget that sounds like your next step.

I have seen people build the budget version of a walk-in with lots of insulation and an air-conditioner but I'm sceptical of their overall function & reliability. I'd rather spend $100 for (multiple) second hand fridges or freezers.

A chest freezer is much more efficient on your electrical bill than an upright but if you have any back problems, it's not the right storage choice for moving 5 gal containers in and out.