Upcycling an old kegerator into a kombucha fermenter and tap system is an excellent project for homebrewers and DIY enthusiasts looking to experiment with fermented beverages. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, from installation and maintenance to troubleshooting and optimization, ensuring that your new kombucha fermentation system works efficiently. Let’s dive in.

Tools Required

Before getting started with the upcycling process, ensure you have the following tools and materials:

• Kegerator (old unit you wish to upcycle)
• Kombucha Fermentation Vessel (5-gallon or larger glass carboy)
• Drill (with bits appropriate for creating holes for taps and fittings)
• Fittings & Tubing (food-grade tubing, barb fittings, and hose clamps)
• CO2 Tank (optional, if you’re using it to carbonate your kombucha)
• Thermometer (to monitor fermentation temperature)
• Sanitizer (for cleaning and sterilizing all parts)
• Taps (kombucha-specific or customizable taps)
• Gasket Seals (to prevent leaks in the taps and fittings)
• Screwdriver or Wrench (for assembling parts and fittings)
• Siphon (optional, for transferring kombucha to bottles after fermentation)

Step 1: Clean and Sanitize Your Kegerator

The first step in the upcycling process is to thoroughly clean and sanitize the kegerator. Since it was previously used for dispensing beer, there may be residual yeast or bacteria that could interfere with your kombucha brewing. Follow these steps to clean the kegerator:

1. Remove any beer kegs, tubing, and CO2 systems: These parts will not be needed for kombucha fermentation.
2. Wash all removable parts (shelves, drip trays, etc.) with warm soapy water.
3. Disinfect the interior: Use a food-safe sanitizer to disinfect the entire inside of the kegerator.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Ensure no cleaning or sanitizing chemicals remain in the system before moving on.

By starting with a clean kegerator, you ensure your kombucha ferments in a safe and sanitary environment.

Step 2: Install the Kombucha Fermentation Vessel

Instead of a traditional beer keg, you’ll be using a fermentation vessel (typically a 5-gallon glass carboy) for kombucha brewing. The fermentation vessel should fit comfortably inside the kegerator, and here’s how to install it:

1. Prepare the carboy: Wash and sanitize your glass carboy to ensure it’s ready for use.
2. Position the carboy: Place the carboy into the kegerator, ensuring it is stable and centered. You might need to remove any internal shelving to make room for the vessel.
3. Check for clearance: Ensure there’s enough clearance above the vessel for proper airflow, which is essential during fermentation.

With the vessel in place, your kombucha fermenter system is starting to take shape!

Step 3: Set Up the Tap System

Now that you have the fermentation vessel in place, it’s time to install the tap system for dispensing kombucha. Since you’re re-purposing a kegerator, the process will be very similar to installing beer taps, but with a few modifications for kombucha.

1. Drill holes for taps: Using a drill, create holes where you want the taps to be located. Ideally, place them on the front panel of the kegerator.
2. Install the taps: Insert the kombucha-specific taps through the drilled holes. Use gaskets and washers to ensure there are no leaks.
3. Attach tubing to the taps: Connect food-grade tubing to the taps using hose clamps, ensuring a secure fit.
4. Position the tubing: Direct the tubing into the fermentation vessel, ensuring that it reaches just below the surface of the kombucha liquid to prevent contamination.
5. Ensure proper sealing: Check that all fittings, connections, and seals are secure to avoid leaks when dispensing.

With your tap system installed, you’re now ready to start fermenting and dispensing your kombucha with ease.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust Temperature for Fermentation

Temperature control is vital for successful kombucha fermentation. While kombucha can ferment at a range of temperatures, maintaining a stable temperature between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) is ideal for the growth of the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). Here’s how you can control the temperature:

1. Install a thermometer inside the kegerator: Use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. Adjust the kegerator’s thermostat: Many kegerators have a built-in thermostat that you can adjust. Set it within the ideal fermentation range for kombucha.
3. Consider adding a heating mat: If your kegerator has difficulty reaching the desired temperature, you can add a heating mat under the fermentation vessel.

Maintaining the proper temperature is crucial for fermentation and ensuring the quality of your kombucha.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues

During the fermentation process, you may encounter common problems. Here are a few to watch for, along with solutions:

Issue 1: Temperature Fluctuations

• Solution: Ensure the kegerator’s thermostat is functioning properly. If the unit has trouble maintaining a consistent temperature, consider using an external thermostat or heating mat.

Issue 2: Slow Fermentation

• Solution: If fermentation is too slow, try adjusting the temperature to a warmer setting (while staying within the safe range). Ensure your kombucha starter culture (SCOBY) is active and healthy.

Issue 3: Contamination

• Solution: Cleanliness is crucial in kombucha brewing. Ensure all parts, especially the taps and tubing, are thoroughly sanitized. If contamination occurs, discard the batch and start over.

Issue 4: Leaking Taps

• Solution: Double-check that the taps are properly sealed and that all fittings are tight. If necessary, replace gaskets or add more sealing material.

Step 6: Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

To get the best performance from your kombucha fermenter and tap system, consider the following customizations:

1. CO2 Addition: If you like slightly fizzy kombucha, you can add CO2 to the system by installing a small CO2 tank. This step is optional but can help achieve the carbonation level you desire.
2. Secondary Fermentation Setup: If you want to flavor your kombucha or carbonate it further, set up a secondary fermentation vessel and add fruit, herbs, or spices before bottling.
3. Use of a Pressure Relief Valve: Adding a pressure relief valve to your kegerator will allow you to safely release built-up pressure without risking over-carbonation or accidents.

By customizing the system, you can create a kombucha fermentation setup tailored to your brewing preferences.

Step 7: Comparison with Other Kombucha Fermentation Systems

While upcycling a kegerator into a kombucha fermenter and tap system offers a unique and efficient setup, it’s essential to compare this method with other available fermentation systems. Here’s how it stacks up against traditional methods:

• Kegerator System: The upcycled kegerator offers temperature control, the convenience of tap dispensing, and the option for CO2-assisted carbonation. It’s a more complex but highly customizable solution.
• Glass Jar or Ceramic Crock: Simpler and more cost-effective, but lacks temperature control and tap dispensing features. It requires manual bottling, which can be cumbersome.
• Dedicated Kombucha Fermenters: These systems are often purpose-built, with specialized features like temperature control and spigots, but they come at a higher price point and may offer less customization compared to an upcycled kegerator.

For those with an old kegerator, upcycling offers a unique and efficient solution with both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Step 8: Compatibility with Other Beer Products

When upgrading your kegerator to a kombucha fermenter and tap system, it’s essential to understand how this system interacts with other beer-related products:

1. Kegs: If you’re planning to use your kegerator for both kombucha and beer, ensure your taps and tubing are easily interchangeable. Keep in mind that kombucha requires thorough cleaning to avoid contamination when switching between beverages.
2. CO2 Systems: For carbonation, you can repurpose your CO2 system from the kegerator for kombucha. However, it’s recommended to use a low-pressure regulator to avoid over-carbonating the kombucha.

Ensuring compatibility between your upcycled kegerator and other brewing equipment can streamline the brewing process and save time.