Making kombucha at home might seem like a simple job, but there are many things to pay attention to and many things that could go wrong.
That is, unless you’re using the iGulu F1 kombucha machine.
This all-in-one brewer is completely automated and makes brewing kombucha a simple, three-step process.
How does that work? And is it worth the investment?
Let’s find out.
How Does the iGulu F1 Kombucha Machine Work?
Brewing kombucha with the iGulu F1 is a breeze, thanks to its automated design that simplifies the entire process.
Every brewing kit comes with an RFID card, which is basically a chip that stores data. In this case, the data in question is the iGulu F1 setup for a particular brewing kit.
First, add water and ingredients from the kombucha brewing kit into the keg, then scan the RFID card – the iGulu will take care of the rest.
You don’t have to babysit your machine at all while your kombucha brews (which should last about 10 days.) The F1 will adjust temperature and pressure when needed to ensure your kombucha is fermenting in ideal conditions.
If you want to keep track of the brewing progress, you can do that through the iGulu F1 phone app (available on both iOS and Android.) Not only that, but you can also adjust your brew if needed through the Master Mode. We’ll get into that a little later in this article.
What Comes In the Box?
Your iGulu F1 kombucha machine comes with:
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Master Mode Card for advanced customization
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A beer tap handle
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5L keg adapter
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CO2 canister port for extra carbonation
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Manual
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Accessories: gaskets, hoses, cleaning tools, power adapter, and a sticker
The centerpiece of the package is, of course, the iGulu F1 home brewer. Designed to fit seamlessly into any kitchen, the F1 is both compact and modern. The touchscreen interface makes it easy for you to navigate through the menu and keep track of how kombucha is brewing.
It’s also worth mentioning that the F1 comes in three different colors, so you can match it with your other appliances. Aside from the elegant Matte Black, there’s also a Creamy White and Mint Green option.
iGulu F1 Kombucha Machine Standout Features
So, what makes the iGulu kombucha machine stand out in the crowd? There are several features designed to make brewing simple:
Easy Brewing
Thanks to the easy brewing feature, the iGulu F1 is a machine that both seasoned brewers and newbies can use with ease. The process is as simple as this: mix ingredients, brew, and pour kombucha into a glass to enjoy!
With the RFID card you get in your brewing kit, you don’t even have to measure ingredients – kombucha scoby, tea, and sugar are already predosed, so all you have to do is add them to the keg.
Scanning the RFID card initiates the brewing process, and the F1 takes care of the rest. In about 10 days, your kombucha will be ready to drink. Through a phone app, you can monitor the process, so you know exactly at what stage your brew is.
Fermentech Control
On paper, brewing kombucha at home seems like a straightforward process. But in reality, it’s a finicky process.
As you probably know, kombucha is made by fermenting sugared tea with scoby, which is a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.
In the case of scoby, the perfect fermentation temperature 75–85°F. Going lower than that can slow down, even completely halt fermentation. On the other hand, warmer temperatures can cause harmful bacteria to grow in your drink, making it undrinkable.
Luckily, this is easily avoidable with the iGulu F1.
Scanning the RFID card will set the parameters like pressure and temperature inside the keg. However, in the case pressure builds up too much, or room temperature changes, the brewer will automatically adjust these parameters, keeping the fermentation within the safe zone.
After the fermentation, which should take 10 days, it’s time to cool down the drink. At this point, the brewer quickly drops the temperature to 36˚F to chill the kombucha, all the while adding carbonation to it.
30 Days of Fresh Kombucha
How long can your kombucha last, you might ask?
Technically, it can last for months. However, just like soda, it loses its carbonation and flavor over time.
With iGulu F1, you have about 30 days to get through your batch. The brewer features a CO2 gas cylinder tank with a one-way valve, which enhances carbonation and prevents premature oxidation.
Sparkling Mode
If you like your kombucha extra fizzy, the sparkling mode is your friend. Just like a regular soda machine, the iGulu F1 uses the CO2 gas cylinder to add fizz.
What’s especially great about this feature is that you can use it for other drinks aside from kombucha – lemonade, ginger beer, sparkling water, you name it.
Brew Kombucha in 3 Easy Steps
With an automated all-in-one brewer, making kombucha is an easy, three-step process.
Mix
First things first, open your kombucha brewing ingredient kit. Inside, you’ll find the ingredients you need for making a drink: organic kombucha scoby, NUMI organic black tea leaves, and organic pure cane sugar.
Add water and ingredients into the keg and mix.
Brew
Scan the RFID card from your brewing kit, which will automatically set up the parameters for brewing kombucha. Press “start,” and the F1 will get to the job.
Pour
Ten days later, the lightbar on your F1 will turn green, indicating that kombucha is ready for consumption.
Master Mode
If you’re a more seasoned kombucha brewer, the Master Mode is for you.
By scanning the Premium Card, you activate the mode that allows you to manually adjust key brewing parameters such as temperature and pressure, giving you the freedom to experiment with different fermentation styles and flavors, such as ginger beer kombucha.
Conclusion
The iGulu F1 machine makes brewing kombucha simple and intuitive, which is something both experienced and beginner brewers can appreciate. The three-step process is automated, so you don’t have to babysit your machine while it brews the drink for you.
If you like to play around with ingredients, the Master Mode provides the flexibility to fine-tune each step to suit your exact preferences.
Whether you want a foolproof way to make kombucha or crave the ability to customize every detail of your brew, the iGulu F1 has you covered.
FAQ
How much kombucha does the iGulu F1 make?
The capacity of the iGulu F1 kombucha machine is one gallon. Given it takes about 10 days to brew the drink using a kombucha brew kit, you can make about three gallons each month.
What is the price of the iGulu Kombucha Machine?
The iGulu F1 costs $749.00.
How many kombucha kits does iGulu offer?
Currently, iGulu offers a single kombucha kit option, along with many beer kits.
How do you clean the iGulu F1?
Keeping your iGulu clean is essential if you want your machine to last. Luckily, regular maintenance is a breeze. Open the lid, and remove the gas connector and dispensing tube. Wipe the inside with a soft cloth and clean water, then use a dry cloth to soak up any remaining water.
Do I need to know how to brew to use the iGulu F1?
The iGulu F1 is designed to make brewing simple, for both newbies and experienced brewers. It’s a three-step process: mix ingredients, brew kombucha, and pour the drink.
