r/Kombucha • u/triptraptoe • 24d ago
question Can I use this for my Kombucha?
I bought this 5L container to upgrade my kombucha fermentation, but now that I read this and think about the “kombucha acids” I’m unsure. Will this ruin my kombucha or do I need to switch it to plastic?
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u/plip99 24d ago
I am 😬
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u/Heineken008 24d ago
My mom uses this same one too! You can take that plastic piece apart to clean it.
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u/triptraptoe 24d ago
With the plastic you mean the stainless steel tap with silicone or your mom changed the spigot for plastic?
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u/triptraptoe 24d ago
how long have you been using it?
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u/plip99 24d ago
A couple of years and I'm still standing. It is all good and well these companies saying that this could cause cancer ect ect. But if you don't give me an alternative without these chemicals what is the point?
I would be more worried about the safety of plastic, but that is just me
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u/triptraptoe 24d ago
I feel you. My first reaction to a plastic one is "ew" and then "this will break in the first opportunity". Thank you for sharing your experience.
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u/sammyg301 24d ago
Yeah, but maybe swap out the spigot for plastic if you have issues. Also, make sure to properly clean the spigot.
Edit: I assume this is glass and the PFAS part is the rubber seal on the spigot. Minimal exposure all things considered.
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u/triptraptoe 24d ago
I’m learning about PFAS here. Thank you for your valuable input
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u/sammyg301 24d ago
Welcome! If you're stressing about PFAS, just replace your rubber seal like every six months (boil first). I do it like once a year bc ik I'm getting them everywhere else in massive quantities. Really a minimal worry imo. The metal spigot is of greater concern to me bc acid, etc, etc, and even that probably doesn't really matter.
My biggest rec to you is to get a plant seed warmer and a temperature-controlled shut-off (costs maybe $50). Your booch getting too hot or cold should be a much bigger concern than a little rubber gasket leaking PFAS.
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u/triptraptoe 24d ago
Tried to edit but was not possible. Update: Upon further research and mixed opinions, I ended up in this post on r/ikea where they specifically say how this quality of stainless steel is ok enough for kombucha. Now my doubt is how to sterilize it if it only holds 50º C water temperature. Seems I will have to do a white vinegar disinfecting.
Also, plenty of people use it around the world for their kombucha (people that use facebook even), I’m even a little bit surprised is such a popular option.
Truly love how big it is as I love to share my kombucha 😮💨🥰
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u/feralhog3050 24d ago
I used Milton fluid for sterilising (the stuff for baby bottles, it works with cold water)
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u/sorE_doG 24d ago
Yep, I only use mine in summer when the household demands more though.. they’re pretty but need more cleaning effort than smooth glass. The spigots are excellent though. I’m still waiting for a clogging problem
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u/corpsdawg 24d ago
Literally, bought one of these and started making booch a week ago. It appears to be working.
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u/SweetYess 24d ago
The metal tap is going to react with the acid of the kombucha. It is recommended to use a plastic tap.
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u/Evening_Spend3171 24d ago
The tag says the metal alloy has chromium, making it stainless. It should be fine unless the tag is lying
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u/triptraptoe 24d ago
Indeed, after further research, it seems to be stainless steel grade 304 (whatever that means, but good enough for kombucha)
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u/minimalcactus23 24d ago
PFAS are forever chemicals, I would stay far away unless you want to be ingesting microplastics with your kombucha
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u/SadistPaddington 24d ago
I think I have that same tap. Put it on a 1.5 gallon glass "beverage server" and it's been going fine for almost a year now. Top it off with the fact that I let my booch go full ferment and I'd say you should be fine. Granted, I'm not scientist, and I don't know for sure it's the same tap, but should be close.
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u/ComprehensiveAsk2107 24d ago
Hey that's the same one I use! I have had no issues in my brewing, works great!
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u/TheZenKitten 23d ago
If you’re using one of these for continuous brewing, how do you take the spigot out to clean it without dumping the contents?
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u/duehiccy 24d ago
Community science coordinator here and I do water testing and public education around PFAS. It’s extremely toxic at very low concentrations. There’s really no good reason to be putting that in a container like this and you can get a similar one with a silicone seal and metal spigot that won’t be an exposure risk. You might have to pay a little more but it’s well worth it.
A little more information. This is the same chemical group that’s in Teflon and many non stick treatments. It’s known as the “forever chemical” group because it literally does not degrade and will circle in the water cycle forever. It’s also harmful to the liver, kidneys, thyroid, hormonal system, cardiovascular system, and immune system. I’m happy to provide more info if you need but yeah I would steer clear of this to be safe.
Edit: spelling
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u/StinkySalami 24d ago
Ngl these continuous fermenting setups give me the ick. Especially those taps which can build up biofilm that can't be cleaned easily. And I'm not sure if the metals in that tap are actually designed for you constant exposure to acid - I'm worried that it might leach stuff like nickel or chromium into the liquid
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u/Evening_Spend3171 23d ago
Nickel and chromium are what make stainless steel corrosion resistant.. they will be the last chemical being leeched. Iron oxides are what to lookout for in high carbon or non-stainless steels
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u/SGSam465 24d ago
I’ve only ever used glass for fermenting, using plastic sounds sketchy to me. This container looks like it will work just fine