Are you having trouble with maintaining your Kombucha’s temperature? If yes, then this list of the top Kombucha brewing heating pads might just be exactly what you need.
Temperature is a real concern when brewing Kombucha, and brewing failures due to inconsistent temperature are much more prevalent than you think. Heating pads, also called heating mats, are handy devices that help in regulating the temperature of the Kombucha brew. They keep the Kombucha at its optimal brewing temperature which is 60℉ to 85℉ and protect it against sudden temperature drops.
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Why Use a Heating Pad
To keep the Kombucha culture healthy
Heating pads can be extremely useful especially if you live in colder regions, or if you are brewing during the cold seasons when sudden fluctuations in temperature often occur. Heating pads keep the brew consistently warm so the culture can stay healthy, awake, and active. This allows the culture to work at an ideal pace and create the perfect balance between all the alcohol, acids, and bacteria culture in Kombucha.
To boost fermentation
By keeping the Kombucha warm, you encourage the activity and metabolism of the Kombucha culture. When the bacteria and yeast culture are active, they can convert the sweet tea faster to Kombucha and the entire fermentation process will be shorter.
To encourage acidity production
With healthy Kombucha culture, the Kombucha will not just ferment at a good pace but also develop enough acidity at the right time. The acidity in Kombucha is crucial as it protects the brew from molds and possible contaminants.
To give Kombucha a stronger tart taste
Healthy Kombucha culture doesn’t just produce enough acidity but also a strong tart savor. Brewing Kombucha at colder temperatures causes the culture activity to slow down resulting in a weak-tasting Kombucha.
If you are not a big fan of strong Kombucha, don’t worry because heating pads have a temperature control function so you can regulate the temperature and achieve your preferred taste.
For better carbonation buildup
A heating pad is not only beneficial during the first fermentation. In the second fermentation of Kombucha, the yeast needs a consistent temperature to turn sugar into carbon dioxide. With a heating pad, the yeast can produce enough carbon dioxide to make a fizzy Kombucha. A heating pad can also help ferment the Kombucha at an expected rate. This prevents overfermentation and Kombucha bombs from happening.
Top Kombucha Brewing Heating Pads
Kombucha brewing heating pads come at different prices and have become widely available in many leading retailers and online shops across the states. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to go through each heating pad and make a wise purchase decision. Hence, we already did the research and selected the best heating pads that are worth investing in.
Here is the list of the top brewing heating pads that are great for all newbies and experienced Kombucha brewers alike.
Hemlock Home – Brewing Kombucha Heating Wrap
It is no surprise that this heating wrap achieved a high customer rating. It combines practicality, ease of use, and effective heating features that are essential for brewing Kombucha.
The Hemlock Home Brewing Kombucha Heating Wrap is a custom-made Brewing Wrap made specifically for brewing Kombucha at home. It is made for 1-gallon brewing vessels and has three temperature settings that are all suitable for fermenting Kombucha. All you have to do is select a temperature setting according to the temperature in your house.
In addition, this heating wrap is also waterproof and can provide consistent heat all throughout the entire brewing process. When wrapped around the vessel, it also provides enough empty space so you can check the temperature gauge without having to remove the wrap.
Joshua Tree – Kombucha Heat Wrap
From one of the leading Kombucha brewing equipment brands comes this Kombucha heat wrap that is practical, easy to use, and equipped with a 3 adjustable heating temperatures feature. The Joshua Tree Kombucha Heat Wrap is a beginner-friendly heating device that is designed to provide consistent warm temperatures for different fermentation projects like Kombucha, kimchi, sourdough, and more.
It is designed with adjustable Velcro straps that can securely fit 1 to 2-gallon brewing vessels. It is safe to use on various brewing vessels such as ceramic, porcelain, stainless steel, or glass brewing jars. Furthermore, it is waterproof and safe to be plugged in during the entire fermentation process.
The Joshua Tree Kombucha Heating Wrap is energy efficient and claims to only cost less than 4 cents per day to operate. In addition, it is designed with a six-foot power cord allowing you to use this device in different locations in your house. It also comes with a temperature strip for accurate temperature readings.
Craft a Brew – Kombucha Jar Heat Wrap
The Craft a Brew Kombucha Jar Heat Wrap is all you need to keep your Kombucha at optimal brewing temperature all throughout the brewing process. This heat wrap is designed with 4 temperature settings that are all suitable for brewing Kombucha. It also comes with a stick-on adhesive thermometer strip to accurately check the temperature of the brew so you can prevent sudden temperature drops.
This reliable heat wrap has a 19” x 25” dimension and adjustable straps that can snuggly wrap around a 1 or 2-gallon vessel. It also comes with a 91 inches long cord allowing you to store the brewing jar in any location you prefer. In addition, it is waterproof making it safe to use around liquid. It is energy-saving as well so you can keep it plugged in until the Kombucha has finished fermentation.
Propagate Pro – Wrap-Around Kombucha Fermentation Heating Pad
When it comes to affordability, the Propagate Pro Wrap Around Kombucha Fermentation Heating Pad is hard to beat. It is a multipurpose heating pad that can be used for brewing and heating different ferments like Kombucha, kimchi, and even yogurt. It is also easy to use and only requires you to wrap it around the vessel or place it under the fermentation containers. It claims to warm the container 5 to 20 degrees over ambient temperature to deliver an ideal fermentation temperature.
It boasts of its heavy-duty construction, waterproof features, and compact dimensions. It only measures 3” x 20” making it a space-saving heating device perfect for small spaces. Furthermore, it is easy to clean and equipped with a 6-foot UL-listed power cord for flexible placements.
If you are not fermenting Kombucha or other ferments, you may use it for plant propagation, and seedling starting.
kitchentoolz – Waterproof Heat Mat
The kitchentoolz waterproof heat mat is a 3” x 20” heating pad that offers steady temperature and can wrap a 1-gallon brewing vessel. It can also be used as a lay-flat heat mat to provide warmth for ferments other than Kombucha. It is popularly used for seed germination as well.
It is made with strong materials and is built to provide heat for the entire fermentation process. It also has a strong hook and loop fastener that can fit securely around the glass fermentation jar. It comes with an adhesive thermometer as well so you can easily check the temperature of the brew and prevent it from getting too cold.
Moreover, it is easy to use, and many buyers commend its temperature control feature.
VIVOSUN – Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat
This professional multipurpose heating pad from VIVOSUN features advanced far-infrared heating technology that provides your brew with a consistently warm environment. It is made with high-quality, flexible, and lasting material making it one of the best heat mats for long-term use.
It boasts of its beyond-stringent MET standards and IP67-rating waterproof surface. It is also designed with a carrying bag and can be easily rolled up and packed away so you can easily bring it to different places.
The VIVOSUN Heat Mat has a dimension of 10” x 20.75” which is bigger than most heat mats in the market. It is also equipped with a 5.9 ft. power cord for flexible placements and only operates at 20 watts. Furthermore, it heats up fast and can be heated up to 140℉ at an ambient temperature of 68℉ to 77℉ in minutes.
Apart from brewing Kombucha, it can also be used for plant sprouting and other indoor gardening project. Ultimately, it is convenient, easy to clean, and suitable for various DIY projects that require temperature regulation.
Propagate Pro – Brewing & Fermentation Heat Pad
The Propagate Pro – Brewing & Fermentation Heat Pad is a beginner-friendly heating pad that is easy to use and can fit almost any size of crock or bucket fermenter.
It offers a bottom radiant heating mechanism that claims to mimic nature’s normal process of organic fermenting. Unlike other heat pads, it doesn’t require any wrapping, tape, or belts. You can just simply place it under the fermenter and plug it into a power source. It has a built-in thermal control that shuts the device off when the temperature is warm enough. This help provides excellent temperature regulation as well as prevent overheating.
