In early 2022, we were asked to test Mella, a smart mushroom fruiting chamber that was in the late stages of development. FirstBuild, the company that makes Mella, shipped us two prototypes to test. Suffice it to say, we were delighted with Mella’s ease and simplicity, and after much debate, the following six features made it on to our collective “love” list.
1. Mella is fully automated
There is definitely something nice about the “set it and forget it” simplicity of Mella. Once you’ve assembled the unit and selected the humidity and fan speeds, you can pretty much leave it to do its thing for several days.
The water tank (which sits on the outside) lasts for 5-7 days, and the filter and unit only need to be cleaned between mushroom harvests. There are even built-in LED lamps that create the optimal lighting environment for your fungi (which can be turned on and off, if nighttime light isn’t your thing).
1. Mella is fully automated
There is definitely something nice about the “set it and forget it” simplicity of Mella. Once you’ve assembled the unit and selected the humidity and fan speeds, you can pretty much leave it to do its thing for several days. The water tank (which sits on the outside) lasts for 5-7 days, and the filter and unit only need to be cleaned between mushroom harvests. There are even built-in LED lamps that create the optimal lighting environment for your fungi (which can be turned on and off, if nighttime light isn’t your thing).
2. Mella is compact, yet roomy
The Mella unit makes excellent use of vertical and horizontal space. We were able to comfortably fit 3 of our 5 lb. fruiting blocks. nto the unit, leaving enough room for the filter and fan to do their magic. (We also tried 3 of our 4 lb. Spray & Grow kits which also left ample room for air and circulation.)
Of course, we would be lying if we said the unit is small—it isn’t. It’s definitely larger than a standard countertop toaster oven. That said, it isn’t huge either and took up a lot less room on our kitchen counter than expected. Added bonus—it actually looked good! The Mella design is sleek and minimalist, so it didn’t overpower the space and fit nicely on the countertop.
3. Mella is whisper quiet
Mella’s dual fan has two jobs – air and humidity circulation. And in all honesty, we were a little worried that the fan would create an obnoxious wind-tunnel sound in the background. But it was surprisingly quiet, even at full speed. You can definitely hear it, but it’s more of a soft ambient background noise. Think calming white noise machine, not screeching industrial fan. Two thumbs up!
2. Mella is compact, yet roomy
The Mella unit makes excellent use of vertical and horizontal space. We were able to comfortably fit 3 of our 5 lb. fruiting blocks. nto the unit, leaving enough room for the filter and fan to do their magic. (We also tried 3 of our 4 lb. Spray & Grow kits which also left ample room for air and circulation.)
Of course, we would be lying if we said the unit is small—it isn’t. It’s definitely larger than a standard countertop toaster oven. That said, it isn’t huge either and took up a lot less room on our kitchen counter than expected. Added bonus—it actually looked good! The Mella design is sleek and minimalist, so it didn’t overpower the space and fit nicely on the countertop.
3. Mella is whisper quiet
Mella’s dual fan has two jobs – air and humidity circulation. And in all honesty, we were a little worried that the fan would create an obnoxious wind-tunnel sound in the background. But it was surprisingly quiet, even at full speed. You can definitely hear it, but it’s more of a soft ambient background noise. Think calming white noise machine, not screeching industrial fan. Two thumbs up!
4. Mella controlled smell and spores
If you live with somebody that is sensitive to mushroom spores or doesn’t like the smell of mushrooms, the Mella is definitely for you. The unit is fully enclosed to decrease the changes of anything getting in or out (except for highly-filtered air) thanks to the dual fan system. Added bonus – if you live in an area prone to fruit flies and gnats, this keeps them out!
4. Mella controlled smell and spores
If you live with somebody that is sensitive to mushroom spores or doesn’t like the smell of mushrooms, the Mella is definitely for you. The unit is fully enclosed to decrease the changes of anything getting in or out (except for highly-filtered air) thanks to the dual fan system. Added bonus – if you live in an area prone to fruit flies and gnats, this keeps them out!
5. Mella was easy to clean
5. Mella was easy to clean
The Mella has incredibly easy-to-remove components. And, while you do need to clean the unit between mushroom harvests, all inner and outer surfaces are easily wiped off with a damp cloth and soapy water or a water/alcohol mixture. The reusable humidity filter is also easy to clean. Simply run it through lukewarm water between harvests to remove any spore buildup.
Mella has two clear acrylic side walls and a clear acrylic glass door. It also has a stainless-steel floor, roof, and back panel. And, while you do need to clean the unit between mushroom harvests, all inner and outer surfaces are easily wiped off with a damp cloth and soapy water or a water/alcohol mixture. The reusable humidity filter is also easy to clean. Simply run it through lukewarm water between harvests to remove any spore buildup.
6. Mella was easy to set up
The Mella was packed with care using laser cut spongy foam pieces and only took about 5 minutes to unbox all of the components. After reading the instruction manual, it only took another 15 minutes to fully assemble, including filling the water tank. And, while we wouldn’t say it’s so easy a child could do it, it definitely wasn’t difficult. A quick read of the set-up instructions is all you need. (FirstBuild is also looking to add even easier controls in the next version of Mella.)
6. Mella was easy to set up
The Mella was packed with care using laser cut spongy foam pieces and only took about 5 minutes to unbox all of the components. After reading the instruction manual, it only took another 15 minutes to fully assemble, including filling the water tank. And, while we wouldn’t say it’s so easy a child could do it, it definitely wasn’t difficult. A quick read of the set-up instructions is all you need. (FirstBuild is also looking to add even easier controls in the next version of Mella.)
33 Replies to "We Tested the Mella Smart Mushroom Fruiting Chamber by FirstBuild"
No, the monotubs do not work in there.
Thanks for the sharing informative article.
Can I use a monotub in there?
Ashly, yeah, I would recommend the blue oysters and lions mane to start! (:
Uvan, we are in Maine, United States! We are working on international shipping options!
I just received my Mella and am picking out my North Spore blocks to use first. Any suggestions for mushrooms that grow well together? or guidance for growing each type of mushroom – understanding that the location of the Mella affects setting. I’m just looking for someone with experience to give me a good starting point. I’d like to grow oyster, lions mane, shiitake and King Trumpet and maybe try chestnut (I’ve never had these!)
Good morning were are you all based and how much is the growing set up ,im very intrested in this.
Kindest Regards
Üvan Eckardt
Good morning were are you all based and how much is the growing set up ,im very intrested in this.
Kindest Regards
Üvan Eckardt
Hey there! It may take a bit of trial and error with the fan speed but you want humidity to be at 80-90%!
NorthSpore – What settings did you use (or suggest) for your Lions Mane block?
Yes, they will be announcing when it is released for another round of purchasing soon!
Yes, they will be announcing when it is released for another round of purchasing soon!
I’ve been watching this product for a couple years now. Have they made any progress towards product release or is it just another indiegogo scam? half $1m raised and I’d love to spend a possibly overpriced $300+ on this if they only release the product!
I am very interested in buying a Mella. Do u know when they will be out?
where can i buy such a device seems practical
Hey Y’all! Looks super cool! Do these things still exist? The link to the site has nowhere to purchase. I could have missed it, but, my eyes ain’t that bad. Thanks! Keep up the good work!
Hi, I’m very interested in a grow set up like this. But my question is, what makes your BoomBoom setup different? Thank you.
I’m currently a homebrewer and brew about once a month. With that brew comes 50+ lbs. Of spent grain that has been held at a temp of 170*F for at least 10 minutes at the end of mashing. Could I use this as a fruiting block for the mushrooms? I feel as if I waste it by throwing it away and would like to start growing and minimize my waste. I stumbled upon your all in one system and it would look pretty awesome on my counter top.
I ordered the Mella and look forward to ordering spores (fruiting blocks) from you guys as soon as mine comes in.
Hi Jonathan Corrie, you could certainly use the Mella as an incubator and fruiting chamber for an inoculated boomr bag.
Hey i ordered a mella 2.0 and i was wondering if i used boomer bags and fully colonized them then used the mella as fruit chamber. Would they work that way i seen a reply to someone who commented on use of the boomer bags with mella but thats what i bought it for so thanks in advance 🙏🏻I’m looking to make u guys my regular provider🤝
Hi Dan, this would not be used with boomr bags, but fully colonized fruiting blocks.
How does this work with boomr bags? Is there a way to do monotub type grows?
You say “it’s not small, but it’s not huge either.” Why don’t don’t you just give the dimensions? Especially its footprint. Thank you very much, Gregor
Pricing will be announced by Mella in the next 1-2 months. To be the first to know, sign up for email notifications from First Build via the link at the beginning of the blog!
Looks like something all my friends should own, I rarely shop but the Mella has gotten my attention. Thank you.
how much is Mella?
QUESTIONS:
I would like to know how much one of these costs?
What is the maintenance in terms of keeping a clean growing environment that is mold free, etc?
How much will one unit cost?
Thanks.
This is Awesome. A great/easier way to make shrooming more accessible to neophytes like me!🍄
Count me as highly interested!
This looks really cool, and would actually look nice on a kitchen counter.
What’s the price?
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