1. Small Size
The goal was a bench-top incubator. To fit on laboratory benches, the device needs to be relatively small, but this has further benefits: a small incubator becomes portable; smaller environments are also easier to control and maintain; and a large environment is unnecessary and excessive for growing mushrooms.
2. Enclosed Environment
A staple of any incubator, a fully enclosed or isolated environment allows the interior environment to be unaffected by outside conditions, which in turn allows for precise control. Insulation isolates the incubator from outside temperature, a solid casing from humidity and air, and opacity from outside light.
3. Compartmentalized
The high heat and humidity levels needed for mushroom growth could damage the control system’s electronics. Conversely, contact with metals in the electronics could be toxic for the fungi. To keep both our fungi and our electronics respectively growing and running comfortably, the two need to be kept separate and, ideally, isolated from one another.
4. Cost
If we spend too much money, we would have been better off buying an incubator and using our newfound time more productively. Commercially available incubators cost an upwards of about $500 – humidity, light, and CO2 control not included. Additional controls raise the price of equivalent incubators, but also raise the cost of building one. We need to be conscious of not wasting time or money while making this.
"
