Hard cider is one of the easiest drinks to brew at home, since the sugar comes from apple juice and the process leans on a simple fermentation. A cider brewing kit supplies the yeast, the fermenter and often the juice-prep tools so you can focus on flavor. A good kit also keeps the steps short, which matters because fresh cider rewards patience rather than complicated technique.
The six kits below range from small countertop sets to larger batch bundles. We have not used these kits ourselves, so please confirm batch size, whether juice is included and which equipment you still need on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Batch size | One-gallon kits are easy to manage; larger kits make more cider |
| Juice | Some kits assume you buy your own apple juice or cider |
| Yeast | Cider yeast shapes dryness, aroma and alcohol level |
| Equipment | Look for a fermenter, airlock, siphon and bottles or caps |
| Flavoring | Spice, honey or fruit options add variety |
Specs at a Glance
| Kit | Batch | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit | One gallon | Countertop kit | Small and simple |
| Brooklyn Brew Shop Hard Cider Kit | One gallon | Countertop kit | Design suited to gifts |
| Northern Brewer Hard Cider Kit | Larger batch | Cider kit | From a homebrew supplier |
| Mr. Beer Hard Cider Refill | Small batch | Refill pack | For use with a Mr. Beer fermenter |
| Midwest Supplies Hard Cider Kit | Larger batch | Cider kit | From a homebrew supplier |
| Home Brew Ohio Cider Kit | Larger batch | Cider kit | Bundled supplies |
The 6 Best Home Brewing Kits for Making Cider
1. Craft A Brew Hard Cider Making Kit
A one-gallon kit that suits small spaces and first-time brewers. It lets you see a full fermentation without much commitment.
Suits: first-timers. Strengths: a small, low-risk batch. Weaknesses: a modest yield. Skip it if you want a big batch.
View Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit on Amazon
2. Brooklyn Brew Shop Hard Cider Making Kit
A small-batch kit with a gift-friendly presentation. It is aimed at curious beginners who want a neat countertop project.
Suits: gifts. Strengths: a tidy kit design. Weaknesses: a small yield. Skip it if you want bulk cider.
View Brooklyn Brew Shop Hard Cider Kit on Amazon
3. Northern Brewer Hard Cider Kit
A cider kit from a long-running homebrew supplier. It generally pairs cider yeast with the supplies for a standard batch, so check what is in the box.
Suits: those with some basic gear. Strengths: supplier know-how. Weaknesses: contents vary by listing. Skip it if you want a fully bundled kit.
View Northern Brewer Hard Cider Kit on Amazon
4. Mr. Beer Hard Cider Refill Kit
A refill pack intended for use with Mr. Beer fermenters. It suits those who already own the countertop system.
Suits: Mr. Beer owners. Strengths: simple continuation. Weaknesses: needs a compatible fermenter. Skip it if you do not own that system.
View Mr. Beer Hard Cider Refill on Amazon
5. Midwest Supplies Hard Cider Kit
A cider kit from a major homebrew retailer. It can serve as a starting point for brewers who like to tweak the flavor.
Suits: brewers who like to tweak. Strengths: a flexible base. Weaknesses: extra equipment may be needed. Skip it if you want a no-prep option.
View Midwest Supplies Hard Cider Kit on Amazon
6. Home Brew Ohio Hard Cider Kit
A bundle of cider supplies from a home brewing store. It aims to cover the basic steps in one purchase.
Suits: those who want a bundle. Strengths: an all-in-one approach. Weaknesses: check the contents carefully. Skip it if you already own gear.
View Home Brew Ohio Cider Kit on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Sanitize the fermenter, airlock and siphon before use. Rinse with clean water afterward.
- Keep fermentation in a steady, moderate temperature. Swings in temperature can stress the yeast.
- Rack the cider off the sediment before bottling.
- Store bottled cider in a cool, dark spot.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using juice with preservatives that stop yeast.
- Bottling before fermentation has finished.
- Not leaving headspace in the fermenter.
- Skipping the airlock. It lets gas out while keeping contaminants away.
Cider Brewing Kit FAQ
Can I use store-bought juice?
Yes, if it has no preservatives that stop fermentation. Check the label before you buy. Plain pressed juice works best.
How long does cider take?
Fermentation takes a few weeks, and conditioning in the bottle adds more time. Patience gives a cleaner, smoother cider.
Will it be sweet or dry?
Most yeasts ferment sugar completely, giving a dry cider. Sweetening afterward is a choice. A little backsweetening can round out a tart apple.
Do I need special bottles?
Use bottles meant to hold pressure, such as beer bottles with caps or pressure-rated plastic. Never use thin glass that is not made for carbonation.
The Short Version
For a first small batch, the Craft A Brew Hard Cider. For gifting, the Brooklyn Brew Shop. For supplier know-how, the Northern Brewer. For Mr. Beer owners, the Mr. Beer refill. For a flexible base, the Midwest Supplies. For a bundle, the Home Brew Ohio. Whichever you pick, start small and taste often.