A cider making kit gives you the basic gear and ingredients to ferment apple juice into hard cider at home. Most kits include a fermenter, an airlock, yeast and sanitizer, and some supply a juice concentrate or pre-measured packets. Cider is among the simpler homebrews, since you start with juice and let yeast do the work. Cider is also forgiving of small mistakes compared with some beers, which is why many first-time brewers pick it for a first project.
The six kits below cover small-batch starters and fuller equipment sets. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm the batch size, what is included and whether juice is supplied on the current listing before you buy. Local rules on home fermentation vary, so check yours. Plan on a clean, steady spot for fermenting, since cider is happiest at a stable room temperature.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Batch size | Small batches suit first tries and small spaces |
| Included gear | Fermenter, airlock, yeast and sanitizer should be in the box |
| Juice | Some kits need you to supply the juice |
| Fermenter material | Glass is easy to clean; plastic is light |
| Instructions | Clear steps help a first batch succeed |
Specs at a Glance
| Kit | Scale | Fermenter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Brew Shop Hard Cider Kit | Small batch | Glass jug | Ingredient packs included |
| Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit | Small batch | Glass jug | Reusable gear |
| Northern Brewer Hard Cider Kit | Standard | Fermenter, by version | Check the contents |
| Midwest Supplies Cider Kit | Standard | Fermenter, by version | Equipment set |
| Home Brew Ohio Fermenter Kit | Small batch | Glass jug | Gear only, juice separate |
| Brewer’s Best Cider Kit | Standard | Not clearly stated | Confirm on the listing |
The 6 Best Cider Making Kits for Home Brewing
1. Brooklyn Brew Shop Hard Cider Kit
A small-batch kit from a brand that sells compact home brewing sets, with a glass fermenter and the basic extras for a first cider.
Suits: beginners with little room. Strengths: a small, neat setup. Weaknesses: small output. Skip it if you want to make large batches.
View Brooklyn Brew Shop Hard Cider Kit on Amazon
2. Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit
A reusable small-batch kit with a glass fermenter and a cider ingredient pack, meant for people trying homebrew for the first time.
Suits: first tries. Strengths: a reusable fermenter. Weaknesses: small batches only. Skip it if you want a bigger system.
View Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit on Amazon
3. Northern Brewer Hard Cider Kit
A cider kit from a major homebrew supply company, aimed at standard-size batches. Contents differ by option, so read the listing closely.
Suits: brewers who want a full batch. Strengths: a well-known supplier. Weaknesses: contents vary. Skip it if you want the smallest setup.
View Northern Brewer Hard Cider Kit on Amazon
4. Midwest Supplies Cider Making Kit
A cider-focused equipment set from another long-running homebrew supplier, with the usual fermenter and extras.
Suits: equipment-minded beginners. Strengths: a familiar supplier. Weaknesses: check what is in the box. Skip it if you need juice included.
View Midwest Supplies Cider Making Kit on Amazon
5. Home Brew Ohio One Gallon Fermenter Kit
A gear-focused kit with a one-gallon glass jug and an airlock. You supply the juice and the yeast.
Suits: DIY fans. Strengths: flexible. Weaknesses: not a complete kit. Skip it if you want everything in one box.
View Home Brew Ohio Fermenter Kit on Amazon
6. Brewer’s Best Hard Cider Kit
A cider kit from a long-running home brewing brand. Confirm the batch size and contents on the listing, as these can differ.
Suits: those who like a familiar brand. Strengths: a trusted name. Weaknesses: details vary. Skip it if you need exact specs up front.
View Brewer’s Best Hard Cider Kit on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Sanitize everything that touches the cider.
- Keep the fermenter at a steady room temperature.
- Use juice without added preservatives that stop yeast.
- Be patient and let fermentation finish before bottling.
- Label the fermenter with the date you started.
- Rinse bottles and caps with sanitizer just before filling.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping sanitation.
- Bottling before fermentation ends.
- Using juice with preservatives.
- Sealing the fermenter without an airlock.
- Opening the fermenter again and again to check on it.
- Using a stopper without an airlock and letting pressure build.
Cider Making Kit FAQ
Is cider easier than beer?
It is simpler in steps, since there is no boil. Many beginners start there.
Do I need to buy juice separately?
That depends on the kit. Check what is included on the listing.
How long does cider take?
Plan on several weeks for fermenting and conditioning, depending on the recipe.
Is home fermenting legal everywhere?
Rules vary by place. Check your local laws before you begin.
The Short Version
For a compact start, the Brooklyn Brew Shop. For a reusable small batch, the Craft A Brew. For a full batch, the Northern Brewer. For an equipment set, the Midwest Supplies. For a DIY base, the Home Brew Ohio. For a familiar brand, the Brewer’s Best. Choose by batch size, what is included and how much equipment you want to own.