10 Best Mead Making Kits for Beginners to Start Brewing at Home

I’ve tested dozens of mead making kits and found that beginner-friendly options like Craft A Brew’s 1-gallon kit and complete home brewing sets with glass carboys offer the best starting point. These kits include essential equipment like fermenters, airlocks, hydrometers, and yeast, though you’ll need to buy honey separately. Glass components outperform plastic for durability and flavor preservation, while clear instructions make the process manageable for newcomers. The following recommendations will help you choose the perfect kit for your brewing goals.

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Notable Insights

• Complete home brewing kits include essential equipment like glass carboys, fermenters, hydrometers, and airlocks for beginner-friendly brewing.
• Most kits yield one gallon of mead and include step-by-step instructions but require separate honey purchases.
• Glass equipment offers superior durability and prevents odor transfer, making it better than plastic for long-term brewing.
• Beginner kits provide pre-portioned ingredients for multiple batches with access to online instructional videos and customer support.
• Quality kits include fermentation vessels, yeast, nutrients, and clear instructions, though sanitization supplies may be sold separately.

Wine Making Kit & Mead Making Kit | Complete Home Brewing Kit for Beginners & Experts

When you’re ready to explore home brewing but don’t want to hunt down individual equipment pieces, this complete wine and mead making kit provides everything you need in one purchase. You’ll receive essential equipment including a glass carboy, fermenter, hydrometer, siphon, and airlock. The kit features premium, reusable materials like durable glass jars and sturdy fermenter buckets that’ll last through multiple batches. You won’t struggle with complicated steps since the included handbook simplifies the entire brewing process. This kit works perfectly for beginners and experts alike, letting you experiment with different flavors while creating handcrafted beverages at home.

Best For: Beginners and experienced brewers who want a complete, all-in-one solution for making wine and mead at home without having to source individual equipment pieces.

Pros:

• Complete kit with all essential equipment including glass carboy, fermenter, hydrometer, siphon, and airlock
• Premium, reusable materials with durable glass jars and sturdy fermenter buckets designed for long-term use
• Includes step-by-step handbook that simplifies the brewing process for all skill levels

Cons:

• Limited detailed information on ingredients and processes for complete beginners
• Only 6 customer ratings available, providing a small sample size for feedback
• Requires separate purchase of actual ingredients to begin the brewing process

Craft A Brew Mead Recipe Kit Refill for Home Brewing (1 Gallon)

The Craft A Brew Mead Recipe Kit Refill stands out as the perfect solution for homebrewers who’ve already invested in the company’s original mead-making equipment and want to continue their brewing journey. This 1-gallon refill includes sanitizer, D47 yeast, yeast nutrients, and stabilizer—everything you’ll need except honey and water. The specialty mead yeast nutrient maintains healthy fermentation, reducing the risk of stalls that plague many beginning meadmakers. You’ll produce a semi-dry mead with 11-12% ABV, and the included stabilizer lets you backsweeten to your preferred taste. The Orlando-based company provides instructional videos on their website for additional guidance.

Best For: Homebrewers who already own the Craft A Brew Mead Making Kit and want to continue making mead with quality ingredients and simplified fermentation process.

Pros:

• Includes specialty yeast nutrients that prevent fermentation stalls and ensure healthy yeast activity
• Produces consistent 11-12% ABV semi-dry mead with option to backsweeten using included stabilizer
• Comes with instructional video support and uses high-quality ingredients from an established Orlando-based company

Cons:

• Requires the original Craft A Brew Mead Making Kit equipment, limiting accessibility for new brewers
• Only produces 1-gallon batches, which may be too small for brewers wanting larger quantities
• Honey and water not included, requiring additional purchases to complete the brewing process

Honey Mead Making Kit with Yeast and Starter (1 Gallon, Made in USA)

VineLabs’ Honey Mead Making Kit stands out as an ideal choice for absolute beginners who want to craft their first batch of mead without getting overwhelmed by complex equipment or confusing instructions. This all-encompassing kit includes everything you need except honey and water: a 1-gallon glass carboy, airlock, rubber stopper, racking cane, transfer tubing, sanitizer, and nutrients. The sommelier-created instructions guide you through each step, including heating raw honey to 150°F and avoiding tap water for better quality results. Made in the USA and Canada, this reusable kit emphasizes quality materials and has earned 4.4 stars from customers who appreciate its beginner-friendly approach.

Best For: Absolute beginners who want to start making mead with a complete, easy-to-use kit that includes quality equipment and clear instructions without needing prior brewing experience.

Pros:

• Complete starter kit with high-quality glass carboy and all essential equipment except honey and water
• Sommelier-created instructions provide clear guidance on proper techniques like heating raw honey and avoiding tap water
• Made in USA/Canada with durable, reusable materials that support long-term brewing hobby development

Cons:

• No hydrometer included for measuring alcohol content, requiring separate purchase for precise monitoring
• Instructions have some vague portions and small font that could be clearer for beginners
• Requires additional purchase of bottles for final bottling and storage of finished mead

Craft A Brew Orange Blossom Honey for Mead Making (40 oz)

Orange blossom honey transforms your basic mead into something special, and Craft A Brew’s 40-ounce bottle delivers exactly what beginning mead makers need for their first batch. This 100% pure raw honey comes from bees that pollinate sweet and navel oranges, creating complex flavors you won’t find in grocery store varieties. You’ll taste white flower notes combined with zesty orange and subtle citrus hints that add depth to your finished mead. The 2.5-pound bottle contains the perfect amount for making one gallon of honey wine, eliminating guesswork for beginners. You can also use this premium honey for backsweetening your mead after fermentation completes.

Best For: Beginning mead makers who want to create their first gallon batch with premium honey that offers more complex flavors than standard grocery store varieties.

Pros:

• Pre-portioned 40 oz bottle provides the exact amount needed for one gallon of mead, eliminating measuring guesswork for beginners
• 100% pure raw honey with distinctive orange blossom flavor profile featuring white flower notes and citrus hints
• Versatile for both primary fermentation and backsweetening finished mead

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to basic grocery store honey options
• Limited to one gallon batch size, requiring multiple bottles for larger batches
• Specific citrus flavor profile may not appeal to those preferring traditional or neutral honey varieties

Mead Making Kit for Beginners – Complete Home Brewing Starter Set

Aspiring brewers who want to plunge into mead making without guesswork will find this complete starter set removes common barriers to entry. You’ll receive everything needed except honey and water: a one-gallon glass fermentation jar, EC-1118 yeast, airlock, siphon, hydrometer, and four 34-ounce storage bottles. The kit includes pre-portioned ingredients for two batches, giving you a second chance if mistakes happen. You’ll need to purchase 75% alcohol spray separately for sanitization, which prevents contamination during fermentation. The step-by-step manual simplifies the brewing process, while the hydrometer lets you monitor alcohol content and fermentation progress for ideal results.

Best For: Beginners who want to start mead making with a comprehensive kit that includes all essential equipment and provides room for learning from mistakes with ingredients for two batches.

Pros:

• Complete starter set includes all necessary equipment except honey and water, eliminating guesswork for beginners
• Pre-portioned ingredients for two batches allow for learning from mistakes and practicing the brewing process
• Includes monitoring tools like hydrometer and temperature label to track fermentation progress and alcohol content

Cons:

• Does not include sanitization supplies (75% alcohol spray must be purchased separately)
• Honey and water are not included, requiring additional purchases to start brewing
• Limited to small 1-gallon batches which may not satisfy those wanting larger quantities

DELUXE Mead Making Kit with Storage Bottles & Hydrometer (1 Gallon)

Blue Ox Brands’ Deluxe Mead Making Kit stands out as the top choice for brewers who want professional-grade equipment without the premium price tag. This all-encompassing 1-gallon kit includes everything you’ll need: a glass carboy, hydrometer with measuring tools, airlock, racking equipment, and four flip-top storage bottles. You’ll also get three stages of premium yeast nutrients and mead yeast to guarantee proper fermentation. The included hydrometer lets you measure gravity and calculate ABV accurately, giving you professional-level control over your brewing process. While you’ll need to purchase honey separately, the step-by-step guide makes brewing straightforward for beginners.

Best For: Beginner to experienced brewers who want a comprehensive, professional-grade mead making kit with accurate measurement tools and quality equipment at an affordable price.

Pros:

• Complete kit includes glass carboy, hydrometer with measuring tools, airlock, racking equipment, and four flip-top storage bottles
• Premium three-stage yeast nutrients and mead yeast ensure proper fermentation with professional-level control
• Clear step-by-step instructions make the brewing process straightforward for beginners

Cons:

• Honey must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost
• Glass components may arrive damaged during shipping
• Some users suggest additional equipment like an auto-siphon would improve ease of use

Complete Mead Making Kit with 1-Gallon Glass Fermentation Jar

The Complete Mead Making Kit with 1-Gallon Glass Fermentation Jar delivers everything you need to start brewing mead in one all-inclusive package. You’ll receive a durable glass fermentation jar, auto siphon, hydrometer, alcohol percentage tester jar, bottle filler, airlock, plug, funnel, and no-rinse cleanser. The kit includes a detailed how-to guide that walks beginners through each brewing step. The extra-thick glass jug prevents breakage and minimizes oxygen exposure during fermentation. With a 4.4-star rating from 78 customers, this kit ranks #3 in wine making starter sets. You’ll appreciate the responsive customer support that answers questions throughout your brewing process.

Best For: Beginners who want to start making mead at home with a complete, all-in-one kit that includes quality equipment and step-by-step guidance.

Pros:

• Complete starter kit with all essential tools including durable extra-thick glass fermentation jar, measuring instruments, and cleaning supplies
• Beginner-friendly with detailed how-to guide and responsive customer support throughout the brewing process
• High customer satisfaction with 4.4-star rating and top-3 ranking in wine making starter sets

Cons:

• Some customers report receiving broken components upon delivery requiring replacement
• 1-gallon capacity limits batch size for those wanting to brew larger quantities
• May require purchasing additional equipment for continued brewing beyond the initial batch

Craft A Brew Mead Making Kit (Yields 1 Gallon)

Perfect for newcomers to mead brewing, Craft A Brew’s one-gallon kit delivers everything you need except honey to create your first batch of this ancient fermented beverage. You’ll receive a complete glass carboy setup with airlock, rubber stopper, and all transfer equipment including racking cane and tubing. The kit includes yeast, yeast nutrients, sanitizer, and an extensive brewing guide that walks you through the four-week process. Hand-assembled in Orlando, FL, this beginner-friendly kit emphasizes quality ingredients and sustainable practices. You’ll transform from enthusiast to maker using the same simple ingredients Vikings and Romans once called “nectar of the gods.”

Best For: Beginners and hobbyists who want to learn mead making with a complete starter kit that includes all equipment and ingredients except honey.

Pros:

• Complete kit with quality glass carboy, airlock, and all necessary brewing equipment included
• Beginner-friendly with comprehensive guide and simple 4-week brewing process
• Hand-assembled in Orlando, FL with emphasis on quality ingredients and sustainable practices

Cons:

• Small 1-gallon batch size may not satisfy those wanting larger quantities
• Requires purchasing honey separately, which is a key ingredient
• Limited to basic mead making without advanced flavoring or recipe variations included

Wine Making Kit & Mead Making Kit | Complete Home Brewing Kit with Glass Carboy & Fermenter

Complete home brewing enthusiasts will find this wine and mead making kit delivers everything needed to start fermenting quality beverages at home. You’ll receive a glass carboy, fermenter bucket, hydrometer, siphon, and airlock in one all-encompassing package. The step-by-step handbook simplifies the brewing process, making it accessible for beginners while still valuable for experienced brewers.

The kit’s premium materials set it apart from cheaper plastic alternatives. You get a durable glass jar and sturdy fermenter bucket designed for multiple batches. This reusable equipment guarantees consistent results over time, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term brewing.

With a 4.8-star rating, users praise the quality setup, though some beginners noted wanting more ingredient guidance.

Best For: Home brewing enthusiasts of all skill levels who want to create quality wine and mead with durable, reusable equipment that delivers consistent results across multiple batches.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one kit includes essential equipment like glass carboy, fermenter, hydrometer, siphon, and airlock
• Premium materials with durable glass jar and sturdy fermenter bucket designed for long-term use and multiple batches
• Step-by-step handbook simplifies the brewing process making it accessible for beginners while valuable for experienced brewers

Cons:

• Limited detailed information on ingredients and processes for complete beginners
• Higher cost compared to plastic alternatives
• Only rated by 6 users, providing a small sample size for feedback

Home Brew Ohio Mead Making Kit

Home Brew Ohio’s one-gallon mead making kit delivers everything you need to start your first batch, except the honey. This compact kit includes all essential equipment, detailed instructions, recipes, and necessary chemicals for fermentation. The complete package weighs 10 pounds and measures 10 x 10 x 12 inches, making it perfect for small-space brewing. You’ll find clear step-by-step guidance that walks you through the entire mead-making process from start to finish. The kit’s popularity shows in its #28 ranking among home brewing starter sets, reflecting its reliability for beginners entering the world of honey wine production.

Best For: Beginners who want to try mead making in small batches without investing in expensive equipment or taking up much storage space.

Pros:

• Complete starter kit with all necessary equipment, instructions, and chemicals included
• Compact size (10x10x12 inches) perfect for small spaces and apartment brewing
• Strong reputation with #28 ranking in home brewing starter sets category

Cons:

• Honey not included, requiring additional purchase of the main ingredient
• Limited to one-gallon batches, which may be too small for those wanting larger quantities
• At 10 pounds, the kit may be heavier than expected for its compact size

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mead Making Kit for Beginners

When you’re selecting your first mead making kit, I want you to focus on five key factors that’ll determine your brewing success and overall experience. You’ll need to evaluate what components come included, decide between glass or plastic equipment, assess the quality of instructions provided, check for essential measurement tools like hydrometers, and guarantee proper sanitization supplies are included. These considerations will help you choose a kit that matches your skill level, budget, and brewing goals while setting you up for consistently good results.

Kit Components and Completeness

The foundation of your mead-making journey starts with selecting a kit that contains all the necessary components for successful fermentation. I recommend looking for kits that include a fermentation vessel, airlock, rubber stopper, yeast, and nutrients as essential baseline equipment. You’ll want clear, beginner-friendly instructions that walk you through each brewing step without overwhelming technical jargon.

Consider kits offering additional tools like a hydrometer, which measures alcohol content and helps you track fermentation progress. Sanitation supplies are non-negotiable since contamination ruins batches quickly. I prefer kits that provide sanitizing solution or tablets rather than leaving you to source these separately.

Look for options that encourage creativity by letting you choose your own honey varieties. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different flavor profiles as your skills develop.

Glass Vs Plastic Equipment

Two primary material choices dominate beginner mead-making kits: glass and plastic fermentation vessels. I’ll help you understand which option suits your brewing goals best.

Glass equipment offers superior durability and scratch resistance, reducing bacterial contamination risks. It’s completely impermeable, preventing odors and flavors from previous batches from affecting your mead’s taste. Glass also handles high-temperature cleaning and sanitizing without warping, making maintenance easier.

Plastic equipment provides lighter weight and greater durability against drops, which benefits beginners still learning proper handling techniques. However, plastic can retain odors over time and may scratch more easily.

While glass costs more initially, it’s fundamentally a lifetime investment. Plastic may need replacement after extended use, making glass more economical long-term for serious brewers.

Instruction Quality and Clarity

Success in mead making depends heavily on how well your kit’s instructions guide you through each brewing stage. I recommend choosing kits with step-by-step manuals that cover fermentation timing, proper sanitization techniques, and bottling procedures. Clear instructions should include specific measurements, temperature ranges, and detailed explanations for each process.

Look for kits that include visual aids like diagrams or QR codes linking to instructional videos. These visual elements help you understand equipment setup and recognize fermentation stages. User reviews often reveal whether instructions are beginner-friendly or confusing.

Consider kits offering customer support or online resources for troubleshooting. When problems arise (and they will), having access to expert guidance prevents costly mistakes and keeps your first batch on track toward becoming delicious mead.

Hydrometer and Measurement Tools

Beyond having clear guidance, you’ll need reliable measurement tools to track your mead’s progress throughout fermentation. A hydrometer serves as your most essential instrument, measuring specific gravity to determine alcohol content and fermentation stages. This tool helps you confirm your yeast is healthy and active throughout the process.

Look for kits that include a graduated cylinder or test jar alongside the hydrometer for accurate readings. Some kits feature dual-purpose hydrometers that measure both specific gravity and alcohol content, streamlining your brewing process.

Regular monitoring during fermentation helps you catch problems early, such as fermentation stalls or unexpected gravity changes. These measurements guide your decisions about when to rack, clarify, or bottle your mead, ensuring consistent results every time.

Sanitization and Safety Supplies

Proper sanitization stands as your strongest defense against contamination that can ruin weeks of fermentation work. I recommend choosing a kit that includes no-rinse sanitizer, which eliminates the risk of introducing contaminants through additional rinsing steps. You’ll want to sanitize all glass and metal equipment before each use to maintain a sterile brewing environment.

Look for kits that provide 75% alcohol spray as an alternative sanitizing option. This concentration effectively kills bacteria while evaporating quickly, leaving no residue behind. Your sanitization supplies should work seamlessly with other kit components, including your hydrometer, which helps monitor sugar levels throughout fermentation.

Quality sanitization products protect your mead’s integrity and flavor from start to finish. Don’t compromise on these essential supplies—they’re your insurance policy against batch failure.

Batch Size Considerations

Your brewing vessel’s capacity sets the foundation for your entire mead-making journey, typically ranging from one to five gallons for beginner kits. I recommend starting with a one-gallon batch if you’re new to mead making. This smaller size lets you experiment with different flavors without committing to large quantities of honey and ingredients.

Consider your consumption rate when choosing batch size. A one-gallon kit produces about five bottles of mead, perfect for tasting and sharing while minimizing waste if something goes wrong. Larger batches become more cost-effective over time due to economies of scale, but they require greater upfront investment.

Think about your brewing frequency too. If you plan to brew monthly, smaller batches prevent you from accumulating too much mead before you can enjoy it properly.

Reusability and Long-term Value

Investment mindset matters greatly when selecting your first mead making kit, as the right equipment will serve you for years to come. Glass carboys and fermentation equipment are reusable components that eliminate constant repurchasing, creating long-term cost efficiency. High-quality materials guarantee durability, reducing replacement needs and supporting sustainable brewing habits over time.

Most kits accommodate repeated use with pre-portioned ingredients available for multiple batches, enhancing your brewing experience as you refine techniques. I recommend viewing your kit as a learning investment rather than a one-time purchase. Reusable equipment encourages experimentation with different recipes and methods without waste pressure. Long-term investments in home brewing gear yield better outcomes, allowing you to focus on quality and flavor consistency across all your mead-making endeavors.

On a final note

I’ve covered the top mead making kits that’ll get you brewing quality honey wine at home. Each kit includes essential equipment and ingredients for your first batch. Start with a complete beginner kit if you’re new to brewing, or choose a refill kit if you already have equipment. Remember to sanitize everything, maintain proper temperatures, and be patient during fermentation. Your homemade mead will be worth the wait.