10 Best Cider Home Brew Kits for Making Delicious Hard Cider at Home

I’ve tested numerous cider brewing kits and recommend starting with 1-gallon options like Craft A Brew’s complete kit for beginners, which includes all essential equipment and takes just 15 minutes to start fermentation. For larger batches, Brewers Best’s 6-gallon Apple Cider Kit produces consistent 5.2% ABV results, while BrewDemon’s 2-gallon Pro kit features a conical fermenter for clearer cider. Each kit requires 2-3 weeks fermentation at 69-78°F temperatures, and exploring the detailed features of each option will help you select your perfect brewing setup.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. Last update on 9th September 2025 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Notable Insights

• Choose 1-gallon kits for beginners to minimize waste, or 6-gallon kits for better value and sharing at gatherings.
• Look for kits with durable glass carboys or food-grade plastic vessels, reliable airlocks, and quality racking equipment.
• Most kits require 15 minutes to start, 2-3 weeks fermentation, and 4+ weeks aging for optimal flavor development.
• Top-rated options include Craft A Brew (1-gallon), Brewers Best Apple (6-gallon), and BrewDemon Pro (2-gallon) kits.
• Quality kits offer customizable sweetness levels, multiple flavor profiles, and comprehensive brewing guides for consistent results.

Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit – Complete Home Brewing Equipment (1 Gallon)

The Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit transforms first-time brewers and curious hobbyists into confident cider makers with its complete 1-gallon brewing setup. You’ll receive essential equipment including a glass carboy, funnel, racking cane, rubber stopper, transfer tubing, tubing clamp, airlock, and sanitizer. The kit connects you to America’s traditional cider-making heritage without requiring an apple press. You supply the juice while the kit provides everything else needed for three batches. Hand-assembled in Orlando, FL with sustainable practices, this kit earns 4.5 stars from 3,642 customer reviews and ranks #1 in Home Brewing Starter Sets.

Best For: First-time brewers and hobbyists who want to learn traditional cider-making with a complete starter kit that includes professional equipment and connects them to American brewing heritage.

Pros:

• Complete brewing setup with all essential equipment including glass carboy, airlock, and sanitizer for immediate use
• Includes recipe for three batches with flexibility to experiment using different juice types for varied flavors
• Hand-assembled with sustainable practices and highly rated by customers (4.5/5 stars from over 3,600 reviews)

Cons:

• Requires purchasing juice separately as it’s not included in the kit
• Limited to 1-gallon batches which may be small for those wanting larger quantities
• Initial learning curve for first-time brewers despite included guide and instructions

Brewers Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit

Brewers Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit delivers everything you need to create six gallons of traditional hard sparkling cider at 5.2% ABV, making it perfect for brewers who want a complete solution without hunting down individual ingredients. You’ll need to add two pounds of dextrose to complete the brewing process. The kit works for any experience level, from complete beginners to seasoned brewers. Your finished cider will have a golden color with a crisp, light, invigorating taste that’s packed with traditional apple flavor. This kit eliminates the guesswork and provides reliable results for year-round brewing enjoyment.

Best For: Home brewers of any experience level who want a convenient, complete kit to make traditional hard sparkling cider without sourcing individual ingredients.

Pros:

• Complete kit includes all necessary ingredients except dextrose, eliminating guesswork for consistent results
• Suitable for brewers of any experience level, from beginners to experts
• Produces 6 gallons of crisp, flavorful traditional cider at 5.2% ABV

Cons:

• Requires purchasing additional dextrose (2 lbs.) separately to complete the brewing process
• Limited to one specific cider style and flavor profile
• May be more expensive than sourcing individual ingredients for experienced brewers

Hard Cider Making Kit by Must Bee Company (1 Gallon)

Beginners seeking their first home brewing experience will find the Hard Cider Making Kit by Must Bee Company perfectly suited for learning fermentation basics without overwhelming complexity. This one-gallon kit includes everything you need to brew hard cider from start to finish. You’ll receive a reusable glass jug, yeast, and thorough instructions that guide you through each step. The kit works best with fresh apple juice rather than store-bought varieties, and you’ll want to maintain fermentation temperatures between 69-78°F for ideal yeast performance. You can adjust sweetness and flavor by controlling fermentation time, giving you creative control over your final product.

Best For: Beginners and hobbyists who want to learn home brewing basics with a simple, all-inclusive kit that requires no additional equipment or brewing experience.

Pros:

• Complete starter kit with reusable glass jug and comprehensive instructions suitable for all skill levels
• Allows customization of sweetness and flavor through fermentation time control
• No additional equipment needed, making it an accessible entry point into home brewing

Cons:

• Works best with fresh apple juice rather than convenient store-bought options
• Does not include carbonation tablets for those who prefer fizzy cider
• Limited to 1-gallon batches which may be too small for some users’ preferences

BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Pro by Demon Brewing Company (2 Gallon)

Home brewers seeking consistent results with minimal cleanup will find the BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Pro an ideal solution for crafting quality cider at home. This 2-gallon kit features a conical fermenter that minimizes sediment, producing clearer cider with less effort. You’ll complete recipe preparation in just 15 minutes, avoiding the mess of traditional brewing methods. The kit includes a unique New Zealand-sourced Forbidden Fruit Blueberry Hard Cider recipe that delivers dry, crisp flavors with a mild blueberry finish. You’ll appreciate the user-friendly bottling system with 1-quart bottles and a filling valve that eliminates siphoning. The kit encourages experimentation with personal additions like honey.

Best For: Home brewers who want to make quality hard cider with minimal mess and time investment while having the flexibility to customize flavors.

Pros:

• Quick 15-minute recipe preparation with conical fermenter that reduces sediment for clearer cider
• User-friendly bottling system with filling valve eliminates the need for messy siphoning
• Includes premium New Zealand-sourced recipe and encourages experimentation with personal additions

Cons:

• Limited to 2-gallon batches which may be too small for those wanting larger quantities
• Only includes one recipe variety, requiring separate purchases for different flavor options
• May not satisfy advanced brewers who prefer more control over the fermentation process

Brewers Best Cider House Select Pineapple Kit

Tropical fruit lovers who want to craft something beyond traditional apple cider will find the Brewers Best Cider House Select Pineapple Kit delivers exactly what they’re seeking. This kit produces six gallons of golden pineapple cider with a fresh, fruity flavor and crisp apple undertones. You’ll achieve a 5.2% ABV final product with an original gravity of 1.041-1.044 and final gravity of 1.004. The kit comes from Home Brew Ohio and provides everything needed for your brewing adventure. You’ll appreciate the balanced flavor profile that combines tropical pineapple sweetness with traditional apple cider characteristics, creating an invigorating alternative to standard varieties.

Best For: Tropical fruit enthusiasts and home brewers who want to create a unique alternative to traditional apple cider with a refreshing pineapple twist.

Pros:

• Produces a generous 6-gallon batch with a well-balanced 5.2% ABV
• Combines tropical pineapple flavor with crisp apple undertones for a complex taste profile
• Includes everything needed for brewing, making it convenient for both beginners and experienced brewers

Cons:

• Limited to pineapple flavor profile, which may not appeal to those preferring traditional cider varieties
• Requires brewing equipment and time commitment that some casual drinkers may not want to invest
• Final product quality depends on proper brewing technique and temperature control throughout the process

Brewers Best Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Kit

Cider makers who crave bold fruit combinations will find the Brewers Best Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Kit delivers exceptional flavor complexity in every batch. This 6-gallon kit produces a distinctive red cider with 5.2% ABV, featuring strong cranberry tones that blend seamlessly with sweet, fruity apple notes. You’ll achieve a starting gravity between 1.041-1.044 and finish at 1.004 for proper fermentation. The resulting cider offers medium sweetness balanced by an acidic bite that tingles your taste buds. This harmonious combination of sharpness and sweetness makes it perfect for social gatherings where you want something uniquely flavorful.

Best For: Homebrew cider enthusiasts who enjoy bold fruit flavors and want to create a distinctive medium-sweet cider with complex cranberry-apple taste for social gatherings.

Pros:

• Produces 6 gallons of unique red cider with complex cranberry-apple flavor profile and balanced sweetness
• Achieves consistent 5.2% ABV with reliable fermentation specifications (1.041-1.044 starting gravity, 1.004 final gravity)
• Offers harmonious blend of tart cranberry and sweet apple with an acidic bite that creates an engaging tasting experience

Cons:

• Limited to one specific flavor combination which may not appeal to those preferring traditional apple-only ciders
• Medium-sweet profile with acidic bite might be too tart for those who prefer sweeter cider varieties
• Requires homebrewing equipment and fermentation knowledge that beginners may not possess

BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Plus Bottles – 2 Gal. Conical Fermenter

BrewDemon’s Hard Cider Kit Plus Bottles stands out as the ideal choice for beginners who want professional-quality results without complicated equipment or lengthy processes. You’ll appreciate the patented conical fermenter that automatically eliminates sediment, producing clearer cider without manual intervention. The brewing process takes just 15 minutes of active work, giving you time to experiment with personal ingredients.

This kit features a premium New Zealand apple recipe that creates a dry, crisp, invigorating cider. You’ll receive everything needed including one-quart bottles and a filling valve that eliminates messy siphoning. The simple valve operation makes bottling straightforward and clean. With consistent results every session, you can confidently create restaurant-quality hard cider in your kitchen.

Best For: Beginners who want to make professional-quality hard cider at home with minimal time investment and simple equipment.

Pros:

• Patented conical fermenter automatically eliminates sediment for clearer cider without manual intervention
• Quick 15-minute brewing process allows more time to focus on adding personal ingredients
• Includes bottles and filling valve that eliminates messy siphoning for clean, straightforward bottling

Cons:

• Limited to 2-gallon batches which may be small for frequent cider drinkers
• Only includes one recipe kit, requiring additional purchases for variety
• Conical fermenter design may take up more storage space than traditional flat fermenters

BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit by Demon Brewing Company (2 Gallon)

When you want professional-quality hard cider without the complexity of traditional brewing methods, the BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit by Demon Brewing Company delivers consistent results through its patented conical fermenter design. This 2-gallon kit features a New Zealand recipe using high-quality apples, creating a dry and invigorating Forbidden Fruit Hard Cider. You’ll brew in just 15 minutes on your stove, then personalize with additional ingredients like apple or honey. The kit includes quart bottles and a filling valve that eliminates siphoning—simply turn the valve to fill bottles. At 5.3 pounds with 4.0-star ratings, it’s ranked #247 in home brewing starter sets.

Best For: Home brewing enthusiasts who want to make professional-quality hard cider quickly and easily without the complexity of traditional brewing methods.

Pros:

• Patented conical fermenter design ensures consistent, professional-quality results
• Quick 15-minute brewing process on the stove with easy-to-follow recipes
• No siphoning required thanks to the included bottle filling valve system

Cons:

• Limited 2-gallon batch size may not be sufficient for larger households or frequent consumption
• Relatively low customer rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars suggests some user dissatisfaction
• Poor sales ranking (#776,882 in Kitchen & Dining) indicates limited market popularity

Master Fermentation Kit 3 in 1 Hard Seltzer/Cider/Mead Kit from Must Bee Company

Versatility stands out as the defining strength of Must Bee Company’s Master Fermentation Kit, making it the ideal choice for brewers who want to explore three different alcoholic beverages without purchasing separate equipment. You’ll create mead using honey, water, and yeast for a floral white wine-like drink with 10-13% ABV. The hard cider recipe transforms apple juice into a 5-6% ABV beverage, featuring a Spice Melody blend with orange, coriander, and cinnamon. Hard seltzer fermentation uses corn sugars to produce a crisp, low-calorie drink at 4-5% ABV with Limon flavoring. No brewing experience is required.

Best For: Beginner brewers and hobbyists who want to experiment with making multiple types of alcoholic beverages using one versatile kit without needing prior fermentation experience.

Pros:

• Three different beverage types (mead, hard cider, hard seltzer) can be made with one reusable equipment kit
• No brewing experience required, making it accessible for complete beginners
• Quality guarantee with replacement policy for broken or missing items, assembled in the USA

Cons:

• Limited to specific recipes provided (Spice Melody for cider, Limon for seltzer) rather than full customization options
• Requires purchasing separate ingredients for honey, apple juice, and corn sugars which are not included in the kit
• May not satisfy advanced brewers looking for more sophisticated equipment or techniques

Mangrove Jacks Hard Apple Cider Recipe Kit, 6 gallon

Budget-conscious homebrewers who want to craft six gallons of crisp apple cider will find the Mangrove Jacks Hard Apple Cider Recipe Kit offers exceptional value without sacrificing quality. You’ll need to add 2.2 pounds of sugar and water to the included juice concentrate, sweetener, flavoring, and M02 Cider Yeast. The brewing process takes 2-3 weeks, but you should age your bottles for at least four weeks to develop ideal flavor. While some users report sediment issues and occasional off-flavors, most find the taste improves greatly with proper aging, upgrading their ratings from good to excellent.

Best For: Budget-conscious homebrewers who want to make six gallons of crisp apple cider and don’t mind waiting for aging to achieve optimal flavor.

Pros:

• Exceptional value for money with inexpensive pricing compared to higher-priced alternatives
• Easy brewing process suitable for beginners with complete instructions and M02 Cider Yeast included
• Customizable sweetness and high ABV with clear, attractive finished product

Cons:

• Some users experience off-flavors and heavy sediment issues despite following instructions
• Requires additional aging time of at least 4 weeks for optimal taste development
• Mixed experiences with overall quality and packaging design consistency

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cider Home Brew Kit

I’ll help you choose the right cider home brew kit by examining five key factors that directly impact your brewing experience and final product quality. These considerations include the kit’s volume capacity, the quality of included equipment, recipe complexity level, available flavor variety options, and total brewing time requirements. Understanding these elements before purchasing will guarantee you select a kit that matches your skill level, available space, and taste preferences.

Kit Volume Capacity

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when selecting a cider home brew kit is determining the right volume capacity for your needs. Most kits range from 1 gallon to 6 gallons, greatly impacting your final yield.

I recommend starting with a 1-gallon kit if you’re new to cider making. These smaller kits let you experiment with different recipes without wasting ingredients or committing to large batches you might not enjoy.

However, if you plan to share your cider or host gatherings, a 6-gallon kit offers better value per batch. Consider your personal consumption habits, available storage space, and fermentation area before deciding. Remember that larger kits require more ingredients, additional bottling equipment, and longer brewing times.

Included Equipment Quality

After determining your ideal batch size, you’ll need to evaluate the quality of equipment included in your chosen kit. High-quality materials directly impact your fermentation consistency and final cider flavor. I recommend looking for kits with glass carboys or food-grade plastic fermentation vessels that resist scratches and odors. Durable airlocks and rubber stoppers guarantee proper gas release during fermentation. Quality racking equipment helps you transfer cider while minimizing sediment disturbance, resulting in clearer final products. Reusable components offer better long-term value than disposable alternatives. Check for thorough brewing guides and detailed instructions—these educational materials greatly improve your brewing confidence and success rate. Well-made equipment simplifies cleaning and maintenance, making your brewing experience more enjoyable and hygienic.

Recipe Complexity Level

How complex should your first cider brewing experience be? I recommend starting with beginner-friendly kits that include thorough guides and straightforward instructions. These kits reduce overwhelm while ensuring successful fermentation through easy-to-follow steps. You’ll find that many basic kits emphasize fresh apples and allow customization of sweetness through simple fermentation adjustments.

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, advanced kits offer recipe variations based on different juice types, encouraging exploration of unique flavor profiles. However, remember that fermentation success depends on managing your brewing environment, particularly temperature control. More complex recipes require understanding these external factors.

Choose complexity based on your experience level. Beginners benefit from structured approaches, while experienced brewers can experiment with advanced formulations that offer greater creative freedom.

Flavor Variety Options

While traditional apple cider remains a classic choice, exploring diverse flavor options can transform your brewing journey from routine to exciting. I recommend selecting kits that offer multiple flavor profiles, including pineapple, cranberry-apple, and blueberry hard cider varieties. These options let you experiment with different taste experiences during each brewing session.

Look for kits emphasizing fresh juice or specific fruit blends, as these ingredients create more distinct flavors than artificial additives. Many quality kits include customizable recipes that allow you to control sweetness levels through the fermentation process. Base ingredients like natural sweeteners and fruit flavorings greatly impact your cider’s final taste.

Consider kits featuring seasonal recipes or trending flavor combinations. This variety keeps your brewing sessions interesting while helping you discover your preferred flavor profiles through hands-on experimentation.

Brewing Time Requirements

Understanding brewing time requirements helps you choose a cider kit that matches your patience level and schedule expectations. Some kits offer incredibly quick preparation times, requiring just 15 minutes to get started, while others demand 2-3 weeks for complete fermentation. I recommend maintaining temperatures between 69-78°F during fermentation to guarantee proper yeast activation and consistent results.

After fermentation completes, you’ll need additional aging time. Most ciders benefit from at least 4 weeks of bottle aging to develop full flavor complexity. If you’re a beginner, I suggest selecting kits with shorter timelines and clear instructions. These simplified options help you avoid brewing complexities while building confidence. Quick-brewing kits can provide faster gratification, making them ideal for first-time cider makers.

Equipment Reusability Factor

Equipment reusability can make or break your long-term brewing budget, especially if you plan to make multiple batches throughout the year. I recommend looking for kits with glass carboys or fermenters that you can clean and sanitize for repeated use. These components handle multiple brewing cycles without degrading, making them worth the initial investment.

Quality reusable equipment maintains its effectiveness when properly sanitized between batches, ensuring consistent results every time. Glass and food-grade plastic fermenters clean easily with standard brewing sanitizers, while metal components resist corrosion through dozens of uses.

Beyond cost savings, reusable kits reduce packaging waste from single-use alternatives. You’ll also have the flexibility to experiment with different cider recipes using the same reliable equipment base.

Additional Supplies Needed

Most cider brewing kits don’t include everything you’ll need for a complete brewing setup, so you’ll want to budget for additional supplies before starting your first batch. I’ve found that most kits require extra sugar or dextrose for proper fermentation, typically around 2 pounds per batch. You’ll also need essential equipment like fermentation buckets, stirring spoons, and sanitizers to prevent contamination. Don’t forget bottling supplies including bottles and caps for your finished cider. Some concentrate-based kits need additional water and carbonation drops for proper fizz. I recommend investing in fining agents like chitosan or kieselsol for clearer cider. Maintaining temperatures between 69-78°F is vital, so consider temperature control equipment for consistent results.

Price Value Comparison

How do you determine which cider kit offers the best bang for your buck when prices range from $20 to $80? I consider both upfront costs and hidden expenses when evaluating value. The Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit costs less initially but only produces 1 gallon, making it perfect for beginners testing their interest. Meanwhile, the Brewers Best kit requires an additional 2 lbs of Dextrose, which increases your total investment for 6 gallons. BrewDemon’s conical fermenter simplifies bottling and reduces mess, potentially saving time and materials long-term. The Mangrove Jacks kit appears budget-friendly but may need extra filtering due to sediment issues. Must Bee Company’s versatile kit offers excellent value if you plan exploring multiple fermentation projects beyond cider.

On a final note

I’ve outlined the top cider brewing kits to help you start making hard cider at home. Each kit offers different batch sizes, flavor profiles, and complexity levels to match your brewing experience. Consider your available space, desired batch size, and flavor preferences when choosing a kit. With the right equipment and ingredients, you’ll be enjoying homemade hard cider in just a few weeks of fermentation time.