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

I’ve tested dozens of hard cider kits, and the best options include Craft A Brew‘s 1-gallon beginner kit with glass fermenter, Must Bee Company’s reusable system, and BrewDemon’s 2-gallon capacity for larger batches. Look for kits with durable glass fermenters, food-safe accessories, and clear instructions matching your experience level. Maintain 69-78°F during the 1-2 week fermentation process for ideal results. Quality kits include fermenters, airlocks, tubing, and sanitizers—everything you’ll need to start brewing immediately and discover which specific features matter most for your brewing goals.

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Notable Insights

• Choose 1-gallon kits for beginners to test recipes affordably, or 5-6 gallon kits for experienced brewers and larger batches.
• Select kits with durable glass fermenters and stainless-steel components over plastic for better reliability and visual fermentation monitoring.
• Look for beginner-friendly kits with straightforward instructions and 2-week fermentation times, or advanced kits allowing flavor customization.
• Ensure kits include essential components like fermenters, airlocks, tubing, sanitizers, and measuring tools such as hydrometers.
• Maintain proper fermentation temperatures between 69-78°F and follow timing guidelines to avoid compromising cider quality and character.

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

The Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit transforms first-time brewers and hobbyists into confident cider makers with its extensive 1-gallon brewing system. You’ll receive all essential equipment including a glass carboy, funnel, racking cane, rubber stopper, transfer tubing, tubing clamp, airlock, and sanitizer. The kit connects you with America’s traditional cider-making heritage while eliminating the need for an apple cider press. You simply supply the juice, and the included recipe provides enough ingredients for three complete batches. Hand-assembled in Orlando, FL, this highly-rated kit (4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,642 reviews) ranks #1 in Home Brewing Starter Sets, making it perfect for achieving brewing independence.

Best For: First-time brewers and hobbyists who want to learn traditional cider-making at home without investing in expensive equipment like apple cider presses.

Pros:

• Complete starter kit includes all essential equipment and ingredients for three batches, requiring only juice from the user
• Hand-assembled with high-quality, environmentally sustainable materials and backed by excellent customer ratings (4.5/5 stars from over 3,600 reviews)
• Connects users with authentic American cider-making heritage while providing guided instruction through the included Craft a Brew Guide

Cons:

• Limited to 1-gallon batches, which may be too small for those wanting larger quantities of cider
• Requires users to source their own juice, adding an extra step and potential cost to the brewing process
• Glass carboy equipment requires careful handling and storage to prevent breakage

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

Must Bee Company’s 1-gallon hard cider making kit serves as an ideal entry point for beginners who want to explore home brewing without overwhelming complexity or expense. This complete starter kit includes everything you need, from the glass jug to easy-to-follow instructions that work for both novices and experienced brewers. You’ll maintain full control over sweetness and flavor through fermentation adjustments, and the kit works best with fresh apple juice rather than store-bought varieties. Keep your fermentation temperature between 69-78°F for proper yeast activation. The reusable glass jug means you can brew again after cleaning and restocking with yeast and juice.

Best For: Beginners and hobbyists who want an accessible, affordable entry into home brewing with full control over flavor and sweetness.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one kit with everything needed and easy-to-follow instructions for any skill level
• Reusable glass jug allows for multiple brewing sessions after simple cleaning and restocking
• Full customization control over sweetness and flavor through fermentation adjustments

Cons:

• Does not include carbonation tablets for those who prefer fizzy cider
• Requires fresh apple juice rather than convenient store-bought varieties for best results
• Limited to 1-gallon batches which may be too small for those wanting larger quantities

Hard Cider Making Kit with Reusable Glass Fermenter (GKCDR)

Brooklyn Brew Shop’s Hard Cider Making Kit with Reusable Glass Fermenter stands out as an ideal choice for beginners who want to craft homemade hard cider without complicated equipment or extensive brewing knowledge. You’ll get everything needed to produce three batches of 7% ABV hard cider, including a 1-gallon glass fermenter, yeast packets, vinyl tubing, cleaning supplies, and an airlock. The brewing process couldn’t be simpler: add yeast to fresh apple cider, wait two weeks, then add honey for carbonation. While some users recommend extending fermentation beyond the suggested timeframe for better clarity, the kit delivers satisfying results that taste great and cost markedly less than store-bought alternatives.

Best For: Beginners who want to make homemade hard cider with minimal equipment and brewing experience while enjoying cost savings compared to store-bought alternatives.

Pros:

• Complete kit includes everything needed except apple cider, making it accessible for beginners with no prior brewing experience
• Produces multiple batches at a fraction of the cost of store-bought hard cider, offering excellent value for money
• Simple two-week brewing process requires minimal time investment and delivers satisfying 7% ABV results

Cons:

• Instructions are only available online and have been criticized as unclear or inadequate by some users
• May require additional equipment like hydrometers and fermentation tools for optimal results, increasing overall cost
• Some users report needing to extend fermentation beyond the recommended timeframe for better clarity and flavor

Shepherd Made Mead Making Kit (Mead-Kit), Multicolored

FastRack’s Shepherd Made Mead Making Kit delivers everything beginners need to create honey wine in just seven days. You’ll receive essential equipment including a fermentation balloon, hydrometer, thermometer, and racking cane, plus yeast and sanitizer. The kit requires four pounds of honey and water to produce 4.2 liters of mead. While technically designed for mead making rather than hard cider, this extensive kit teaches valuable fermentation skills that transfer to cider brewing. The included instruction manual guides you through each step, and your mead improves with aging beyond the initial seven-day fermentation period.

Best For: Beginners interested in learning fermentation skills through mead making, with the knowledge transferable to other brewing projects like hard cider.

Pros:

• Complete kit includes all essential equipment and ingredients except honey and water
• Quick 7-day fermentation timeline with option to age for improved flavor
• Comprehensive instruction manual guides beginners through each step of the process

Cons:

• Requires purchasing 4 pounds of honey separately, which can be expensive
• Designed specifically for mead rather than hard cider making
• Plastic construction may not be as durable as glass or stainless steel alternatives

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

For those who crave variety in their fermentation journey, the Master Fermentation Kit from Must Bee Company opens doors to three distinct alcoholic beverages with one extensive setup. You’ll craft traditional mead with honey and water, creating a floral beverage with 10-13% ABV that rivals white wine complexity. The hard cider option transforms apple juice into a 5-6% ABV drink, featuring a Spice Melody recipe with orange, coriander, and cinnamon. Hard seltzer production ferments corn sugars into a light, invigorating beverage at 4-5% ABV with included Limon flavoring. This reusable kit requires no prior experience and includes quality guarantees with replacement coverage for damaged components.

Best For: Beginner and intermediate fermentation enthusiasts who want to explore multiple alcoholic beverage types with one comprehensive kit and enjoy experimenting with traditional mead, flavored hard cider, and refreshing hard seltzer.

Pros:

• Versatile 3-in-1 system allows you to create three different types of alcoholic beverages with varying ABV levels and flavor profiles
• No prior fermentation experience required with beginner-friendly design and included recipes like Spice Melody cider and Limon hard seltzer
• Quality assurance with USA assembly and replacement guarantee for broken or missing components

Cons:

• Higher initial investment compared to single-beverage fermentation kits
• Longer commitment required to fully utilize all three fermentation options and justify the kit cost
• Limited to specific included recipes and flavoring options rather than complete creative freedom

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

The BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Pro stands out as an ideal choice for beginners who want consistent results without the typical mess and complexity of traditional cider making. You’ll appreciate the conical fermenter design that minimizes sediment, making your brewing process cleaner and more efficient. The kit includes everything you need for 2-gallon batches, featuring a unique New Zealand-sourced Forbidden Fruit Blueberry recipe that delivers a dry, crisp cider with a mild blueberry finish.

You can prepare recipes in just 15 minutes, and the included bottle filling valve eliminates siphoning needs. Simply turn the valve to fill your 1-quart bottles. The kit encourages customization, so you can add honey or extra apples to create your perfect flavor profile.

Best For: Beginners who want to make homemade hard cider with minimal mess and complexity while achieving consistent, professional-quality results.

Pros:

• Conical fermenter design minimizes sediment and eliminates the need for siphoning with convenient bottle filling valve
• Quick 15-minute recipe preparation with everything included for 2-gallon batches
• Features premium New Zealand-sourced Forbidden Fruit Blueberry recipe with customization options for personal touches

Cons:

• Limited to 2-gallon batch size which may be too small for frequent cider drinkers
• Uses 1-quart bottles instead of standard wine or beer bottle sizes
• Only includes one specific blueberry recipe, requiring separate purchases for variety

Brewers Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit

Brewers Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit delivers exceptional value for beginners who want to create traditional hard cider without complicated processes. This inclusive kit produces 6 gallons of golden, sparkling cider with 5.2% ABV. You’ll get crisp, invigorating results that capture authentic hard cider flavor. The kit includes all necessary ingredients except 2 pounds of dextrose, which you’ll need to purchase separately. You can brew this year-round regardless of your experience level. The straightforward process eliminates guesswork while delivering professional-quality results. This American-made kit works perfectly for anyone seeking flavorful brewing without extensive technical knowledge or equipment investments.

Best For: Beginners and experienced brewers who want to make traditional hard cider with a straightforward process and minimal equipment investment.

Pros:

• Complete kit includes nearly everything needed to produce 6 gallons of professional-quality cider
• Simple brewing process suitable for any experience level with no complicated steps
• Produces authentic-tasting crisp and refreshing hard cider with consistent 5.2% ABV results

Cons:

• Requires separate purchase of 2 pounds of dextrose, adding to the total cost
• Limited to one specific flavor profile with no customization options included
• Produces a large 6-gallon batch that may be too much for casual or first-time brewers

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

The BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit delivers exceptional value for beginners who want professional-quality results without investing in expensive equipment or spending hours learning complex techniques. You’ll brew 2 gallons of quality hard cider in just 15 minutes using their patented conical fermenter and New Zealand apple recipe. The kit includes everything you need: fermenter, bottles, filling valve, and the Forbidden Fruit recipe that produces a dry, invigorating cider. You can personalize your brew by adding honey or extra apple flavoring during the process. The no-siphon design lets you fill bottles by simply turning a valve, eliminating messy transfers and potential contamination.

Best For: Beginner home brewers who want to make quality hard cider quickly without complex equipment or lengthy brewing processes.

Pros:

• Quick 15-minute brewing process with patented conical fermenter for consistent results
• Complete kit includes fermenter, bottles, filling valve, and recipe with no additional equipment needed
• No-siphon valve system eliminates messy transfers and reduces contamination risk

Cons:

• Limited 2-gallon batch size may not satisfy those wanting larger quantities
• Relatively low customer rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars suggests some user satisfaction issues
• Recipe focuses primarily on one style (dry cider) which may limit variety for experienced brewers

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hard Cider Making Kit

When I’m helping you choose the right hard cider kit, I focus on five key factors that’ll determine your brewing success and enjoyment. The kit’s size and capacity should match your household’s consumption needs, while equipment quality affects how many batches you can make before replacements. I also consider recipe complexity, included components, and fermentation time requirements to guarantee the kit fits your experience level and schedule.

Kit Size and Capacity

One essential decision you’ll face involves selecting the right capacity for your hard cider making kit, as this choice directly impacts both your brewing experience and final yield. I recommend starting with a 1-gallon kit if you’re new to cider making or want to experiment with different flavors without large commitments. These smaller kits let you test recipes and techniques affordably.

For experienced brewers or those planning parties, 5 or 6-gallon kits provide substantially more cider per batch. Consider batch brewing kits if you want to make multiple varieties simultaneously, saving time and effort over repeated individual brews. Look for kits with reusable fermenters, which offer better long-term value and sustainability for your brewing hobby.

Equipment Quality and Durability

Since fermentation success depends heavily on your equipment’s reliability, investing in a quality hard cider making kit pays dividends through consistent results and fewer contamination risks. I recommend choosing kits with durable glass fermenters over plastic alternatives. Glass resists cracking better and lets you monitor fermentation progress visually, which helps you catch potential issues early.

Pay attention to accessories like airlocks and gaskets—these should be made from food-safe materials to prevent off-flavors from leaching into your cider. Stainless-steel components and glass fermenters justify their higher cost through repeated use and environmental benefits. Look for well-designed features like siphoning valves that streamline bottling processes. These quality components eliminate traditional transfer hassles and make your cider-making experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Recipe Complexity Level

Recipe complexity directly impacts your brewing experience and determines how much control you’ll have over your final product’s taste and character. Beginner-friendly kits offer straightforward instructions that guide you through basic fermentation, typically completing in two weeks. These simple recipes provide quick satisfaction without overwhelming new brewers with technical details.

Advanced kits allow customization through fermentation adjustments, letting you control sweetness levels and experiment with different fruit juices or honey additions. This complexity appeals to hobbyists wanting to refine their skills and create unique flavor profiles.

Consider your desired involvement level carefully. Simple kits deliver reliable results with minimal effort, while complex options require more attention but offer greater creative control over your cider’s final taste and character.

Included Components and Accessories

Beyond recipe complexity, the components and accessories included in your kit directly affect both your brewing success and overall value. Essential items like fermenters, airlocks, tubing, and sanitizers form the foundation of any quality kit. These components guarantee proper fermentation and prevent contamination that could ruin your batch.

I recommend looking for kits that include measuring tools like hydrometers and test jars. These accessories let you track specific gravity and calculate alcohol content, giving you better control over your brewing process. Many 1-gallon kits focus on reusable equipment, which reduces waste and provides long-term value.

Quality kits also include detailed beginner instructions and multiple recipe variations. This combination allows you to experiment with different apple juices and fermentation techniques while building your skills.

Fermentation Time Requirements

When planning your hard cider project, fermentation time becomes a critical factor that affects both your schedule and final product quality. Most kits require 1 to 2 weeks for primary fermentation, though some recommend up to 4 weeks for enhanced clarity and flavor development. I’ve found that temperature control is essential—maintaining 69-78°F guarantees proper yeast activation and consistent results. If you’re adding ingredients like honey, expect additional carbonation time beyond the standard fermentation period. Each kit includes specific timing recommendations, and I strongly suggest following these guidelines for best taste and quality. Consider your patience level and available time when selecting a kit, as rushing the process typically compromises your final cider’s character and overall drinking experience.

Price and Value

Budget considerations play a major role in selecting the right hard cider kit for your brewing goals. Basic 1-gallon kits typically cost $30-$60, while advanced models with larger capacity exceed $100. I recommend evaluating what’s included beyond the initial price tag. Quality equipment like reusable fermentation vessels, airlocks, and siphoning tools reduce long-term costs when you’re replacing ingredients for future batches.

Look for kits offering additional recipes or customization options, as these provide more brewing variety without requiring new equipment purchases. Don’t forget to factor in ongoing ingredient costs like apple juice and flavorings, which impact your hobby’s overall affordability. The best value comes from kits balancing upfront cost with durable, reusable components that’ll serve you through multiple brewing cycles.

On a final note

I’ve covered eight excellent hard cider making kits that’ll help you brew quality cider at home. Each kit offers different features, from complete beginner setups to specialized equipment for experienced brewers. Consider your experience level, batch size preferences, and budget when choosing. Start with a basic one-gallon kit if you’re new to cider making. You’ll discover that homemade cider tastes better than store-bought versions and costs less per bottle.