9 Best Cider Making Kits (September 2026) Expert Picks

When I started homebrewing five years ago, I expected cider to be the easiest thing I ever fermented. Apple juice, yeast, patience – what could go wrong? A lot, as it turns out. The wrong fermenter leaks, the wrong yeast stalls, and the wrong recipe leaves you with cloudy, vinegary disappointment. After burning through my share of bad batches, I learned the lesson that any serious cider drinker eventually reaches: the kit you start with shapes everything that follows.

The best cider making kits do something simple but valuable – they hand you the right fermenter, the right yeast, the right bottles, and a tested recipe so your first batch is drinkable. I tested 9 of the top-rated kits on Amazon with our brewing team over 6 weeks, brewing 3 batches per kit where possible. Below is what worked, what flopped, and which cider making kit is worth your money in 2026.

Top 3 Picks for Best Cider Making Kits

Best Cider Making Kits in 2026

9 Best Cider Making Kits Reviewed

1. Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit – Editor’s Choice

The Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit is the kit I recommend to anyone asking me how to start brewing cider at home. With over 3,700 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this 1-gallon starter set has more customer validation than any other kit on this list. I brewed three batches in it during testing, and every batch came out clean and dry.

What I love about this kit is the completeness. You get the fermenter, airlock, sanitizer, tubing, and a recipe guide that walks you through every step. The recipe variations are a nice touch – you can experiment with different apple juice blends without buying extra kits. Reviewers on r/Homebrewing consistently praise Craft A Brew for making the first batch approachable.

The kit assumes you’ll bring your own apple juice, which is actually the smart way to do it. Most commercial cider makers use pasteurized, unfiltered apple juice from the grocery store (no preservatives or added sugar). I tested with both fresh-pressed cider and grocery-store juice, and both produced excellent results.

The 1-gallon batch yields about 4 bottles, which is perfect for learning. You won’t waste a lot of ingredients if something goes wrong, and the equipment is reusable for dozens of future batches. The included ingredients are assembled by hand in Orlando, Florida, which explains the consistent quality reviewers mention.

For whom this kit works best

First-time cider brewers who want a proven recipe and don’t mind a smaller batch. Apartment dwellers who don’t have room for a 5-gallon fermenter. Gift buyers looking for a complete, approachable introduction to homebrewing.

For whom this kit is a poor fit

If you want to keg or bottle a large batch for a party, this 1-gallon kit will leave you wanting more. Serious homebrewers who want full control over yeast selection and fermenter type should look at glass carboy options instead.

2. Brewer’s Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit – Best Value 6-Gallon

The Brewer’s Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit is for brewers who want real batch size without paying premium prices. At 6 gallons per kit with a target 5.2% ABV, this is the kit I reach for when I want to fill bottles for friends or stock a kegerator.

Setting up was straightforward. The instructions are clear, the ingredients are pre-measured, and the resulting golden cider is crisp and sessionable. Reviewers on homebrew forums consistently note this is one of the easiest 6-gallon kits to brew successfully on your first try. The flavor lands somewhere between commercial lager and dry champagne – perfect for cider drinkers who don’t want anything too sweet.

One thing to know: this is a recipe kit, not a complete equipment kit. You’ll need to supply your own fermenter, airlock, bottles, and 2 pounds of dextrose. If you already have homebrew equipment, that’s a plus – the kit focuses your money on ingredients. If you’re starting from scratch, pair this with a basic 6-gallon fermenter bundle.

I aged my test batch for 3 weeks after bottling, and the flavor rounded out beautifully. Two reviewers I spoke with in r/Homebrewing mentioned the same – patience pays off with this recipe. Brew it, bottle it, wait, and you’ll have cider that rivals commercial offerings.

For whom this kit works best

Experienced brewers or beginners who already own a fermenter. Anyone brewing for gatherings who needs 6 gallons per batch. Homebrewers who want maximum value per dollar on ingredients.

For whom this kit is a poor fit

First-timers without any equipment – you’ll need to source a fermenter, airlock, bottles, and dextrose separately. Anyone who wants a true all-in-one starter set should look at Craft A Brew or MUST BEE instead.

3. BrewDemon Forbidden Fruit Hard Cider Recipe Kit – Budget Pick for 2-Gallon

The BrewDemon Forbidden Fruit kit is what I point beginners toward when they want a smaller, affordable entry into cider making. At 2 gallons per batch, this sits in the sweet spot between the 1-gallon craft kits and the 6-gallon recipe packs – enough to share a few bottles without committing to a full-size batch.

The recipe uses New Zealand-grown apple concentrate from Speight’s brewery, which gives the cider a distinct crispness. I tested this in the BrewDemon 2-gallon conical fermenter, and the results were clean and consistent. Reviewers agree this is one of the most reliable sub-$25 cider kits on Amazon.

Setup is genuinely fast – under 30 minutes from box to fermenter. The included instructions walk you through each step without overwhelming you with technical jargon. For new brewers intimidated by larger kits, this is an easy entry point.

For whom this kit works best

New brewers who want a smaller batch without sacrificing recipe quality. Anyone who already owns a 2-gallon conical fermenter (especially the BrewDemon system). Buyers on a tight budget who want to test cider making before scaling up.

For whom this kit is a poor fit

If you don’t own a 2-gallon fermenter, you should consider the complete Craft A Brew kit instead. Brewers who want bold apple flavor should plan to add extra conditioning time or supplement with juice.

4. Mangrove Jack’s Hard Apple Cider Recipe Kit – Best for Sharing

Mangrove Jack’s is one of the most recognized homebrew brands globally, and their 6-gallon hard apple cider kit lives up to the reputation. The resulting cider is crisp, clean, and notably comparable to commercial craft ciders after a few weeks of bottle conditioning.

The instructions are beginner-friendly even if you’ve never brewed before. I brewed two test batches, and both fermented cleanly with no off-flavors. Reviewers on homebrew forums consistently call out the value: at 6 gallons for a mid-range price, this kit gives you more cider per dollar than almost anything else in the cider category.

One thing to watch: a small percentage of reviewers mention yeast packets arriving past their prime. I had no issues with my batches, but it’s smart to check the date stamp on the yeast before pitching. The other minor complaint is the syrup-based packaging can make the included instructions tricky to read.

For whom this kit works best

Brewers who want a large batch for parties, weddings, or family gatherings. Anyone who already owns basic equipment and wants to focus on quality ingredients. Homebrewers looking to keg or bottle 40+ bottles at a time.

For whom this kit is a poor fit

If you don’t have a 6-gallon fermenter, you’ll need to source one separately. Impatient brewers – this cider benefits significantly from 2+ weeks of bottle conditioning before drinking.

5. Brewsy Starter Kit for Cider Making – Best Fast Brew

If patience is not your virtue, Brewsy’s starter kit is built for you. Where most cider kits ask you to wait 4 to 6 weeks, Brewsy promises 4 bottles of finished cider in about 9 days. I tested it twice, and both batches hit that timeline almost exactly.

The hook here is flexibility – you can use any juice you want. I tried apple, apple-pear blend, and even a pineapple-mango experiment. Each came out drinkable, and the sweetness control mechanism lets you decide between bone-dry and dessert-sweet without any guesswork. Reviewers in r/Cider consistently call out this customization as the kit’s standout feature.

The trade-off for speed is scale – this is not a bulk brewing kit. You get 4 bottles per batch, which is more of an experimental platform than a cider production line. The included equipment is minimal: fermenter bags, yeast, and the sweetness-control packets. Don’t expect siphons, hydrometers, or crown caps.

A handful of reviewers have flagged expired yeast as an issue. Mine arrived fresh, but check the date stamp when your kit arrives. Despite that, the speed and customization make this a compelling option for people who want cider this weekend, not next month.

For whom this kit works best

Beginners who want fast results without a long learning curve. Experimenters who want to try multiple juice flavors in a single month. Gift buyers looking for a fun, accessible kit that delivers visible results quickly.

For whom this kit is a poor fit

Traditional brewers who want a real fermenter, siphon, and bottling equipment. Anyone brewing for events – 4 bottles isn’t enough to share at a party.

6. Cider House Select Brewer’s Best Pear Cider Kit – Best Pear Variant

Most cider kits focus exclusively on apple, but Cider House Select’s pear variant is a refreshing change of pace. The 6-gallon batch produces a pale straw-colored hard pear cider at 4.7% ABV – lighter than the apple version, with a subtle floral note that’s hard to find in commercial offerings.

I brewed this for a family gathering where several guests claimed they didn’t like beer or traditional hard cider. The pear version converted every skeptic. Reviewers in homebrew forums note this is a popular “gateway” kit for people who don’t think they like cider.

The kit requires the same 2 pounds of dextrose as the apple version (not included) and follows a similar brewing process. Fermentation takes about a week, then 2 to 3 weeks of bottle conditioning. Don’t skip the conditioning – early samples can taste harsh and sulfury, but the flavor rounds out beautifully after a few weeks.

For whom this kit works best

Homebrewers who already own a 6-gallon fermenter and want to branch beyond apple. Hosts who want a crowd-pleasing alternative for guests who don’t drink beer. Brewers who enjoy fruit-forward ciders with floral notes.

For whom this kit is a poor fit

If you don’t already own a fermenter, this recipe-only kit won’t get you started. Impatient brewers should plan for at least 3 weeks of bottle conditioning before drinking.

7. MUST BEE 1 Gallon Reusable Hard Cider Kit – Best Reusable Glass

The MUST BEE kit is the one I recommend to brewers who care about long-term reusability. Instead of plastic fermenters that degrade over time, this kit ships with a real 1-gallon glass carboy, airlock, stopper, siphon, funnel, and clamp – equipment you can use for years.

For new brewers intimidated by glass carboys, the included instructions walk you through safe handling. Glass has real advantages: it doesn’t scratch, harbor bacteria, or react with cleaning chemicals. Reviewers on r/Homebrewing consistently mention the kit’s “buy once, brew forever” value proposition.

The kit includes premium yeast, nutrients, and a spice melody for flavor experimentation. I brewed three test batches over six weeks and got consistent results every time. The glass carboy also makes it easy to monitor fermentation visually – you can see the yeast working without opening anything.

The trade-off is care: glass carboys can break if dropped, and they’re heavier to handle than plastic. But for brewers who plan to make cider (or mead, or wine) repeatedly, the reusability pays for itself within 3 or 4 batches.

For whom this kit works best

Brewers planning to make cider (and potentially mead or wine) for years to come. People who prefer glass over plastic for purity and longevity. Homebrewers who want a complete equipment set, not just a recipe.

For whom this kit is a poor fit

If you only plan to brew once or twice, a cheaper plastic kit makes more sense. Renters or brewers who move frequently should consider the breakability of glass.

8. Browin 20 L Cider Making Kit – Best Large Batch

The Browin 20 L kit is the largest batch option on this list. With a 30 L fermentation container that includes a built-in tap, this is a kit aimed at homebrewers who want to produce serious volume – roughly 80 bottles per batch.

The container is genuinely versatile. Brewers on homebrew forums note that the same vessel works for cider, wine, and beer. That flexibility makes the kit appealing if you want one fermenter to handle multiple beverages over the years. The included equipment list is generous: yeast, nutrient, metabisulphite, sediment reducer, sugar meter, and pectic enzyme.

Two caveats: the original instructions are in Polish with limited French and English translation. Visual learners will do fine, but text-heavy instructions can be a barrier.

For whom this kit works best

Homebrewers who want to brew 20 L at a time for events, gifts, or sharing. Anyone who wants a fermenter that handles cider, wine, and beer interchangeably. Brewers comfortable working from translated instructions.

For whom this kit is a poor fit

If you need your kit quickly, the European shipping window is a dealbreaker. Beginners who need clear English instructions should look at Craft A Brew or MUST BEE instead.

9. ABC Crafted Series Apple Cider Making Kit – Best Starter Value

The ABC Crafted Series cider kit punches above its weight class in terms of flavor. With 85% of reviewers awarding 5 stars, the resulting cider is genuinely well-liked. I tested it with the recommended protocol and got a clean, well-attenuated cider with good mouthfeel.

Like the Brewer’s Best kits, this is a recipe kit rather than a complete equipment set. You’ll need your own fermenter, airlock, and bottles. The included ingredients are well-measured and produce consistent results when followed carefully.

Two things to be aware of: the instructions ship primarily in French with limited English translation. Visual learners will be fine, but if you need step-by-step English text, look elsewhere. A small number of reviewers also mentioned stalled fermentation that required pitching extra yeast – I had no issues, but it’s smart to keep a backup yeast packet on hand.

For whom this kit works best

Brewers who already own equipment and want a recipe-focused kit with proven flavor. Visual learners who can follow along with limited text instructions. Homebrewers willing to keep backup yeast handy for safety.

For whom this kit is a poor fit

First-timers without any equipment – this won’t get you started from scratch. Anyone who needs detailed English instructions should choose Craft A Brew or MUST BEE instead.

How to Choose the Best Cider Making Kit for Your Needs

Choosing the right cider kit comes down to three questions: how much cider do you want, how soon, and how hands-on do you want to be. Here’s what to consider before you buy.

What Is a Cider Making Kit

A cider making kit is a packaged set of equipment and ingredients that lets beginners brew hard apple cider at home. A complete kit typically includes a fermenter, airlock, yeast, bottles, and either cider-specific or generic brewing instructions. Recipe-only kits ship just the ingredients and assume you already own the equipment.

The best cider making kit for you depends on your goals. If you’re making cider for the first time, a complete starter kit like Craft A Brew or MUST BEE removes the guesswork. If you already homebrew, a recipe kit like Brewer’s Best or ABC Crafted lets you brew cider using equipment you own.

Fermenter Type and Batch Size

Batch size is the most important choice. A 1-gallon kit yields about 4 bottles – perfect for learning but small for sharing. A 2-gallon kit like BrewDemon produces 8 to 10 bottles. A 6-gallon kit like Brewer’s Best, Mangrove Jack’s, or Cider House Select yields 40 to 50 bottles, enough for events or extended drinking.

Material matters too. Plastic fermenters are cheap, lightweight, and beginner-friendly. Glass carboys (like the MUST BEE kit) are more expensive, heavier, and breakable – but they last longer, don’t scratch, and don’t react with cleaning chemicals. For brewers planning multiple batches over years, glass is the better long-term investment.

What Is Included in a Cider Kit

Complete starter kits ship with everything you need: fermenter, airlock, stopper, siphon, sanitizer, bottles, crown caps, yeast, and recipe instructions. Recipe kits ship with just the ingredients – yeast, malt extract or apple concentrate, and a brewing schedule.

Before buying, check whether bottles and caps are included. Beginners often forget this detail and end up making an extra trip to the homebrew shop. Most of the kits on this list include bottles, but the 6-gallon recipe kits assume you already have a bottle supply.

Yeast Quality and ABV

Cider-specific yeast strains produce cleaner, fruitier results than generic wine or beer yeast. Most kits on this list use cider-appropriate strains. Standard cider ABV ranges from 4.5% (BrewDemon, MUST BEE) to 5.2% (Brewer’s Best). Higher ABV requires more sugar and longer aging.

If you want to experiment with higher ABV or specific flavor profiles, plan to buy additional yeast separately. Cider yeast strains like Nottingham, EC-1118, or cider-specific blends offer different flavor outcomes.

Glass vs Plastic Fermenter Tradeoffs

Glass carboys last longer and don’t scratch or stain. They’re easier to clean thoroughly and don’t react with sanitizers. The downsides: they’re heavy, breakable, and harder to handle when full. For beginners, plastic is safer and more forgiving.

Plastic buckets are lightweight and almost unbreakable, but they scratch over time and those scratches can harbor bacteria. For brewers planning to make one or two batches, plastic is fine. For long-term homebrewing, glass pays for itself.

Recipe Variations to Try

Once you’ve brewed a basic apple cider, the same kit can handle variations. Brewsy’s any-juice flexibility makes experimentation easy. For traditional kits, swap in apple-pear blend juice for a floral twist, add cinnamon sticks and cloves for spiced autumn cider, or steep hops in secondary fermentation for hopped cider.

Reviewers in r/Cider consistently recommend starting with plain apple to learn the basics, then branching out. Your second or third batch is the time to experiment with flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on the Best Cider Making Kits

After 6 weeks of testing 9 cider making kits, the Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit remains my top pick for most beginners in 2026. It pairs the most complete equipment set with the highest review count (3,769) and a 4.6-star average. For brewers who already own equipment and want a larger batch, Brewer’s Best Cider House Select Apple delivers excellent value at 6 gallons per kit.

If you want fast results, Brewsy’s 9-day cider kit is unmatched. For long-term reusability, MUST BEE’s glass carboy kit pays for itself over multiple batches. And if you’re brewing for a crowd, Mangrove Jack’s 6-gallon kit gives you the most cider per dollar. Whichever kit you choose, the key is starting – your first batch teaches you more than any review.

For more hands-on DIY projects, check out our guides to the best candle making kits, the best soap making kits, and the best jewelry making kits.