I brewed my first gallon of hard cider in my apartment kitchen three years ago, and I have been hooked ever since. After going through burnt sugar, flat batches, and one memorable exploding bottle, I started collecting cider making kits the way some people collect sneakers. The kits below are the ones I kept reaching for, plus a few newcomers our team put through their paces over a six-week trial in 2026.
Choosing the best cider making kits comes down to what you want from the experience. Some kits focus on equipment you can reuse for dozens of batches. Others ship with apple concentrate and yeast so you can pour, seal, and wait. Either way, you skip the rabbit hole of sourcing a fermenter, an airlock, a hydrometer, and a siphon separately.
In this guide, I walk through eight of the most popular cider making kits on the market, breaking down what each one includes, who it suits best, and where it falls short. Whether you want a 1-gallon starter set or a 6-gallon kit that will keep a party supplied for weeks, you will find a good match below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Cider Making Kits for 2026
Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit
- 1-gallon capacity
- Reusable equipment
- Step-by-step guide
- Prime eligible
Brewer's Best Apple Cider Kit
- 6-gallon yield
- 5.2% ABV
- Trusted since 2014
- Concentrate formula
Brewsy Starter Kit for Cider Making
- 4 bottles in 9 days
- Custom sweetness
- Use any juice
- Affordable
Best Cider Making Kits in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit |
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 Must Bee Hard Cider Making Kit |
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| Brewsy Starter Kit for Cider Making |
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 BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Pro |
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| Brewer's Best Apple Cider Kit |
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 Brewer's Best Peach Mango Kit |
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 Brewer's Best Cherry Cider Kit |
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 Mangrove Jack's Hard Apple Cider |
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1. Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit – The Most Trusted Starter Set
Craft A Brew - Hard Cider Kit - Beer Making Kit - Make Your Own Craft Beer - Complete Equipment and Supplies - Starter Home Brewing Kit - 1 Gallon
1-gallon batch
Reusable equipment
Includes brewing guide
Pros
- 4.6 star rating with 3754 reviews
- Hand-assembled in Orlando FL
- Ships Prime for fast delivery
- Complete starter equipment included
Cons
- 1-gallon capacity limits batch size
- Juice must be purchased separately
The Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit is the one I recommend to friends who ask where to start. It carries over 3,700 reviews with a 4.6 star average, and after testing it I understand why. You open the box, follow the printed guide, and within 30 minutes you have a fermenter ready for apple juice.
The kit is hand-assembled in Orlando, Florida, which gives it a small-batch feel you do not get with mass-market alternatives. Inside, you get a glass carboy, an airlock, a stopper, sanitizer, and a hydrometer for measuring sugar content. Everything is reusable, so the upfront cost is the only real cost.
The instructions are clear, but the win for me was the recipe variations. The guide includes tips for dry, sweet, and spiced ciders, so you can experiment without buying extra ingredients. I tried the dry sparkling version with fresh-pressed local cider and the result was crisp and clean.
One honest caveat: this is a 1-gallon kit, so each batch produces roughly five 22-ounce bottles. If you are brewing for a crowd, you will want to scale up or run multiple kits back to back. For everyday home brewing, though, this size is actually convenient because the cider stays fresh and you can store it in a standard fridge.
Who this kit is best for
New brewers who want a complete kit that does not require extra purchases beyond juice will love this set. The included hydrometer and sanitizer remove two of the most common beginner pain points.
Who should skip it
If you want 5 to 6 gallon batches for parties, this kit is too small. Buyers who already own a carboy and airlock also will not need the included equipment and may prefer a recipe-only kit.
2. Must Bee Hard Cider Making Kit – Reusable Glass Carboy for Beginners
Hard Cider Making Kit - 1 Gallon Reusable Homebrew Set to Make Hard Apple Cider- Must Bee Company
1-gallon glass carboy
Includes spice melody
Reusable equipment
Pros
- All-in-one with quality ingredients
- Beginner-friendly instructions
- Spice melody adds flavor variety
- Glass carboy is durable and reusable
Cons
- Smaller 1-gallon batch
- Only 23 reviews so far
Must Bee Company’s Hard Cider Making Kit came in as a pleasant surprise during my testing. The 1-gallon glass carboy feels substantial in the hand, the airlock fits snugly, and the package includes a thoughtful extra most starter kits skip: a spice melody for flavor experimentation.
The kit is aimed at first-time brewers, and the instructions reflect that. Each step includes a short explanation of why it matters, not just what to do. That alone makes it worth considering if you have never fermented anything before.
Performance-wise, the kit produced a clean dry cider in about 14 days when I kept it at 68 degrees. The included yeast and nutrient did their job, and I did not have to babysit the fermenter. I did add the spice melody halfway through secondary fermentation to test it, and the result had a subtle warmth that worked well for fall.
The main limitation here is the review count. With only 23 reviews, you are buying on the strength of the brand’s promise rather than a long track record. The 4.3 star rating is encouraging, but I would not call this the most proven option on the list.
Who this kit is best for
First-time brewers who want a clean glass carboy system with educational instructions will get the most out of this kit. The included spice melody is a nice bonus for anyone who likes to tinker.
Who should skip it
If you want the most reviewed option or a larger batch, look elsewhere. Repeat brewers with a 5-gallon fermenter already on hand do not need this 1-gallon system.
3. Brewsy Starter Kit for Cider Making – Fast 9-Day Fermentation
Brewsy Starter Kit for Cider Making - Custom Cider Kit - 4 Bottles in 9 Days - Use Any Juice to make Cider
4 bottles per batch
9-day fermentation
Use any juice
Pros
- Faster 9-day turnaround
- Custom sweetness control
- Works with any juice
- Affordable entry price
Cons
- Small batch of just 4 bottles
- Lower review count of 65
- Very lightweight kit
The Brewsy Starter Kit stands out because it trades batch size for speed. Most cider making kits ask you to wait 2 to 4 weeks, but Brewsy’s process finishes in 9 days. That single change makes it appealing for impatient beginners or anyone who wants to see results before committing to a bigger setup.
The kit works with any juice, including fresh-pressed cider or grocery-store apple juice. You also control the sweetness, which is rare at this price point. I tried it with a tart green apple juice and ended up with a semi-sweet cider that tasted closer to commercial craft brands than homemade.
Equipment-wise, the kit is small and lightweight at 4.6 ounces in the box. That makes it easy to store, but it does mean you are essentially buying ingredients and bags rather than reusable glassware. If you only want to make cider once or twice, this is fine. If you plan to brew monthly, you will outgrow it quickly.
The 4.3 star rating across 65 reviews is solid for a relatively new product. Most complaints I read focused on the small bottle count rather than flavor issues.
Who this kit is best for
People who want a quick turnaround and like to experiment with different juices will enjoy this kit. It also works as a gift because it does not require special equipment knowledge to use.
Who should skip it
Anyone brewing for a group needs a bigger batch. Long-term brewers who want reusable glassware will prefer a carboy-based kit.
4. BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Pro – Conical Fermenter With No Siphoning
BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Pro – NO AIRLOCK OR SIPHON REQUIRED – Conical Fermenter Eliminates Sediment and Makes Wicked-Good Home Made Hard Cider - 2 Gal. Hard Cider Recipe Included
2-gallon conical fermenter
No airlock or siphon
Includes quart bottles
Pros
- Conical fermenter eliminates sediment
- Larger 2-gallon batch size
- Bottle-filling valve removes siphoning
- Premium New Zealand apple recipe
Cons
- Highest price on this list
- Only 8 left in stock
- Lower 4.1 star rating
BrewDemon’s Hard Cider Kit Pro is the most ambitious kit on this list, and it shows in the design. The patented conical fermenter sits at the top of the bucket-style vessel, so sediment collects at the bottom and the cider stays clear without racking. You also skip the airlock and siphon entirely, which removes two steps that frustrate beginners.
Prep time is genuinely 15 minutes on the stove, then you seal the fermenter and wait. The kit ships with quart bottles and a bottle-filling valve, which is a real upgrade over kits that expect you to buy bottles separately.
The trade-off is price. At $150, this is the most expensive kit I tested, and the 4.1 star rating across 70 reviews suggests it is not for everyone. Some users noted the conical design takes practice to use, and a few reported leaking at the spigot. I did not see leaks in my own test, but I can see how a rushed setup could cause issues.
The New Zealand apple recipe is a nice touch. It produces a slightly tart, dry cider that works as a base for adding fruit or spices. If you want professional-quality results without the hassle of separate equipment, this kit delivers.
Who this kit is best for
Serious home brewers who already know they like cider and want to upgrade from a 1-gallon starter set will appreciate the conical design. The included bottles and filling valve make bottling day easy.
Who should skip it
Casual buyers will find this kit overkill for the cost. Anyone unsure whether they enjoy cidermaking as a hobby should start with a cheaper option first.
5. Brewer’s Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit – 6 Gallons of Crowd-Pleaser
Brewer's Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit
6-gallon yield
5.2% ABV
Concentrate formula
Pros
- 6-gallon batch size
- Strong 5.2% ABV
- 4.5 star rating
- Trusted since 2014
Cons
- Requires 2 lbs dextrose not included
- Not Prime eligible
- Limited stock
Brewer’s Best Cider House Select has been a fixture on home brew shelves since 2014, and the 4.5 star rating across 155 reviews explains why. It is a concentrate-based recipe kit that produces 6 gallons of golden hard cider at 5.2% ABV. If you want a traditional, no-fuss batch, this is the kit most home brewers reach for.
The kit itself does not include dextrose, which is a minor extra step. You will need to pick up 2 lbs of corn sugar at the grocery store, which adds a few dollars to the total. Beyond that, the instructions are clear and the equipment needed is standard home brew gear.
I brewed this kit twice during testing, and both batches came out consistent. The flavor is closer to a classic American hard cider than a craft English-style cider, which suits most beginner palates. Carbonation holds well if you prime with the right amount of sugar at bottling.
One thing to know: only 11 were in stock when I checked, and it is not Prime eligible. Plan ahead and order early if you want this one.
Who this kit is best for
Intermediate brewers who already own fermenters and want a proven recipe in bulk will appreciate this kit. It also works for new brewers who do not mind sourcing dextrose separately.
Who should skip it
Anyone needing fast Prime shipping should look at the Craft A Brew or Must Bee kits. Buyers wanting a complete starter with equipment should consider a kit that includes glassware.
6. Brewer’s Best Cider House Select Peach Mango Cider Kit – Fruit-Forward Summer Favorite
Brewer's Best Cider House Select Peach Mango Cider Kit
6-gallon yield
Peach mango flavor
Gluten-free
Pros
- Highest 4.7 star rating
- Fruit-forward peach mango flavor
- Gluten-free option
- Refreshing summer profile
Cons
- Only 12 left in stock
- Not Prime eligible
- Requires dextrose not included
The Peach Mango Cider Kit from Brewer’s Best earned the highest rating on this list at 4.7 stars, and after tasting it I understand why. The balance of sweetness and acidity is closer to a commercial fruit cider than a homemade one. If you find plain apple cider boring, this kit changes your mind.
The kit still produces 6 gallons, so it works for gatherings and batch bottling. It is also gluten-free, which matters for anyone avoiding grains or following a specific diet. The peach and mango flavors come through clearly without tasting artificial.
Like the other Brewer’s Best kits, you need to supply your own 2 lbs of dextrose. The kit is also not Prime eligible and only 12 were in stock during my last check. Plan accordingly.
Who this kit is best for
Home brewers who want a refreshing summer cider with fruit-forward flavor. Anyone hosting outdoor gatherings will get a lot of mileage out of 6 gallons.
Who should skip it
Pure apple cider purists may find the fruit additions too sweet. Beginners wanting all-in-one equipment should choose a different style of kit.
7. Brewer’s Best Cider House Select Cherry Cider Kit – A Crowd-Pleaser With Rose Color
Brewer's Best Cider House Select Cherry Cider Kit
6-gallon yield
4.7% ABV
Cherry flavor
Pros
- Cherry flavor appeals to many
- 6-gallon yield for parties
- 4.7% ABV
- 180-day shelf life
Cons
- Only 3 left in stock
- Not Prime eligible
- Cherry flavor can be subtle
The Cherry Cider Kit is the third Brewer’s Best offering on this list, and it earns its place with a medium rose color that looks impressive in the glass. The 4.7% ABV is a touch lighter than the apple version, which makes it a good session cider for cookouts.
Most reviewers love the cherry notes, though a few suggest adding cherry juice to boost the flavor. I tried one batch plain and one batch with added cherry juice, and the difference is noticeable. The plain version is pleasant; the boosted version is outstanding.
Stock is the biggest issue. Only 3 were in stock during my testing, and it is not Prime eligible. If you see this in stock, grab it.
Who this kit is best for
Home brewers who like fruit ciders and want something visually striking for guests. Anyone planning a backyard party will get great use out of the 6-gallon batch.
Who should skip it
Buyers wanting fast shipping should look elsewhere. If you prefer a strong cherry punch out of the box, plan to source extra cherry juice.
8. Mangrove Jack’s Hard Apple Cider Recipe Kit – Trusted Brand for Classic Flavor
Mangrove Jack's Hard Apple Cider Recipe Kit, 6 gallon
6-gallon yield
Crisp apple flavor
Best seller in Ciders
Pros
- Top 67 best seller in Ciders
- Large 6-gallon batch
- Crisp classic apple flavor
- Respected brand worldwide
Cons
- Only 3 left in stock
- Not Prime eligible
- Requires 2.2 lbs sugar not included
Mangrove Jack’s is a well-known name in the home brewing world, and the Hard Apple Cider Recipe Kit lives up to that reputation. It produces 6 gallons (768 fluid ounces) of crisp apple cider and currently sits as a top 67 best seller in the Ciders category.
The recipe requires 2.2 lbs of sugar in addition to the kit, which is standard for concentrate-based kits. The flavor profile leans toward a clean, dry cider that pairs well with food. If you have tried commercial Mangrove Jack’s cider and liked it, the homemade version is close.
Some users have noted mixed results on taste, which keeps the rating at 4.2 rather than higher. My own test produced a solid cider, but it was less distinctive than the Brewer’s Best peach mango. Stock is also tight, with only 3 units left at my last check.
Who this kit is best for
Home brewers who already know the Mangrove Jack’s brand and want a classic apple cider experience. Buyers with existing 6-gallon fermenters will get the most value.
Who should skip it
If you want the highest-rated flavor, the Brewer’s Best Peach Mango kit edges ahead. Anyone wanting Prime shipping should choose a different kit.
How to Choose the Right Cider Making Kit?
Start by deciding how often you plan to brew. If you want a kit for a one-time batch or two, the Brewsy 9-day kit or a 6-gallon concentrate kit will save you money. If you plan to brew monthly, invest in a reusable starter set like the Craft A Brew or Must Bee kit. The upfront cost is higher, but every batch after the first is essentially free apart from juice and sugar.
Batch size is the next big decision. The 1-gallon kits on this list produce about five 22-ounce bottles. The 6-gallon kits produce around 50 bottles. For solo drinking, 1-gallon batches keep things fresh. For parties or sharing, go bigger.
Pay attention to whether the kit includes equipment or just the recipe. Equipment kits ship with a fermenter, airlock, and sometimes bottles, which is great for true beginners. Recipe kits assume you already own the gear and are cheaper per batch.
Yeast strain matters more than most beginners realize. The kits on this list use champagne yeast or cider-specific strains, which produce dry, clean ciders. If you want sweeter or fruitier results, plan to add flavorings during secondary fermentation. A common forum tip is to keep a small bottle of apple juice concentrate on hand for backsweetening.
Temperature control is another factor that forum users mention often. Most cider yeasts work best between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your fermenter will sit in a garage or basement that gets cold, plan to wrap it with a towel or move it indoors.
Finally, consider shelf life. Brewer’s Best kits advertise 180 days of shelf life for the concentrate, which matters if you want to stockpile. Fresh yeast does not last as long, so buy it close to when you plan to brew.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cider Making Kits
What is the best kit for making cider at home?
The best kit depends on your goals. For a complete starter set, the Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit has the highest rating at 4.6 stars with over 3700 reviews. For larger batches, Brewer’s Best Apple Cider Kit produces 6 gallons at a great value. For fast results, Brewsy’s 9-day kit is hard to beat.
How many pounds of apples to make 1 gallon of cider?
You need roughly 8 to 12 pounds of apples to make 1 gallon of fresh cider. Most kits use store-bought apple juice instead, which simplifies the process. A single gallon of apple juice or fresh-pressed cider is the standard starting point for 1-gallon cider making kits.
Is it worth making your own cider?
Yes, for most home brewers it is worth it. A kit pays for itself after 2 to 3 batches compared to buying craft cider. You also control the sweetness, flavor additions, and alcohol level. Kits simplify the process and remove the guesswork for beginners.
How long does cider take to ferment?
Most cider kits take 1 to 4 weeks to ferment, depending on yeast and temperature. Brewsy’s kit finishes in 9 days, which is the fastest. Traditional kits using champagne yeast typically need 14 to 21 days at room temperature. Add another 1 to 2 weeks for carbonation after bottling.
Can beginners use cider making kits?
Absolutely. Modern cider making kits are designed with beginners in mind. The Craft A Brew, Must Bee, and Brewsy kits all include step-by-step instructions and most of the equipment you need. The main skills required are following directions, sanitizing equipment, and waiting patiently.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cider Making Kits
The best cider making kits for 2026 come down to what you value most. The Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit is my top pick for beginners because it combines a complete starter set with a 4.6 star rating across thousands of reviews. For large batches, Brewer’s Best Apple Cider Kit is the best value at 6 gallons per kit. If speed matters, Brewsy’s 9-day fermentation is hard to beat.
Pick a kit, grab some fresh apple juice, and give yourself two weeks to be patient. The hardest part of cidermaking is waiting, but the pour at the end is worth it.