13 Best Beer Making Kits For Homebrewers In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
February 25, 2021When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on how we conduct reviews, click here.
The beer making process's first record can be found on papyrus scrolls in ancient Egypt, with the first brews being made from pomegranate, dates, and other indigenous herbs. Beer was part of religious ceremonies, being scheduled and distributed to the masses with the Pharaohs' direction.
Homebrewing has spiked in popularity in 2020 and shows continuous growth. In this article, we’ll show you the best beer making kits you can find online. Just a reminder, while it is legal in all 50 states to make your homebrew, it is still illegal to sell alcohol without a liquor license.
Our Top Picks
| | Best for Beginners - Mr. Beer Complete Beer Making Starter Kit• Only takes 30 minutes to brew |
Most Budget-Friendly - Muntons Craft Beer in a Bag Beer Making Kit• Brews up to 25 pints | |
Most Complete Set - Northern Brewer Deluxe Homebrew Starter Kit• Easy instructions |
1. Mr. Beer Complete Beer Making Starter Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Most customers bought this as a new hobby to try or as a gift for their loved ones. They’re happy with their beer making kits and are willing to buy more from the store. Some of the negative reviews talk about some equipment or have leaks in them.
Why We Think It’s Great
Mr. Beer is owned by a brewery called Cooper's Brewery. It’s the only known homebrewing company that an actual brewery owns. The company is one of Australia's largest craft breweries, with 150 years of brewing expertise in its pocket.
Mr. Beer is the best kit for beginners. It has step-by-step instructions, simple ingredients, and easy-to-use brewing equipment. It only takes 30 minutes to brew by using hopped malt extract. It includes the components to get started to help create a more consistent batch every single time. The ingredients used are designed and crafted at Coopers Brewery.
Who Should Buy It
For any novice who wants to start their home brewery, this kit is for you. It provides proper instructions and already includes everything you need apart from water.
2. Brewferm Buckrider Home Brewing Starter Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Amazon shoppers love how easy to follow the instructions are in this beer making kit. The no-boil feature is a hit with new brewers and veterans alike. They’re great for first-timers and old brewers. Although there may have been some complaints about leaks and broken items, most of the ratings are still positive.
Why We Think It’s Great
In 1972, Brewferm was founded. The family-owned business grew over the years into a Homebrewing master, bringing a unique Belgian Homebrewing tradition to the United States.
This starter kit includes Tripel terror craft brew mix, Buckrider fermenting bucket, an airlock, bottling tube, liquid crystal thermometer, Check-it bottling hydrometer, tap PVC with back nut, 2 seals, Buckrider OXI cleaning agent, carbonation drops, Cap'tain 2 lever capper, 100 crown caps, 24 Brewferm bottle labels, and 6 Brewferm coasters.
Buckriders made their original style of beer that is still prominent in Belgium today. With the heavy-duty fermentation bucket and all the tools provided in this kit, this is a great way to get started with home brewing and make your customizations.
Who Should Buy It
Whether you’re a newbie looking forward to your new hobby or an expert looking for a new kit to play around with, this kit is for you. It provides excellent instructions and has a plethora of tools you can use for a great price.
3. Northern Brewer HomeBrewing Starter Set
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Amazon customers love this beer making kit. It has all the things you need to get started on your home brewery. However, some deliveries might come with a defective lid or spigot.
Why We Think It’s Great
Northern Brewer has been serving the homebrewing community since 1993. They bring homebrew to the masses, intending to turn it into a standard household craft.
This beer making kit includes Hank's Hefeweizen recipe kit, Herculometer triple scale hydrometer, test jar, lab thermometer, fermenter with spigot, lid, bubbler airlock, bottling bucket with spigot assembly, bottle filler, stainless brew kettle, stainless steel spoon, clear tubing, cleaner, bottle brush, royal crown bottle capper, and caps.
The Northern Brewer Brew is the highest-rated starter kit. It’s the perfect gift for long-time and first-time brewers. It comes in with proper easy-to-follow instructions. You can rest easy with this kit because they also provide a recipe kit to get you started.
Who Should Buy It
Starting a new hobby can be terrifying. If you’re the type that needs detailed instructions for anything, this kit might be for you.
4. Simply Beer Small Batch Beer Making Starter Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Many customers bought this as a gift for their first-time brewing friends. They think they’re a great holiday present, and some find the instructions simple and easy. There may be issues with the delivered items, but many were pleased with this beer making kit.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Simply Beer Starter Kit has top-notch equipment that can be used for every batch. With the fermenter’s design being simplified, the beer-making process will go more straightforward with this kit. This beer making kit includes a siphonless fermenter, lid, airlock, and a recipe kit.
The Simple Beer is partnered with Northern Brewer to pick out the freshest ingredients for your homebrew. It’s made simple without any overly complicated equipment to make brewing more effortless and convenient.
Who Should Buy It
For anyone who wants straight-to-the-point and straightforward instructions, this is for you! The price is affordable, and the kit will make you feel like brewing is effortless.
5. Northern Brewer Craft Beer Making Starter Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Amazon customers enjoyed this beer making kit because it included everything needed to make a delicious brew. Admittedly some buyers had difficulty with the instructions, suggesting that this kit is more for pros.
Why We Think It’s Great
Northern Brewer is passionate about homebrewing and wants to make everyone's brewing experience magical and fantastic. This kit includes a glass fermentation jug with cap and airlock, mini auto-siphon, tubing, bottle filler, bottle capper, pry-off caps, Northern Brewer No-Rinse Oxygen Wash, and Caribou Slobber Brown Ale recipe kit.
The Northern Brewer is one of the highest-rated starter kits. They provide the freshest ingredients and have easy-to-follow instructions for your needs. The 1-gallon jug is small enough to bring along in trips, and it has a recipe kit to get you started.
Who Should Buy It
If you like going out into the woods with your buddies, this kit might be for you. It’s a great conversation starter and an excellent way to recruit other possible homebrewers.
6. BeerDroid Fully Automated Beer Brewing System
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Shoppers love this automated and easy-to-use beer brewing system. You can connect it to the app, and you don’t have to worry about anything else because the machine does everything for you. It is quite expensive, so if you’re not as committed to homebrewing, it’s better to stick to the more affordable ones.
Why We Think It’s Great
You can now make beer with a push of a button! The BeerDroid is temperature-controlled and can be connected to wifi. This isn’t more of a kit but a machine that does everything for you with a simple click.
Not only can you get a brew with a push of a button, but you can even do it remotely with the BeerDroid app. It’s futuristic, and it’s the first fully automated personal brewer. There’s minimal cleaning to be done, and it informs you when your homebrew is finished fermenting.
Who Should Buy It
If you’re the type to have a busy schedule, and you have no time to buy yourself a 6-pack, this machine is going to be your best friend. It gives you more time for yourself, so you can enjoy the rest of your night and relax while the BeerDroid makes your refreshing drink.
7. BrewDemon Craft Beer Brewing Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
More customers found this beer making kit easy to use and fun to play with, but some kits might have some defects. They work great, and the valve is a nice touch to the homebrewing system.
Why We Think It’s Great
The BrewDemon Craft Beer Brewing Kit has a conical design and state-of-the-art venting system. It’s a 2-gallon kit that includes 1-quart bottles and a bottle filling valve, making it perfect for making beer with your friends.
The conical base helps reduce the amount of yeast you need to use for your brew, and the valve is adjustable for better flow control and a kind venting system to keep contaminants out.
Who Should Buy It
Suppose you’re an economical person who likes to use your ingredients frugally. This beer making kit is for you. It has an excellent sleek amber design and comes with free bottles ready to use.
8. BrewDemon Craft Beer Making Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Buyers love the beer making kit's design as the cone lets the sediments settle and prevents them from going into the drink. Customers fell in love with its elegant and straightforward design. Although some arrived at their doorstep broken, the seller did send out a replacement.
Why We Think It’s Great
The BrewDemon lets the sediments settle in the conical bottom, so you don’t have to deal with them in your drink. This 1-gallon kit includes bottles and a bottle filling valve.
It’s not complicated, it’s cute, and you don’t have to go through that extra step of siphoning your drinks. The conical design does the siphoning for you, and it’s small enough to bring it with you on trips. You do have to be careful as you might damage the valve.
Who Should Buy It
For people who like the idea of not having to siphon your homebrew and being able to bring it on long trips, this beer kit is for you. Its simple instructions can make anyone a brewmaster.
9. Craft A Brew Oktoberfest Ale Beer Making Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Amazon customers think this is a perfect way to introduce homebrewing to beginners. Even though one customer said it needs to include a large pot, bottles, caps, and bottle cappers, the majority still thinks it’s a good beer making kit.
Why We Think It’s Great
Craft A Brew designed a homebrewing kit for anyone who wants to become a brewmaster. The kit includes: a carboy, funnel, racking cane, rubber stopper, transfer tubing, thumb clamp, airlock, thermometer, Guide to Craft Brewing, sanitizer, and Oktoberfest Ale recipe kit.
It’s the bare bones of any home brewing kit, which leaves a lot of room to learn. This kit is the type that might help you learn more about homebrewing through your research.
Who Should Buy It
If you like doing your research and want a beer making kit that will give you that opportunity, this is for you.
10. Coopers DIY Beer Home Brewing Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
The majority of the customers love this beer making kit, but some find it a bit pricey. One shopper continued his brewmaster journey by adding more equipment to his original kit. He likes the fact that he can add different equipment without sullying the taste of his brew.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Coopers DIY Beer Home Brewing Kit will help you brew quickly and easily. It has everything you need. The kit includes a patented fermenter with tap assembly, Coopers Beer hydrometer, beer mixing spoon, plastic PET bottles with caps, Coopers Brewing thermometer, Cooper’s bottling wand, and Coopers Lager refill pack.
Who doesn’t like 6 gallons of foamy goodness? This kit provides plenty of equipment to turn someone into a brewmaster in no time!
Who Should Buy It
If you’re a dedicated homebrewer or plan to be one, this is the beer making kit you should be going for. Commitment is critical for this kit.
11. Muntons Craft Beer in a Bag Beer Making Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Customers like the idea of the four-step process. It’s easy to make and can be stored anywhere without it taking up too much space. A few shoppers did not like their brew results, but it may be a mistake on their end.
Why We Think It’s Great
Muntons Craft Beer in a bag has a four-step process, making home brewing as simple as possible. This kit was developed by Nottingham Trent University together with the University of Nottingham in England. You don’t need any additional equipment. All you have to do is add water and yeast, brew it in the bag, and wait 30 days.
It’s straightforward, unique, and an effortless kit. What’s not to love? With the complications that life churns out, making homebrew this undemanding is an excellent buy.
Who Should Buy It
To anyone who strives for a simple home-brewing life, this affordable and unique kit is the one to get.
12. Grainfather Connect Complete All-In-One Home Beer Brewing System
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Amazon shoppers like how it’s an all-in-one system. It simplifies home brewing to a tee. Although some customers may find it expensive and a little complicated, many were satisfied with their purchase.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Grainfather is made from stainless steel with a capacity of 8 gallons. It has a controlled heater that can be used for your brewing process. It’s the kit to buy when you plan on opening a business. Its 8-gallon fermenter and accessories will surely be a bang for your buck!
Who Should Buy It
This is for the dedicated and committed brewers out there. If you plan to give this hobby a go, you better save up!
13. Northern Brewer Deluxe Homebrew Starter Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Customers adore this beer making kit because some said they did not need the extra equipment to make good homebrew. The easy-to-follow instructions and good quality of the equipment are a great addition.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Northern Brewer Deluxe is by far the best seller in the market. This kit includes two large glass jugs, a Bavarian Hefeweizen recipe kit, bung, airlock, blowoff hose, funnel, and adhesive thermometers. It also comes with an auto-siphon, tubing, bottling bucket, spigot, bottle filler, bottle capper, caps, carboy brush, bottle cleaning brush, brewery cleaner, and carboy dryer.
With the surplus of equipment and good reviews, we think this kit will be a bang for your buck. It has an extra set of items just in case the other one breaks. The cleaning materials are also a great addition.
Who Should Buy It
Avid homebrewers will be delighted with this beer making kit. Not only do they have extra items, but they come in with recipe kits they can use.
Best Beer Making Kit Buying Guide
-
Expertise
-
Recipe Kits
There are two kinds of recipe starter kits: malt extract and all-grain. Malt extract can be hopped, dry, or liquid. Depending on what flavor you want your wort to be is entirely up to you. The all-grain gives a fresher taste to your beer. Recipes can make a big difference to your brewing experience; testing out each would not be a bad idea.
-
Fermenter
The most important for your homebrewing kit is the fermenter. It comes in different materials such as food-grade plastic buckets, carboys, barrel-style, and stainless steel. Plastic buckets work well for any fermentation process, and this is the go-to for most of the kits.
Carboys can be a little risky since it’s made of glass, but they get the job done. Barrel-style fermenters give off that vintage feel and may add a wood earthy taste to your drinks. Stainless steel is probably the most expensive since most stainless steel fermenters are equipped with different items. Different kits may include spigots, siphons, and airlocks to help the fermentation process.
-
Capacity
The minimum capacity for any starter kit is 1 gallon, but some can go up to 5 gallons and more. It doesn’t affect your brew, but it depends on how often you brew and what you use the mixture for. If you brew just as a hobby, then 1 gallon is enough, but if you plan to give it to your friends or start a business, buying a larger capacity would benefit you.
-
Types of Home Brew Kits
Different types of home brewing kits can be manual or automated. Most kits are manual that need the attention of the home brewer. Automated brewing systems cost higher, and most busy people buy these types.
Beer Making FAQ
1. Is homebrewing cheaper than buying beer?
It depends on how often you buy beer. If you buy every week, then homebrewing would be cheaper. If you do it as a hobby, it may not matter. Overall buying the supplies may seem expensive at first, but you can use the equipment for years to come.
2. Can you let beer ferment for too long?
No, beer usually ferments as the yeast permits. It always says in the instructions in the recipe kit how long you should ferment. The regular length of time for fermentation is 24 days. If you let it ferment for too long, the taste might be off.
3. How long do you have to wait to drink beer after bottling?
You have to wait for 2 more weeks after bottling before consuming the beer. That way, the yeast consumes all the sugar, and the flavor becomes vibrant and prominent.
4. How long does homebrew last?
Most homebrews can last for about a year until the taste becomes muted and off. So be sure to store your homebrews in a closed space away from sunlight.
5. Can you put too much yeast in your homebrew?
Yes, it is possible to over-pinch your yeast, and the taste of your brew might end up tasting like cheese since yeast has a savory, cheesy flavor.
Conclusion
Whether you are a novice or an expert, homebrewing has grown its community through fascination and art. The love for beer making and the culture surrounding it has gathered different types of people worldwide.
If you’re a beginner, go for the Mr. Beer Complete Beer Making Starter Kit . It has ingredients from an actual brewery, and the instructions are easy to understand.
If you’re more of a casual brewer, we recommend the Muntons Craft Beer in a Bag Beer Making . It’s a simple and effortless way to make homebrew, and it’s excellent for those who don't want a complicated homebrewing lifestyle.
If you want a complete set, get the Northern Brewer Deluxe Homebrew Starter Kit . It has everything you need and so much more.
Have you considered home brewing? Which beer making kit on the list do you want to try? Let us know in the comments below.