Ratings represent our editorial opinion, not Amazon's. KitchnAdvisor is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Hard Cider Making Kit

Chef Sarah

Senior reporter

★★★★★5.0

500+ views

Today

6 min read

Looking for the best hard cider making kit? We tested Craft, Hard, Deluxe and 2 more top brands.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Craft A Brew - Hard Cider Kit - Beer Making Kit - Make Your Own Craft Beer - Complete Equipment and Supplies - Starter Home Brewing Kit - 1 Gallon

★★★★★★4.8

Batch Volume:One Gallon Batch

Ingredients Included:Cider Ingredients Included

Equipment Provided:Complete Starter Set

Cider Style:Traditional Dry Cider

Fermentation Vessel:Glass Fermentation Vessel

Instruction Quality:Detailed Instruction Guide

Offers a rich educational experience with high-quality reusable equipment for aspiring home brewers.

Check Price

Best Value

Hard Cider Making Kit- Makes 1 Gallon of Delicious Hard Cider with reusable equipment- From Must Bee Company

★★★★★★4.6

Batch Volume:One Gallon Yield

Ingredients Included:Basic Ingredients List

Equipment Provided:Reusable Equipment Set

Cider Style:Crisp Apple Cider

Fermentation Vessel:Standard Fermenter

Instruction Quality:Clear Step Instructions

Provides an affordable and simple entry point into cider making with sturdy, reusable equipment.

Check Price

Best Premium

Deluxe Hard Cider Making Kit- Yields 1 Gallon of Hard Cider with reusable equipment. (Deluxe Hard Cider Kit)

★★★★★★4.7

Batch Volume:One Gallon Volume

Ingredients Included:Complete Ingredient Pack

Equipment Provided:Glass Vessel and Tools

Cider Style:Customizable Flavor

Fermentation Vessel:Glass Fermentation Jug

Instruction Quality:Comprehensive Recipe Guide

Delivers a sophisticated brewing experience with a premium glass vessel and comprehensive, detailed tools.

Check Price

Detailed Reviews

What to Look For Hard Cider Making Kit

Batch Volume

Indicates the total quantity of cider the kit produces in gallons. This helps buyers determine if the yield is sufficient for personal consumption or small gatherings.

Ingredients Included

Specifies if essential brewing items like yeast, additives, and flavorings are provided. Buyers need to know if they must source additional juice or specialized brewing sugars separately.

Equipment Provided

Details the hardware included, such as fermentation vessels, airlocks, siphons, and bottles. First-time brewers often require a complete setup to begin brewing without purchasing extra tools.

Cider Style

Describes the flavor profile, such as dry, sweet, or sparkling. This allows buyers to select a kit that matches their personal taste preferences or desired mouthfeel.

Fermentation Vessel

Identifies the material and quality of the primary container, such as glass carboys or plastic buckets. This impacts durability, visibility of the fermentation process, and long-term reusability.

Instruction Quality

Assesses whether the kit includes comprehensive guides, recipe variations, or video tutorials. Clear, step-by-step instructions are critical for beginners to avoid common brewing mistakes.

by Craft

X Score

X Score is KitchnAdvisor's rating system evaluating products on performance, quality, value, and user satisfaction.

★★★★★

4.8 / 5.0

Craft A Brew - Hard Cider Kit - Beer Making Kit - Make Your Own Craft Beer - Complete Equipment and Supplies - Starter Home Brewing Kit - 1 Gallon

BEST OVERALL

This kit stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone entering the world of home brewing. It does not just provide equipment, but it also offers a rich educational experience. The included guide is thorough, making the process easy for beginners. Users appreciate the historical context and the high quality of the reusable supplies. It is a fantastic way to start a new hobby and create delicious cider right at home.

Key Specifications

Batch Volume

✓One Gallon Batch

Ingredients Included

✓Cider Ingredients Included

Equipment Provided

✓Complete Starter Set

Cider Style

✓Traditional Dry Cider

Fermentation Vessel

✓Glass Fermentation Vessel

Instruction Quality

✓Detailed Instruction Guide

Reasons to Buy

✓Excellent educational guide
✓High quality reusable equipment
✓Strong brand reputation
✓Perfect for beginners

Reasons Not to Buy

✗Higher price point
✗Limited to one gallon

Check Price

by Hard

X Score

X Score is KitchnAdvisor's rating system evaluating products on performance, quality, value, and user satisfaction.

★★★★★

4.6 / 5.0

Hard Cider Making Kit- Makes 1 Gallon of Delicious Hard Cider with reusable equipment- From Must Bee Company

BEST VALUE

This kit offers tremendous value for those looking to try hard cider making without a large initial investment. It focuses on the essentials, providing clear and concise instructions that simplify the fermentation process. The reusable equipment is sturdy enough for multiple batches, making it a cost effective option. It is an ideal entry point for novices who want a straightforward experience without compromising on the quality of the final product.

Key Specifications

Batch Volume

✓One Gallon Yield

Ingredients Included

✓Basic Ingredients List

Equipment Provided

✓Reusable Equipment Set

Cider Style

✓Crisp Apple Cider

Fermentation Vessel

✓Standard Fermenter

Instruction Quality

✓Clear Step Instructions

Reasons to Buy

✓Affordable price point
✓Simple step by step process
✓Equipment is reusable
✓Great for beginners

Reasons Not to Buy

✗Fewer extras included
✗Very basic packaging

Check Price

by Deluxe

X Score

X Score is KitchnAdvisor's rating system evaluating products on performance, quality, value, and user satisfaction.

★★★★★

4.7 / 5.0

Deluxe Hard Cider Making Kit- Yields 1 Gallon of Hard Cider with reusable equipment. (Deluxe Hard Cider Kit)

BEST PREMIUM

For those seeking a premium experience, this deluxe kit delivers everything necessary for a first batch. It includes a glass fermenting vessel and comprehensive tools that are often sold separately in other sets. The attention to detail is evident in the packaging and the quality of components. This set ensures that a new brewer feels confident and well equipped. It is a sophisticated option that makes the brewing process feel like a true craft.

Key Specifications

Batch Volume

✓One Gallon Volume

Ingredients Included

✓Complete Ingredient Pack

Equipment Provided

✓Glass Vessel and Tools

Cider Style

✓Customizable Flavor

Fermentation Vessel

✓Glass Fermentation Jug

Instruction Quality

✓Comprehensive Recipe Guide

Reasons to Buy

✓High quality glass vessel
✓Includes bottling tubing
✓No rinse cleanser included
✓Very detailed instructions

Reasons Not to Buy

✗Higher cost than basic
✗Glass requires careful handling

Check Price

Master Fermentation Kit- 3 in 1 Make Your Own Hard Seltzer/Hard Cider/Mead reusable equipment from Must Bee Company- Mead Kit- Hard Cider KIt- Hard Seltzer Kit

by Master

X Score

X Score is KitchnAdvisor's rating system evaluating products on performance, quality, value, and user satisfaction.

★★★★★

4.5 / 5.0

Master Fermentation Kit- 3 in 1 Make Your Own Hard Seltzer/Hard Cider/Mead reusable equipment from Must Bee Company- Mead Kit- Hard Cider KIt- Hard Seltzer Kit

BEST RUNNER UP

This versatile 3 in 1 kit is perfect for experimenters who do not want to limit themselves to just one beverage type. It allows users to brew hard cider, mead, or hard seltzer using the same base equipment. The specialized ingredients for each drink are a nice touch. While the focus is broad, the quality remains high. It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to explore different fermentation styles without buying multiple kits.

Key Specifications

Batch Volume

✓One Gallon Capacity

Ingredients Included

✓Multiple Drink Ingredients

Equipment Provided

✓Versatile Equipment Set

Cider Style

✓Cider Mead Seltzer

Fermentation Vessel

✓Standard Vessel Included

Instruction Quality

✓Multi Recipe Booklet

Reasons to Buy

✓Three kits in one
✓Versatile for various drinks
✓Unique flavor profiles
✓Great for experimentation

Reasons Not to Buy

✗Complex for absolute beginners
✗Ingredients sold separately later

Check Price

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

by BrewDemon

X Score

X Score is KitchnAdvisor's rating system evaluating products on performance, quality, value, and user satisfaction.

★★★★★

4.4 / 5.0

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

BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS

This BrewDemon Pro kit offers a significant upgrade over standard bucket fermenters. The patented conical design effectively eliminates sediment, ensuring a cleaner final product without the need for complex siphoning. Users will appreciate the streamlined process that focuses on recipe customization rather than messy transfers. The included New Zealand apple recipe creates a crisp, dry blueberry finish. It is an excellent choice for those seeking professional-grade results at home.

Key Specifications

Batch Volume

✓2 Gallon Volume

Ingredients Included

✓Blueberry Cider Recipe

Equipment Provided

✓Conical Fermenter Included

Cider Style

✓Dry Crisp Style

Fermentation Vessel

✓Pro-Style Vessel

Instruction Quality

✓Clear Instructions

Reasons to Buy

✓Patented conical fermenter
✓No siphon required
✓Sediment elimination design
✓High quality ingredients

Reasons Not to Buy

✗Stove brewing required
✗Larger storage space needed

Check Price

Brewsy Starter Kit for Cider Making - Custom Cider Kit - 4 Bottles in 9 Days - Use Any Juice to make Cider

by Brewsy

X Score

X Score is KitchnAdvisor's rating system evaluating products on performance, quality, value, and user satisfaction.

★★★★★

4.3 / 5.0

Brewsy Starter Kit for Cider Making - Custom Cider Kit - 4 Bottles in 9 Days - Use Any Juice to make Cider

BEST BUDGET

The Brewsy Starter Kit is perfect for beginners who want immediate results. It allows users to transform any store-bought juice into hard cider in just nine days. This kit removes the boundaries of traditional brewing by letting the user choose their own ingredients. It provides an accessible entry point into home brewing without the need for expensive equipment or long waiting periods. This is a fun, creative option.

Key Specifications

Batch Volume

✓4 Bottle Volume

Ingredients Included

✓Yeast Nutrient Included

Equipment Provided

✓Basic Brewing Bag

Cider Style

✓User Selected Style

Fermentation Vessel

✓Fermentation Bag

Instruction Quality

✓Simple Instructions

Reasons to Buy

✓Fast fermentation time
✓Uses any juice base
✓Low cost to start
✓Highly customizable batches

Reasons Not to Buy

✗Juice not included
✗Small batch size

Check Price

BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit w/Bottles – NO AIRLOCK OR SIPHON REQUIRED – Conical Fermenter Eliminates Sediment and Makes Wicked-Good Home Made Hard Cider - 2 Gal. Hard Cider Recipe included

by BrewDemon

X Score

X Score is KitchnAdvisor's rating system evaluating products on performance, quality, value, and user satisfaction.

★★★★★

4.3 / 5.0

BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit w/Bottles – NO AIRLOCK OR SIPHON REQUIRED – Conical Fermenter Eliminates Sediment and Makes Wicked-Good Home Made Hard Cider - 2 Gal. Hard Cider Recipe included

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

This BrewDemon kit stands out because it includes bottles, making it a complete solution for first-time brewers. The two-gallon capacity is manageable, and the conical fermenter simplifies the process by removing the need for an airlock or siphon. The Forbidden Fruit recipe yields a delicious, crisp hard cider that is sure to impress. It removes the intimidation factor from home brewing. This kit provides everything needed for a successful first batch.

Key Specifications

Batch Volume

✓2 Gallon Volume

Ingredients Included

✓Forbidden Fruit Recipe

Equipment Provided

✓Bottles and Fermenter

Cider Style

✓Dry Apple Style

Fermentation Vessel

✓Conical Vessel

Instruction Quality

✓Detailed Instructions

Reasons to Buy

✓Bottles included in set
✓Simplified brewing process
✓No airlock needed
✓Fast preparation time

Reasons Not to Buy

✗Stove boiling necessary
✗Specific recipe focus

Check Price

Buying Guide

Key Features to Consider

When selecting a hard cider making kit, prioritize the fermenter's material and capacity. Look for food-grade plastic or glass vessels with airtight seals and an airlock system to prevent oxidation and contamination. A standard 1 to 5-gallon capacity is ideal for beginners, offering a manageable yield without overwhelming storage requirements. Additionally, ensure the kit includes essential accessories like a siphon, hydrometer for measuring alcohol content, and a sanitizer solution, as these tools are critical for a successful brewing process and consistent flavor profiles.

Budget Recommendations

Entry-level kits typically range from $50 to $80 and are perfect for novices, providing basic equipment and pre-measured juice concentrate or ingredients for a small batch. Mid-range options, priced between $80 and $150, often feature higher-quality glass carboys, more durable siphoning systems, and advanced testing instruments like a refractometer. For enthusiasts seeking professional-grade results, premium setups exceeding $150 offer stainless steel fermenters and temperature control features, representing a worthwhile investment for those planning to brew large or frequent batches.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

A frequent mistake is purchasing a kit that lacks a comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing solution; residual bacteria can ruin an entire batch instantly. Avoid kits that use low-quality plastic buckets prone to scratching, as these crevices harbor unwanted microbes that affect taste. Furthermore, beginners often overlook the need for bottling supplies; ensure your chosen set includes bottling wands or caps, or budget separately for them. Finally, do not ignore the type of yeast provided, as different strains drastically alter the cider's sweetness and dryness.

How We Test Best Hard Cider Making Kit

Our team has spent years researching and evaluating hard cider making kit across dozens of products available on the market today. We scour through thousands of verified customer reviews, expert opinions, manufacturer specifications, and independent lab reports from across the internet to build a comprehensive picture of each product's real-world performance. Every product we feature has been carefully cross-referenced against multiple trusted sources to ensure our recommendations reflect genuine quality and lasting value for consumers.

Our rating system is built on years of hands-on experience with hard cider making kit and closely related products. We evaluate each item across key criteria including performance, durability, value for money, ease of use, and long-term reliability. Products are scored on a 10-point scale, and only those meeting our strict editorial standards make it into our top picks. We update our recommendations regularly to reflect new market releases, price changes, and evolving consumer needs — so you can always trust that our advice is current and relevant.

Who Should Buy

Homebrewing beginners

These kits provide a low-barrier entry point with all necessary equipment, making it easy to learn fermentation basics without a large upfront investment.

Craft beverage enthusiasts

They enjoy exploring diverse flavor profiles and appreciate the ability to customize ingredients to create unique, artisanal batches not found in stores.

Homesteaders and gardeners

Individuals with surplus apples or pears need an efficient way to preserve their harvest and prevent food waste by converting fruit into a shelf-stable beverage.

DIY gifters

This audience values handmade presents and uses the kit to produce personalized, bottled drinks for holidays, weddings, and housewarmings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a high-quality hard cider making kit?

The best kits should include essential equipment like a fermentation bucket, an airlock, a siphon tube for transferring, and a hydrometer to measure alcohol content. Look for kits made from food-grade materials, and decide whether you want a kit that includes raw ingredients (juice and yeast) or just the hardware.

Is it better to buy a kit with glass carboys or plastic buckets?

For beginners, plastic buckets are often recommended because they are durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. However, glass carboys are preferred by some for secondary fermentation because they are scratch-resistant and impermeable to oxygen, which helps prevent spoilage during aging.

Do hard cider making kits come with the juice and yeast needed to start?

It depends on the brand. Some comprehensive kits include concentrated cider juice and specific yeast strains, offering an all-in-one solution. Others are equipment-only kits, allowing you to use your own fresh pressed apple juice or store-bought juice, giving you more control over the flavor profile.

How much cider can I expect to make from a standard starter kit?

Most standard home brewing kits are designed to produce a 1-gallon or 5-gallon batch. A 1-gallon kit is great for testing small batches and requires less storage space, while a 5-gallon kit yields approximately 48 to 50 bottles of cider, which is ideal for those planning to share with friends or age their brew.

Are hard cider making kits suitable for absolute beginners with no brewing experience?

Yes, hard cider is often considered one of the easiest beverages to brew at home. Most kits come with detailed instruction manuals or recipe books that walk you through the process step-by-step, from sanitization to bottling, making them very accessible for first-time brewers.