Best Apple Cider Making Kits for Do-It-Yourself Craft Ciders
In this guide
Whether you’re a first-timer or a hobbyist looking to refine your cider craft, the right apple cider making kit can simplify fermentation, improve flavor, and boost success. This guide highlights five top kits and equipment sets designed for home cidermakers. Each option targets different needs—from beginner-friendly kits to more comprehensive starter sets and essential press tools. Choose the kit that best fits your juice source, experience level, and preferred finish, then follow the included steps to achieve a crisp, balanced cider at home.
| Product | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit | Beginners and hobbyists seeking a complete starter set | 1-gallon batch; includes guide and starter supplies |
| MUST BEE Hard Cider Making Kit | New brewers who want a full accessory set | 1-gallon glass carboy kit with all essential tools |
| MUST BEE Deluxe Hard Cider Making Kit | Those wanting more auto-siphon and hydrometer tools | Expanded kit with extra accessories and safety features |
| EJWOX 1.6 Gallon Fruit and Wine Press | Home cidermakers needing fresh-juice extraction | Solid beech wood basket; sturdy stand |
| Brewsy Starter Kit for Cider Making | People who want to customize flavor profiles | Flexible ingredients; faster fermentation timeline |
Craft A Brew – Hard Cider Kit
Best for first-time cider makers who want a complete home-brewing experience. The Craft A Brew kit includes essential equipment and a guided process for turning store-bought juice into hard cider. It emphasizes learning the craft and building confidence in fermentation. The kit is well-suited for individuals who enjoy a structured, step-by-step approach and want to share the experience with friends or family. A potential limitation is that it centers on a 1-gallon batch, which may require scaling for larger batches if desired.
Hard Cider Making Kit – 1 Gallon (Must Bee)
Best for beginners who want a full, ready-to-use package. This kit provides a complete 1-gallon setup with glass carboy, airlock, siphon, and more, plus yeast and nutrients. It’s ideal for crafters starting from juice and seeking predictable, clean fermentation. A limitation is that the kit focuses on a single-gallon process, which may not satisfy someone aiming for larger quantities without purchasing additional equipment.
Deluxe Hard Cider Making Kit – 1 Gallon (Must Bee)
Best for ciders with a stronger starter toolkit and easier process control. The Deluxe kit adds an Auto Siphon, hydrometer, tubing, and extra precision tools to help beginners and seasoned hobbyists monitor fermentation more accurately. It’s a good pick for those who want a smoother workflow and more control over flavor development. A potential drawback is the increased number of components, which may require careful organization for new brewers.
EJWOX 1.6 Gallon Fruit and Wine Press
Choose this if you want to extract fresh juice for cider from apples or other fruits. The press features a solid beech wood basket and a sturdy stand, designed to maximize juice yield with reduced foaming. It’s best for cidermakers who prefer fresh-pressed juice as the base. A limitation is that it is equipment-heavy and does not include fermentation gear, so you’ll need a separate kit or setup to complete cider production.
Brewsy Starter Kit for Cider Making
Best for creators who want flavor customization and a faster turnaround. The Brewsy kit emphasizes crafting distinct cider profiles and using any juice as a base. It aims to deliver four bottles in roughly nine days, offering rapid satisfaction for impatient craft cidermakers. The flexibility to choose ingredients is a key advantage. A caution is that results depend heavily on the chosen juice and fermentation conditions, which may vary.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Apple Cider Making Kits
- Batch size: Do you want 1 gallon or larger batches? Many starter kits target 1 gallon, while presses and larger setups can enable bigger batches.
- Included equipment: Identify whether the kit provides fermenters (carboy), airlocks, siphons, hydrometers, and cleaning supplies. Some kits emphasize volume tools more than fermentation guidance.
- Juice source compatibility: Some kits assume juice from store-bought cartons, while others accommodate fresh-pressed juice or a broader ingredient list. Consider your preferred starting point.
- Skill level and guidance: Beginners benefit from step-by-step guides, while advanced users may prefer flexible kits that let them customize blends and timings.
- Fresh-juice options: If you plan to press your own apples, a juice press or equipment like the EJWOX press can complement a ferment kit.
- Flavor control: Hydrometers and temperature controls help maintain consistency. Choose kits that offer clear instructions on sanitation and fermentation ranges.
- Maintenance and refills: Some kits come with optional refills or extra packets of yeast and nutrients. Consider long-term costs and accessibility of replacements.
FAQ
What is the easiest apple cider making kit for a beginner?
The Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit is designed for newcomers with a guided process and a complete starter setup for a 1-gallon batch.
Can I make cider from store-bought juice?
Yes. Several kits, such as the MUST BEE Hard Cider Making Kit, are designed to turn store-bought juice or fresh cider into hard cider with included yeast and nutrients.
Do I need a press to make cider at home?
A press is optional. It helps you extract juice from apples, but you can also use pre-pressed juice and fermentation kits to make cider without pressing.
What should I consider when choosing between a 1-gallon vs larger batch kit?
Consider your space, budget, and goals. 1-gallon kits are ideal for learning and small tastings, while larger setups enable bigger yields but require more gear and space.
Are there kits that offer faster fermentation timelines?
Brewsy Starter Kit emphasizes quicker flavor development with the option to customize ingredients, potentially reducing wait times compared to traditional schedules.
What are common limitations of these kits?
Many beginner kits focus on ease of use and smaller batches. Some include abundant components, which may require organization, and results can vary based on juice quality and environment.