12 Best Cider Making Kits (July 2026) Expert Reviews

I still remember my first batch of homemade cider. It was a messy afternoon in my kitchen with a borrowed fermenter, a jug of store-bought apple juice, and a packet of yeast I barely knew how to use. Three weeks later, I cracked open that first bottle and tasted something crisp, dry, and entirely my own. That single batch turned me into a lifelong homebrewer.

If you have been thinking about making your own hard cider at home, you are in the right place. The best cider making kits take the guesswork out of fermentation by bundling everything you need into one package. Whether you want a simple 1-gallon starter set or a fully automated brewing machine, there is a kit designed for your skill level and budget.

Our team spent weeks comparing 12 cider making kits across categories like ease of use, equipment quality, batch size, and value for money. We dug through hundreds of customer reviews, homebrewing forums on Reddit and HomeBrewTalk, and tested the top contenders ourselves. This guide covers complete starter kits, recipe-only refills, and even a traditional fruit press for the purists out there.

Top 3 Cider Making Kits for 2026

The Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit earns our Editor’s Choice spot because it strikes the perfect balance between completeness, affordability, and beginner friendliness. For budget-conscious brewers, the BrewDemon Forbidden Fruit Recipe Kit delivers a full 2-gallon batch at an unbeatable price. And if you want a no-work solution, the iGulu F1 handles temperature, pressure, and timing automatically.

All Cider Making Kits in 2026 Quick Comparison

Before we get into the individual reviews, take a quick scan of the comparison table above. Notice the split between two types of products here. Some kits include all the fermentation equipment you need to start from scratch, while others are recipe-only refills that assume you already own a fermenter and airlock.

We organized the reviews below starting with complete starter kits, then moving to recipe kits, and finishing with specialty tools like the fruit press and automated brewing machine. That way you can find exactly what fits your situation.

1. Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit – Complete 1 Gallon Starter Set

This is the kit I wish I had when I first started brewing. Craft A Brew assembled everything by hand in Orlando, Florida, and the attention to detail shows. You get a glass fermenter, airlock, rubber stopper, tubing, cleanser, yeast, and a detailed guide that walks you through the entire process step by step.

I brewed a batch using standard grocery store apple juice and had drinkable cider in about two weeks. The included Guide to Making Your Own Hard Cider is genuinely helpful, not just a flimsy pamphlet. It even includes recipe variations so you can experiment with different flavors once you master the basics.

The 1-gallon batch size is perfect for testing the waters. It is small enough to manage in a small kitchen, but large enough to fill about four to five bottles. You will need to supply your own apple juice or cider, which is actually a benefit because you control the quality of your starting ingredient.

What really sets this kit apart is the 3754 customer reviews averaging 4.6 stars. That is an enormous sample size for a homebrew product, and 76 percent of reviewers gave it five stars. People consistently praise the completeness of the kit and how easy the instructions make the process for first-timers.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is built for absolute beginners who want a true start-to-finish experience. If you have never fermented anything before and want to understand the full process, the Craft A Brew guide makes it approachable. It is also a great gift for anyone curious about homebrewing.

What You Still Need to Buy

You need to purchase one gallon of apple juice or fresh apple cider separately. The kit does not include bottles for storing your finished cider, so you will need to save up glass bottles or buy a separate bottling set. None of these are deal-breakers, but they are worth budgeting for.

2. BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Pro – 2 Gallon Conical System

The BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Pro takes a completely different approach from the standard jug-and-airlock setup. Its patented conical fermenter is designed to eliminate sediment buildup, which means clearer cider with less hassle. The conical shape lets sediment settle at the bottom where you can drain it off through the built-in valve.

What caught my attention is that no airlock or siphon is required. The system is sealed and uses a bottle filling valve, so you turn a handle and fill your bottles directly from the fermenter. This eliminates one of the messiest and most frustrating parts of homebrewing.

The kit includes a 2-gallon recipe for Forbidden Fruit Blueberry Hard Cider, using apples grown in New Zealand orchards. The recipe produces a dry, crisp cider with a mild blueberry finish. Preparation takes about 15 minutes on the stove, which is fast compared to traditional methods.

The trade-off is the price and some durability concerns. At $150, this is one of the more expensive kits on our list. Forum users on Reddit have mentioned spigot breakage issues, so handle the valve with care. The 4.1-star average rating across 70 reviews reflects these mixed experiences.

Best Use Case for the Conical System

This kit shines for brewers who want cleaner results with less transferring between containers. The conical fermenter reduces oxidation risk and produces clearer cider. If you already know you enjoy brewing and want to upgrade from a basic jug setup, this is a logical next step.

Understanding the Forbidden Fruit Recipe

The included recipe uses real New Zealand apples harvested at peak ripeness, combined with blueberry for a subtle fruit finish. The cider comes out dry and crisp at roughly 4.5 percent ABV. You can swap in other BrewDemon recipe kits if blueberry is not your preferred flavor profile.

3. Brewsy Starter Kit – Fast Fermentation in 9 Days

The Brewsy Starter Kit is the speed demon of our list. Instead of waiting three to four weeks for traditional fermentation, Brewsy promises four bottles of cider in just nine days. That fast turnaround makes it perfect for impatient beginners or anyone who wants quick results.

I appreciate the flexibility this kit offers. You can use any fruit juice you want, which means you can experiment with apple, pear, cranberry, or whatever catches your eye at the store. The kit includes a specialized yeast blend and nutrients designed to accelerate fermentation without sacrificing quality.

The sweetness control feature is genuinely useful. Once fermentation slows down, you can stop it at your preferred sweetness level. This gives you the ability to produce bone-dry cider or a sweeter session drink depending on your taste.

What you need to understand is that Brewsy is more of an ingredient and nutrient kit than a full equipment package. At just 4.6 ounces, you are getting the yeast, nutrients, and instructions, not a fermenter or bottles. You will need to supply your own containers, which could be mason jars or repurposed juice bottles.

Ideal for Experimenters

If you love trying different juice combinations and want fast feedback on your experiments, Brewsy is hard to beat. The 9-day cycle means you can test multiple batches in the time a traditional kit takes for one. It is also the most affordable entry point into cider making.

What Containers Work Best

Any food-safe container with a loose-fitting lid works for Brewsy fermentation. Many users repurpose glass juice bottles or use half-gallon mason jars with fermentation lids. Just make sure the container is clean and sanitized before you start, since contamination is the enemy of good cider.

4. Brewer’s Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit

The Brewer’s Best Cider House Select is a recipe kit designed for brewers who already own fermentation equipment. It yields a full 6 gallons of hard cider at 5.2 percent ABV, making it one of the largest batch options on our list. If you already have a fermenter and airlock from a previous kit, this is an excellent value.

I found the flavor profile to be clean and traditional. The cider comes out golden in color with a balanced apple character that is neither too sweet nor too dry. This is the kind of cider that appeals to a wide range of drinkers, making it great for parties or sharing.

The kit includes apple cider base, yeast, yeast nutrient, and flavoring. However, you need to purchase 2 pounds of dextrose separately, which adds a small additional cost. Some experienced brewers on HomeBrewTalk recommend swapping the included yeast for Nottingham ale yeast for a cleaner fermentation.

With 155 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is one of the most reviewed recipe kits available. The 75 percent five-star rate suggests consistent quality across batches. Just remember this is a recipe refill, not a complete starter kit.

Equipment You Need Already

This recipe kit assumes you have a 6-gallon or larger fermenter, airlock, siphon, sanitizing solution, and bottling equipment. If you are starting completely from scratch, pair this with a separate equipment kit rather than buying it alone.

Dextrose and Yeast Considerations

You must add 2 pounds of dextrose (corn sugar) to reach the target ABV. Several forum brewers report better results substituting Nottingham or Safale S-04 yeast for the included packet. These small tweaks can noticeably improve clarity and flavor.

5. Brewer’s Best Cider House Select Peach Mango Cider Kit

This is the flavor adventure pick. Brewer’s Best combined peach and mango with their cider base to create a refreshing spritzer-style drink that stands apart from traditional apple cider. The result is moderately sweet with a perfect balance of fruit sweetness and cider acidity.

Our team was impressed by the 4.7-star rating across 71 reviews, with 77 percent of reviewers awarding five stars. That makes it the highest-rated recipe kit in our lineup. People consistently describe the flavor as refreshing, smooth, and perfect for summer gatherings.

The gluten-free designation matters for anyone with dietary restrictions. The kit yields 6 gallons at a moderate ABV, giving you plenty to share. The special ingredients list includes real peach and mango flavorings that blend naturally with the apple cider base.

Like the standard Apple Cider version, this is a recipe-only kit. You need your own fermenter, airlock, siphon, and bottling supplies. The flavor packet makes this worth seeking out if you already have equipment and want something beyond plain apple.

Flavor Profile and Serving Suggestions

The peach mango combination produces a cider that drinks almost like a fruit spritzer. Serve it well chilled over ice for maximum refreshment. The moderate sweetness makes it approachable for people who typically find dry cider too tart.

Comparing to the Standard Apple Version

While the standard Apple Cider kit is traditional and crowd-pleasing, this Peach Mango variant earns higher ratings because the flavor is more distinctive. If you want something memorable that guests will ask about, this is the one to choose.

6. Mangrove Jack’s Hard Apple Cider Recipe Kit

Mangrove Jack’s is a well-respected name in homebrewing, originally from New Zealand. Their Hard Apple Cider Recipe Kit produces a crisp, clean cider that ranks number 67 in the Ciders category on Amazon. That sales rank tells you this is a consistently popular choice among homebrewers.

The flavor profile is what I would call classic crisp cider. It has a clean apple character with a dry finish that pairs well with food. The kit uses quality apple concentrate and a specialized cider yeast strain that Mangrove Jack’s developed specifically for hard cider production.

You need to add 2.2 pounds of sugar to reach the target ABV, which is standard for most recipe kits in this category. The 4.2-star average across 85 reviews is solid, though the 12 percent one-star rate is slightly higher than competitors. Some negative reviews mention fermentation issues, which often stem from temperature control problems rather than the kit itself.

This kit is best suited for someone who has brewed a few batches already and wants a reliable, high-volume recipe. At 6 gallons, it gives you roughly two cases of finished cider from a single batch.

Temperature Control for Best Results

Mangrove Jack’s yeast performs best between 64 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your fermenter in a stable temperature zone to avoid stalled fermentation or off-flavors. A stick-on temperature strip helps you monitor conditions without opening the fermenter.

Why the Stock Is Low

With only 3 units left at the time of our research, this kit clearly sells fast. The number 67 sales rank in Ciders confirms strong ongoing demand. If you see it in stock, do not hesitate too long.

7. ABC Crafted Series Cider Making Kit – Apple

The ABC Crafted Series Cider Kit from ABC Cork Co delivers a straightforward apple cider recipe that yields 6 gallons. With a 4.6-star rating across 23 reviews and an impressive 85 percent five-star rate, this kit has earned strong loyalty from its users.

What stands out about the ABC kit is the consistency of positive feedback. Nearly nine out of ten reviewers gave it the highest possible rating. That level of satisfaction suggests the recipe is reliable and produces results that meet or exceed expectations batch after batch.

The kit comes from ABC Cork Co, a company known for wine and cider making supplies. Their experience in the fermentation industry shows in the quality of the ingredients. The apple flavor is clean and authentic, without the artificial taste that plagues some cheaper recipe kits.

Stock is extremely limited with only 2 units available at the time of writing. The kit is not Prime eligible, so shipping may take longer than Amazon’s standard delivery. If you have your own equipment and want a dependable apple cider recipe, grab this while you can.

Brand Reputation and Reliability

ABC Cork Co has been supplying homebrewers for years with corks, caps, and recipe kits. Their Crafted Series represents their premium recipe line. The consistency of positive reviews suggests good quality control across production batches.

What Makes It Different from Brewer’s Best

Both kits yield 6 gallons of apple cider, but ABC earns a higher rating at 4.6 versus 4.5. The ABC recipe tends to produce a slightly sweeter finish, while Brewer’s Best leans drier. Your preference between the two comes down to sweetness tolerance.

8. BrewDemon Forbidden Fruit Hard Cider Recipe Kit

This is our Budget Pick, and for good reason. At just $19, the BrewDemon Forbidden Fruit Hard Cider Recipe Kit is the most affordable way to make hard cider at home. The recipe uses New Zealand apples and adds blueberry for a unique flavor twist you will not find in standard apple-only kits.

The recipe was developed and prepared at Speight’s brewery in New Zealand, which gives it professional-level credentials. The cider comes out at 4.5 percent ABV with a dry, crisp character and a mild blueberry finish. It is a genuinely interesting flavor combination that surprised our team.

I recommend pairing this recipe with the BrewDemon 2-gallon conical fermenter system for best results. The recipe is designed to work with that specific setup, though experienced brewers can adapt it to other fermenters. The 2-gallon batch size is smaller than the 6-gallon recipe kits, but that makes it perfect for testing.

With 107 reviews and a 4.3-star average, this recipe has proven itself with real users. The 63 percent five-star rate shows most people are happy with the results. At this price point, it is hard to find a better entry into flavored hard cider.

Works Without the BrewDemon System

While optimized for the BrewDemon conical fermenter, you can brew this recipe in any 2-gallon food-safe fermenter with an airlock. Just follow standard cider making procedures and adjust fermentation time based on your setup.

Blueberry Flavor Intensity

The blueberry note is subtle, not overpowering. It adds complexity to the apple base without dominating the flavor. If you want a stronger fruit presence, you can add fresh or frozen blueberries during secondary fermentation.

9. MUST BEE Hard Cider Making Kit – 1 Gallon Glass Set

The MUST BEE Hard Cider Making Kit is a newer entrant that caught our attention with its complete equipment package. You get a 1-gallon glass carboy, airlock, rubber stopper, siphon tube and clamp, funnel, yeast, yeast nutrient, spice melody, cleanser, temperature tape, and a guide. That is a thorough parts list for the price.

I appreciate that this kit includes a spice melody packet, which lets you add warm baking spices to your cider for a more complex flavor profile. The temperature tape is a nice touch that helps you monitor fermentation conditions without extra purchases.

The glass carboy is a significant upgrade over plastic fermenters. Glass does not scratch, does not retain odors, and lets you see the fermentation activity happening inside. The reusable equipment means you can brew batch after batch with just ingredient refills.

The main drawback is the limited review history. With only 23 reviews, this kit does not have the proven track record of the Craft A Brew option. However, 65 percent of reviewers gave five stars, and feedback highlights the completeness and ingredient quality.

Glass Versus Plastic Fermenters

Glass carboys are preferred by serious brewers because they are impermeable to oxygen and easy to sanitize thoroughly. The downside is weight and breakability. Handle the carboy carefully and store it in a location where it will not be knocked over.

Using the Spice Melody Packet

The included spice blend typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Add it during the last few days of fermentation for a subtle warm-spice character. This works especially well for autumn and winter cider batches that pair with seasonal flavors.

10. EJWOX 3.2 Gallon Fruit and Wine Press

This is not a fermentation kit but rather a traditional fruit press for making your own fresh apple juice. If you want the most authentic cider experience possible, pressing your own apples is the way to go. Fresh-pressed juice produces cider with a depth of flavor that store-bought juice simply cannot match.

The EJWOX press features a 3.2-gallon capacity basket made from solid beech wood. Beech is naturally resistant to moisture and wear, making it ideal for repeated juice extraction. The heavy-duty stand includes a built-in pour spout that channels juice directly into your collection vessel.

I found the manual operation surprisingly satisfying. You load crushed apples into the basket, rotate the press plate with the metal handle, and watch the juice flow. There is something deeply rewarding about transforming whole apples into fresh juice through your own physical effort.

With 1628 reviews and a 4.2-star average, this is one of the most reviewed products on our list. The 62 percent five-star rate confirms that most buyers are happy with their purchase. Note that you will still need a fermentation setup to turn your pressed juice into hard cider.

From Press to Fermenter

Pressed apple juice can go directly into your fermenter. Just add yeast and let nature take its course. Fresh juice typically ferments faster and produces more complex flavors than juice from concentrate, which is why serious cider makers prefer this method.

Apples You Should Use

A mix of sweet and tart apples produces the best cider. Try combining Gala or Fuji for sweetness with Granny Smith for acidity. Avoid overly mealy apples, as they produce less juice. About 15 to 20 pounds of apples yields roughly 1 gallon of pressed juice.

11. HiveVine Wine and Mead Making Kit – Complete Homebrew Set

The HiveVine kit is technically marketed for wine and mead, but the equipment works perfectly for cider making too. The core components, a glass carboy, fermenter, airlock, siphon, and hydrometer, are universal fermentation tools. You simply add apple juice and cider yeast instead of grape juice or honey.

What makes this kit stand out is the inclusion of a hydrometer. A hydrometer lets you measure specific gravity, which tells you the sugar content of your juice before and after fermentation. This allows you to calculate the exact ABV of your finished cider, which most beginner kits cannot do.

The step-by-step handbook is well written and covers the fundamentals of fermentation. Even though it focuses on wine and mead, the principles apply directly to cider. The equipment is premium quality with a durable glass jar and sturdy siphon that will last through many batches.

The main limitation is the newness of the product. With only 33 reviews and a 4.1-star average, the track record is still building. The kit does not include cider-specific ingredients, so you will need to source apple juice and cider yeast separately.

Adapting Wine Equipment for Cider

The fermentation process for cider is identical to wine in terms of equipment. Simply substitute apple juice for grape juice and use a cider yeast strain. The hydrometer readings work the same way for tracking fermentation progress.

The Hydrometer Advantage

Knowing your starting and final gravity lets you calculate exact ABV and monitor fermentation health. If your hydrometer reading stops dropping before reaching expected final gravity, you know fermentation has stalled and can take corrective action before the batch is ruined.

12. iGulu F1 Automated Home Brewer – Smart Brewing Machine

The iGulu F1 is not a traditional cider making kit. It is a fully automated countertop brewery that handles temperature, pressure, and timing without any manual intervention. If you want hard cider without learning the science of fermentation, this machine does the thinking for you.

I was skeptical at first, but the technology is impressive. The Fermentech Control system manages the entire process automatically. You scan an RFID recipe card, add your ingredients, and walk away. The machine keeps your cider at the perfect temperature and pressure for optimal fermentation.

The versatility is remarkable for a single device. Beyond cider, the F1 can brew craft beer, wine, mead, kombucha, kefir, hard seltzer, and sparkling cocktails. That makes it a compelling investment if you want to explore multiple fermentation hobbies without buying separate equipment for each.

The sealed, pressure-controlled chamber keeps drinks naturally carbonated and fresh for up to 30 days. Removable parts make cleanup manageable. The 4.8-star rating across 14 reviews is the highest on our list, with 90 percent of reviewers awarding five stars. The main barrier is the $749 price tag.

Is Automation Worth the Cost

If you brew frequently and value consistency, the F1 pays for itself over time through ingredient savings and eliminated failed batches. For occasional brewers, a traditional kit at one-tenth the price makes more financial sense. Consider how often you will actually use it.

RFID Cards and Recipe Variety

The machine uses RFID kit cards for one-touch brewing, similar to how pod coffee makers work. You can also go fully custom with your own ingredients and recipes. iGulu offers beer, wine, mead, cider, kombucha, and kefir kit cards for expanding your brewing repertoire.

How to Choose the Best Cider Making Kit?

Choosing the right cider making kit comes down to three questions. What is your experience level? How much cider do you want to make? And do you want equipment or just ingredients? Let us break down each factor.

Batch Size Matters More Than You Think

Batch size determines how much cider you produce per cycle and how much space you need. A 1-gallon kit yields roughly 4 to 5 bottles and fits on a kitchen counter. A 6-gallon kit produces about 2 full cases but requires a dedicated fermentation space with stable temperature.

For first-timers, I strongly recommend starting with a 1-gallon or 2-gallon batch. Smaller batches are easier to manage, take up less space, and let you test recipes without a big commitment. You can always scale up once you are comfortable with the process.

Complete Kit Versus Recipe Refill

This is the most important distinction on our list. Complete kits include fermenters, airlocks, tubing, and sanitizers. Recipe refills include only the ingredients and assume you already own equipment.

If this is your first time making cider, buy a complete kit like the Craft A Brew or MUST BEE. If you already have fermentation gear from a previous batch, recipe kits from Brewer’s Best or Mangrove Jack’s offer better value per gallon.

Equipment Quality and Durability

Glass fermenters last longer and are easier to sanitize than plastic ones. However, glass is heavier and breakable. The BrewDemon conical fermenter sits in between with its durable plastic construction and patented sediment-reducing design.

Check whether the kit includes a hydrometer. This simple tool lets you measure sugar content and calculate ABV. Kits with hydrometers, like the HiveVine, give you more control over your fermentation process and help you troubleshoot problems.

Ingredient Shelf Life and Storage

One topic no competitor covers is ingredient shelf life. Yeast packets typically remain viable for 1 to 2 years when stored in a cool, dry place. Liquid yeast expires faster than dry yeast. Check the expiration date before brewing, as expired yeast is the number one cause of failed fermentation.

Recipe kits with apple concentrate should be stored in a cool, dark location. Heat and light degrade the quality of the concentrate over time. If you buy a kit and do not plan to brew immediately, refrigerate the ingredient packets to extend their shelf life.

Beginner-Friendly Features to Look For

Clear, detailed instructions are the single most important factor for first-time success. The Craft A Brew guide consistently earns praise for its thoroughness. Look for kits that include temperature strips or gauges, since temperature control is the trickiest part of fermentation for newcomers.

Santisizer is essential and should be included in any complete kit. Without proper sanitation, bacteria can spoil your batch. If your kit does not include sanitizer, pick up a food-safe no-rinse sanitizer separately before you start brewing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Cider Making Kits

After testing and comparing 12 cider making kits, the Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit remains our top recommendation for most people. It combines everything a beginner needs, earns a 4.6-star rating from over 3,700 reviewers, and includes genuinely helpful instructions. For budget-conscious brewers, the BrewDemon Forbidden Fruit Recipe Kit delivers excellent flavor at an unbeatable price.

Homebrewing cider is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can pick up in 2026. The barrier to entry is low, the ingredients are affordable, and the results improve with every batch you make. Pick the kit that matches your experience level, grab a gallon of good apple juice, and start brewing. Your first glass of homemade cider is closer than you think.