10 best home brew kit for cider

A homebrew kit for cider is a convenient and enjoyable way for cider enthusiasts to craft their own cider at home. These kits typically contain the essential ingredients and equipment needed to ferment apple juice into delicious cider. Here's what you need to know about homebrew kits for cider:

  1. Basic Components: A typical homebrew kit for cider includes the following basic components:

    • Fermentation Vessel: A container where the cider will ferment. This can be a plastic or glass carboy or a food-grade bucket.
    • Airlock: An airlock device that allows gases produced during fermentation to escape while preventing air and contaminants from entering the vessel.
    • Siphoning Equipment: Tools for transferring the cider from one container to another, typically a siphon tube and a racking cane.
    • Yeast: Cider yeast is included to ferment the sugars in the apple juice into alcohol.
    • Sanitizing Solution: Proper sanitization is crucial to prevent contamination during the fermentation process. Most kits include a sanitizer.
    • Apple Juice Concentrate: Some kits provide concentrated apple juice as the base for the cider. You may also use fresh apple juice or cider.

  2. Instructions: Homebrew kits come with detailed instructions that guide you through the cider-making process step by step. This is especially helpful for beginners.

  3. Optional Ingredients: Depending on the kit and your preferences, you may have the option to add additional ingredients like flavorings, sweeteners, or spices to customize the taste of your cider.

  4. Fermentation: After mixing the ingredients according to the instructions, the cider is left to ferment for a specified period, typically a few weeks. During this time, yeast consumes the sugars in the juice and produces alcohol and carbonation.

  5. Bottling: Once fermentation is complete, the cider is usually transferred to bottles for aging and carbonation. Some kits include bottles and caps, while others may require you to supply your own.

  6. Aging: Cider often benefits from aging, which can mellow out flavors and enhance complexity. Aging times can vary, but many ciders are aged for several months to a year.

  7. Enjoying Your Cider: After aging, your cider is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it chilled, and you can adjust sweetness levels by adding sugar or sweeteners before serving if necessary.

  8. Experimentation: Homebrewing cider allows for creativity and experimentation.You can explore different apple varieties, yeast strains, and flavor additions to create unique cider recipes.

It's essential to follow the instructions provided with your homebrew kit carefully and maintain proper sanitation practices to ensure the success of your cider-making venture. Homebrewing can be a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to create cider tailored to your taste preferences, and it's a great way to explore the world of craft beverages.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best home brew kit for cider on the market
  

Cider House Select-1172 Home Brew Ohio Brewer's Best Pear Cider Kit

Cider House Select

Based on 51 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This cider is bursting with great pear flavor. Refreshing and crisp, this drink is sure to be a hit. All Cider House Select cider kits require the addition of two pounds of corn sugar to acheive the correct alcohol content. You can add these items above.

  • Brewer's best cider house select pear cider kit
  • Abv: 4.7 percent
  • Color: pale straws
  • Makes 6 gallons
  • 2 lbs. Of dextrose needed

User questions & answers

Question: Can you use a 6 gallon carboy to brew a pear cider
Answer: These kits yield 6 gal, so you will need a larger fermenter (7.5 gal or so) to allow for headspace during fermentation. If you only have a 6 gal fermenter, you can make a 5 gal batch from the kit. Instructions call for 2 lbs of sugar. Just drop that down to about 3/4 or a 1 lb at the most, and top up to 5 gal. I have made these kits as 5 gal with no added sugar. It was a lower ABV cider, but was very very good.Cheers,DIY Craft Beverage
Question: How fresh are these items? There is a date stamped in the bottom of the package
Answer: Cider House Kits are date stamped, I can't speak for other seller, but everything shipped from Brock's Homebrew will be within it's expiration date.
Question: Is this item gluten free
Answer: Yes they are. Direct from Brewer's Best page: "These 6 gallon cider recipes are deliciously packed full of flavor. Whether you're looking for an ice cold, refreshing drink during the hot summer months or looking to warm up during the cooler autumn and winter, Cider House Select® ciders are a perfect choice for anytime of the year. Each kit makes 6 gallon of cider (approx. 64-12 oz. glasses). All Cider House Select Kits are gluten free!" http://brewersbestkits.com/cider-house-select.html
Question: What's included
Answer: All ingredients you need except the corn sugar. I have brewed about 5 different mixes and all are very good.

BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Plus by Demon Brewing Company - Conical Fermenter Eliminates Sediment and Makes Wicked-Good Home Made Cider - 2 gallon hard cider kit

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price
  • 🍺 CONSISTENT RESULTS - Unlike those expensive 1 gallon kits, our 2 gallon recipes take just minutes to prepare and the results are scary-good! Don't be fooled by competitors messy, time consuming kits that use a jug or bucket. Our patented pro-style conical fermenter and easy-to-use recipes, produce a wicked-good result every time you brew.
  • 🍺 NEW ZEALAND RECIPE - BrewDemon's hard cider taste amazing, grown in the fertile orchards of New Zealand, only the finest quality apples are chosen at the height of ripeness. This package includes our Forbidden Fruit Hard Cider recipe kit - which is a dry, crisp refreshing hard cider.
  • 🍺 FOCUS ON YOUR RECIPE - While most hard cider kits make you focus on the brewing process, our cider can be brewed in as little as 15 minutes on the stove - leaving you time and energy to focus on adding that extra apple, honey, or whatever YOUR secret ingredient may be.
  • 🍺 BOTTLES INCLUDED - The only 2 gallon kit to include 1 quart bottles and a bottle filling valve. No need to siphon from your fermenter to the bottles. Just turn the valve and fill your bottles.
  • 🍺 Enjoy the best tasting home made hard cider from your kitchen - only with BrewDemon.

User questions & answers

Question: Are the products made of plastic or glass
Answer: The fermenter and bottles are made of plastic.
Question: Is this cider gluten-free
Answer: Yes.
Question: Does this cider kit require boiling
Answer: Yes and no. You do boil some water, but not the recipe ingredients themselves. I hope this helps. Cheers!
Question: To continue using this kit, must you buy their hard cider refills, or can you start from scratch
Answer: It's just a fermenter. You can definitely use from scratch ingredients.

Cider House Select - Apple Cider Making Kit - (6 gallon)

Brewer's Best

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Gluten Free Apple Cider Kit. Crisp, light, and refreshing, this kit is sure to drink well during any time of year. This cider kit is formulated to make 6 gallons of 5.2% ABV cider. All Cider House Select cider kits require the addition of two pounds of corn sugar to acheive the correct alcohol content. You can add these items above.

  • Brewer's Best Cider House Select Apple Cider Kit
  • Makes 6 Gallons
  • ABV: 5.2
  • Color: Golden
  • 2 Lbs. of Dextrose Needed

User questions & answers

Question: product description says "country of origin - united states", back of product says "made in the uk from imported and local ingredients". which is it
Answer: Thanks for asking. The correct information would be on the product label. As you indicated, it is a UK product that is made from local and imported ingredients. It is not unusual for wine and cider kits like this to be a blend of juices from around the world in order to maintain consistency or adjust for changes in fruit quality or availability. (Product details on an Amazon listing pages are highly susceptible to error because it contains information from various unqualified sources and doesn't require verification.)
Question: When bottling do I need amber color bottles
Answer: Thanks for asking. Amber colored bottles are not necessary and you can use any color bottle when bottling cider. Cider does not contain the same light-sensitive compounds that are found in beer.
Question: What is included in the kit? Does it include all equipment needed
Answer: No, it does not include everything you will need. You must supply the sugar for the fermentation. I also use fresh yeast, not knowing how long the package has been sitting and in what condition. i get a wine/cider yeast from my local brew store.
Question: Does it come with yeast
Answer: Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the yeast is included in the Cider House kit.

Home Brew Ohio HOZQ8-1387 Brewer's Best Cider House Select Pineapple Kit, Gold

Home Brew Ohio

Based on 27 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fresh, fruity Pineapple with underlying tones of crisp Apple combine to create a deliciously refreshing Cider. Go: 1. 041 - 1. 044 Fig: 1. 004 abs: 5. 2 percent color: Golden. Brewer's best Cider house Select Pineapple Kit, country of origin - United States, manufacturer name - Home Brew Ohio.

  • Pineapple cider kit
  • Makes 6 gallons
  • Fresh, fruity pineapple with underlying tones of crisp apple
  • Color: golden

User questions & answers

Question: How strong is the pinapple flavor
Answer: It's prevalent but not overwhelming. It is definitely a cider w/ some pineapple flavor. Very tasty in my opinion.
Question: How many bottles (traditional beer bottles) should I have on hand with this kit when I go to bottle? Thank you
Answer: Thank you for your inquiry. The six gallon batch will produce approximately 64 12oz beer bottles.
Question: Do these have an expiration date? I was considering buy a few but making them at a later date
Answer: Yes they have a best if used by date in them. If they don't list it, ask the vendor.
Question: Do these have an expiration date? I was considering buy a few but making them at a later date
Answer: They do have a "best buy" date. The ones I just got have a date of 9/20.

Home Brew Ohio HOZQ8-1365 Brewer's Best House Select Raspberry Lime Cider Kit, Multicolor

Home Brew Ohio

Based on 27 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Complete with everything you need to craft your best cider, this 6 gallon recipe is deliciously packed full of flavor and perfect for any level of brewing experience. Starts off with bold flavors of fresh raspberries on the pallet finishing with a twist of lime. Wonderfully thirst quenching! You will need to add 2 lbs. of dextrose to this recipe. Brewer's Best Cider House Select Raspberry Lime Cider Kit, Country of origin - United States, Manufacturer name - Home Brew Ohio.

  • Brewer's Best Cider House Select Raspberry Lime Cider Kit
  • Abv: 4. 7 percent
  • Color: Medium Rose
  • Makes 6 gallons
  • 2 lbs. Of dextrose needed

User questions & answers

Question: Is this gluten free
Answer: Yes! That’s why I could use it. It’s very good!!!
Question: I like a dry cider. Is this a dry cider or is there a way to modify the recipe to make it dry? Thanks
Answer: If you want the cider dry, just don't use the sweetener packet. This is also my preference and the finished product compares well with commercial ciders labeled as "dry".
Question: It says, makes 6 gallons, required an 8 gallon fermenter, can I use my 5 gallon, or am I better to try to split it between 2 fermenters
Answer: U would have to use another fermenting vessel. I use a 7 gal bucket. U need a few inches of head space for airlock.
Question: It says here that everything you need is included, but on the one I purchased it says you need 2 lbs dextrose and something else?? Pls advise
Answer: Although the company that makes this product claims that everything you need is included-you do need 2 lbs of dextrose to make it. We will make the chamge on our listing for this product.

Home Brew Ohio - HOZQ8-1339 Brewer's Best House Select Peach Mango Cider Kit

Home Brew Ohio

Based on 44 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sweet Peach and tropical Mango are surrounded by a crisp Apple flavor. Refreshingly smooth on the palate with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Abs: 5. 2 percent color: Golden Amber go: 1. 041-1. 044 Fig: 1. 004. Brewer's best Cider house Select Peach Mango Cider Kit, country of origin - United States, manufacturer name - Home Brew Ohio.

  • Peach mango cider kit
  • Makes 6 gallons
  • Refreshingly smooth
  • Perfect balance of sweetness and acidity

User questions & answers

Question: Does it still taste good is you put your flavor packet in before fermentation
Answer: It should be fine...the fermentation May eat some of the flavoring but it should still be good. Enjoy!
Question: where is yeast located in package
Answer: In the dry section of the package
Question: Is this kit gluten free
Answer: Yes
Question: i added pectolase still cloudy
Answer: I never added any pectolase. I just followed the directions and it came out great. It got better letting it age a few additional weeks.

Home Brew Ohio - HOZQ8-1343 Brewer's Best Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Kit

Home Brew Ohio

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sharp cranberry tones blend with sweet, fruity apples to create a medium sweet taste with an acidic Bite that will make your taste buds tingle. Go: 1. 041 - 1. 044 Fig: 1. 004 abs: 5. 2 percent color: Red. Brewer's best Cider house Select cranberry Apple Kit, country of origin - United States, manufacturer name - Home Brew Ohio.

  • Cranberry apple cider
  • Makes 6 gallons
  • Sharp cranberry tones blend with sweet, fruity apples
  • Color-red

Craft a Brew 1 Gallon Fermentation Kit for Beer, Wine, Cider, and More – Easy Homebrew Experience, 1 Pack, Clear

Based on 47 reviews Check latest price

Product description

More beer is always a good thing. Now you can have two batches fermenting at once! the kit includes everything you'll need to expand your home brewery.

  • WHAT’S INCLUDED - This 1 gallon fermenter kit comes with Craft a Brew's proprietary glass carboy, #6.5 rubber stopper, airlock and blow-off tubing. Perfect for fermenting one gallon batches of beer, wine, cider, mead and more.
  • BREW MORE - Maybe you’ve already got a Craft a Brew starter kit, you’ve already got your ingredients, or you want to experiment with your own brews. Whatever the reason, make sure you’ve got what you need to have multiple batches fermenting at once. Because more homebrew is always a good thing.
  • GET CREATIVE - You can ferment whatever you like with all the equipment included in this kit. Build your own beer recipe, wine, hard cider or mead recipes or use Craft a Brew's pre-built 1 gallon recipe kits.
  • MORE FOR YOUR MONEY - Expand your homebrewery with a sturdy glass jug that's 33% thicker than the competition and embossed with Craft a Brew’s signature hop logo. Unlike other kits, this fermenter set includes transfer tubing for moving your home-brew from the jug into bottles. Be sure to ferment with a system that's purpose-built for homebrewers and wine makers.

Product features

Meant to Ferment

More of your brew is always a good thing. This extra fermenter kit now lets two batches ferment at once! If you’ve already got your starter kit complete with everything you need for your favorite brew, then this kit complete with a 1-gallon glass carboy, tubing, rubber stopper, and airlock, is just the right accessory for more beer, wine, mead, or cider to enjoy.

The Brewer House Rules

At Craft a Brew, we provide recipe kits with top-notch ingredients and brewing instructions for everyone from first-time brewers to dedicated hobbyists. But if you want to carve your own path, this fermenter kit is right for you. Pick your own ingredients, follow your own rules, and enjoy the fun of home brewing experimentation that led to the creation of Craft a Brew in the first place.

Spare a Brew?

Not sure what to brew first with your new extra fermenter kit? Unfortunately, we can’t help you narrow it down too much – because this kit lets you brew beer, cider, wine, mead, and more, the all-purpose fermenter kit can do just about everything. Deciding what to brew is the hardest part; after that, it’s all fun and flavor.

BrewDemon Hard Cider Kit Pro by Demon Brewing Company - Conical Fermenter Eliminates Sediment and Makes Wicked-Good Home Made Cider - 2 gallon hard cider kit

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price
  • 🍺 CONSISTENT RESULTS - Unlike those expensive 1 gallon kits, our 2 gallon recipes take just minutes to prepare and the results are scary-good! Don't be fooled by competitors messy, time consuming kits that use a jug or bucket. Our patented pro-style conical fermenter and easy-to-use recipes, produce a wicked-good result every time you brew.
  • 🍺 NEW ZEALAND RECIPE - BrewDemon's hard cider taste amazing, grown in the fertile orchards of New Zealand, only the finest quality apples are chosen at the height of ripeness. This package includes our Forbidden Fruit Blueberry Hard Cider recipe kit - which is a dry, crisp and refreshing cider with a mild blueberry finish.
  • 🍺 FOCUS ON YOUR RECIPE - While most hard cider kits make you focus on the brewing process, our cider can be brewed in as little as 15 minutes on the stove - leaving you time and energy to focus on adding that extra apple, honey, or whatever YOUR secret ingredient may be.
  • 🍺 BOTTLES INCLUDED - The only 2 gallon kit to include 1 quart bottles and a bottle filling valve. No need to siphon from your fermenter to the bottles. Just turn the valve and fill your bottles.
  • 🍺 Enjoy the best tasting home made hard cider from your kitchen - only with BrewDemon.

User questions & answers

Question: Can I use my own juice and apples w this kit? They have some good flavors on their site, but idk if I want to buy 24$ worth of mixes everytime
Answer: Yes you can do your own thing! The kit if I remember correctly will send a juice to start one batch and then just get a feel for it. Then make your own!!!
Question: Can you use this product to also brew beer even though it's not the amber fermenter
Answer: We've only made cider so far, but I see no reason why it wouldn't. From what I can tell from the BrewDemon website, the clear fermenter can be used for beer. An amber color would help filter out UV light, which I gather is mostly important for hops, but if you're brewing indoors (or in a basement, like we do) I'm not sure that would matter much. It might matter much more to bottle it in dark bottles.
Question: How is it ship? It is a present and I don't want the surprise ruined. So does it come inside a brown cardboard box or something
Answer: Our 2 gallon kits ship in a plain cardboard box, the 6 gallon does have logo on box.
Question: Are the conical fermenter and cider bottles made out of glass
Answer: No, both the bottles and fermenter are made of plastic.

Home Brew Ohio - 1176 Brewer's Best Cider House Select Spiced Apple Cider Kit

Home Brew Ohio

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Complete with everything you need to craft your best Cider, this 6 gallon recipe is deliciously packed full of flavor and perfect for any level of brewing experience. Apple Cider with a charming warming character compliments of the Cinnamon and spices. This Cider is enjoyable chilled or as a warm mulled Cider. You will need to add 2 lbs. Of Dextrose to this recipe., brewer's best Cider house Select spiced Apple Cider Kit, abv: 4.7 percent, color: Golden, country of origin - United States, manufacturer name - brewer's best.

  • Brewer's best cider house select spiced apple cider kit
  • Abv: 4.7 percent
  • Color: golden
  • Makes 6 gallons
  • 2 lbs. Of dextrose needed

User questions & answers

Question: What yeast to use? Will Safale-05 be fine
Answer: No extra yeast is required. The only extra item needed is sugar
Question: Package says everything needed is "here". So is dextrose needed or not
Answer: These kits yield 6 gal of cider. Instructions on the outside package suggest 2 lbs of dextrose. There is an inner package (carefully cut open the outside package when making the cider). This inner package includes detailed instructions, yeast, sweeter, and flavoring pack. Instructions call for 2 lbs of dextrose. I have made these kits as 5 gal instead of 6 gal with anywhere from 0 to 1 lb of added dextrose. Smaller yield, but better quality cider. Plus, the 5 gal batch size better fits beer brewers equipment. Cheers, DIY Craft Beverage

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