Cider Starter Kits

Start making cider at home with our beginner-friendly cider starter kits and cider making sets. Choose an equipment-only set to use with your preferred cider ingredients, or a starter kit with ingredients included. Bottles and barrels are included with selected sets, so check the contents of each kit before ordering.

Choose a Cider Making Set for Your First Batch

A cider making set brings together the equipment for fermenting your first batch. The right choice depends on whether you already have ingredients and somewhere to store your finished cider.

• Equipment-only sets: choose your cider ingredient kit separately. You will also need suitable bottles or a barrel if these are not included.
• Starter kits with cider ingredients: combine fermentation equipment with a cider ingredient kit. Check whether brewing sugar, priming sugar and bottles are included or needed separately.
• Equipment sets with bottles or a pressure barrel: include a way to package your cider. Check the product description for any ingredients and additional items you need.

Whether you're completely new to fermentation or already have brewing experience, cider making is one of the most accessible and rewarding home fermentation hobbies.

Perfect for Beginner Cider Makers

Cider starter kits remove the guesswork from choosing equipment and help ensure you have everything required to begin safely and successfully.

Most kits include a fermenter, airlock, hydrometer and other essential accessories required for fermentation.

This allows beginners to focus on learning the cider-making process rather than sourcing individual components.

Choose the Right Cider Kit

If you choose an equipment-only set, add a cider ingredient kit in your preferred style. If ingredients are already included, you can reuse your equipment with a different cider kit for your next batch.

Browse our complete range of cider kits to explore traditional apple ciders, fruit ciders and modern cider styles.

Many beginners start with classic apple cider because it is familiar, refreshing and consistently produces excellent results.

Essential Equipment for Cider Making

As your experience grows, you may wish to expand your setup with additional equipment.

Browse our cider making equipment, fermentation vessels, bottling equipment and hydrometers and refractometers collections.

These upgrades can help improve efficiency, accuracy and consistency.

Cleaning and Sanitising for Better Cider

Clean equipment is essential when making cider.

Contamination can negatively affect flavour and fermentation performance, making sanitation one of the most important parts of the process.

Browse our cleaning and sanitising collection to keep your equipment in excellent condition.

Monitor Fermentation Accurately

Hydrometers help cider makers monitor fermentation progress and calculate alcohol content.

Browse our hydrometers and refractometers collection and use our Hydrometer Calculator to improve accuracy throughout fermentation.

Monitoring gravity readings helps ensure fermentation has completed successfully before bottling.

Cider Starter Kit FAQs

What is included in a cider starter kit?

Contents vary by set. Fermentation equipment commonly includes a fermenting bucket, airlock, hydrometer, syphon, thermometer, mixing paddle and cleaner. Some sets also include cider ingredients, bottles or a pressure barrel. Check the individual product description for the full contents.

Do I need a cider kit as well?

Only if your selected set does not already include cider ingredients. Equipment-only sets need a separate cider ingredient kit or your own suitable ingredients. Any additional sugar requirements depend on the kit, so check its instructions.

Do I need bottles or a barrel?

Yes, you need suitable bottles or a barrel for your finished cider. Some sets include these; others provide fermentation equipment only. For sparkling cider, use bottles or a barrel designed to hold pressure, and follow the kit instructions for priming.

Are cider starter kits suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are specifically designed to help beginners start making cider at home with confidence.

Can I reuse the equipment?

Yes. Most cider making equipment can be reused for many batches when properly cleaned and sanitised.

How long does homemade cider take?

Fermentation times vary, but most cider kits require several weeks before they are ready for packaging and drinking.

Related Collections

• Cider Kits
• Cider Making Equipment
• Fermentation Vessels
• Bottling Equipment
• Hydrometers & Refractometers
• Cleaning & Sanitising
• Home Brew Starter Kits
• Beer Starter Kits
• Wine Starter Kits