5 Gallon Mead Making Kit Review (Updated | Apr 1st)
So you’re ready to dive into the world of mead making? Awesome choice. A 5 gallon mead making kit is the sweet spot for beginners and seasoned brewers alike—big enough for sharing, small enough to manage without stress. But with so many kits out there, how do you pick the right one? We’ve tested, brewed, and sipped our way through the top options so you don’t have to guess. Let’s break down the best 5 gallon kits and find the perfect fit for your next batch of honey-powered magic.
Key Takeaways
- Top kit includes a hydrometer and mead-specific yeast for accurate, flavorful results.
- Choose kits with extra yeast nutrients to support healthy fermentation.
- Opt for beginner-friendly instructions to ensure a smooth first-time experience.
- Storage bottles in the kit simplify aging and bottling process.
- Prioritize all-in-one kits to reduce the need for additional purchases.
Blue Ox Brewing DELUXE Mead Making Kit with Storage Bottles
Editor’s Choice: Deluxe Pro Kit
- Includes hydrometer kit
- Comes with storage bottles
- Extra yeast nutrients
- BEST FOR BEGINNER-FRIENDLY BULK BREW: Craft A Brew – 5 Gallon Mead Kit – Easy for Beginners – At Home Mead Making Kit – Includes Ingredients & Reusable Equipment – Brew Semi-Dry Honey Wine – Makes up to 4 5-gal Batches Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SIMPLE 7-STEP START: North Mountain Supply 5 Gallon Mead Making Kit with Instructions Included – Only Honey and Bottles Required Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EDITOR’S CHOICE: DELUXE PRO KIT: Blue Ox Brewing DELUXE Mead Making Kit with Storage Bottles Read More ↓
Product Comparison: 5 Gallon Mead Making Kit
Craft A Brew – 5 Gallon Mead Kit – Easy for Beginners – At Home Mead Making Kit – Includes Ingredients & Reusable Equipment – Brew Semi-Dry Honey Wine – Makes up to 4 5-gal Batches
Craft your own delicious honey wine at home with the Craft A Brew 5 Gallon Mead Kit, designed for both beginners and experienced homebrewers. This complete kit lets you make four 5-gallon batches of semi-dry mead with an alcohol content of 11-12% in as little as 30 days.
Everything you need is included—two reusable fermenters, essential accessories, high-quality yeast, nutrients, and clear, step-by-step instructions. Just add 12.5 lbs of your favorite honey.
The durable 6.5-gallon fermenters allow room for vigorous fermentation, and the kit’s reusable components support sustainable brewing. Whether you’re upgrading from small batches or starting fresh, this kit offers a seamless introduction to the art of mead making.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Complete beginner-friendly kit
- Reusable 6.5 gallon fermenters
- Makes four 5-gallon batches
- Clear step-by-step guide
- High-quality included ingredients
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires extra honey purchase
- Takes up significant storage space
- Higher price point
North Mountain Supply 5 Gallon Mead Making Kit with Instructions Included – Only Honey and Bottles Required
The North Mountain Supply 5 Gallon Mead Making Kit is a straightforward, no-frills solution for crafting your own mead at home. Perfect for newcomers, this kit includes all essentials except honey and bottles: a 5-gallon glass jug, airlock, stopper, racking cane with tubing, clamp, five packets of Red Star yeast, yeast nutrient, sodium metabisulfite, and sanitizer.
Step-by-step instructions walk you through seven simple stages of fermentation, making the process accessible and enjoyable. Designed for reliability, the kit uses durable, food-safe materials.
Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day hassle-free replacement guarantee if anything arrives damaged. Enjoy the timeless tradition of mead making with minimal setup and maximum flavor potential.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Affordable entry-level kit
- Simple 7-step instructions
- Durable glass fermenter
- Includes 5 yeast packs
- 30-day replacement guarantee
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No secondary fermenter included
- Basic accessories, not premium
- Limited flavor additives included
Blue Ox Brewing DELUXE Mead Making Kit with Storage Bottles, Hydrometer & Extra Yeast Nutrients – Honey Wine Making Kit – Mead Kit Complete – Mead Supplies for 1 Gallon of Mead – Mead Brewing Kit
The Blue Ox Brewing DELUXE Mead Making Kit is the perfect starting point for anyone eager to craft their own honey wine at home. This comprehensive 1-gallon kit includes a premium hydrometer kit to monitor fermentation and ABV, four durable 1L fliptop glass bottles for aging, and three stages of high-quality yeast nutrients essential for a healthy, complete fermentation.
Designed for beginners and seasoned brewers alike, it comes with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary equipment, including a fermentation jar, airlock, racking cane, and mead-specific yeast. Made with quality components and assembled in the USA, this kit ensures a smooth, rewarding brewing experience using your favorite honey, like Nature Nate’s or GloryBee.
Everything you need is included to begin crafting smooth, delicious mead in just a few weeks.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes hydrometer kit
- Comes with storage bottles
- Extra yeast nutrients
- Beginner-friendly instructions
- Made with mead-specific yeast
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- 1-gallon size only
- No secondary fermenter
- Bottles may break
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a 5-gallon mead making kit?
Look for kits that include a food-grade plastic or glass fermenter, airlock, siphon, and sanitizer. Ensure the kit provides enough honey or honey substitute and yeast suitable for mead production. Additional tools like a hydrometer and test jar help monitor fermentation progress. A detailed instruction guide is essential for beginners to avoid common mistakes.
How do different 5-gallon mead kits compare in quality?
Higher-end kits often include glass carboys, better yeast strains, and stainless steel tools for durability. Budget kits may use plastic fermenters and generic yeast, which can affect flavor and longevity. Read reviews to assess consistency in fermentation results and customer support. Premium kits typically offer better value over time due to reusable, higher-quality components.
Are all mead kits beginner-friendly?
Most 5-gallon kits are designed for beginners with step-by-step instructions and pre-measured ingredients. Look for kits that include video tutorials or access to online support communities. Avoid kits with complex steps or specialized equipment unless you have prior experience. Simplicity and clear guidance are key for first-time mead makers.
What features add value to a mead making kit?
Valuable features include a reusable glass fermenter, quality siphon with tubing, and a reliable hydrometer. Kits with multiple yeast options or flavor additives allow for experimentation. Durable storage containers and airtight stoppers enhance long-term usability. Extra sanitizer and cleaning brushes improve sanitation, which is critical for successful fermentation.
Do mead kits include everything needed to start?
Most complete kits include fermenter, yeast, honey or base, and basic tools like an airlock and siphon. Some may require you to purchase a large pot for boiling or extra bottles for bottling. Check the contents list carefully to avoid unexpected costs. Starter kits often exclude bottling supplies, so plan accordingly.
How important is the type of yeast in a mead kit?
Yeast type significantly impacts flavor, alcohol content, and fermentation speed. Wine or champagne yeasts are common and produce clean, strong meads. Specialty yeasts can add fruity or spicy notes, enhancing complexity. Reputable kits specify yeast strain and ideal fermentation conditions for best results.
Can I customize mead from a starter kit?
Yes, many kits allow adding fruits, spices, or extra honey for custom flavors. Start with the base recipe, then experiment in secondary fermentation. Ensure any additions are sanitized to prevent contamination. Customization is a great way to develop unique, personalized meads.
What is the average cost of a quality 5-gallon mead kit?
Good quality kits typically range from $100 to $180, depending on included components. Lower-priced kits may cut corners on materials or yeast quality. Higher-priced kits often include glass carboys, premium yeast, and durable accessories. Consider long-term value—reusable parts can save money over multiple batches.