Northern Brewer Homebrew Starter Kit Review (Updated | Mar 31st)
If you’re diving into homebrewing, the Northern Brewer Homebrew Starter Kit is a popular choice—but is it the right one for you? I’ve tested it myself, from unboxing to that first satisfying sip, and I’ll walk you through how it stacks up against the competition. Whether you’re a total newbie or looking to upgrade, this honest breakdown will help you decide if it’s worth your time and money. Let’s crack open the details and see what makes this kit stand out—or fall short.
Key Takeaways
- The Editor’s Choice offers 5-gallon capacity with professional stainless steel for serious homebrewers.
- Includes a wort chiller, boosting efficiency and beer quality significantly.
- Comes with a high-quality recipe and full tool set for beginners.
- Prioritize included accessories and build quality when selecting a starter kit.
- Stainless steel kettles ensure durability and better temperature control for brewing.
Northern Brewer – Ultimate Craft Brewery in a Box – Stainless Steel Beer Making Starter Kit for 5 Gallon Batches (Fresh Squished IPA)
Premium Stainless Setup
- Full 5-gallon capacity
- Professional-grade stainless steel
- Includes wort chiller
- BEST FOR CLASSIC HEFEWEIZEN START: Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set Read More ↓
- BEST FOR AMBER ALE PLUS TOOLS: Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SIPHONLESS SIMPLICITY: Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set Read More ↓
- BEST FOR 1-GALLON IPA FOCUS: Northern Brewer – All Inclusive Gift Set 1 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Kit with Recipe (Kama Citra IPA) Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PREMIUM STAINLESS SETUP: Northern Brewer – Ultimate Craft Brewery in a Box – Stainless Steel Beer Making Starter Kit for 5 Gallon Batches (Fresh Squished IPA) Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SIPHONLESS WHEAT IPA: Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SIPHONLESS IRISH RED: Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Northern Brewer Homebrew Starter Kit
Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set, Equipment and Recipe for 5 Gallon Batches (Hank’s Hefeweizen)
The Northern Brewer Brew. Share.
Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set is an excellent entry point for aspiring homebrewers.
This complete kit includes everything needed to brew 5 gallons of beer, featuring the popular Hank’s Hefeweizen recipe. You’ll get a 5-gallon stainless steel brew kettle, fermenter with spigot, bottling bucket, hydrometer, and all essential tools.
The clear instructions make the brewing process approachable, even for total beginners. The hefeweizen delivers a hazy, golden beer with banana and clove notes, true to the Bavarian style.
Durable components ensure long-term use, and the kit makes a thoughtful gift for hobbyists. Clean-up is simple thanks to the included oxygen-based cleaner.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Complete beginner setup
- Great hefeweizen recipe
- Durable stainless steel tools
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Includes sanitizer and cleaner
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy to transport
- No advanced testing tools
- Plastic fermenter lid can warp
Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set, Equipment and Recipe for 5 Gallon Batches (Block Party Amber with Testing Equipment)
This upgraded Northern Brewer starter kit includes everything in the standard set, plus enhanced testing gear for more precise brewing. It features the Block Party Amber Ale recipe, which produces a rich, toasty beer with caramel and floral hop notes—perfect for sharing at gatherings.
The kit includes a Herculometer triple-scale hydrometer for accurate gravity readings, helping you track fermentation closely. All equipment is beginner-friendly: stainless kettle, fermenter with spigot, bottling bucket, and essential tools.
The detailed guide walks you through each step safely. While bucket design may vary due to supply issues, functionality remains consistent.
Ideal for those who want slightly more control without diving into advanced systems.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes precision hydrometer
- Tasty amber ale recipe
- All-in-one brewing setup
- Helpful for learning fermentation
- Durable, reusable components
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Inconsistent bucket availability
- Slightly higher price
- No temperature control accessory
Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set, Equipment and Recipe for 5 Gallon Batches (Block Party Amber)
The Northern Brewer Essential Brew. Share.
Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set is the perfect entry point for aspiring homebrewers.
This comprehensive kit includes everything needed to brew 5 gallons of delicious Block Party Amber Ale, from a 6.5-gallon fermenter with spigot to a bottling bucket, capper, bottles, and sanitizer. The foolproof instructions make it ideal for beginners, while the quality ingredients ensure a rich, balanced beer with notes of caramel, toast, and floral hops.
Whether you’re gifting it or starting your brewing journey, this top-rated kit delivers consistent results and a satisfying hands-on experience that beer lovers will appreciate.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Complete beginner-friendly setup
- High-quality included ingredients
- Easy siphonless design
- Makes 50 bottles per batch
- Excellent customer support
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Bulky for small spaces
- No secondary fermenter
- Higher price point
Northern Brewer – All Inclusive Gift Set 1 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Kit with Recipe (Kama Citra IPA)
The Northern Brewer All Inclusive 1-Gallon Homebrewing Starter Kit with Kama Citra IPA is a compact, beginner-friendly solution for crafting craft-quality beer at home. Perfect for small batches, this kit includes fresh, pro-grade ingredients to brew a vibrant session IPA bursting with citrus and tropical notes from Citra hops.
Everything is included: fermenter, airlock, sanitizer, bottles, caps, and detailed instructions. Brewmasters are available seven days a week for support, ensuring success even for first-timers.
Ideal for gift-giving or testing recipes, this compact kit offers a low-commitment way to explore brewing without the space or time demands of larger setups.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact and space-saving
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Easy one-gallon batches
- Expert brewing support included
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Small batch size
- Limited to one recipe type
- Fewer reusable parts
Northern Brewer – Ultimate Craft Brewery in a Box – Stainless Steel Beer Making Starter Kit for 5 Gallon Batches (Fresh Squished IPA)
The Northern Brewer Ultimate Craft Brewery in a Box is a premium all-in-one homebrewing kit perfect for beginners and seasoned brewers alike. With high-quality stainless steel components, this 5-gallon kit offers durability and professional performance.
It includes a large 8-gallon brew kettle with a built-in thermometer and ball valve, a conical fermenter for easy yeast management, and a wort chiller for rapid cooling. The included Fresh Squished IPA recipe delivers bold, hoppy flavor.
Complete with a burner, hydrometer, and bottling tools, this kit has everything you need to brew great beer right away. Ideal for those serious about crafting quality brews at home.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Full 5-gallon capacity
- Professional-grade stainless steel
- Includes wort chiller
- Comprehensive tool set
- High-quality recipe included
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Expensive upfront cost
- Heavy and bulky setup
- Large space requirement
Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit, Equipment and Beer Recipe Kit (American Wheat)
The Northern Brewer Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Kit is a compact, beginner-friendly option for aspiring homebrewers. Designed for simplicity, it features a siphonless glass fermenter that eliminates transfer steps, reducing contamination risk and making cleanup easier.
The kit includes an American Wheat IPA recipe, bottle capper, caps, and customizable labels so you can personalize your brew. Clear, step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, perfect for first-timers.
While it requires a separate 2-gallon kettle and 12 bottles, the small batch size minimizes waste and allows for experimentation. Great for dorms, small kitchens, or testing new recipes without commitment.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Simple siphonless design
- Compact 1-gallon batches
- Easy cleanup
- Beginner-friendly instructions
- Customizable labels
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires extra bottles
- Needs separate kettle
- Limited batch size
Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit, Equipment and Beer Recipe Kit (Irish Red Ale)
The Northern Brewer Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit is perfect for beginners eager to dive into homebrewing without the hassle. This all-in-one kit features a sleek glass Little Big Mouth Bubbler that eliminates the need for siphoning, reducing contamination risks and simplifying transfers.
It comes with an Irish Red recipe, easy-to-follow instructions, a bottle capper, caps, and customizable labels so you can personalize your brew. Designed for 1-gallon batches, it’s ideal for small spaces or limited commitment.
While you’ll need to supply a 2-gallon kettle and about 12 bottles, the streamlined process makes brewing approachable, fun, and rewarding for first-timers or gift-givers.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- No siphoning required
- Beginner-friendly design
- Compact 1-gallon batches
- Includes recipe and labels
- Durable glass fermenter
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Needs extra bottles
- Requires additional kettle
- Smaller batch size
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 homebrew starter kit?
Look for a complete kit that includes essential equipment like a fermenter, airlock, siphon, bottles, and a reliable ingredient recipe kit. Check if it includes easy-to-follow instructions, especially if you’re a beginner. Stainless steel or food-grade plastic components ensure durability and sanitation. Value is key—make sure the kit offers everything you need to start brewing without hidden costs.
How does the Northern Brewer kit compare to other starter kits?
The Northern Brewer Homebrew Starter Kit stands out with high-quality, durable equipment and curated ingredient kits from reputable brewers. Unlike some budget kits, it includes a glass carboy fermenter, which is better for long-term use than plastic. It also offers flexibility with a variety of beer styles to choose from. Overall, it provides better value and performance compared to entry-level kits from big box retailers.
Is the Northern Brewer kit suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for beginners with clear step-by-step instructions and all necessary components included. The included recipe kits are forgiving and produce consistent results, ideal for first-time brewers. Customer support and online resources from Northern Brewer further enhance the learning experience. Many users find it easy to transition to advanced brewing after starting with this kit.
What features make this kit worth the price?
The kit includes a glass fermenter, stainless steel spigot, and a reusable bottle capper, which are upgrades over cheaper plastic parts. It also comes with premium ingredient kits that use real hops and malt, not just extract syrup. These features improve beer quality and equipment longevity. The investment pays off with better-tasting beer and fewer replacement needs.
Do I need to buy additional equipment?
The Northern Brewer kit is nearly complete, but you’ll need a large pot for boiling (6+ gallons) and basic cleaning supplies like PBW or Star San. A thermometer and hydrometer are helpful but not included. Most homebrewers already have bottles, but you may need to purchase more. Overall, extra costs are minimal, making it a great all-in-one starting point.
Can I brew different beer styles with this kit?
Yes, Northern Brewer offers the starter kit with a variety of recipe options, including IPA, stout, pale ale, and lager. You can easily switch styles by purchasing different ingredient kits later. The equipment is versatile and suitable for any beer type. This flexibility adds long-term value and keeps brewing exciting.
How long does it take to brew beer using this kit?
The active brewing time is about 2-3 hours, followed by 2-3 weeks of fermentation. After bottling, beer typically needs 1-2 weeks of carbonation time. Most beginners can have their first beer ready in about 4-5 weeks. Patience during fermentation leads to better flavor and clarity.
Is homebrewing with this kit cost-effective?
Yes, brewing at home costs about $25–$35 per 5-gallon batch, or roughly $1–$2 per pint, much cheaper than craft beer. The initial kit cost pays for itself after a few batches. Reusing bottles and buying ingredients in bulk further reduces costs. Over time, homebrewing offers significant savings and customization.