Mr Beer Root Beer Review (Updated | Apr 24th)
Choosing a home root beer kit requires evaluating ingredient quality, ease of preparation, and the authenticity of the final flavor profile. The Mr. This review examines the equipment durability, the clarity of instructions, and the resulting balance between sweetness and traditional botanical notes. This guide serves individuals interested in DIY soda projects and those seeking a manageable entry point into home brewing without significant upfront investment.
Key Takeaways
- The Editor’s Choice kit is the best option for families wanting double the soda at a superior price point.
- Select the Classic Starter Kit if you prefer a traditional entry point into home soda brewing.
- Choose the Editor’s Choice for its heavy-duty reusable bottles that provide long-term value for future batches.
- Prioritize kits with included refill packs to ensure you have enough ingredients for back-to-back brewing sessions.
- Verify that your kit includes reusable carbonation-safe bottles to avoid the extra cost of buying separate containers.
Mr. Beer 20041 Home Root Beer Kit with Refill
Double Batch Value
- Comes with a free refill kit for double the soda.
- Excellent value for the price compared to single kits.
- Heavy-duty bottles can be reused for years of brewing.
- BEST FOR CLASSIC STARTER KIT: Mr. Beer Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DOUBLE BATCH VALUE: Mr. Beer 20041 Home Root Beer Kit with Refill Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Mr Beer Root Beer
Mr. Beer Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Kit
If you have ever wanted to turn your kitchen into a mini-brewery, this Mr. Root Beer Kit is a fantastic starting point.
It is designed to make 2 gallons of creamy, old-fashioned root beer, and the process feels more like a fun science experiment than a chore. What I love is that it includes reusable 1-liter bottles and a funnel, so you aren’t scrambling for supplies.
It uses real yeast for carbonation, which gives the drink a much more authentic, complex flavor than those sugary syrups you mix with soda water. This is the perfect gift for a curious kid or a hobbyist who wants a weekend project.
You get everything from the flavor crystals to the no-rinse cleanser, ensuring your batch doesn’t spoil. However, you need to be patient.
Because it relies on natural carbonation, you have to wait a few days for it to fizz up, and if you don’t monitor the temperature, the flavor can sometimes turn a bit yeasty.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes reusable bottles and caps for multiple batches.
- The no-rinse cleanser makes sterilization quick and easy.
- Natural yeast carbonation provides an authentic, creamy head.
- The step-by-step guide is very easy for beginners to follow.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Carbonation takes several days of waiting to develop fully.
- The yeast flavor can be overpowering if fermented too long.
Mr. Beer 20041 Home Root Beer Kit with Refill
This version of the kit is essentially the ‘pro-level’ value choice because it includes a Free Refill Kit right in the box. If you know you’re going to love the process, it makes sense to grab this one so you can start your second 2-gallon batch the moment the first one is bottled.
You get the same brewery wash and four 1-liter bottles that make the initial setup a breeze. It is a great way to bond with family, as kids love seeing the bubbles form over time.
The old-fashioned root beer extract produces a deep, nostalgic flavor that beats store-bought cans any day. The big selling point here is the Value Pack aspect; you’re basically doubling your output for a better price point.
The only real headache is the bottling process. Since you only get four bottles, you’ll have to drink your first batch quickly or find extra containers if you want to use that refill kit immediately.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Comes with a free refill kit for double the soda.
- Excellent value for the price compared to single kits.
- Heavy-duty bottles can be reused for years of brewing.
- Simple instructions make it a great family activity.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Only four bottles are included for a two-gallon yield.
- Sugar is not included and must be purchased separately.
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
Is the Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Kit suitable for beginners?
Yes, this kit is specifically designed for novices and families because it uses a simplified extract-based process rather than complex grain brewing. The inclusion of a funnel and pre-measured yeast packets eliminates most of the guesswork that usually leads to messes or failed batches.
How does the Mr. Root Beer 20041 Value Pack differ from the standard kit?
The primary difference is the inclusion of a free refill kit, which effectively doubles your output to 4 gallons of root beer. While the hardware like the 1-liter bottles remains the same, the 20041 version is the better investment if you plan on making a second batch immediately after the first is consumed.
What is the most common mistake to avoid when using these kits?
Temperature control during the carbonation phase is critical; if your room is too cold, the yeast won’t activate, resulting in flat soda. Conversely, over-carbonating in a very hot environment can lead to excessive pressure in the plastic bottles, so always follow the ‘squeeze test’ mentioned in the instructions.
Do I need to buy any extra equipment to get started?
The only things you typically need to provide are white granulated sugar and water. The Mr. Root Beer kits are remarkably complete, providing the cleanser, bottles, and even the labels, which is rare for entry-level soda kits.
How long does the entire process take from start to finish?
Expect a total turnaround time of about 3 to 5 days depending on your home’s ambient temperature. It takes about 30 minutes to mix the ingredients, followed by a few days of carbonation at room temperature and at least 24 hours of chilling to stabilize the bubbles.
Can I reuse the bottles included in the Mr. Root Beer kits?
The PET plastic bottles are designed for reuse, but you must ensure they are meticulously cleaned with the included no-rinse cleanser or a similar brewery wash. Over time, the plastic can retain odors or the caps may lose their airtight seal, so inspect them for wear after every three or four batches.
What should I look for in a root beer extract if I want to experiment?
Look for extracts that use natural sassafras flavor or wintergreen oils rather than purely artificial flavorings for a more authentic ‘old-fashioned’ taste. If you find the Mr. Root Beer base too medicinal, you can try adding a drop of vanilla extract to the mixing stage to smooth out the finish.
