Mr Beer Starter Kit Review (Updated | Apr 24th)
The Mr. Beer starter kit serves as an entry point for individuals interested in homebrewing without a significant investment in space or equipment. When evaluating brewing kits, key considerations include the quality of ingredients, the simplicity of the fermentation process, and the clarity of instructions. This guide examines the kit’s components, ease of use, and the consistency of the final product.
Key Takeaways
- The Double Batch Capacity kit is ideal for beginners who want to stock up quickly without buying extra equipment.
- Choose the Complete Bottling Bundle if you need a comprehensive setup that includes all necessary storage and bottling supplies.
- The pre-hopped malt extract significantly reduces brewing time by eliminating the need for long boiling sessions.
- Prioritize kits with reusable bottles to save money and reduce waste over multiple brewing cycles.
- Select the Double Batch Capacity option to maximize your output using standard kitchen tools you already own.
Mr. Beer 4 Gallon Complete DIY Home Brew Kit
Double Batch Capacity
- Includes enough ingredients for two full batches of beer.
- The hopped malt extract saves hours of boiling time.
- No extra large kitchen equipment is required to start.
- BEST FOR DOUBLE BATCH CAPACITY: Mr. Beer 4 Gallon Complete DIY Home Brew Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPLETE BOTTLING BUNDLE: Mr. Beer 2 Gallon Beginner Craft Beer Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ESSENTIAL STARTER SET: Mr. Beer 2 Gallon American Light Starter Brewing Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FAMILY SODA CRAFT: Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Root Beer Kit Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Mr Beer Starter Kit
Mr. Beer 4 Gallon Complete DIY Home Brew Kit
If you’re looking to dive into homebrewing without turning your kitchen into a science lab, this 4-gallon complete set is a fantastic jumping-off point. What I love about this version is that it doubles the standard output by including two separate refills, specifically the Canadian Blonde and Octoberfest Lager.
You don’t need to hunt down massive stockpots or strainers because the hopped malt extract simplifies the process down to about 30 minutes of active work. It’s the ideal choice for someone who wants enough beer to actually share with friends rather than just a few bottles.
You’ll have a finished product in about 3 to 4 weeks, which is pretty standard for the hobby. The only real headache is the bottling process; cleaning and filling enough bottles for four gallons of beer by hand can get a bit tedious and messy if you aren’t organized.
It’s a solid, approachable way to learn the ropes of fermentation without a massive upfront investment.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes enough ingredients for two full batches of beer.
- The hopped malt extract saves hours of boiling time.
- No extra large kitchen equipment is required to start.
- Comes with a complete set of reusable bottles.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Bottling four gallons of beer is a time-consuming chore.
- The plastic fermenter feels a bit lightweight for long-term use.
Mr. Beer 2 Gallon Beginner Craft Beer Making Kit
This 2-gallon starter kit is basically the gold standard for anyone who is curious about brewing but a little intimidated by the technical side. It’s designed specifically for the first-time brewer, focusing on a small footprint that fits easily on a kitchen counter.
The standout feature is the Coopers Brewery malt extract, which significantly reduces the risk of contamination since you aren’t dealing with raw grains. You can literally get your first batch into the fermenter in under 30 minutes.
It’s perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone who wants a low-stakes hobby. You’ll be drinking your own craft beer in roughly three weeks.
However, the small batch size is a double-edged sword; once you realize how good the beer tastes, you’ll find that two gallons disappear very quickly, leaving you wishing you had more. It’s a great ‘proof of concept’ kit, but serious drinkers might outgrow the capacity faster than they expect.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Extremely compact design is perfect for small apartment kitchens.
- Step-by-step instructions are very easy for beginners to follow.
- Hopped malt extract ensures a consistent flavor every time.
- The fermenter is very easy to clean and sanitize.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- A two-gallon yield only fills about eleven 22-ounce bottles.
- The included plastic bottles can lose carbonation over many months.
Mr. Beer 2 Gallon American Light Starter Brewing Kit
If you have ever wanted to try brewing but felt intimidated by all the chemistry and heavy equipment, this 2 Gallon Craft Beer Kit is exactly where you should start. I love how it skips the complicated ‘all-grain’ steps and uses a Hopped Malt Extract created by the pros at Coopers Brewery.
You can literally get your first batch into the fermenter in about 30 minutes, which is wild compared to the five-hour slog of traditional brewing. It is the perfect gift for someone who wants to dip their toes in the water without turning their kitchen into a laboratory.
The beer is usually ready to drink in 3-4 weeks, and the flavor is surprisingly solid for such a simple process. However, you should know that the plastic fermenter feels a bit lightweight, and if you aren’t careful with the spigot seal, you might deal with a slow drip during the 10-14 day fermentation period.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The setup takes only thirty minutes from start to finish.
- Ingredients come directly from the world-renowned Coopers Brewery.
- Simple instructions make it nearly impossible to mess up your batch.
- The compact size fits easily on any kitchen countertop.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The lightweight plastic fermenter feels a little bit flimsy.
- The spigot can leak if not tightened perfectly before filling.
Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Root Beer Kit
This Home Brewing Root Beer Kit is a total blast if you have kids or just a massive sweet tooth for old-fashioned soda. Unlike the beer kits, this one focuses on a creamy, caffeine-free recipe that uses flavor crystals and root-beer yeast to create natural carbonation.
It comes with everything you need, including four 1-liter bottles and a handy funnel, so you don’t have to go hunting for extra supplies. It is a fantastic weekend project because it feels like a science experiment that ends with a delicious reward.
The no-rinse cleanser included is a nice touch to keep things sanitary without a lot of scrubbing. The only real bummer is that the carbonation process is a bit finicky; if your house is too cold, the yeast won’t wake up, leaving you with a bottle of flat, sugary syrup instead of the fizzy soda you were expecting.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes reusable bottles and labels for a professional look.
- The root beer is naturally carbonated using real yeast.
- It is a fun, educational activity for families with children.
- The kit includes a funnel to prevent messy kitchen spills.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Carbonation levels are inconsistent if room temperature fluctuates.
- The kit only makes two gallons before needing a refill.
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
Which kit is best for a complete novice with limited space?
The Mr. Beer – 2 Gallon Complete Kit is the ideal starting point because the fermenter is compact enough to fit on a kitchen counter or in a small pantry. It includes pre-hopped malt extract which simplifies the process to just 30 minutes of active work, though the plastic bottles included are functional rather than premium.
Is there an option for brewing larger batches without extra equipment?
The Mr. Beer – 4 Gallon Complete Kit is designed for those who want higher output but still want to avoid buying large stockpots or strainers. It maintains the same ‘no-boil’ simplicity as the smaller kits, making it a great choice for hosting small gatherings where two gallons simply wouldn’t be enough.
Can I use these kits to make non-alcoholic beverages for kids?
Yes, the Mr. Root Beer kit is specifically designed for families and produces a creamy, old-fashioned soda using yeast for natural carbonation. Unlike the beer kits, this one includes a funnel and specific flavor crystals, making it a fun, educational afternoon project that yields results much faster than traditional ale.
What is the most important factor for success with these kits?
Sanitation is the single most critical step; if your equipment isn’t perfectly clean, wild yeast or bacteria will ruin the flavor. Always use the included no-rinse cleanser on every tool that touches the liquid after the boil, including the thermometer and the inside of the spigot.
How do I ensure my beer doesn’t taste ‘yeasty’ or off?
Temperature control during the 2-week fermentation period is vital for a clean taste. Try to keep the fermenter in a dark spot with a consistent temperature between 68-72°F, as large swings or excessive heat can create harsh alcohol notes or fruity off-flavors.
Should I use the plastic bottles provided or upgrade to glass?
The PET plastic bottles included in these kits are actually safer for beginners because they can withstand higher pressure and won’t shatter if you over-carbonate. However, if you plan on aging your beer for more than a few months, you should eventually look into glass swing-top bottles to prevent oxygen from seeping through the plastic.
Can I use my own ingredients with the Mr. Beer fermenter?
While the kits are designed for hopped malt extracts, the ‘Little Brown Keg’ fermenter is a versatile vessel that can hold any 2-gallon batch. Once you master the basic kits, you can experiment with ‘steeping grains’ or adding your own hops to the extract to customize the flavor profile.