Northern Brewer Deluxe Homebrew Starter Kit Review (Updated | Apr 25th)
Selecting a homebrew starter kit requires evaluating equipment durability, component completeness, and the clarity of instructional materials. The Northern Brewer Deluxe Homebrew Starter Kit features glass carboys for two-stage fermentation, a method preferred for producing clearer beer. This review examines the quality of the included hardware, the functionality of the bottling system, and the overall value for beginners seeking a professional-grade entry point.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Ultimate Beginner Bundle for a complete setup featuring a durable stainless kettle and mess-free spigot system.
- The Hop-Forward Starter is the best option for enthusiasts specifically wanting to brew bitter, aromatic craft beer styles.
- Select the Ultimate Beginner Bundle if you want a forgiving Hefeweizen recipe that ensures success for first-time brewers.
- Prioritize kits with integrated spigots to eliminate the need for messy manual siphoning during the bottling process.
- Ensure your kit includes at least sixty bottle caps to avoid mid-process delays during your first packaging session.
Northern Brewer 5 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Set (Hank’s Hefeweizen)
Ultimate Beginner Bundle
- Includes a durable 5-gallon stainless steel brew kettle.
- The Hefeweizen recipe is very forgiving for first-time brewers.
- Integrated spigots make transferring and bottling beer mess-free.
- BEST FOR ULTIMATE BEGINNER BUNDLE: Northern Brewer 5 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Set (Hank’s Hefeweizen) Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HOP-FORWARD STARTER: Northern Brewer 5 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Set (Chinook IPA) Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CROWD-PLEASING AMBER: Northern Brewer 5 Gallon Essential Homebrewing Starter Set (Block Party) Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ALL-INCLUSIVE GIFT SET: Northern Brewer 1 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Kit (Kama Citra IPA) Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EASY SIPHONLESS GLASS: Northern Brewer Siphonless 1 Gallon Beer Making Kit (American Wheat) Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT CRAFT ESSENTIAL: Northern Brewer Siphonless 1 Gallon Beer Making Kit (Wheat) Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PRO-LEVEL ALL-GRAIN: Northern Brewer All Grain Brewing Kit with 12 Gallon Mash Tun Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Northern Brewer Deluxe Homebrew Starter Kit
Northern Brewer 5 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Set (Hank’s Hefeweizen)
If you’ve been thinking about making your own beer but feel overwhelmed by all the gear, this is the bundle that finally makes sense. It’s a complete all-in-one kit that actually includes a 5-gallon stainless brew kettle, which is a huge deal because most starter sets force you to buy your own pot separately.
You get the Hank’s Hefeweizen recipe, a classic German-style wheat beer that’s naturally hazy with those cool banana and clove notes. It’s perfect for beginners because wheat beers are very forgiving during fermentation.
The 6.5-gallon fermentor with a spigot makes transferring your beer so much easier on your back since you aren’t siphoning over the rim. I’d recommend this for anyone who wants a foolproof hobby-in-a-box.
Just a heads up though, the glass lab thermometer is pretty fragile; if you aren’t careful while stirring with that 21-inch stainless spoon, it’s easy to snap it against the side of the kettle.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes a durable 5-gallon stainless steel brew kettle.
- The Hefeweizen recipe is very forgiving for first-time brewers.
- Integrated spigots make transferring and bottling beer mess-free.
- Comes with 60 bottle caps to get you started immediately.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The glass lab thermometer breaks easily if handled roughly.
- You still need to source 50 empty pry-off glass bottles.
Northern Brewer 5 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Set (Chinook IPA)
For the person who wants their first homebrew to pack a punch, this version of the kit swaps out the mellow wheat beer for a bold Chinook IPA. This is a great pick if you love that piney, resinous hop character that American IPAs are famous for.
Like its sibling kits, you’re getting the full equipment spread: a bottling bucket, hydrometer, and a Royal Crown bottle capper. The instructions are written for humans, not scientists, so you won’t feel lost on brew day.
It’s the ideal gift for a craft beer lover who is tired of just drinking and wants to start creating. The oxygen wash cleaner included is top-tier for keeping things sanitary, which is the most important part of brewing.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 5-gallon kettle is a bit small for a full 5-gallon boil; you’ll likely need to do a concentrated boil and top it off with water in the fermentor.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Chinook IPA recipe offers a bold and professional hop profile.
- Complete equipment set means no extra hardware store trips.
- The 21-inch stainless spoon is long enough for deep kettles.
- Instructions are clear and designed specifically for absolute beginners.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Kettle size requires adding water later for a full batch.
- Single-hop recipes lack the complexity of multi-hop craft brews.
Northern Brewer 5 Gallon Essential Homebrewing Starter Set (Block Party)
If you are looking to jump into the hobby with both feet, this 5-gallon setup is exactly where you should start. I love that it includes a siphonless fermenter, which sounds like a small detail until you realize how much of a pain traditional racking canes can be; the spigot makes transferring your beer so much cleaner.
It comes with the Block Party Amber Ale recipe, which is a solid, crowd-pleasing brew with those classic toasty, caramel notes that aren’t too polarizing for beginners. This kit is perfect for the person who wants to produce a full batch of 50 bottles at once to share with friends.
You get a stainless steel spoon and a Royal Crown bottle capper, so you aren’t stuck with cheap plastic tools that break on day one. The only real headache is the sheer amount of space this takes up in your kitchen; you’ll need a large stockpot (not included) and plenty of storage for those five gallons of fermenting liquid.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The siphonless fermenter makes transferring beer incredibly easy and mess-free.
- Includes a high-quality stainless steel spoon instead of cheap plastic.
- Yields fifty bottles of beer which is great for sharing.
- The instructions are foolproof and perfect for absolute beginners.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- You must provide your own large five-gallon brew kettle.
- The equipment requires significant storage space in your home.
Northern Brewer 1 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Kit (Kama Citra IPA)
For anyone living in an apartment or someone who just wants to test the waters without turning their garage into a brewery, this 1-gallon gift set is a total win. It’s designed to fit right on your stovetop, making the whole process feel way less intimidating.
The star here is the Kama Citra IPA recipe; unlike some starter kits that use old syrup cans, this uses fresh ingredients that actually mimic what the pros use. You get a glass fermenter which is great because you can actually see the yeast working its magic.
It’s the ultimate gift for a craft beer lover because it’s all-inclusive, meaning you aren’t running back to the store for extra parts. However, the small scale is a double-edged sword; you’ll put in several hours of work only to end up with about 8 to 10 bottles, which can feel a bit disappointing after all that effort.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact size is perfect for small kitchens and easy cleanup.
- Uses high-quality fresh ingredients rather than generic canned extracts.
- Glass fermenter allows you to monitor the entire fermentation process.
- Includes everything needed to start brewing immediately out of the box.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Small yield only produces about eight to ten bottles per batch.
- The brewing process takes just as long as larger five-gallon batches.
Northern Brewer Siphonless 1 Gallon Beer Making Kit (American Wheat)
If you are short on space or just want to dip your toes into brewing without turning your kitchen into a science lab, this kit is a fantastic starting point. The star of the show is the Siphonless Glass Little Big Mouth Bubbler, which is basically a mini fermenter with a built-in spigot.
This is a game changer because it eliminates the need for a messy auto-siphon, making bottling day way less stressful for a beginner. It comes with an American Wheat IPA recipe kit and a bottle capper, so you really just need some empty bottles and a pot to get started.
It’s perfect for the DIY enthusiast who wants a high-quality glass setup rather than cheap plastic. However, the one-gallon yield is quite small—after all that work, you only end up with about 10 or 12 bottles, which can feel a bit disappointing once you realize how good the beer actually tastes.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The glass fermenter is easy to clean and won’t scratch.
- Built-in spigot eliminates the need for messy siphoning.
- Includes a high-quality bottle capper and caps.
- Compact size fits perfectly in small apartment kitchens.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Small batch size yields only a dozen bottles.
- Glass can be heavy and fragile if dropped.
Northern Brewer Siphonless 1 Gallon Beer Making Kit (Wheat)
This is Northern Brewer’s ‘Essential’ version of their one-gallon setup, and it’s designed specifically for the person who wants the most streamlined path from water to beer. It focuses heavily on the freshness of ingredients, providing hand-picked grains and hops that actually smell like a real brewery when you open them.
Like its siblings, it uses a siphonless fermenter to keep things simple, which is great because nobody likes sucking on tubes to get the beer flowing. It’s a stellar gift for someone who loves craft beer but isn’t ready to commit to a massive 5-gallon system.
You get the dry malt extract and steeping grains included, making the process feel authentic without being overwhelming. One thing to keep in mind is that this kit lacks the bottle capper found in other bundles, so you’ll have to buy one separately or use swing-top bottles to finish the job.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Uses high-quality ingredients for a professional taste.
- Simple instructions make it very hard to mess up.
- The siphonless design prevents oxidation and mess.
- Great entry point for learning the basics of steeping grains.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Does not include a bottle capper for standard caps.
- Requires purchasing a separate kettle and bottles.
Northern Brewer All Grain Brewing Kit with 12 Gallon Mash Tun
If you are ready to move past extract brewing and want to dive into the world of all-grain, this setup is a serious upgrade. What I love most is the 12-gallon mash tun; it is thick-walled and holds heat incredibly well, which is vital for hitting those specific strike temperatures.
The integrated thermometer is a total game-changer because you can monitor your mash without constantly opening the lid and losing heat. It feels built to last with all stainless steel fittings and a very sturdy Titan False Bottom that prevents stuck sparges.
It is perfect for the homebrewer who wants professional-grade control over their sugar extraction. One thing to keep in mind, though, is the sheer size of this gear.
While the pieces nest together for storage, you still need a massive 8 to 10 gallon boil kettle to handle the full volume, which is not included here. If you have the space and a big enough pot, this makes the transition to all-grain feel effortless.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The thick insulation maintains consistent mash temperatures for hours.
- Built-in thermometer allows for easy monitoring without heat loss.
- Stainless steel fittings and false bottom offer great durability.
- Components nest together to save valuable storage space.
- Includes everything needed to mash and sparge immediately.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- You must provide your own 10-gallon kettle for boiling.
- The large footprint requires significant storage space when in use.
- Removing valves for nesting can be a tedious cleanup step.
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 beginner with limited kitchen space?
The Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Star is ideal for apartment dwellers because it uses a compact glass Little Big Mouth Bubbler that fits on a countertop. The siphonless design is a standout feature because it eliminates the need for gravity-fed transfers, which can be messy in tight spaces. However, keep in mind that a 1-gallon yield only produces about 10 bottles per batch.
What is the main difference between the ‘Brew. Share. Enjoy.’ and ‘Essential’ kits?
The Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Se includes a stainless steel brew kettle, whereas the ‘Essential’ versions often focus on the fermentation hardware. If you don’t already own a 5-gallon pot, the ‘Brew. Share. Enjoy.’ is the better value to ensure you can boil the full recipe safely. The ‘Essential’ kits are great if you already have a large stockpot and just need the fermenters and siphoning gear.
Is the All-Grain system suitable for a first-time brewer?
The Northern Brewer – Insulated Cooler All Grain Beer Brewing Ki is a professional-grade setup that is likely too complex for a total novice. It requires a solid understanding of mash temperatures and water chemistry, which can be overwhelming if you haven’t brewed with extract kits first. It is a fantastic upgrade for intermediate brewers who want to move away from syrups and use 100% raw malted grains.
How much space do I need for a 5-gallon setup?
You will need enough room to boil 5 gallons of liquid on a stove and a cool, dark closet or corner to store the 6.5-gallon fermenting bucket for two weeks. Additionally, you’ll need space to store roughly two cases (approx. 50 bottles) of finished beer. If your kitchen is small, consider starting with a 1-gallon kit to learn the process without the heavy lifting.
Do these kits include bottles and caps?
Most starter kits include the ingredients, fermenters, and cleaning supplies, but you usually need to source your own bottles and a hand capper separately. You can save money by recycling non-twist-off glass beer bottles from the grocery store, provided you clean and sanitize them thoroughly. Always check the specific kit manifest to see if a ‘capper’ is included, as it is essential for the final step.
What should I look for in a fermenter?
Look for ‘siphonless’ designs that feature a spigot at the bottom, as these significantly reduce the risk of oxidation and contamination during transfer. Transparent fermenters like the Little Big Mouth Bubbler are helpful for beginners because they allow you to see the activity of the yeast and the clarity of the beer. Opaque buckets are cheaper and more durable, but they require you to open the lid to check progress, which increases the risk of spoiling the batch.
How important is the recipe choice in a starter kit?
For your first batch, choose a forgiving style like the Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Se with the Chinook IPA or the Block Party Amber Ale. These styles have robust flavors that can mask minor beginner mistakes, such as slight temperature fluctuations during fermentation. Lighter styles like Hefeweizens are delicious but can be more sensitive to fermentation temperatures, which might lead to off-flavors if not controlled.
