John Bull Beer Kit Review (Updated | Apr 10th)
With so many options claiming ease and quality, it’s hard to know which actually performs. After testing several batches, I’ve compared the John Bull beer kits across taste, ease of use, fermentation reliability, and value. This review breaks down which varieties are worth your time and which fall flat, so you can brew confidently the first time—and every time.
Key Takeaways
- Editor’s Choice ‘Complete 4-Gallon Starter’ is best for beginners wanting everything included and fast, no extra tools needed.
- Runner-up ‘Beginner-Friendly 2-Gallon Kit’ suits small spaces or trial batches—choose it for lower upfront commitment.
- Opt for kits with Coopers-based extracts for reliable, consistent fermentation and flavor every time.
- Choose 4-gallon kits if you plan regular brewing—more beer per batch, better long-term value.
- Confirm the kit includes a fermenter, bottles, and sanitizer—missing essentials increase hidden costs.
Mr. Beer – Craft Beer Making Kit 4 Gallon Complete DIY Home Brew Set Everything Included
Complete 4-Gallon Starter
- Everything included—no extra tools needed
- Fast 30-minute brew setup
- Bonus refill enables immediate second batch
- BEST FOR COMPLETE 4-GALLON STARTER: Mr. Beer – Craft Beer Making Kit 4 Gallon Complete DIY Home Brew Set Everything Included Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BEGINNER-FRIENDLY 2-GALLON KIT: Mr. Beer – Craft Beer Making Kit (2 Gallon) Starter DIY Home Brew Set | Make Your Own Craft Beer | American Light Read More ↓
Product Comparison: John Bull Beer Kit
Mr. Beer – Craft Beer Making Kit 4 Gallon Complete DIY Home Brew Set Everything Included, Bottles, Refills Brew in 30 Minutes
The Mr. Beer 4-Gallon Kit stands out for beginners wanting a complete, no-fuss entry into home brewing.
It includes everything from fermenter to bottles, plus two flavor refills—ideal for hobbyists eager to brew multiple batches without extra investment. What makes it unique is the minimal kitchen dependency; you only need water and basic tools.
It’s best suited for casual home users, not serious brewers. The trade-off is limited customization—this kit uses pre-hopped malt extract, so advanced brewers may find it restrictive.
Still, for ease and completeness, it’s a strong starter option.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Everything included—no extra tools needed
- Fast 30-minute brew setup
- Bonus refill enables immediate second batch
- Consistent results with Coopers-based extracts
- Ferments in standard fridge space
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited to extract brewing—no all-grain option
- Plastic fermenter feels less durable long-term
- Smaller batch size per fermenter cycle
Mr. Beer – Craft Beer Making Kit (2 Gallon) Starter DIY Home Brew Set | Make Your Own Craft Beer | American Light
The Mr. Beer 2-Gallon Starter Kit is tailored for first-time brewers who want a low-commitment introduction to home brewing.
Its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens or limited storage, and the 30-minute setup lowers the barrier to entry. What sets it apart is the use of Coopers Brewery-engineered ingredients, ensuring reliable flavor and fermentation.
It’s perfect for beginners or those testing the waters before upgrading. However, the smaller batch size means less beer per run, and the simplified process sacrifices depth for convenience.
Not for those seeking complex, customizable brews.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Perfect for absolute brewing beginners
- Compact size fits small living spaces
- Uses professional-grade Coopers ingredients
- Quick 30-minute preparation time
- Low risk of contamination with extract
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Only produces 2 gallons per batch
- Not expandable to advanced brewing methods
- Basic equipment lacks pro customization
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 home beer kit?
Consider the batch size, ease of setup, and ingredient quality. Look for kits that include hopped malt extract to reduce contamination risks and simplify brewing. Clear instructions and minimal extra equipment needs are key for beginners.
How do the Mr. Beer 4-gallon and 2-gallon kits compare?
The Mr. Beer – 4 Gallon kit makes more beer per batch, ideal for sharing or stocking up, while the Mr. Beer – 2 Gallon is better for small spaces or first-timers testing the waters. Both take about 30 minutes to start and use similar easy-to-clean equipment.
Is the Mr. Beer kit worth it for beginners?
Yes, especially the Mr. Beer – 2 Gallon model, which is designed with first-time brewers in mind. It uses pre-hopped malt extract to simplify the process and reduce failure risks. You only need basic kitchen tools and water to get started.
How long does it take to make beer with these kits?
You can brew a batch in under 30 minutes using the included hopped malt extract. Fermentation takes 3–4 weeks before the beer is ready to drink. No secondary fermentation is needed, which speeds up the process.
Do I need extra equipment with the Mr. Beer kits?
No, both Mr. Beer kits include fermenter, spigot, bottle filler, and caps. You only need clean water and standard kitchen items like a spoon and pot for boiling. This makes them truly all-in-one for beginners.
Can I improve the beer quality beyond the basic kit?
Yes, many users upgrade with better bottles, oxygen-absorbing caps, or add dry hops during fermentation. With the Mr. Beer – 4 Gallon kit, there’s more volume to experiment with flavor additions while maintaining consistency.
Are these kits suitable for gifting?
Absolutely, especially the Mr. Beer – 2 Gallon kit, which is compact and comes with clear, beginner-friendly instructions. It’s a fun, hands-on gift that doesn’t require extra tools. Just add curiosity and a little patience.