Mr Brew Beer Kit Review (Updated | Apr 24th)
The Mr. Beer brewing kit serves as an entry point for individuals interested in home fermentation. When evaluating beer kits, key considerations include the quality of ingredients, the simplicity of the brewing process, and the durability of the equipment provided. This guide examines the kit’s components and the flavor profiles of the resulting beverages. It is designed for beginners seeking a straightforward introduction to the hobby without a significant investment in professional-grade hardware.
Key Takeaways
- The Double Batch Capacity kit is perfect for high-volume beginners who want double the beer without extra equipment.
- Choose the Complete Bottling Bundle if you need a comprehensive setup that includes all necessary packaging supplies.
- Select these kits to bypass lengthy boiling times thanks to the pre-hopped malt extract technology.
- Verify that your kit includes reusable bottles to avoid the additional expense of separate packaging hardware.
- These kits are ideal for apartment brewers because they require no specialized large-scale kitchen gear.
Mr. Beer 4 Gallon Complete DIY Craft Beer Making Kit
Double Batch Capacity
- Includes enough ingredients for two full batches.
- No extra large pots or specialized equipment required.
- The hopped malt extract saves hours of boiling time.
- BEST FOR DOUBLE BATCH CAPACITY: Mr. Beer 4 Gallon Complete DIY Craft Beer Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPLETE BOTTLING BUNDLE: Mr. Beer 2 Gallon Complete DIY Craft Beer Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ESSENTIAL STARTER KIT: Mr. Beer 2 Gallon American Light Craft Beer Starter Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FAMILY SODA PROJECT: Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Root Beer Kit Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Mr Brew Beer Kit
Mr. Beer 4 Gallon Complete DIY Craft Beer Making Kit
If you are looking to jump into homebrewing without turning your kitchen into a science lab, this 4-gallon complete set is a fantastic starting point. What I love most is that it includes two separate refills, featuring both a Canadian Blonde and an Octoberfest Lager, so you aren’t left hanging after your first batch.
The process is incredibly streamlined because the hopped malt extract does the heavy lifting, letting you finish the actual ‘brewing’ part in about 30 minutes. You won’t need to go out and buy massive stockpots or specialized strainers; if you have water and a few basic kitchen tools, you are good to go.
It’s the perfect gift for someone who wants the reward of DIY craft beer without the steep learning curve of all-grain brewing. However, keep in mind that the 4-gallon capacity takes up a decent amount of counter or closet space during the 3-4 week fermentation and carbonation period, so clear some room before you start.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes enough ingredients for two full batches.
- No extra large pots or specialized equipment required.
- The hopped malt extract saves hours of boiling time.
- Comes with bottles so you can package your brew immediately.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The large fermenter requires significant storage space.
- Plastic bottles feel a bit less premium than glass ones.
Mr. Beer 2 Gallon Complete DIY 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 process. It is designed specifically for the first-time brewer, using ingredients from the world-renowned Coopers Brewery.
The beauty here is the simplicity; you use a hopped malt extract that significantly reduces the risk of contamination and ensures your beer tastes consistent. You can literally have your batch tucked away in the fermenter in just 30 minutes.
It’s a great size for small apartments because the compact fermenter doesn’t demand much space. You’ll be cracking open your first cold one in about 3-4 weeks.
The only real bummer is the 2-gallon yield—it goes surprisingly fast once you realize how good the beer tastes, and you might find yourself wishing you had brewed a larger batch almost immediately after that first sip.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Perfectly sized for beginners and small living spaces.
- Step-by-step instructions make it nearly impossible to mess up.
- Ready to drink in as little as three weeks.
- High-quality malt extract ensures a consistent flavor profile.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Small yield means you’ll run out of beer very quickly.
- Does not include a second refill like the larger kits.
Mr. Beer 2 Gallon American Light Craft Beer Starter 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 Coopers Brewery.
This means you can actually get your batch into the fermenter in about 30 minutes, which is wild compared to a standard five-hour brew day. It is the perfect gift for someone who wants to see results fast, as the beer is usually ready to drink in 3-4 weeks.
The kit is designed to minimize contamination risks, making it very beginner-friendly. However, because it relies on pre-hopped extracts, you do lose some of that creative control over the bitterness and aroma profiles.
It is a fantastic entry-level set for learning the basics of fermentation, but seasoned hobbyists might find the process a bit too automated for their liking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The entire setup process takes only thirty minutes.
- Ingredients come from the reputable Coopers Brewery.
- Compact two-gallon size fits easily in small kitchens.
- Step-by-step instructions are perfect for absolute beginners.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Pre-hopped extracts limit your ability to customize flavors.
- The plastic fermenter feels a bit thin and lightweight.
Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Root Beer Kit
This Root Beer Home Brewing Kit is a total blast for families or anyone with a sweet tooth who wants a weekend project. Unlike the beer kits, this is strictly non-alcoholic and focuses on that creamy old-fashioned flavor we all remember.
The kit comes with everything—flavor crystals, yeast, and even four 1-liter bottles with labels, so it feels like a professional operation. It is a great way to teach kids about carbonation and yeast without the complexity of boiling grains.
You can whip up 2 gallons of soda quite easily using the included funnel and no-rinse cleanser. The only real headache is the carbonation timing; if you leave it at room temperature too long, the bottles can get over-pressurized and messy.
It is a fun, nostalgic experience, but you really have to watch the temperature closely to get that perfect fizz without making a sticky explosion in your pantry.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes reusable bottles and labels for a professional look.
- Makes a great science-based project for kids and families.
- Produces a very rich and creamy traditional root beer taste.
- The included no-rinse cleanser makes sanitation very simple.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Carbonation levels are tricky to monitor and can vary wildly.
- The yeast can leave a slight bread-like aftertaste if over-fermented.
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 someone who wants to share their brew with a larger group?
The Mr. Beer – Craft Beer Making Kit 4 Gallon is the standout choice for hosting, as it doubles the standard output of most starter kits. While it requires more storage space during the 3-4 week fermentation process, it is more efficient than running two smaller batches simultaneously.
Is the root beer kit suitable for children to use?
The Mr. Root Beer kit is an excellent family activity because it uses a specific root-beer yeast that carbonates the beverage without the high alcohol content of traditional brewing. It comes with its own 1-liter bottles and a funnel, making the bottling process much cleaner for beginners or younger helpers.
What is the main limitation of the 2 Gallon Starter kits?
The Mr. Beer – Craft Beer Making Kit (2 Gallon) is incredibly user-friendly, but the use of hopped malt extract means you have less control over the bitterness and aroma profiles compared to all-grain brewing. It is designed for consistency and speed rather than recipe customization, which might feel restrictive for hobbyists looking to experiment.
How much kitchen space and equipment do I really need for these kits?
Unlike traditional homebrewing which requires large stockpots and cooling coils, these kits are designed to work with standard kitchen tools. You primarily need a source of clean water and a small area out of direct sunlight that maintains a consistent temperature for the fermenter to sit undisturbed.
What is the most critical step to ensure the beer doesn’t spoil?
Sanitization is the most important factor; even a tiny amount of bacteria can ruin a whole batch. Always use the included no-rinse cleanser on every single item that touches the liquid, including the spoon, the fermenter, and the bottles, to ensure a clean fermentation.
How do I know if my home environment is right for brewing?
You need a spot that stays between 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit consistently. If your house gets too hot, the yeast can produce ‘off’ flavors that taste like fruit or alcohol burn, while too cold a temperature will cause the yeast to go dormant and fail to carbonate.
Can I reuse the equipment from these kits for future batches?
Yes, the fermenters and bottles are designed for multiple uses, which makes the initial investment worthwhile. You simply need to purchase new hopped malt extract refills and more sanitizer for each subsequent round of brewing.
