Northern Brewer Brew Kit Review (Updated | Apr 5th)
After testing multiple kits firsthand, I’ll break down exactly how each version performs in real home setups, highlight which components are truly reliable, and help you decide which kit delivers the best value based on your experience level and brewing goals.
Key Takeaways
- The Complete Beginner Kit includes a spigot fermentor and essential tools, making it the best choice for first-time brewers.
- Choose the Bold IPA Focus if you prioritize hop-forward beers and want a recipe kit built for bold flavors.
- A stainless steel kettle resists corrosion and ensures long-term durability in any home brewing setup.
- Look for kits with integrated spigots to simplify liquid transfer and reduce contamination risk.
- The Complete Beginner Kit’s Hefeweizen recipe is forgiving, ideal for mastering basics without frustration.
Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set
Complete Beginner Kit
- Spigot-equipped fermentor simplifies transfers
- Includes essential tools out of the box
- Hefeweizen recipe is forgiving for beginners
- BEST FOR COMPLETE BEGINNER KIT: Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BOLD IPA FOCUS: Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT FIRST BATCH: Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EASY CITRA BREW: Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ALL-INCLUSIVE STARTER: Northern Brewer – All Inclusive Gift Set 1 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Kit with Recipe (Kama Citra IPA) Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Northern Brewer Brew Kit
Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set, Equipment and Recipe for 5 Gallon Batches (Hank’s Hefeweizen)
The Northern Brewer Brew. Share.
Enjoy. Starter Set with Hank’s Hefeweizen stands out for its beginner-friendly design and comprehensive inclusions.
It’s ideal for first-time homebrewers who want a reliable, all-in-one entry into craft beer making. The kit includes quality tools like a 5-gallon stainless kettle and a 6.5-gallon fermentor with a spigot—uncommon in entry-level kits.
While the Hefeweizen recipe is approachable and flavorful, it limits early experimentation. The sheer volume of gear may overwhelm absolute beginners, and the kit lacks a grain bag for all-grain upgrades.
Still, it’s a solid foundation for serious hobbyists.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Spigot-equipped fermentor simplifies transfers
- Includes essential tools out of the box
- Hefeweizen recipe is forgiving for beginners
- High-quality stainless kettle resists corrosion
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Recipe limits hop experimentation
- Bulkier than minimalist starter kits
Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set, Equipment and Recipe for 5 Gallon Batches (Chinook IPA with Testing Equipment)
This Northern Brewer starter kit with the Chinook IPA recipe caters to hop lovers diving into homebrewing. It delivers the same robust equipment package as other kits in the line—durable 5-gallon kettle, spigoted fermentor, and full bottling essentials—making it excellent for beginners who want pro-level tools.
The Chinook IPA recipe emphasizes bold, single-hop character, ideal for those who prefer assertive bitterness and piney notes. However, the narrow flavor profile may not appeal to all palates.
The kit doesn’t include a grain bag or extra hoses, limiting early upgrades. Best for aspiring brewers focused on hop-forward styles.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Chinook IPA offers bold, distinct flavor
- Full toolkit supports immediate brewing
- Spigot on fermentor reduces contamination risk
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Single-hop focus limits versatility
- No extras for advanced brewing methods
Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit, Equipment and Beer Recipe Kit (American Wheat)
The Northern Brewer Siphonless 1 Gallon Kit stands out with its innovative siphonless fermenter, simplifying brewing for absolute beginners. The Little Big Mouth Bubbler eliminates transfer siphoning, reducing contamination risk and complexity.
It’s ideal for new homebrewers or gift-givers seeking a low-barrier entry. The American Wheat IPA recipe offers a balanced, approachable flavor.
However, the 1-gallon batch size limits yield—great for testing recipes but impractical for regular drinkers. You’ll also need to source bottles and a kettle separately, which isn’t always clear upfront.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Siphonless design cuts brewing steps
- Beginner-friendly with clear instructions
- Produces quality small-batch beer
- Includes useful bottle capper and labels
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Small 1-gallon batches limit quantity
- Extra equipment not included
- Recipe may lack complexity for veterans
Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit, Equipment and Beer Recipe Kit (Kama Citra IPA)
This Siphonless 1 Gallon Kit from Northern Brewer uses the same smart fermenter design, making it perfect for first-timers avoiding siphoning hassles. The Kama Citra IPA recipe delivers bold citrus and hop character, appealing to fans of modern craft styles.
It’s best suited for hobbyists wanting quick, satisfying results without advanced gear. The build quality and instructions are solid, but like its sibling kit, it requires additional bottles and a kettle.
The lack of included sanitizer is a notable omission, and the 1-gallon output won’t satisfy heavy drinkers.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Kama Citra IPA has vibrant hop flavor
- Siphonless fermenter reduces contamination risk
- Simple setup for new brewers
- Compact for small spaces
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No sanitizer included
- Low batch volume per brew
- Additional tools sold separately
Northern Brewer – All Inclusive Gift Set 1 Gallon Homebrewing Starter Kit with Recipe (Kama Citra IPA)
The Northern Brewer All Inclusive Gift Set stands out as one of the most beginner-friendly 1-gallon homebrew kits on the market, combining pro-grade ingredients with true plug-and-play simplicity. Ideal for first-time brewers or gift-giving, it includes everything from fermenter to hops, centered around the popular Kama Citra Session IPA recipe.
The kit sacrifices larger batch size for ease and consistency, making it perfect for hobbyists testing the waters—but those seeking volume or variety may find it limiting long-term.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Everything included saves time shopping
- Kama Citra recipe delivers pro-level flavor
- Simple 1-gallon batch for low commitment
- Expert support makes learning stress-free
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited to one recipe style
- Small batch size isn’t cost-efficient
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 homebrew starter kit?
Look for completeness—everything from fermenter to sanitizer—and clear instructions. A good kit minimizes extra purchases and confusion for first-timers. Also consider recipe variety and whether the beer style appeals to your taste.
How do they compare in terms of ease for beginners?
The Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Star simplifies the process with a no-siphon fermenter, making transfers easier and less messy. In contrast, the Brew. Share. Enjoy. kits require traditional siphoning but include larger 5-gallon batches. For absolute simplicity in small batches, the Siphonless kit stands out.
Which kit is best for someone who wants to brew full-sized batches?
The Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Se with the Chinook IPA recipe is ideal for full 5-gallon batches, yielding about 50 bottles per run. It’s great for sharing or building a small rotation at home. The 1-gallon kits are better for sampling, not stocking.
Are the included recipes worth brewing?
Yes—Hank’s Hefeweizen in the Northern Brewer – Brew. Share. Enjoy. kit delivers authentic banana-clove notes true to the style, while Kama Citra IPA offers bright, citrusy hops with sessionable balance. These aren’t generic; they reflect thoughtful recipe design. Even beginners get pro-level flavor profiles.
Is the 1-gallon kit a good value for learning?
The Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Star is excellent for low-risk learning—less space, less cost, and faster turnaround. You’ll still use real fermentation and sanitization steps, so the fundamentals are intact. Just know you’re making small batches, so repeat brewing is likely if you enjoy it.
What’s a common limitation of these kits?
The Northern Brewer – All Inclusive Gift Set 1 Gallon Homebrewin limits you to one beer style unless you buy additional recipes. Also, the 1-gallon glass fermenters, while high-quality, are fragile and not ideal for households with limited space or kids. Consider storage and breakage risk.
Do I need to buy extra equipment?
Most Northern Brewer kits are truly all-inclusive—especially the Brew. Share. Enjoy. line—but you’ll always need a large pot for boiling if not included. Check if a brew kettle is listed; some 1-gallon kits assume you have one. Otherwise, sanitizer and bottles are typically included.
Can I upgrade from a 1-gallon to 5-gallon later?
Yes—skills from the Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Star transfer well to larger systems. The 5-gallon kits use the same core principles but introduce siphoning and larger volume management. Starting small builds confidence without overwhelming commitment.
