Home brewing is growing in popularity. Beer lovers across the world are trading store-bought bottles for their own fresh, homemade brews. Why? Because it’s fun, cost-effective, and surprisingly simple to get started with the right kit.
Health-conscious drinkers are also joining in. Studies suggest that light to moderate beer consumption may offer benefits. These include reduced cholesterol levels and a lower risk of blood clots, which can lead to strokes. When you brew your own beer, you also control the ingredients—something more people are now paying attention to.
If you’re ready to try it for yourself, the first step is finding a home brewing kit. These kits come with the tools and ingredients you need to brew your first batch—and many include extras like bottles, instructions, and videos.
Below are some of the best online stores where you can find home brewing kits, plus tips on how to choose the right one.
| Company | Website | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Brew Shop | brooklynbrewshop.com | Compact, stovetop kits for small spaces; seasonal recipes; all-grain brewing |
| Home Brewers Outpost | homebrewers.com | Wide range of kits for all skill levels; one- to five-gallon options; international shipping |
| MR. Beer | mrbeer.com | Beginner-friendly; partnership with Coopers Brewery; includes DVDs and high-quality malt |
| Northern Brewer | northernbrewer.com | Beginner to advanced kits; extensive support and tutorials; full brewing systems available |
| Midwest Supplies | midwestsupplies.com | Starter kits, recipe kits, and accessories; also offers wine and kombucha supplies |
1. Brooklyn Brew Shop
Website: brooklynbrewshop.com
Brooklyn Brew Shop is a top choice for urban brewers. Their kits are designed for small kitchens and stovetop brewing. You don’t need a basement or garage—just a pot, a stove, and their kit.
Founded in 2009, the company focuses on seasonal recipes and all-grain brewing. Each kit includes reusable glass fermenters, custom ingredients, and clear instructions. You’ll find creative beer styles like Chocolate Maple Porter, Jalapeño Saison, and Hard Cider kits too.
Brooklyn Brew Shop also sells refill packs. Once you have the equipment, you can brew again and again with fresh ingredients.
2. Home Brewers Outpost
Website: homebrewers.com
This shop caters to everyone—from first-timers to experienced brewers. Home Brewers Outpost offers a wide range of kits, accessories, and ingredients. You can choose one-gallon starter sets or larger five-gallon setups for more ambitious batches.
Their website is full of helpful information. They explain what’s in each kit, how it works, and what type of beer it makes. If you’re unsure what to get, there are guides for beginners to help you decide.
They also offer international shipping and a fair return policy. If something arrives damaged, you can return it with ease.
3. MR. Beer
Website: mrbeer.com
MR. Beer is one of the most recognizable names in home brewing. Since 1993, they’ve helped millions of people get into brewing.
In 2012, MR. Beer partnered with Coopers Brewery in Australia. Coopers is known for its high-quality malt extracts, which are now used in all MR. Beer kits. This partnership raised the overall product quality and brewing results.
MR. Beer kits are easy to use and ideal for beginners. They offer many flavors and styles—from light ales to dark stouts—and include bottles, ingredients, and detailed instructions. Some kits even come with educational DVDs to guide you through the process.
4. Northern Brewer
Website: northernbrewer.com
Northern Brewer is a major supplier of brewing equipment and ingredients. Their kits are highly rated and used by both hobbyists and serious brewers.
The company offers beginner kits that include every tool you need, such as fermenters, bottling equipment, sanitizer, and ingredients. You’ll also find advanced systems for experienced users who want more control over brewing temperatures and fermentation.
Northern Brewer also provides extensive customer support. Their website features how-to videos, written guides, and FAQs to help you at every stage.
5. Midwest Supplies
Website: midwestsupplies.com
Midwest Supplies is a one-stop shop for home brewers. They sell starter kits, beer recipe kits, ingredients, and even kegging systems. If you want to scale up or try different brewing styles, they offer a full range of options.
One nice feature is their beer recipe kits, which you can purchase separately once you have your brewing gear. These include pre-measured ingredients and instructions tailored to different beer styles.
They also carry wine and kombucha brewing supplies, which makes it easy to branch out into other DIY beverages.
Tips for Choosing the Right Kit
Not sure where to begin? Here are a few simple tips to help:
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Start Small: If you’re new to brewing, begin with a one-gallon or two-gallon kit. It’s manageable, requires less space, and still produces great beer.
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Consider Style Preferences: Think about the kind of beer you enjoy. Most kits are style-specific—whether it’s a pale ale, IPA, porter, or lager.
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Check for Reusability: Some kits are made for one-time use, while others come with equipment you can use again and again. Refill kits are a great way to save money.
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Look for Instructions and Support: Choose kits that come with clear directions, videos, or customer support. Brewing is easier when you know what to expect.
Why More People Are Brewing at Home
Home brewing offers more than just a cold drink at the end.
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Creativity: You can experiment with flavors, ingredients, and brewing styles.
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Health Awareness: You control what goes into your beer—no additives, preservatives, or unknowns.
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Sustainability: Home brewing produces less packaging waste and uses fewer resources than commercial beer production.
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Social Fun: It’s a great group activity. You can brew with friends, taste-test batches, and even host beer-tasting parties.
For some, it’s also about saving money in the long run. A small investment in a reusable kit can produce multiple batches of quality beer.
Final Thoughts
Home brewing is more accessible than ever. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large home, there’s a brewing kit for you. And with so many online resources, getting started is easier than you might think.
The websites listed above are great places to find the right kit for your needs. They offer quality products, helpful guides, and everything you need to brew with confidence.
So why not give it a try? Pick a style, order a kit, and craft your own beer right at home. It’s fun, rewarding, and yes—it really does taste better when you make it yourself.