Essential Equipment for Mead Making
Here are the core items you’ll need to set up a home meadery, with up-to-date cost ranges and recommendations:
| Equipment | Description / Best Options | Cost (USD) |
| Fermentation vessel | 1-gallon glass jug (starter kits), or 3-6 gallon glass/plastic carboy | $10–$60 per vessel[1][2][3] |
| Airlock & bung | Fits in carboy/jug, allows CO₂ to escape, prevents contamination | $2–$5 each[2][3] |
| Siphon & tubing | For racking (transferring) mead off lees | $5–$15[4][2] |
| Hydrometer & test jar | Measures sugar levels (ABV potential) | $10–$15[4][1][5] |
| Sanitizer | (e.g., Star San) for cleaning equipment | $7–$10[5][2] |
| Thermometer | Monitors fermentation temperature | $3–$10[4][1] |
| Long spoon or paddle | For mixing the must | $5–$10[5] |
| Bottles & closures | Wine/cider bottles (reusable) and corks/caps | $20–$40/dozen[5][6] |
| Funnel | For pouring honey/water into fermenter | $3–$8[7] |
| Yeast/nutrient starter kits | Wine/mead yeast, nutrients (like Fermaid-O or DAP) | $5–$15[4][1][7] |
Popular Starter Kits
Many homebrew stores and online retailers offer all-in-one kits that are ideal for beginners:
- Golden Hive Glass Mead Starter Kit (1 gallon): Includes glass fermenter, airlock, hydrometer, thermometer, siphon, cleaning/sanitizing supplies, yeast, and nutrients. Cost: $59–$70[4].
- Craft A Brew Mead Kit (1 gallon): Includes reusable equipment and step-by-step instructions—just add your own honey. Cost: $49.99[1].
- Austin Homebrew Mead Kit (with 6-gallon glass carboy): For larger batches and long-term fermenting. Cost: $159.99–$179.99[2].
- Complete DIY Kits (5-gallon, including all tools, but not honey): Typically $120–$200 for quality glass and stainless steel gear[5][2].
Noteworthy Upgrades & Add-ons
- Auto-siphon (Easier, cleaner racking): $12–$20[4]
- Conical fermenter (More pro experience/easier sediment removal): $60–$130[8]
- Temperature control/heat mat: $30–$100[3][9]
- Bottle capper or corker: $15–$40[5][6]
Additional Cost Considerations
- Honey: Not always included in kits—you’ll need 3–5lb (1.4–2.3kg) per gallon. Bulk/raw honey is typically $6–$15 per pound in the US (2025 prices).
- Bottles/closures: Some kits include them, others don’t. Reuse wine bottles to save money.
Total Cost to Start Mead Making (2025)
- 1-gallon beginner kit (ALL reusable gear, not honey): $49–$75[4][1][7]
- 5-gallon full setup (with glass carboy, not honey): $120–$200[2][5]
- Bulk honey for 5 gallons (~15lb): $90–$225 (varies by source, quality)
Pro Tip
While starter kits are very convenient for new meadmakers, as you gain experience, it’s common to upgrade equipment piecemeal—especially for better fermentation control and aging[10][9].
Many mead makers reuse equipment from beer or wine kits as well.
In summary: A solid, beginner-friendly mead setup in 2025 costs around $50–$75 for a 1-gallon kit (not including honey) and $120–$200 for a 5-gallon glass-based setup. Upgrading to advanced gear, like temperature-controlled fermenters or conicals, can raise costs but also improves results and ease of brewing[4][1][2][10][8][3][9].
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- https://craftabrew.com/pages/mead-making-kit
- https://austinhomebrew.com/collections/mead-equipment
- https://www.midwestsupplies.com/collections/mead-making-equipment
- https://goldenhivemead.com/products/glass-mead-making-starter-kit
- https://www.reddit.com/r/mead/comments/2z5u65/starter_setuplist_of_supplies/
- https://www.mannlakeltd.com/education-crafts-gifts/wine-mead-making-kit/
- https://jiggerndash.com/products/jigger-n-dash-mead-making-kit
- https://www.manmademead.com/brewing-equipment
- https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/best-return-on-investment-for-mead-making-equipment.726551/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/mead/comments/16jrk4r/good_starter_kit_for_first_time_making_mead/
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