Mead-Making Equipment and Supplies
Find the equipment you need to prepare, ferment, monitor, transfer and bottle homemade mead. This selection includes fermentation vessels, measuring instruments, airlocks, transfer equipment, glass bottles, corks and other useful supplies for each stage of production.
If you are still learning about this traditional drink, begin with our guide explaining what mead is and how it is made. Before choosing your equipment, you can also read Making Mead at Home: Essential Equipment and Materials.
Fermentation Vessels and Accessories
Fermentation should take place in a clean container with enough capacity for the must and sufficient headspace for fermentation activity. One available option is the 20-litre plastic bucket with a hermetic lid.
During fermentation, an airlock allows the gases produced to escape without leaving the container permanently open. See the cylindrical airlock with float and rubber gasket. Always confirm that the airlock is compatible with the lid or fermentation vessel you intend to use.
Instruments for Measuring and Monitoring the Must
Measuring specific gravity helps you monitor fermentation and compare readings taken at the beginning and end of the process. Available instruments include:
Before purchasing, check the scale, measuring range and product instructions to ensure that the instrument is suitable for your must and the measurements you need to take.
Transferring Mead and Separating Sediment
During maturation or before bottling, the mead may need to be transferred to another container without disturbing the sediment collected at the bottom. For this stage, you can use an anti-sediment transfer pump together with its rigid transfer pipe.
All equipment that comes into contact with the mead should be thoroughly cleaned and correctly prepared before use.
Bottles, Corks and Closing Equipment
When the mead is ready to be bottled, choose a bottle that is compatible with the drink, the required capacity and the closure system you intend to use.
Check the bottle opening, neck finish and compatibility between the bottle and its closure. If you plan to produce sparkling mead, use only bottles and closures designed to withstand the expected internal pressure.
Basic Mead-Making Equipment Checklist
- A fermentation vessel with suitable capacity
- A compatible airlock or fermentation valve
- A mellimustimeter or hydrometer
- A thermometer, if one is not included with the measuring instrument
- Transfer equipment for separating the mead from sediment
- Cleaning and sanitising materials
- Glass bottles
- Compatible corks, caps or other closures
- A corker or capper, when required
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is essential for making mead?
For a basic batch, you need a fermentation vessel, an airlock, an instrument for monitoring specific gravity, transfer equipment, and bottles with compatible closures. The exact equipment will depend on the volume produced and the method you use.
Should I choose a mellimustimeter or a hydrometer?
The correct choice depends on the measurements you want to take, the instrument’s scale and the characteristics of the must. Check the specifications of each product before deciding.
Which bottles are suitable for mead?
Your choice depends on the required capacity, presentation, closure type and whether the mead is still or sparkling. For sparkling mead, use only bottles specifically designed to withstand pressure.
Do the bottles include corks or caps?
This depends on the product. Check each bottle’s description to confirm whether the closure is included or must be purchased separately.
Prepare your mead-making setup: compare the available products, check that the components are compatible and choose capacities that match the volume you intend to produce.
