Making your own yogurt at home is one of the best ways to ensure that you know exactly what is going into what you eat. You don’t have to worry about processed ingredients and other things that can potentially harm your health when you prepare everything yourself. Doing your research and buying a quality yogurt maker can help with this.
Product | Features | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Best Multi Serving | ||
Best Budget | ||
Best Non-Electric | ||
Runner up |
When people think of making their own food, yogurt is rarely the first thing that comes to mind because a large proportion of them believe that making yogurt is some complicated process. In reality, anyone can make their own yogurt, and it is even possible without a yogurt maker, though it becomes far simpler.
Of course, there are a few different types of yogurt that you can make, and they feature different recipes. For instance, regular yogurt and Greek yogurt are not prepared the same way, so there isn't a single method that you can use to make all types of yogurt, and there are a few techniques to master.
Don’t be too intimidated, however, as many of the best yogurt makers come with recipe books and guides on getting started with making yogurt. We would recommend taking a look at some instructional videos on YouTube as well. You should have an idea of what the yogurt-making process entails before buying a yogurt making machine.
So how exactly are we going to help you find the best rated yogurt maker? Simply put, we'll be going over five different models in our best yogurt maker reviews. Of these yogurt makers, three of them will be optimized for regular yogurt while the latter two will allow you to prepare Greek yogurt.
You may be wondering why it's so important to ensure that you get the best yogurt maker possible. There is a wide range of reasons to invest in quality kitchen appliances like a reliable yogurt maker; you'll save money on store-bought yogurt, a better, automatic machine will make the yogurt taste better and much more.
After our yogurt maker reviews, we’ll be giving you a list of features to look for in the ideal product for your needs. Of course, if you have already bought one of these products before, it is likely that you already know exactly what to look for in a yogurt maker, so that section is entirely optional.
Our Reviews of Yogurt Makers
Enough with the delays, however. Now that we have laid out the groundwork for our review guide let's get down to what you came here for.
Euro Cuisine YMX650 Yogurt Maker
When people ask what is the best yogurt maker overall, few products can hope to compete with this model from Euro Cuisine. This is a product that may not feature too many fancy bells and whistles, but instead, it is made out of high-quality components that are sure to last longer than the competition.
Specifications:
The first sign that this product is made with care is evident before you even take it out of the box as it comes included with a 3-year warranty. Most yogurt makers of inferior quality tend to break down far before that point, mainly when you use them relatively often. It's nice to see a product that lasts.
source: eurocuisine.net
While this product may not feature too many fancy extras, it comes equipped with some features that make it easier for you to make your yogurt. For example, there is a high-visibility timer display on the front of this yogurt maker that lets you know how many hours you have until your yogurt is ready.
In addition to the timer, the machine will beep when your yogurt is ready, making it much harder to forget it. I'm sure that many of us have made the mistake of leaving our yogurt in the maker too long, but that is a near-impossibility with this product. There are many other quality of life features as well.
This model comes included with seven glass jars, each of which comes with its own label. You won't have to keep track of your flavors by eye, which can admittedly get confusing when trying to distinguish between different types of berry flavors or sweetened and unsweetened yogurt.
As you can see, it is not just the reliability that makes this an excellent product, but it certainly seals in the YMX650’s reputation as the best electric yogurt maker on the market. On top of all of that, this model is available for a very reasonable price, offering some of the best value for money in the category. Check for the latest deal, and free shipping for Prime users on Amazon.
Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker
The Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker is an entry-level yogurt maker that works like a top-of-the-line product: Whether you’ve made yogurt at home yourself before or whether you’re a complete novice at the process, the Euro Cuisine Yogurt Maker belongs in your kitchen – and it’s one of the easiest ones out there to use.
The YM80 lets you throw in your ingredients, turn the machine on and wait. That’s all you have to do. Of course, apart from setting the timer. The inclusion of the jars means that you can make several different types of yogurt at once. It’s great if you love variety, or if you’re hosting a party for people with varying tastes.
Features
Benefits
The first and best benefit of the YM80 yogurt maker is the fact that it’s easy to use. There’s no need to fiddle with several different settings to get the machine started: Throw in your ingredients, set the time and you’re done. It’s user-friendly and basic enough to be the first yoghurt machine you ever buy, and the last you’ll ever need. The option of seven jars means that you don’t have to make a full batch every time you fire up the machine – just make as much as you would like.
It’s made from BPA-free materials, which is a huge benefit for people who consider themselves careful with their health anyway – and it guarantees a great, healthy yogurt batch every time (or even seven different smaller ones).
It also has a handy auto-off function which makes it one of the appliances in your kitchen that you don’t have to worry about or check the whole time.
source: eurocuisine.net
Pros
Cons
Country Trading Co. Stainless Steel Yogurt Maker
The Country Trading Co. yogurt maker is a non-electronic yogurt maker that’s extremely easy to use. This model is simple and compact, lauded for the absence of timers which increase the risk of overheating. Make yogurt the fuss-free way, in any flavor or texture that you want with quality stainless steel and glass components. Best of all, yogurt isn’t the only food you can make since this appliance is versatile.
Specifications
Features/Benefits
Country Trading Co.'s yogurt maker is a versatile appliance that’s easy to store, use, and clean. You can have peace of mind that you are making healthy and nutritious yogurt that is completely free of plastics. It can also be used for making soft cheese, labneh, sour cream, lactose-free yogurt, cultured butter, and fermented food: you have complete control over what you make with this yogurt maker, and you don’t have to worry about overheating.
source: countrytrading.co
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The Country Trading Co. Glass Jar Yogurt Maker has a cult following especially among yogurt enthusiasts who want a reliable, consistent way of making tasty yogurt their way. Whether it’s plant-based, lactose-free yogurt you’re after or cultured and fermented foods, this machine can do it all for you. It’s especially attractive for people who want to do away with electric-powered yogurt makers as these machines have a tendency to overheat. It’s highly recommended especially if you are one of the many people who have experienced frustrations trying electric yogurt makers in vain, only to end up disappointed.
Simply put, this non-electric yogurt maker from Country Trading Co. works extremely well – all while looking good in its elegant stainless steel and glass design. Customers appreciate how easy it is to work due to the absence of complicated mechanisms found in traditional electric makers. Form and function meet: thoughtful design lends to a pleasurable experience making yogurt with this unique appliance.
Proctor Silex Yogurt Maker
If you’re someone who really likes to ‘set and forget’ their meals, you’ll love the automatic functions of the Proctor Silex Yogurt Maker. You simply put the ingredients inside and then let it get to work, so there’s no transferring of anything to and from different pots and containers.
One cool thing about this yogurt maker is that when you’re done making the yogurt, the container is also safe for the fridge. The whole thing pulls out and you can put it straight in the fridge to chill, further saving any mess or complication.
source: eurocuisine.net
There are buttons on the front panel that let you control the settings, on/off, and a digital timer that counts down until your yogurt is ready. They’ve designed this so the whole thing can be done on your countertop while you’re busy getting on with life or cooking other things.
The only design issue with this yogurt maker is the container inside. Some have said it was too small, and others lamented the fact that there was no easy way to retrieve it from the machine when it’s done fermenting. You’ll have to get tricky and figure out a way to fish it out, but don’t let that put you off entirely.
This is an affordable and simple yogurt maker without any fancy features that might make others complicated. It’s made from quality stainless steel and durable plastic for the container, so although it might be affordable it’s definitely got the right materials to survive for many years to come.
What Features To Look Out For In A Yogurt Maker
Temperature Controls
Different types of yogurt will have varying temperatures that can be considered ideal for fermentation. You will find that the most advanced yogurt makers on the market will allow you to select that temperature while others will simply have a preset temperature that should work for most yogurt.
Adjustable temperature is still relatively uncommon in home yogurt makers. This feature is more common in commercial models because there are often professionals working with them who know the intricacies of minute temperature differences. Regardless, if you are serious about yogurt, adjustable temperature settings will help immensely.
How Much Yogurt Can It Make?
Another thing to account for before making your purchase is the amount of yogurt that your machine can make. This will depend on a range of aspects, but it is mostly related to the volume of your yogurt maker or the number of jars that you can fit inside of it.
Larger machines will be able to fit a more substantial number of jars, which not only increases the overall volume of yogurt that you can make, but you can also choose different flavors. Many yogurt makers will come included with a set of labels that you can use to keep track of your flavors.
How Easy Is It To Clean?
When you are done making your yogurt, there is one last thing that you will have to do, and that is cleaning your yogurt maker. Dealing with a yogurt maker that is hard to clean is one of the most frustrating experiences because yogurt tends to get everywhere.
If you are looking to make your life easier, you will want to invest in a yogurt maker that is either dishwasher safe or features components that are. Other than being dishwasher safe, some yogurt makers are designed to minimize the mess that you have to deal with after you are done.
Regular Yogurt Or Greek Yogurt?
When deciding on a yogurt maker, you will have to consider whether you want one that is capable of making Greek yogurt or regular yogurt. You will find that Greek yogurt tends to have a bit more of a sour taste to it than regular yogurt, and many studies laud it for being healthier.
In the end, your choice of yogurt is entirely up to personal preference. I would recommend trying out several brands of both yogurt types and then deciding which one you like more. If you are looking into buying a yogurt maker, however, it is likely that you already know what kind of yogurt you enjoy most. If you're specifically looking for a Greek Yogurt maker see our buying guide.
How Long It Takes
Most yogurt makers will be able to ferment your yogurt in about 8 to 12 hours, but certain types will need a bit longer to reach their full flavor potential. Most yogurt makers will come equipped with a timer that lets you keep track of how long your yogurt will be fermenting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a yogurt maker work?
A yogurt maker works by keeping the mixture of milk and yogurt starter heated at a constant temperature, which ferments into yogurt. The primary difference between yogurt makers is the configuration of the containers. Many yogurt makers usually include six to eight individual cups, which have the same size as store-bought yogurts; others have one large tub. More premium devices are equipped with features that will adjust the temperature depending upon the ideal fermentation and a timer that automatically stops the machine when it’s ready.
Should I buy a yogurt maker?
Many people suggest making homemade yogurt because it is cheaper than buying yogurt from the store. More importantly, while many store-bought yogurts are promoted as a health food, they contain artificial colors, flavors, and artificial sweeteners, as well as thickeners such as pectin. So the main benefit of buying a yogurt maker is knowing you’ve added only healthy ingredients.
How to use a yogurt maker?
First, you create your mix of milk and yogurt starter (the bacteria that ferments milk into yogurt). Make sure to preheat your yogurt maker before using it. Then, pour the milk into your yogurt maker, which will keep the mixture heated at a constant temperature and ferment into yogurt for eight to twelve hours. However, certain starter types will need a bit longer to reach their full flavor potential. Refrigerate before serving.
How hot do yogurt makers get?
Nowadays, most yogurt makers will allow you to select the temperature while others have an automatic preset temperature ideal for most yogurt starters. The ideal unit reaches a temperature between 110°F (43.3°C) and 115°F (46.1°C) and holds that temperature for around eight hours.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you find the best yogurt maker for your needs. There are so many more excellent products on the market, but we firmly believe that this a selection of the absolute best around. Feel free to leave a comment down below and let us know what you think.
Resources:
BioMedCentral
OxfordAcademic