If you're making the transition to healthier snacking for everyone in the family or perhaps you've taken the time to read the label of your favorite supermarket yogurt and began questioning the fat and sugar content, then it is time to introduce yogurt makers. This is the best way to ensure that your snack is truly healthy and filled with the right nutrients.
We have Euro Cuisine's Yogurt Maker here as an example. It's an automatic machine that gives you consistent batches of delicious yogurt in single-serve sizes. Do read on, because we've included 9 more great yogurt makers and a buying guide to help you differentiate between the different types of yogurt makers and pick out the best one for your needs!
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef that loves everything food-related and the tools both big and small to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-quast-59769011/
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Table of Contents
With a push of a button and some heating of milk, you too could indulge in a tasty snack while controlling the ingredients used. Below are some considerations to remember when selecting a yogurt maker, based on quantity, features, and functions.
An important thing to consider when choosing a yogurt maker would be its capacity, which is directly related to how much yogurt you consume or want to make. Yogurt makers yield varying amounts of yogurt per batch, from single-serve to up to two quarts.
One main difference between homemade yogurt and store-bought is their shelf life. The homemade one has a shorter one due to the lack of preservatives. With that in mind, it is important to consider the amount of yogurt you're making to avoid wasting any leftovers.
Most yogurt makers produce an average of one quart per batch. If you're a family that adores yogurt, then perhaps go for one with a bigger capacity such as two quarts because it takes time to prep the ingredients and ferment the milk into yogurt.
If you're in the mood for some flavor and variety or don't need your yogurt in two-quart batches, then look for a yogurt maker that can prepare smaller quantities such as in six- or seven-ounce single-serve jars. This is perfect for those who prefer more variety to this nutritious treat.
Yogurt makers are automatic or manual, wherein you will either “set it and forget it” or have to prep your milk, starter, and other ingredients before popping them into the machine.
“Set it and forget it” yogurt makers are a dream to use for those who love one-push appliances, although they come at a heftier price tag. It uses a standard heating temperature (around 185 degrees) so that your lactobacillus bacteria grow and multiply. The result? Consistently rich and tangy yogurt with every batch.
On the other hand, manual yogurt machines require you to do some work such as boiling the milk and letting it cool to about 100 degrees before stirring in your starter culture, then transferring the mixture to the machine.
The advantage of a manual yogurt machine is control. You have full leverage as to how tangy, creamy, thick, or smooth your yogurt would be.
Let’s talk features; because yogurt makers nowadays do so much more than heat up your milk and starter and begin the fermentation process.
One nifty feature that’s often included with higher-end yogurt machines is an automatic self-cooling system. This capability is especially crucial if you won’t always be available to check the device as it ferments or cooks.
When done, the machine will automatically cool the yogurt to the right temperature and thus avoid spoilage just in case you get preoccupied and couldn’t make it to transfer the contents to the fridge on time.
The latest yogurt maker models can also come with temperature or time controls. This way, you don’t need to manually check the temperature with a thermometer to ensure the right heat and don’t need to worry about possibly botching the batch.
Some models also have an automatic shutoff function or an adjustable timer, so it doesn’t keep running while you’re preoccupied or had to step out of the house for an errand. Furthermore, these functions let you easily stick to the required fermenting time based on the recipe.
With yogurt machines, there’s usually a compartment, jar, bin or container that’s removable. For easy cleanup and convenience, check to see if some parts are dishwasher safe, especially if you use the machine frequently. It would also be nice if the non-washable parts were easy to wipe and didn’t have hard to reach areas.
Also, for safety reasons, consider the materials being used. Look for BPA-free plastic or glass. Glass is safer than plastic plus helps prevent chemicals leaching into your yogurt. It's great at insulating cold or hot temperatures, too.
Meanwhile, plastic doesn’t overheat as easily as glass, which can get hot to the touch and go over the desired temperature when unattended in a yogurt maker without automatic power or timer functions.
Lastly, we have the option of going for a machine that could do more than yogurt. This is perfect for those who don’t like single-use kitchen appliances or don’t have much available countertop space. There are pressure cookers or food dehydrators that have multiple functions, including yogurt making.
You can also get a heavy-duty cold dessert machine such as an ice cream maker which can make sorbet, gelato, and more. Frozen yogurt is more often than not included in the list. Of course, this is if you’re craving the brain-freeze sweet form of yogurt.
This "set it and forget" yogurt maker gives you an effortless way to get multiple flavors in a batch. You get seven glass jars where you can mix your milk and other ingredients then store them in the fridge when done. The auto-shutoff and temperature control lets you make yogurt with minimal attention needed.
A few reviewers noted that the product works fine but could get hot enough to kill the needed culture, while some thought the six-ounce jars were too small. However, many were pleased to discover a machine that beats store-bought yogurt.
Those who were new to yogurt making weren't disappointed with how easy it was to operate the machine. Reviewers liked the built-in beeping, which would tell them the batch was done.
If you're not up for a new kitchen appliance that may or may not get used, then this non-electric yogurt maker would do the trick. It's easy to use, clean, and store; and it comes with a 42-page yogurt manual that teaches you everything you need to know to make all types of yogurt, including keto or plant-based vegan yogurt!
A few reviewers shared that it took a few tries to get the right result. Some had issues with the bottle not staying warm; thankfully, the customer service is very responsive and they got their issues addressed.
As for the taste and quality, reviewers noted the yogurt beats store-bought ones without a doubt. They love that it has no plastic parts or cords.
This machine is the luxury car of yogurt makers. It comes with a one-touch start button and an automatic cooling system. At the end of each fermentation process, you don't need to worry about a timely transfer to the fridge because it will store your yogurt at the right temperature! This maker can also produce a lot of yogurt per batch.
However, reliability was an issue, and the instruction booklet that came with the machine wasn't detailed enough to guide beginners, said a few reviewers. They advise reading up on the process to avoid failed batches of yogurt.
Reviewers weren't disappointed at the quality of the yogurt the machine produced: creamy, thick, and delicious. It truly is a "set it and forget it" device that does all the work for you, they added.
This Instant Pot is for those who prefer having a versatile kitchen appliance to get the best out of the product and save kitchen counter space in the process. Imagine a rice cooker, steamer, and slow cooker that can also make yogurt in large quantities!
A few reviewers mentioned the lid not sealing properly and needed extra weight balanced on top. For any issues, they recommend reaching out to their accommodating customer service.
Reviewers shared that they were able to make yogurt successfully with the push of one button. They loved that they could make so much more with the Instant Pot, too, making their purchase worthwhile.
Whether it's organic, sweetened, flavored, or plain yogurt, this compact yogurt maker can get the job done. What's more, is it's lightweight and doesn't take up much space. All the accessories fit under the base so that you won't have a cluttered-looking countertop. It has one-touch control which will give you perfect yogurt in under 12 hours.
According to a few reviewers, the temperature of the maker runs too hot. But other very satisfied customers noted the ease of use and the great texture of yogurt.
You only need a double boiler, milk, and starter, and you're good to go; the machine does the rest, said reviewers. You get perfect yogurt every time, they added.
This yogurt maker does it all with minimal effort. It has a digital timer and push-button controls which allow you to adjust fermentation time. When done, there's no need to transfer the yogurt to a different container because the inner bin can be placed straight into the fridge.
A few critical reviews mention temperatures being too high, the machine being yielding a small amount of yogurt or ruined results. Regardless of the complaint, the excellent customer service quickly addressed the issue with technical advice, a refund, or a replacement.
Many reviewers had no issues with the product, saying it wasn't cumbersome to use and didn't take up much space. It works as advertised, and they even liked that you don't get to control the temperature, meaning consistent yogurt-making with every batch.
This yogurt maker specializes in Greek yogurt. While it's not a "set it and forget it" type of maker, you do get the thick, tangy consistency of the famous delicacy. For those new to making Greek yogurt, the product comes with a comprehensive manual filled with recipes.
While a few reviewers mentioned a problem with overheating, many others had no problems with the device and noted it lasts a long time and is very dependable in making good-quality batches of yogurt.
Users liked that the yogurt maker was very easy to use and had clear instructions and lots of options. It also made each batch at a quick pace, yet still yielded creamy Greek yogurt and thick regular yogurt, they added.
You get twice the amount of protein with Greek yogurt, and this machine can make top-notch quality Greek yogurt in every batch. Customize your yogurt accordingly and in varying quantities, whether to be consumed per serving or in a large batch, thanks to the individual jars and large 17-ounce container included.
There are a few more steps to getting rich and thick Greek yogurt, said a few reviewers. They advise reading up on the process because the manual wasn't too clear for some. A few suggested keeping other jars as a backup because the plastic lids could break easily.
On a positive note, many reviewers noted this was a simple and tidy machine to incubate and strain your yogurt. While Greek yogurt is more difficult and tricky to make, this machine won't disappoint, they added.
This BPA-free yogurt maker will give you rich and tangy yogurt or thick and creamy Greek yogurt from any kind of milk, including soy milk. It also comes with a stainless steel thermometer for accurate fermentation and a cotton bag for cheese or to strain Greek yogurt.
A few users had issues removing the jar from the machine or commented on the unreliability; however, many had no problems with the yogurt maker. They liked the bigger batches it can make.
Reviewers mentioned that this yogurt maker was very easy to use and very consistent with the quality of yogurt it makes. It was also found it didn't take up too much kitchen counter space.
Whether it's plain store-bought or homemade yogurt, just pass it through this yogurt strainer, and you have yourself some thick and creamy Greek or cheese yogurt. No stress included because the process can be done inside a refrigerator.
A few reviewers were disappointed that the mesh strainer became detached and advised others to handle and wash it carefully. Many others noted the product was durable, and clean up was a breeze.
Many users commented that the product was just the right size to make smooth and thick Greek yogurt. The lid seals tightly, with no room for a spillage to occur, they added.
Here are a few more must-have kitchen gadgets because we're all about enjoying good eats at home!
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