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Best Yogurt Maker Reviews for 2022 – The Only Guide You Will Need

When it comes to healthy snacking, yogurt has always been a champion’s choice. This creamy, delicious treat is packed with protein and is surprisingly low in fat; not to mention, that it contains a bunch of much-needed probiotics. So, you see, it’s a superfood for a reason.

However, store-bought yogurt can be quite pricey and sometimes not as nutritious as we think. Just take a look at all those hard-to-pronounce preservatives that hide inside your yogurt cup, and you’ll get our point.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should give up on your favorite, protein-rich snack, not with all these high-tech yogurt makers lying around. That’s why we’ve rounded up every piece of info you’ll need to up your yogurt-making game ASAP plus a detailed list of the best yogurt makers to choose from.

Top 5 Yogurt Makers for 2021 with Reviews

Now that you know what you need in a yogurt maker, you are more than ready to take on any challenge and pick one the best out of the bunch. However, a little help never hurt anyone. That’s why we’ve gathered around the top yogurt makers on the market today along with their best and could-be-better qualities. So, which one is going to be YOUR winner?


1. Electric Yogurt Maker by Yogourmet

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If you are looking for a yogurt maker with a simple design that can get the job done every time, then this one is an undeniable title-holder. Featuring a 2-quart container and a unique water-based feature to maintain a consistent temperature for hours at a time, this model is worth the time and splurge. But, let’s take a closer a look at the traits that make this yogurt maker so unique.

  • Extra Thermometer

Unlike most, this device comes with a dipping thermometer to check the yogurt's temperature. This way you can check it throughout the process so that it doesn't go bad due to high temps.

  • Easy to Clean

This maker has a removable inner container that also happens to be dishwasher-safe. So, you basically have to spend zero time to clean it after every use. It's as easy as that!

  • Large Container

This device comes with a 2-quart container that allows you to make large batches of yogurt at once. That said, it's great for large families, eager meal-preppers or yogurt enthusiasts.

  • Seal-Tight Lid

It's also equipped with a seal-tight lid that allows no heat to escape the chamber and no air inside of it. Either way, this high-quality trait helps you maintain a steady temp to achieve maximum results. This tight-fitting lid also allows you to move the container around once the yogurt is made.

  • Eligible for Glass Jars

Despite coming with its own container, this yogurt maker can also accommodate up to 6-7 heat-proof glass jars. You may want to keep that in mind if you're thinking of making flavored yogurt.

  • Easy to Store

Thanks to its compact design and light weight, this maker is very easy to store.

 

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  • No Timer

Unlike many high-tech models, this one doesn't come with a board timer or an automatic shut-off feature. So, you need to keep an eye out for the yogurt every once in a while. You don't want it to turn too tangy too fast, right?


2. Electronic Yogurt Maker with Automatic Cooling by Cuisinart

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If you are a fan of high-tech kitchen equipment and want to make delicious yogurt with just the push of a button, then this one will give you a run for its money. The best part? Despite its fancy operation mode that leaves little room for mistakes, this model is very easy to use. So, here is everything you should know about this yogurt maker, both good and bad.

  • Big Capacity

Given its 50-ounce fermentation chamber, this device can yield up to six 8-ounce servings of homemade yogurt in one go.

  • Built-In Cooling System

Unlike most on the market, this yogurt maker features an automatic cooling system that turns on on its own once the fermentation process is complete. That is super convenient, to say the least, as it requires no special attention even when you're supposed to pitch in.

  • Adjustable Timer

This device also comes with an adjustable timer that allows you to set a specific timeframe for the yogurt depending on the starters you use and the recipe you are going for.

  • Automated Switch-Off Feature

Once the preset time runs out, and the yogurt is ready, this maker turns off automatically and switches over to the cooling system.

  • Long-Lasting Design

Made of durable stainless steel, this maker is designed to last for years at a time. That is, of course, if you take good care of it.

  • Time Display

It's also equipped with a digital display that notifies you of the time left until the yogurt is ready to consume.

 

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  • Fixed Temperature

Despite its many high-tech feats, this model comes with a set temperature. That may cause a slight discomfort when following certain recipes.


3. “Set & Go” Electric Yogurt Maker by Epica

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If you are a sucker for affordable, easy-to-use kitchen appliances that can still deliver, then this yogurt maker is exactly what you’re looking for. Simplicity and convenience is the name of the game for this model, but don’t be fooled. It can still help you enjoy your favorite creamy treat in the healthiest way possible. So, let’s get acquainted with this maker’s best and not-so-good qualities.

  • Family-Friendly Capacity

This device may come in a compact, easy-to-store design but it can fit up to seven 6-ounce jars. That said, it can accommodate a large family's needs for the day in one go. If that's not convenient, then we don't know what is.

  • See-Through Lid

Besides the glass jars which allow you to see the milk turn into yogurt, this maker also has a clear lid which makes the inspection a lot easier.

  • Easy to Clean

It is equipped with dishwasher-safe glass jars, a trait which makes cleaning a breeze.

  • BPA-Free

According to the manufacturer's claims, this model is free of BPA which makes it a perfect fit for everyone and especially families with kids.

  • Straightforward Use

Equipped with an on/off switch, this device is easy to operate, especially for people who have no previous experience in yogurt making.

 

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  • Limited Control Over Time Settings

Unlike other, this model doesn't come with adjustable time settings which may be an issue for yogurt making pros who want something more from a maker. That's why this one is usually recommended for first-timers.


4. YMX650 Automatic Digital Yogurt Maker by Euro Cuisine

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If you are a health freak but don’t have the time to cook all too often, this yogurt maker is a dream come true. Equipped with a bunch of features that make the whole process as easy as 1-2-3, this model is ideal for those who love the creamy snack but would prefer a hands-free experience, no matter what. So, here’s the scoop on this high-tech yogurt maker.

  • Two-Compartment Design

This device features a unique two-compartment design which separates the jars from their lids in a single move. This innovative structure grants you easy access to the pots while keeping them as clean as possible.

  • Large Capacity

It comes with a spacious chamber which fits up to seven 6-ounce glass jars. If you have a large family that enjoys yogurt on a daily basis, then this option is a no-brainer.

  • LED Digital Timer

It also has a LED screen which doesn't just show you the remaining time but also allows you to make tweaks based on the recipe you follow.

  • BPA-Free

It contains no traces of BPA which is a harmful substance that is usually found in plastic products.

  • Automatic Shut-Off Feature

Keeping an eye on the timer can be annoying, especially if you are not the type of person who spends long hours in the kitchen. If that's the case, then the automatic shut-off feature in this maker is a game-changer. You'll never have to worry about the device still working even though the fermentation process is complete.

  • Sound Notification

Besides the auto shut-off trait, this device also comes with a sound notification system that lets you know when the yogurt is ready to consume.

 

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  • Uneven Heat Distribution

Even though the two-compartment design works in terms of cleanness but it prevents the heat from being distributed evenly.


5. GYM 1710 Yogurt Maker by Gourmia

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If you want to make large batches of yogurt at once but don’t want to spend a fortune on high-tech equipment, then this maker is all you need. Costing way less than the average maker and fitting up twelve glass jars, this model combines convenience and efficiency. But, before you go ahead and buy it, here’s everything you need to know.

  • Huge Capacity

This model is perhaps one of the largest yogurt makers out there as it's equipped to yield up to twelve jars of the tangy-flavored snack.

  • Affordable

Costing less than most makers out there, this model is perfect for those who are on a shoestring budget but still want to enjoy additive-free yogurt.

  • Certified by ETL

Short for Electrical Testing Laboratory, ETL is a third-party company that specializes in testing electrical products and their overall performance. Unlike many, this yogurt maker is approved by the said company for being a high-quality device, making you feel a tad safer every time you use it.

  • Easy to Use

This machine is ready to go with the push of a button. So, all you have to do is turn on the maker and let it do its thing. Making yogurt at home was never easier!

  • Cleaning Ease

Thanks to its compact size and lack of hard-to-reach corners, this device is very easy to clean. Also, the glass jars are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a piece of cake.

  • BPA-Free

Even though it's made of plastic, manufacturers guarantee that this product is free of BPA, a toxic chemical that is known for infiltrating into our food and afflicting our health.

 

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  • Requires Extra Care

Considering it's not made with super duper materials, this yogurt maker requires some extra attention to maintain its original state. So, make sure to take good care of it to make it last as long as possible.

  • No Temperature or Timing Settings

Since it has an on/off thing going on, this device doesn't allow you to customize any of the temperature or timing settings.

What Is A Yogurt Maker?

As the name suggests, a yogurt maker is an electric kitchen appliance that turns milk into yogurt. The temperature-steady and air-tight design of this device favors the milk’s live bacterial cultures by allowing them to grow and multiply. So, as the bacteria grow stronger, this nutritious beverage is fermented and converted into the creamy, tangy-flavored food we know.

How to Make Yogurt At Home

This step-by-step guide will help figure out how to use yogurt makers to the fullest and get the most out of every session.

  1. Choose the milk of your preference. From full-fat to skim to organic, choose any milk you like. Note, though, that milk varieties with high-fat content tend to produce yogurt with a thick consistency and mild taste.
  2. Heat the milk. Start by heating the milk in a pan. However, if you’ve bought a yogurt maker that can do this for you, go straight to step 5.
  3. Let the milk cool. Once the milk comes to a simmer, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool for some minutes.
  4. Pour the milk into the maker’s bowl or glass jars. When the milk reaches room temperature, transfer it into your yogurt maker’s jars or bowl.
  5. Stir in the “starters.” A starter is a substance that contains live bacterial cultures that will help convert the milk into yogurt. Some of the most common starters include store-bought yogurt or a special powder (starter powder) which you can find online.
  6. Set the time and start the yogurt maker. At this point, you put the bowl or jars into the maker’s chamber, close the lid and push the START button. If you own a high-tech maker, then you may also need to set the temperature and time according to the recipe’s instructions. This process may take up to 12 hours. That’s why most people choose to use overnight.
  7. Refrigerate the yogurt. Once the process is complete, remove the jars or bowl from the chamber and place them in the fridge. Add your favorite fruits or anything your heart desires or enjoy as is.

Why Use A Yogurt Maker?

Bragging about your impressive yogurt making skills isn’t the only reason to own a maker. This often underestimated device has a lot of tricks up its sleeve, all of which are there willing to make our lives easier, healthier and -of course- tastier. So, here are four compelling reasons to invest in a yogurt maker as soon as possible.

  • Free of Additives

It’s no secret that store-bought yogurt contains a variety of unnecessary preservatives or additives(1) which end up doing more harm than good in the long term. In fact, two of the most common add-ons, neosugar (as if regular sugar wasn’t bad enough!) and high fructose corn syrup, increase yogurt’s total calorie count, sneaking a bunch of them into your body. Not cool!

Luckily, you can switch to the homemade version for a healthier, additive-free take on your favorite creamy snack with as little as a countertop-friendly yogurt maker. This easy-to-use machine turns the milk of YOUR choice into thick, delicious, creamy goodness that is free of preservatives and other harmful additives.

  • Unique Flavors

Owning your own yogurt maker is also great because you get to experiment with various flavor combos, many of which you may have never tried before. From adding various fruits, veggies or juices to going Greek-style, there are a lot of ways in which you can get creative with this creamy treat.

  • Cost-Efficient

If you love yogurt as much as the next guy, then you are familiar with the sticker shock that comes every time you hit the dairy aisle. But, what if we told that you could enjoy this nutrient-dense snack without spending a small fortune on packaging and branding? Making yogurt at home costs next to nothing while giving you full control of what goes inside your food.

  • Fuss-Free

Contrary to popular belief, yogurt makers are very easy to use, and the whole process requires little to no skills. All you have to do is add the milk and “starters,” adjust the temperature and wait for the milk to turn into yogurt. No mess, no piles of dirty pans or dishes, no nothing. It’s as simple as that!

What to Check When Shopping For the Best Yogurt Maker

Getting a good deal on a product is more than just buying it at a low price. Other factors such as efficiency, a decent price-to-quality ratio, and extra features can also make a huge difference. So, to make sure you get a great deal on your brand new yogurt maker, there are the five things you need to check out from the get-go.

  • Capacity

Size is one of the first things you need to consider before buying a yogurt maker. Why? While some makers can hold up to 12 cups at a time, others are not that big and have space for 8 cups or fewer. To know which size fits your needs the most, consider not just how many people are in your household but also how often you plan to use the device. If the answer is “almost every day,” then you can’t go wrong with a big maker that can produce up to 2 quarts of yogurt in one batch.

  • Bowl VS Individual Jars

Once you nail down the size, it’s time to think about the type of the maker you should invest in. Why? Here’s the thing. Some makers are designed to fit multiple individual glass jars which are roughly as big as store-bought yogurt cups. That’s especially helpful if you have kids around the house and want to make different yogurt flavors at the same time.

However, not all yogurt makers are created the same. Others come with a single incubation bowl, a feature that doesn’t allow much experimentation. Instead, they are great for those of you who want to stick to natural yogurt and hate washing multiple containers every once in a while. So, consider your needs and take your pick.

  • Built-In Timer

Fermentation can be a tricky process. It takes a lot of time and depends on a variety of factors (temperature, exposure to air) which can make or break the deal. These said it’s quite common for various yogurt makers to have different time frames when it comes to fermenting the milk. That means that this process may take anywhere from 5 to 12 hours.

Since there’s not one fixed time to know when the yogurt is ready, you can buy a maker that comes with a built-in timer. This way you can set the incubation time of your preference and let the maker turn off on its own when the time runs out. Note that this is not a staple feature. So, ask yourself if you actually need it before going ahead with the purchase.

  • BPA-Free

Also known as Bisphenol A, BPA(2) is a toxic substance that belongs to a class of chemical byproducts. This element is found in plastic products worldwide, but despite its frequent use, it can be quite dangerous to the human body.

Experts claim that it can be responsible for several diseases when consumed in high quantities, some of which include endocrine disorders, infertility, and even cancer. Since yogurt makers are mostly made of plastic, make sure you buy one that is free of BPA. That’s especially important if you are going to use it to make yogurt for your kids.

  • See-Through Lid

Some makers come with a see-through lid. This feature allows you to take a look at the maker’s contents without opening the lid and lowering the chamber’s temperature or exposing the yogurt to air, both of which can ruin the food’s quality.

Note, though, that while convenient, this feature is not a must. It’s just a matter of personal preference. In the end, it’s up to you to decide if you want to invest in a maker that comes with such conformities.


Final Thoughts

The days of sugar-laden yogurt cups are long gone. You can now make your own, homemade version of the protein-rich treat with the push of a button. And no, we are not exaggerating. High-tech yogurt makers literally do all the work for you, from heating the milk and activating the starters to cooling it down and preparing it for storage. And what’s better than homemade yogurt? A homemade protein shake with it!

So, you see, this task is not as difficult as some people tend to describe it, and here are the best yogurt makers- that prove them wrong. So, which one is it going to be?

 

References:

  1. https://foodbabe.com/2014/12/01/yogurt/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25813067

 

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