Yogurt Makers

Yogurt. Whether it’s topped with granola, stirred into a dip, or cooked into your favourite curry, there’s so much you can do with this fermented milk product. For many, yogurt is just another product you grab at the grocery store. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. With a yogurt maker, you can whip up batches of this popular breakfast staple at home.

Why Should I Buy A Yogurt Maker?

If yogurt is a must-have on your weekly grocery list, then consider making it at home to save money, control its ingredients, and have your favourite styles at hand any time you want. A yogurt maker gives you the flexibility of making a range of yogurts you may be hard-pressed to find in a supermarket, including non-dairy and lactose-free variants. It also lets you manage the amount of sugar and additives you consume – something that’s not always easy with store-bought products. For any yogurt lover or health-conscious consumer, a yogurt maker is a great addition to the kitchen as specialty small appliance.

What Features Should I Look For in a Yogurt Maker?

Yogurt makers range from cost-effective manual models to higher-end automated machines. When shopping for the best yogurt maker for you, consider your budget and the following features.

Capacity

How much yogurt does your household consume in a week? That can determine the capacity you should look for in a yogurt maker. Generally, homemade yogurt will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks, but will taste best when eaten within a few days. A larger-capacity yogurt maker may make up to 2L at a time, while a smaller-capacity unit may make up to 1L.

Yogurt Styles

Whether you prefer Greek, French, Balkan, or non-dairy yogurt, it’s important to look at the types of yogurt a machine can make. Some yogurt makers are dedicated to a single type of yogurt, while others can whip up different varieties of this cultured milk product. Many yogurt machines can also make yogurt from non-dairy and lactose-free milks, which is ideal if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant.

Electric vs. Manual

Yogurt makers are available in electric and non-electric varieties. A non-electric yogurt machine may require you to heat up milk on the stove before incubating it in the machine. An electric yogurt maker, on the other hand, may be able to heat up, incubate, and cool down the yogurt all within the machine, simplifying preparation and cleanup. Some electric yogurt makers even have an integrated timer that automatically shuts off when the yogurt is done.

Automation

If you want yogurt-making to be as smooth as your favourite stirred concoction, then look for a yogurt machine with automated features. With a fully automated yogurt machine, the most you may have to do is pour in the milk, add active cultures, press a few buttons, and wait. The yogurt machine will take care of the rest. With automation often comes a higher price tag. So, if you want to save a few bucks and don’t mind getting hands-on with your yogurt, then consider a yogurt maker that may require a few extra steps like straining and cooling.

Included Pots

Some yogurt makers come with individual pots for incubation and storage, while others give you the flexibility of storing the yogurt in your own containers. With included pots, you can easily make individual portions of yogurt and move them from yogurt maker to fridge with less cleanup needed in between. You can also customize individual pots in a single batch – making yogurts in multiple flavours and milk combinations to cater to everyone in your household. If you’re considering a yogurt maker with included pots, look for one with glass jars and accompanying lids for safe preparation and easy storage.