10 Best Yogurt Makers of 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Maintaining a healthy diet while navigating a busy work schedule and financial constraints can be difficult. Incorporating yogurt into your daily meals, given that it’s a rich source of protein and calcium and highly beneficial for digestive health, can enhance your diet significantly.

The problem with store-bought yogurt is that it can be filled with sugar and other additives, not to mention expensive. Investing in a yogurt maker is a great way to get the health benefits of having yogurt as a regular part of your diet while avoiding the price markups and unnecessary additives in store-bought brands.

This guide will introduce you to 10 of the best yogurt makers.

The 10 Best Yogurt Makers of 2023 – Laurel & Wolf

In a hurry? Check  this quick buying decision list:

1. Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker
2. Mueller Yogurt Maker
3. Cuisinart CYM-100 Electronic Yogurt Maker
4. Bear Yogurt Maker
5. Stainless Steel Yogurt Maker
6. Euro Cuisine GY50 Greek Yogurt Maker
7. Proctor Silex Regular
8. Oster CKSTYM1001 Mykonos Greek Manual Yogurt Maker, 1-Quart
9. Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Yogurt Maker
10. Dash Greek Yogurt Maker Machine

1. Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker

Why make one big batch of yogurt when you can make multiple individual servings at once? This yogurt maker comes with seven 6oz glass containers with lids, allowing you to portion out the amount you make. Use only as many jars as you’d like, you don’t have to use all seven. Make only enough yogurt for the next couple of days, or multiple flavors and recipes all at once.

The jars are dishwasher safe and the lids are made from BPA-free plastic. The yogurt maker is 9.5 x 9.5 x 6 with an on/off switch, indicator light, and a timer on the side to indicate when your yogurt will be finished. Note that there is no automatic shut-off at the end of the cycle, the maker will stay on until you turn it off (the YM100 model comes with auto shut-off, but will cost you more).

Yogurt cooks at around 110° F, with no ability to control the temperature. Depending on the recipe, the entire process takes between 6 and 10 hours.

This easy-to-operate yogurt maker allows you to make smooth and thick yogurt from the comfort of your own home. Up to 42oz of yogurt can be made at once; a single glass bowl (not included) can be used in place of the seven individual containers if you want to make one big batch.

The maker is white in color, weighs 4lbs, and runs on 13w/120v.

2. Mueller Yogurt Maker

Are you looking for a yogurt maker that will allow you to make individual servings while still giving you the best functionality and features? This maker comes with 8 individual jars, as well as having auto shut-off and manually defined temperature settings.

The jars are 6oz each and come with BPA-free lids. Experiment with 8 different flavors at once, or only make a few servings; you don’t have to use every jar with each batch.

This stylish and ergonomic maker is 14.5 x 7.5 x 5.7 with intelligent microcomputer timing control between 0 and 48 hours, offering longer incubation time for different active cultures. The temperature can be set between 68° and 131°F, and control is easy with the clear LED display. Uniform and constant heat transmission ensure the proper activation of live cultures.

When the cycle has ended, the maker will automatically shut off and alert you that your yogurt is finished. A total of 48oz of yogurt can be made with each batch, and the cups with lids can be stored in the refrigerator, although the lids may not be entirely spill-proof. A glass bowl (not included) can be used in place of the individual jars if you want to make one large batch. The internal dimensions are 12 x 16.

It’s easy to clean and meets FDA standards for safety and sanitation. It weighs 5.86lbs, and the low power of 25w saves energy and cost.

3. Cuisinart CYM-100 Electronic Yogurt Maker

Do you want to set your yogurt maker and go with the confidence that you won’t have to keep checking in on it? This maker automatically shifts into cooling mode once the cooking cycle is complete and stays there until you turn it off.

The 50oz container makes more than six 8oz servings at once, and it starts and stops at the push of a button. It is made from stainless steel and BPA-free plastic and the dimensions are 9.76 x 7.08 x 9.88. It weighs in at 6lbs.

The digital LED time display allows for full-timer control and countdown display. There is no temperature control, yogurt is cooked at between 105°F and 110°F. At the end of the cycle, the maker automatically shifts into cooling mode and cools at between 43°F and 52°F. It shows on the digital display when cooling mode has been initiated and remains in cooling mode until you turn it off.

A recipe book is included, but a strainer for Greek yogurt is not. It runs on 120v and 60w power.

4. Bear Yogurt Maker

Rather than having a one-set cooking cycle that cannot be customized, this yogurt maker has four different cooking functions allowing you to make different styles of yogurt all in the same appliance. Make fresh yogurt, Greek yogurt, fermented wine, and soft cheese yogurts without having to use a different machine for each.

It is comprised of a stainless steel inner pot that creates constant and equal heat transmission around 104°, maintaining the activation of the yogurt, and a set of two 1qt Borosilicate glass jars with BPA-free vented lids. A strainer is also included for making Greek yogurt.

The yogurt maker is 7.6 x 7.6x 7.3 and features four cooking features for different kinds of yogurt. Each cooking feature has a set temperature, you cannot manually set the temp outside of those four choices. The LED clear-touch operation allows you to adjust the precise cooking time up to 48 hours using a microcomputer timer with an auto shut-off function.

The uniform bottom heating has 360° heat conduction and maintains a constant temperature. It runs on 20w/120v and weighs 5.24 lbs. Cleaning and storage are easy but note that you should never add water or other liquid/foods directly into the inner pot, although condensation when refrigerating is normal. Use a dry cloth to wipe it clean.

5. Stainless Steel Yogurt Maker

Do you want to be able to make homemade yogurt without another bulky appliance to find the room and an electrical outlet for? This yogurt maker is a simple glass jar in a stainless steel sleeve with no timers or elements to overheat.

The stainless steel maker is durable and double-walled with a screw-on top. The replaceable standard 1qt glass jar has a metal lid; both pieces are plastic-free. It is simple to use and compact to store at 4.92 x 4.92 x 8.07 and weighs only 2.42lbs.

It is 100% non-electric, no programming is required. Simply heat the milk to 194°F then cool to 113°F and add the starter. Put the jar of warm milk into the thermal steel container for 8 hours, then chill for 6 hours. It makes up to 32oz of fresh yogurt with each batch. The jar can double as storage and is dishwasher safe. A standard 1qt mason jar can be used for spare/replacement.

There is no thermometer, so make sure you use one to make sure you’re heating and cooling the milk to the appropriate temperatures. A 42-page recipe book for 12+ yogurts is included.

6. Euro Cuisine GY50 Greek Yogurt Maker

Do you already have a yogurt maker that you are satisfied with, but are in the market for an easy way to strain regular yogurt into Greek yogurt? This yogurt maker doesn’t cook fresh yogurt from scratch at all, it is simply used as a finishing tool for making Greek or cheese yogurt from either homemade or store-bought yogurt.

Transform up to 2qt plain yogurt into delicious spreads, dips, salad toppings, or sweet berry deserts all inside your refrigerator. It is made from BPA-free plastics and polypropylene with an ultra-fine strainer made from nylon fabric mesh. Strain for 3-12 hours, depending on the desired thickness.

It is compact and space-saving, flat-topped, and stackable. At 10 x 7.5 x 5.25, it is designed to fit perfectly in the refrigerator. It weighs a mere 1.54lbs. There is no electric power of any kind, it’s a strainer only. Note that this Greek yogurt maker is not dishwasher safe, rinse with hot water and air dry.

7. Proctor Silex Regular

This functional and stylish yogurt maker allows you to prepare and store your yogurt in one easy clean dishwasher safe container.

The stainless steel yogurt maker is 7.48 x 7.56 x 9.13 with a 32oz BPA-free plastic inner container of 5 x 6. It weighs in at 3.24lbs. Once your yogurt is done cooking, simply remove the plastic container and place it directly in the refrigerator. The lid with snap-down clips makes for easy and airtight storage and less cleanup.

The digital controls and LCD display allow you to set the timer to a maximum of 19 hours. The temperature is automatically set at 110°F, and it automatically shuts off and sounds an alarm at the end of a cycle. It runs on 110v.

There is no glass option, but a glass container can be used if you can find one that fits. Recipes are included, a strainer for Greek yogurt is not.

8. Oster CKSTYM1001 Mykonos Greek Manual Yogurt Maker, 1-Quart

Sometimes you want to make one large batch of yogurt. Other times, you may want to make individual servings of different flavors or recipes. This yogurt maker comes with one large 17oz plastic container with a lid as well as four 7oz glass jars with lids. Make as much yogurt as desired, there is no need to use all four individual jars at once.

The dimensions of the maker are 5.50 x 9.5 x 9.5, and it weighs only 2lbs. The large container is 7.5 x 4.5 x 3.25 and comes with a strainer for making Greek yogurt (the strainer is included with the large container only, no straining options for the glass jars are included).

The maker turns on with a switch, there are no timer or temperature settings and no automatic shut-off at the end of the cycle (there is another model with a digital timer and auto shut-off feature). It cooks at around 110-115°F and runs on 21.5w power.

The process is simple, just mix the milk and starter and pour it into the unit. Hit the switch and your yogurt will be done in 10-12 hours.

9. Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Yogurt Maker

Why go for an appliance that can only make yogurt when you can get a yogurt maker that combines 8 different kitchen appliances in one? This WiFi-connected smart pot can be used for the following kitchen tasks:

• Pressure cooker
• Slow cooker
• Rice cooker
• Yogurt maker
• Cake maker
• Saut© pan
• Steamer
• Warmer

It has a stainless steel inner pot made with a 3-ply bottom for durability and a large 6-qt capacity. The large display screen features 13 one-touch smart programs and is Wi-Fi controlled via the Instant Pot app or voice-controlled through Alexa. Cook on the go using 1000+ pre-programmed recipes, it even allows you to receive alerts via your mobile device.

This is a great option if you want a yogurt maker that comes with every extra feature imaginable. If you like to keep things simple, this one may be overkill.

• Stainless steel steam rack with handles
• Rice paddle
• Soup spoon
• Measuring cup
• Condensation collector

It runs on 120v 60Hz, and 1000w power. The Instant Pot app is free, no paid subscription is required, but you do have to sign up for an account. For Android 5.0 or iOS 9.0 and later. Requires a 2.4GHz frequency band to operate. The maker can also be operated manually, the app is not required.

10. Dash Greek Yogurt Maker Machine

If you like the texture and taste of Greek yogurt, this yogurt maker is easy to use and comes with a built-in strainer that you can just throw in the dishwasher when done.

It comes with the yogurt maker, 2 BPA-free buckets with lids, a strainer basket, and a recipe book. It is compact and lightweight at 7.1 x 7.1 x 9.5, making it a great option for an apartment or dorm. It weighs only 2lbs, and all accessories fit into the base for easy storage.

The BPA-free storage containers are made from FDA-approved food-grade polypropylene and come in two different sizes, one small 6.75 cups, and one large 7.5 cups. There are three color options to choose from, blue, pink, or white. It runs on 110-120v, 20w power.

There are no temperature settings, the yogurt is kept at around 110°F, and the LCD timer can be set for up to 24 hours. It can make 7 ½ cups of regular yogurt or 4 cups of Greek yogurt in 8-12 hours. There is no need to use cheesecloth or filters for Greek yogurt, this maker comes with a dishwasher-safe strainer built in. All non-electric parts can be easily wiped clean.

Buyers Guide on Yogurt Makers

As with any kitchen appliance, there are lots of different yogurt makers to choose from. You can find the most basic model with limited options, or fancier models with plenty of extra features. Consider the following when shopping around.

Style of Yogurt

Yogurt styles vary by thickness and texture. Greek and cheese-style yogurts are made by straining out the whey after the yogurt is cooked. Cheesecloth is traditionally used for the straining process, but many yogurt makers come with additional strainers for making Greek yogurt.
If classic yogurt is all you eat, you don’t need to worry about these extra features. But if you are looking to make Greek yogurt, be sure you get a maker that comes with a built-in strainer.

Yogurt Capacity

Ask yourself how much yogurt you want to make with each batch. Do you want to make one big batch that you can share with the family or eat over the course of the next couple of days? Then a standard yogurt maker with one large container should be all you need.
If you want to make smaller, individual servings with different recipes and flavors all in one batch you will want to look for a maker with multiple smaller glass jars or containers.
All options typically come with lids for easy storage in the refrigerator.

Temperature Options

Although temperature requirements can vary by recipe, most yogurt cooks at around 110°F. Given that this is fairly standard, a lot of yogurt makers don’t come with the option to set a specific temperature.
If you have a recipe that requires customized temperature settings, be sure to select a maker that allows you to set the temperature manually or at least one that has multiple different temperature functions.

Timer Options

The most basic yogurt makers come with a set that you turn on and let run with no input from you. If you have a recipe that requires a specific cooking time, be sure to get a maker that has customizable timer options.
As you move up the price scale, timer options tend to become more robust. You can find simple digital displays that allow you to set a run-time and sound an alarm when done, timers with automatic shut-off features at the end of a cycle, timers that automatically switch to an auto-cooling mode when done, or even timers that connect to your mobile device or Alexa via a Wi-Fi connection!

FAQs about Yogurt Makers

What is the difference between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt?

The difference between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt is that Greek yogurt is thicker because the whey has been strained out.

What is the difference between low-fat, non-fat, and fat-free?

Low-fat foods have 3 grams of fat or less per serving, while non-fat foods have 0 grams of fat. Fat-free foods have less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving.

What is the difference between artificial and natural flavors?

Artificial flavors are created in a lab, while natural flavors come from plant or animal sources. Artificial flavors are often used in processed foods, while natural flavors are more common in fresh foods.

What is the best way to make Greek yogurt?

The best way to make Greek yogurt is to start with a high-quality yogurt that has live and active cultures. You’ll also need a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Simply pour the yogurt into the cloth or strainer, tie it up, and suspend it over a bowl or pot. Let the yogurt drain for several hours, until it has thickened.

Conclusion

The right yogurt maker will allow you to make delicious homemade yogurt just the way you like it, with no extra sugar or additives. Get a maker with smaller individual servings to experiment with new recipes, flavors, and textures. Or, if you know what you like and want to stick with it, a maker with a larger single batch will do.
Nobody wants another kitchen appliance that ends up just sitting there unused. There are many different options to choose from when it comes to capacity, temperature control, and timer options. Take your time and select the yogurt maker that you will get the most benefit from.

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