Alexandra Ramirez
1. Yonanas
Best Overall Yogurt Maker
5/5 Product Rating
This machine comes in black or red so you can choose which model best fits your kitchen décor. The unit is very easy to clean. All the removable pieces are dishwasher safe cutting you’re cleaning time and leaving you with minimal clean up. The Yonanas Elite yogurt maker operates quietly and is very durable. The machine features twice the power of competing models and includes a three year limited warranty. The unit is compact and only 9.5 inches by 6 inches and is 15 inches tall. Making it small enough to leave on your counter or easy to store. It only weighs 7 pounds.
– Sarah Lytle
2. Cuisinart
Best Overall Yogurt Maker – Runner Up
4.8/5 Product Rating
The Cuisinart CYM 100 Electronic Yogurt Maker has a large capacity for yogurt, and can produce up to 50 ounces at a time 1 ½ liters). That is the equivalent of six eight ounce servings made from one batch. If you are enjoying yogurt daily or like to entertain this machine will produce quality yogurt, in a timely manner. The Cuisinart electronic yogurt maker is constructed of stainless steel which makes the removable parts dishwasher safe. It is very easy to clean. The unit also features a powerful motor which will last for years if properly cared for. This model only weight six pounds and is compact only measuring 10 X 10 X 7 inches. It is small enough to leave on the counter or compact enough to store. The unit has a very attractive design that will look great in any kitchen.
The unit is very easy to operate and uses milk or soy milk to convert it into delicious tasting yogurt. You can make either plain or flavored yogurt that is much cheaper to make and healthier than store bought options. The timer can operate up to 24 hours, though the standard fermentation time is only eight hours. Once the yogurt has been properly fermented the system will automatically change to the cooling setting producing a set it and forget process for making delicious yogurt at home.
– Sarah Lytle
3. Euro
Best Budget Yogurt Maker
4.7/5 Product Rating
The unique design creates yogurt in seven different six ounce glass jars so it is ready to store as soon as the process is complete. It has a total capacity of 42 ounces of yogurt per batch. The advantage of this design is that you can customize each serving with different flavors rather than making a single flavor at a time. No more having to leave those out who don’t enjoy the same flavors as you, you can literally customize everyone’s yogurt at the same time from the comfort of your own home or kitchen.
The Euro Cuisine YM100 Automatic Yogurt Maker is easy to clean and all removable parts are dishwasher safe. The machine only weighs 5 pounds is compact at less than 10 inches in diameter and only 6 inches high. It also comes with a three year warranty.
– Sarah Lytle
Yogurt Maker Buying Guide
What is a Yogurt Maker?
Yogurt makers are excellent tools to have in the kitchen and can produce homemade snacks your family is sure to love. There are many considerations to make before choosing a yogurt maker which might include the following:
Who will be using the yogurt maker? Ease of use is an important consideration because often children like to get involved in the cooking process. The easier it is to make, the more they can help “push the buttons” to make a treat they will enjoy.
Frozen or non? Yogurt makers either make refrigerated or frozen yogurt, most do not make both. Refrigerated yogurt must go through a fermentation process which builds the probiotics and enhances the health benefits. Frozen treats are faster to make because you start with frozen ingredients. Machines that make both are more expensive than single operation units.
What kind of quantity do you need? If you will only make yogurt occasionally you may not need a top of the line motor that can handle weekly or daily use.
How many people will you serve? Because yogurt can take a long time to make you want to be sure you can make enough in one batch for everyone. Larger capacity requires a larger unit and a more powerful motor, but with an eight hour process, you don’t want to make several batches just to feed your family.
Features to Consider
Yogurt makers come with a range of features that may be important to your family’s needs. Establishing which qualities and features you want in your specific yogurt maker to have will help you choose the best yogurt unit for your family.
Capacity. Yogurt makers will make a maximum amount of yogurt. Because freshly made yogurt does not have preservatives it will not last as long in the fridge as store bought products. You want to make enough for everyone to enjoy but not too much that you end up with wasted food.
How Automated is the machine? All electric yogurt makers have a certain level of automation. Do you need to add things throughout the process or can you set it and come back when it’s done?
Self-cooling: A self-cooling feature will keep the yogurt cold when it is finished. Without a cooling mechanism you will need to be present when the yogurt is finished so it can be refrigerated immediately. A self-cooling feature doesn’t require any monitoring or setting as its done by its self.
Automatic Shutoff: The auto shut off function turns the machine off once the yogurt process if finished. This feature can avoid safety hazards when leaving the machine on unattended, and prevent the unit from overheating.
Dishwasher Safe and easy clean up: No one wants to spend a lot of time cleaning a machine after you are done using it. Removable parts that are dishwasher safe help speed up the cleaning process and ensures that all parts are disinfected after use. When using milk based products like yogurt, this is an important aspect to clean up. All electric machines come with motors that cannot be immersed in water. Generally, the housing is cleaned with a disinfectant wipe.
Multiple Flavors: Most yogurt makers only have the ability to produce on flavor at a time. If you have a picky family or want to serve different people with different flavor preferences, choose a yogurt maker that makes a batch in individual servings rather than a large container for a single flavor.
Conclusion
Yogurt can be a great addition to every family. It offers a healthy and delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. Yogurt can be made as a frozen or non frozen treat using fruits. Making yogurt at home allows you to control the ingredients and make memories with the people you love.
Resources
- http://www.kitchenchatters.com/buying-guide/yogurt-maker-buyers-guide
- http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20532821,00.html/more
