Yogurt: It’s a healthy way to add calcium and protein to your diet, a delicious breakfast food, and a quick snack or meal when you’re in a hurry. Many people prefer to make their own yogurt rather than rely on commercial yogurt brands, man of which contain sugars, preservatives, and other ingredients that you might choose to avoid.
We have evaluated dozens of yogurt makers to bring you the best to choose from. We looked at their cost, the different features that they have, and what customers have to say about them. If you are a smoothie fan, you might also want to take a look at The Best Smoothie Makers and Blenders.
Our top pick is the Yogourmet 104 Electric Yogurt Maker. It uses a water bath system to keep the temperature consistent. It also comes with a precise thermometer to take away much of the guesswork of making homemade yogurt. Whether you are a first-time yogurt maker or you have some experience, we think this appliance is a great choice.
[toc]
The 5 Top-Rated Yogurt Makers
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Yogourmet 104 Electric Yogurt Maker | 4.4 |
| Best Greek Yogurt Maker | Euro Cuisine GY50 Greek Yogurt Maker | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Yogurt Maker | KitchenWize Nut Milk & Greek Yogurt Maker | 4.4 |
| Best Digital Yogurt Maker | MVPower Automatic Digital Yogurt Machine | 4.2 |
| Best Multi-purpose Yogurt Maker | Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Yogurt Maker Overall: Yogourmet 104 Electric Yogurt Maker
Making the very top of our list is the Yogourmet 104 Electric Yogurt Maker. This is a plug-in-and-go appliance: Add your milk, let it heat up (there’s a precise thermometer included), add your starter, and let it work its magic. The Yogourmet yogurt maker takes 4.5 hours to make two quarts of yogurt.
The inner container has a sealing lid to keep your finished yogurt fresh in the refrigerator. That part is also dishwasher-safe for your ease and convenience. It comes with a thermometer and a comprehensive instruction guide. Good for novices and experienced yogurt makers alike, the Yogourmet will allow you to make fresh, healthy yogurt quickly and conveniently.
You can also use this appliance to make soft cheese; there is a special bag included for hanging it and information in the instructions.
Yogourmet 104 Electric Yogurt Maker Key Features:
- Makes 2 quarts of yogurt in 4.5 hours
- Includes thermometer
- Easy-seal inner container
- Inner container is dishwasher-safe
- Can be used to make cheese
- Includes bag for cheese-making
Best Greek Yogurt Maker: Euro Cuisine GY50 Greek Yogurt Maker
Greek yogurt is creamier and firmer than plain yogurt. If that is your favorite, you will want to check out the Euro Cuisine GY50 Greek Yogurt Maker, which made our top spot for Greek yogurt makers. You can place up to two quarts of homemade or store-bought yogurt in the top, put it in the fridge, then you’ll have Greek yogurt in just a few hours. You can also use it to make soft yogurt cheese.
This yogurt maker is BPA-free and easy to use. In addition to making Greek yogurt, you can use it to make tzatziki sauce, dips, spreads, or desserts. You will also end up with the whey in the bottom section, which you can use in bread, add to smoothies, or use in place of some of the water when cooking rice or pasta.
Euro Cuisine GY50 Greek Yogurt Maker Key Features:
- Makes up to 2 quarts of Greek yogurt
- Works in just a few hours
- BPA-free
- Separates the whey for other uses
- Comes with a recipe book
Best Budget Yogurt Maker: KitchenWize Nut Milk & Greek Yogurt Maker
The KitchenWize Nut Milk & Greek Yogurt Maker made our top spot for budget yogurt makers. This is an appliance that makes not only Greek yogurt but also nut milks, kombucha, ricotta cheese, and more. To make Greek yogurt, you can put up to one quart of plain yogurt (homemade or store bought) in the top and let it sit in your refrigerator overnight.
The filter is easy to clean: Simply empty and rinse with warm water. The receptacle is made of BPA-free plastic and the mesh is made of stainless steel for your safety. Note that it holds one quart of yogurt, and many instant pots and other yogurt makers make two quarts.
KitchenWize Nut Milk & Greek Yogurt Maker Key Features:
- Makes 1 quart of Greek yogurt overnight
- Also makes nut milks, soft cheeses, kombucha, and more
- Easy-clean filter
- Made of BPA-free plastic and stainless steel
- Fine mesh
Best Digital Yogurt Maker: MVPower Automatic Digital Yogurt Machine
The MVPower Automatic Digital Yogurt Machine made the top of our list of digital yogurt makers. Many people who make yogurt have the goal of including a lot of live active cultures. This yogurt machine has the capability of setting the power and the time with precise measurements to increase certain types of cultures. You can take up to 48 hours to finish making the yogurt to maximize the active lactobacillus cultures.
It comes with eight glass jars, which means you can make up to eight different flavors of yogurt at once. The uniform heating, low power, and constant temperatures allow for even fermentation and a better consistency. The digital display and voice prompts make it simple to get excellent yogurt every time.
MVPower Automatic Digital Yogurt Machine Key Features:
- Uniform heating, constant temperatures
- Low power; can take up to 48 hours to make yogurt
- Digital display
- Voice commands
- Includes 8 glass jars
Best Multipurpose Yogurt Maker: Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is our top pick for multipurpose appliances that also make yogurt. This one is a yogurt maker, pressure cooker, slow cooker, saute pot, rice cooker, steamer, and warmer. There is a separate button for yogurt, so you won’t need to guess at the amount of pressure or the temperature needed.
This is an instant pot with a smaller size; it holds three quarts, so it is perfect for small families. You can also choose from larger options if you have a bigger family or if you like to cook larger batches. The inner pot is dishwasher-safe for your convenience, and the stainless steel outer shell is fingerprint-resistant. It also comes with accessories including a soup spoon, a measuring cup, a serving spoon, and a steam rack. If you are looking for a yogurt maker that has a lot of other functions, this is our recommendation.
Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker Key Features:
- Functions as seven separate appliances
- Holds three quarts of food
- Dishwasher-safe interior
- Includes accessories
- Separate yogurt button
Who Should Buy a Yogurt Maker
If you enjoy yogurt or making your own food, then you might consider purchasing a yogurt maker. It is often less expensive to make yogurt than it is to purchase it from the store. Also, when you make homemade yogurt, you know exactly what is in it. You can choose to add sugar or not. You can use organic milk, and you will know that there are no preservatives. If you want fruit-flavored yogurt, you will know how fresh the fruit is and whether there is sugar or any other type of sweetener added. These are all reasons to purchase a yogurt maker.
Those who are looking for a multipurpose appliance that can handle a lot of different functions might consider looking for one that can handle yogurt-making. That’s a great way to take advantage of the versatility of these types of “instant pot” appliances.
For more health-related tips, you might want to check out How to Speed Up Digestion.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few things you will want to look for when deciding which type of yogurt maker to purchase. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Type of yogurt you want. If you want to turn plain yogurt (either homemade or store-bought) into Greek yogurt, you will need to get a Greek yogurt maker. On the other hand, if you want to turn milk into homemade yogurt, you will need to look for one that makes yogurt from scratch.
- Programmable or not. Do you want something that you can program? Or would you prefer a more low-tech option? There are both types of yogurt makers available; you just need to decide which you would rather have.
- Multipurpose or not. Whether you want a dedicated yogurt maker or an appliance that can do a lot of different things is a matter of personal preference.
- Size. Be sure to take into consideration the size of the yogurt maker. Most dedicated yogurt makers will make about two quarts of yogurt. Some will make one quart, and some will make more. Be sure that you purchase the size that makes sense for your needs.
- Extra accessories and options. There are a wide variety of accessories and options that you might be able to get with your yogurt maker. Examples include thermometers, serving spoons, jars, and so on. Look into what’s included with the ones you are considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a yogurt maker work?
A yogurt maker works by keeping milk and starter (a blend of “good” bacteria) at a constant temperature until it reaches the desired consistency. The specifics are different from appliance to appliance. Some use a water bath, while others use the direct heat of the appliance.
A Greek yogurt maker is a bit different: With most of these, you place already-made yogurt (that could be homemade or purchased at the grocery store) inside a special strainer, which separates the whey from the solids. It becomes thicker and creamier, which is what differentiates Greek yogurt from plain yogurt.
Is making yogurt cheaper than buying it?
Once you have your yogurt maker, yes, it is cheaper to make your own than it is to purchase it. That’s because the raw ingredients (milk and starter, which is usually just yogurt) are less expensive than buying a container or single-serving containers of yogurt. When you factor in the cost of the yogurt maker, it will take some time to break even, but eventually, you will and then you will begin to see money savings.
Can I use store-bought yogurt as a starter?
Yes, you can use several tablespoons of store-bought yogurt as a starter. You can also use homemade yogurt or yogurt starter powder.
How long does it take to make yogurt?
This depends on your yogurt maker. Some will do the job in as little as three hours, while others might take up to 48 hours. In general, most yogurt makers will be able to make a batch of yogurt overnight in eight or nine hours. You will need to read the instruction guide that comes with your yogurt maker to be sure you know how long it will take to turn milk into yogurt.
Other Yogurt Makers We Reviewed
In addition to the five listed above, we reviewed an additional 20 yogurt makers. These did not make our top 5 list, but they’re still the best of the rest and have some great features you should know about. The information you’ll need to compare them is included with each listing.
Greek Yogurt Makers
Save money by choosing these reusable nut milk bags to strain your plain yogurt and make deliciously creamy Greek yogurt. These come in three sizes to make varying amounts of yogurt.
Key Features:
- Three-pack of reusable strainer bags
- Made of nylon mesh
- Easy to clean with soap and warm water
Cost: $10
Dash Greek Yogurt Maker Machine
This is a lightweight machine that will turn milk into thick Greek yogurt overnight. The buckets and strainer basket are BPA-free, so you won’t need to worry about dangerous chemicals leaching into your food.
Key Features:
- Includes 2 BPA-free buckets
- Takes 8-12 hours
- Easy to set up
Cost: $33
Euro Cuisine YM360 Yogurt & Greek Yogurt Maker
Make up to two quarts of plain or Greek yogurt with this convenient yogurt maker. Includes a 2-qt glass jar to put your yogurt in, a thermometer, and a cotton bag to make plain yogurt into Greek yogurt.
Key Features:
- BPA free
- Use any kind of milk, including soy milk
- Timer on the side tells you when it will be done
Cost: $58
Hatrigo 1-Gallon Greek Yogurt Maker
Put homemade or store-bought plain yogurt into this strainer and you’ll end up with creamy Greek yogurt on top and whey on the bottom. It holds up to one gallon of yogurt.
Key Features:
- Long-lasting stainless steel mesh
- BPA free
- Holds up to one gallon of yogurt
Digital Yogurt Makers
The LED display and timer makes it simple to get the right consistency every time. This digital yogurt machine comes with eight glass jars so you can make different flavors at once.
Key Features:
- LED display and timer
- 8 jars with sealing lids
- Takes 8 to 48 hours
Cost: $30
This yogurt maker uses waterbath technology as well as customized temperature settings to ensure safety and plenty of live active cultures. This is a great product to consider if you’re looking for lots of probiotics.
Key Features:
- 24-hour digital timer
- Waterbath technology
- Holds over 2 quarts
Cost: $78
Proctor Silex 86300 Yogurt Maker Machine
Make your yogurt and then store it in the same BPA-free airtight container to keep it fresh and minimize cleanup time. The container is also dishwasher-safe for your convenience.
Key Features:
- Uses BPA-free plastic
- Easy to use and clean
- Digital timer lets you know how much time is left
Cost: $40
Suteck Automatic Digital Yogurt Maker
Uniform heating and separate glass jars give you the ultimate in versatility with this digital yogurt maker. Uses voice prompts and an easy-to-read LED display.
Key Features:
- Includes 8 jars
- Keeps temperature consistent
- Wide temperature range depending on the type of yogurt you want
Cost: $30
In addition to keeping your yogurt at a consistent temperature, this yogurt maker has an automatic shutoff as an additional safety feature. Made of food-grade stainless steel and includes eight glass jars.
Key Features:
- Uses food-grade stainless steel
- Automatic shutoff
- Includes 8 glass jars
Multipurpose Yogurt Makers
COSORI C3120-PC Pressure Cooker
This small and affordable pressure cooker holds up to two quarts of yogurt. It also functions as a slow cooker, a rice cooker, a steamer, a warmer, and so much more.
Key Features:
- 9 mechanisms for safety
- Make yogurt by pressing a button
- Made of stainless steel
Cost: $70
Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
If you have a big family, this pressure cooker/yogurt maker will be able to hold a large quantity of food with its 6-quart size. You can custom-program the appliance for the type of yogurt you like.
Key Features:
- Steam release
- Altitude adjustment
- 10 appliances in one
Cost: $110
Korkmaz Turbo Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
This is a professional-grade pressure cooker that is made of heavy-gauge steel and aluminum. It has excellent heat retention and will keep your yogurt at a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Key Features:
- Heavy lid that locks during cooking
- Holds 7 quarts of food
- Dishwasher safe
Cost: $90
This multipurpose appliance has 15 preset smart programs to make yogurt-making (and the preparation of other foods) a snap. It is fully sealed and has great heat distribution.
Key Features:
- Can make two dishes at the same time
- Includes ladle, measuring cup, and more
- Safety mechanisms help reduce common errors
Cost: $70
Ninja Foodi 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker
This pressure cooker has seven programs, including one for making yogurt. This one holds five quarts; there are other options for larger and smaller designs depending on your needs.
Key Features:
- 14 safety features
- Crisps as it cooks meats and vegetables
- Has a programmed yogurt function
Cost: $170
Potastic 6Qt 10-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker
Make yogurt with the touch of one button thanks to 16 cooking programs that come already set to go with this device. Includes a recipe book and cheat sheets for delicious recipes every time.
Key Features:
- Has 10 different functions
- Includes an extra silicone sealing ring
- Has a steamer basket
Other Yogurt Makers
Country Trading Co. Stainless Steel Yogurt Maker
If you prefer to have minimal appliances sitting out on your counter, this simple stainless steel and glass yogurt maker will allow you to make various types of yogurt overnight with no electricity and no fuss.
Key Features:
- Includes a 42-page yogurt-making book
- Glass jar for storing yogurt
- Make plain, coconut, almond, Greek, and more varieties
Cost: $40
Dash Bulk Yogurt Maker Machine
This is an easy-to-use one-touch yogurt making machine that weighs just one pound and is super simple to fit into any kitchen. Prep in 10 minutes and you’ll have yogurt in 8-12 hours.
Key Features:
- Small in size
- Makes one quart of yogurt
- One-touch machine
Cost: $30
Euro Cuisine YM100 Automatic Yogurt Maker
This yogurt machine has a timer that will shut down the appliance when it goes off. It comes with seven jars so you can make up to seven different flavors at once.
Key Features:
- Jars have BPA-free screw-on lids
- Timer goes up to 15 hours
- Temperature controlled
Cost: $30
Miracle Non-Electric Yogurt Maker
This is an appliance that lets you make yogurt without electricity. Simply fill the inside shell with milk and the outer shell with boiling water. Wait 10 hours and you’ll have delicious yogurt ready to enjoy.
Key Features:
- Does not require cooling
- No electricity needed
- Water bath technology
Cost: $30
Readygogo Yogurt Maker Machine
This machine provides an economical and simple way to make yogurt. Simply place milk and yogurt starter in the container, plug it in, and let it run for up to 10 hours. That’s it!
Key Features:
- Makes 500ml of yogurt
- Simply plug in and leave it overnight
- BPA-free plastic
Cost: $14
