What to look for when buying a yogurt maker

Purpose and operating principle of a yogurt maker

If you value your time, health and money, the yogurt maker will become an indispensable assistant in organizing proper nutrition for the whole family. Using the device, you can easily make yogurt and other fermented milk products, depending on the model, using only natural ingredients.

Lactobacilli and milk are the main components of any fermented milk product. Bacteria and starter cultures are sold in pharmacies or specialized online health food stores. We mixed the pre-processed milk with the starter, sent it to the yogurt maker - after the specified time we received a natural and fresh product. The whole trick to preparing homemade delicacies in a yogurt maker is to maintain the device at a certain temperature for a long time. Only in this way will the fermentation process of lactobacilli be preserved and the milk will turn into yogurt.

How much does a yogurt maker cost?

To understand how to choose the best yogurt maker, you need to familiarize yourself with the price range:

• The price of the device will depend on its parameters, functionality, kit, developer and fluctuates in a wide cost range, starting from 800 rubles. For a similar price it is possible to buy the “Great Rivers Chernichka-1” device from a local developer. The device is equipped with 1 cup and a timer, making it possible to prepare various fermented milk drinks, and is suitable for small families or 1 person.
• The user can also purchase a fully automatic yogurt maker for 8 servings with an integrated monitor, 2 cooking modes (yogurt and homemade cottage cheese), auto-shutdown from Tefal, a leader in the production of kitchen appliances, then its price will be at least 6,000 rubles.
• Such household appliances are suitable for large families where the user is a busy person and values ​​free time. Therefore, it is important for him to have a timer with automatic shutdown.
• In the middle cost range there are devices with mechanical and automatic control from various developers. The price segment of devices is quite large and varies between 1700-3000 rubles, which will make it possible for any buyer to buy devices for domestic use.

People often wonder how to choose the best yogurt maker. To find out how to purchase the highest quality product, you should read these recommendations.

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What can you cook with a yogurt maker?

When purchasing a device, pay attention to the model. Some devices are equipped with functions for preparing other fermented milk products:

• Ryazhenka, kefir. Change the proportions of the input components or replace the yogurt starter with bacteria for fermented baked milk or kefir. At the end you will receive the desired products.
• Sour cream. The device, equipped with a temperature regulator, allows you to prepare sour cream. As a starter, take a spoonful of regular sour cream or special bacteria. Set the temperature on the device lower than for making yogurt.
• Cottage cheese. A yogurt maker with an additional function will help you get natural homemade cottage cheese. Such devices are often equipped with one large capacity instead of several small ones.
• Dessert. In new generation devices, the program for preparing fermented milk products includes an additional item - desserts made from milk. The manufacturer has collected recipes for making homemade dairy desserts in a publication that comes with the yogurt maker.
• Ice cream. By purchasing an ice cream yogurt maker, you can make not only yogurt, but also a cold treat. Additional settings of the electrical appliance will help you create frozen yogurt, classic ice cream or sorbet.

With the help of yogurt makers, you can diversify your diet with various fermented milk products and desserts.

Which yogurt maker to choose for your home

When choosing a device, you should pay attention to its technical characteristics, cost and decide on personal preferences. This includes:

• Container for preparing the product. After all, several glasses (120-180 ml) are more convenient for preparation than one large container. It will not be possible to obtain yoghurts with a variety of flavors. And for storage the product will have to be poured somewhere. Typically, cups are made of plastic or glass.
• The choice of the shape of the device does not affect the operating principle of the yogurt maker, so you can choose it according to personal preference or suitable for the interior of the kitchen.
• The control can be with a mechanical or automatic timer or toggle switch. The fewer bells and whistles in the control of the device, the cheaper it is. When choosing a yogurt maker, they are guided by their preferences and funds.

The most budget option is not particularly difficult to operate; to do this, you need to insert the plug into the socket, and after the process is completed, pull it out.

The listed functions are minor; the main points are power and the required set of functions.

How does a yogurt maker work? The set of options must be selected in such a way that preparing the product is enjoyable and does not cause a lot of negativity. The following functions will be useful:

1. The display will help you select a cooking program and show the cooking time.
2. A sound signal will notify you of the end of the process.
3. Markers have special conveniences for families who have small children. This will protect you from eating expired yoghurts.

The device is chosen taking into account what the housewife wants to see in her yogurt maker.

Technical and operational characteristics

The device operates from the electrical network, maintaining an optimal constant temperature inside due to the heating element at the bottom. The case with a tightly closing transparent lid is made of heat-resistant material. The devices come in round or rectangular shapes with one large or several small portion cups. Some models are equipped with both containers. The jars where the yogurt is formed are made of glass or durable food-grade plastic.

The devices differ in:

• volume;
• number of cups;
• power;
• control (electronic or mechanical);
• equipped with additional functions, such as a timer, automatic shutdown, temperature controller, indicators and sound signals, cooking date marking.

Types of produced yogurt makers

The devices do not differ much from each other in their design. They are distinguished by the number of cans for fermented milk drink and their style, the presence or absence of a timer. The performance for most is 12 W. Among the models of household appliances for kitchens, yogurt makers are divided into certain types.

Classic

The yogurt maker in question is equipped with a heating element that heats up to 40 degrees and maintains these temperature indicators throughout the entire period of preparing fermented milk drinks. It is the basic principle that unites each model of this type, but they have differences:

• the presence of 1 bowl or several glasses (the quantity varies between 6-12 pieces);
• container shape, which can be round, square or rectangular;
• material of manufacture: containers are made of glass or heat-resistant food-grade plastic;
• presence or absence of a timer;
• auxiliary options.

Advantages:

• compact dimensions;
• low electrical energy consumption;
• the presence of various programs that vary depending on the specific device;
• easy and simple application;
• wide price range.

Flaws:

• narrow focus of the device compared to multifunctional devices.

Yogurt steamers

The variation of the device under consideration functions by heating a reservoir of liquid, which is the base of the assembly. Before preparing a fermented milk drink, water is poured into it, filling it to a certain mark. A container is installed, and glasses are placed on the bottom for preparing yogurt.

Advantages:

• a significant selection of various functions that make it possible, in addition to preparing yogurt and cottage cheese, to use the device for steaming other products;
• it is possible to cook in 1 cup and in separate glasses;
• low electrical energy consumption;
• easy to use;
• small size and weight of the device.

Flaws:

• it is necessary to control the presence of liquid in the container;
• over time, scale appears on the tank wall;
• there is steam.

Yogurt ice cream makers

New generation devices with automatic control provide an integrated freon-based tank cooling system, which will make it possible to prepare regular yogurt, as well as frozen drinks and ice cream.

Advantages:

• comfortable configuration of the device;
• combining the functionality of 2 devices;
• insignificant price compared to buying 2 vehicles.

Flaws:

• the presence of only 2 modes: yogurt and ice cream.

Types of yogurt makers

There is a wide range of yogurt makers on the market with different functions. You can choose a classic appliance, a model with a steamer or an ice cream maker.

Classic yogurt makers

Available in several variations of shapes and capacities. The model range includes yogurt makers with both one bowl and several jars. You can choose the material of the cups - glass, plastic. The principle of operation is quite simple - pour the necessary components into the bowl and plug it into the network. The device will maintain the required temperature for the required time, after which it must be turned off. Some brands are equipped with a timer to turn off. In the classic version, you can only ferment yogurt, fermented baked milk or kefir. The classic version of a yogurt maker will not cope with the preparation of a variety of dairy products such as cottage cheese or ice cream.

Yogurt steamers

The operation of the device is based on the effect of a steam bath. The yogurt maker has a separate reservoir where water is poured. It is installed under the cup container. The liquid heats up and turns into steam, which maintains the optimal temperature for preparing fermented milk products. In a yogurt steamer you can cook not only sour milk, but even meat, fish and vegetables. The model range includes steamers of different capacities, designed for one container or several jars. There are devices with additional timer programs and auto shutdown. Carefully monitor the amount of water in the tank, otherwise the device may fail. A significant drawback of an electrical appliance is the appearance of scale on parts.

Yogurt ice cream makers

They appeared on the market of household kitchen appliances not so long ago. They combine two completely different functions: heating and cooling. By purchasing such a yogurt maker, you will save on your family budget, since purchasing two separate devices will cost many times more. With the help of the machine, you can pamper your family not only with yoghurts, but also with high-quality homemade ice cream. The downside is that there are only two options - making yogurt or ice cream.

What can a yogurt maker do?

Yoghurts are the main task of the device. Then the variations begin; not every model can handle them.

Related article How to make yogurt (recipe 1)

Sour cream. Almost any yogurt maker can make it, the main thing is to use cream as the starting material and the necessary starter (you can add a spoonful of good sour cream). For sour cream, it is advisable to purchase a yogurt maker with temperature control - the fact is that this product is made at a lower temperature than needed for yogurt.

Cottage cheese. Not all yogurt makers can do this; a special function is needed, since curdling occurs differently from yogurt fermentation. Often yogurt makers that produce cottage cheese have a common tray for the resulting product, because it is not always convenient to make it in portioned cups. By the way, a large container will be convenient if you plan to use yogurt for sauces, and not just in portions.

Dessert. Dairy desserts also require a special program, which is now becoming more common. Yogurt makers that have this function usually come with books with recipes, based on which you can experiment and come up with something of your own.

Ice cream. It is produced by special yogurt ice cream makers. They make frozen yogurt, sorbet and regular ice cream. And of course, they also produce regular homemade yogurt.

What to consider when choosing a device

When choosing an electrical appliance, pay attention to all the specified characteristics and functions, take into account your personal preferences and the preferences of your household.

Device volume

On store shelves there are yogurt makers with different container sizes. This is one bowl of 1.2 liters or from 5 to 12 jars of 100, 150, 200 ml each. If your family consists of 4 or more people, choose a device with a large number of individual cups.

Material and power

All yogurt makers are made of heat-resistant material, which is almost identical for different models. But the material of the containers is glass or plastic. Plastic is easy to clean and does not break, but can melt when heated and release toxic substances. The glass can be heated as much as you like, and sterilized before use. A significant disadvantage of glass jars is their fragility. Take into account the pros and cons of each material and make a choice according to your preferences.

Power

The power of the device plays virtually no role in the cooking process. A yogurt maker of any power will provide the temperature of 40 ° C required for fermenting the ingredients. The market offers devices with power from 8 to 20 W. If you want to save on electricity consumption, you can safely take the lowest power one. This will not affect the final result.

Functionality

Based on functionality, devices for preparing fermented milk products are divided into mechanical and electronic.

In models with mechanical control, only the on/off button is located on the body. You turn the heating on and off yourself. More expensive devices are equipped with additional options:

• timer - it is used to set the cooking time;
• Temperature regulator.

Electronic devices are more expensive. However, the number of functions significantly exceeds the set of options of mechanical analogues. You can control the device using a touch or electronic display. Electronically controlled yogurt makers are equipped with:

• timer;
• thermostat;
• light and sound indicators;
• delayed start;
• auto shutdown;
• additional options for preparing a variety of dairy products.

Ease of management

Modern units are equipped with a large number of options. If the day is scheduled by the hour, the additional functions of the device will help you prepare fermented milk products with virtually no participation from you. Thus, the delayed start function will program the machine to turn on at the set time, and the automatic shutdown option will stop heating. This way, the yogurt will be ready at the appointed time. Models equipped with light indicators will help you understand how long it will take for ripening, and a sound signal will indicate the end of the process.

The functionality of the device directly corresponds to the price. The more programs, the more expensive the model. Think about why you are purchasing a yogurt maker. If you are a housewife and your goal is only yogurt, choose a machine without additional functions that increase the cost.

Shape and design

Characteristics such as shape and design do not affect the operation of the yogurt maker in any way. Choose a device that matches the interior of your kitchen, but don’t forget about the little things. Conveniences like a carrying handle, cord storage, or spare cans certainly don't hurt.

How to choose a yogurt maker

A device for making homemade yogurt is necessary for those who follow a diet and desirable for those who lead a healthy lifestyle.

What is a yogurt maker?

The yogurt maker makes a natural product that cannot be bought, because its shelf life is very limited, which is unprofitable for sale. You can also make kefir, cottage cheese and sour cream in a home yogurt maker.

This is possible by constantly maintaining a temperature of approximately 40 degrees to ferment milk with the addition of starter.

Essentially, a yogurt maker is just a thermally insulated container, inside of which there are several small cups with lids.

Therefore, there are not so many criteria for choosing this device: they all work from the electrical network, have a set of containers and maintain the same temperature. The main thing to evaluate is ease of use for a particular family and the required set of functions. The main differences between the devices lie in the specific manufacturer.

How the yogurt maker works

All yogurt makers can be divided into two large groups: working on the principle of a thermos or providing constant heating.

The first type of device heats the contents to 60 degrees, after which the temperature inside is maintained using a special housing design, reminiscent of a thermos.

The walls of the housing are characterized by a high degree of thermal insulation, unless the room temperature is very low.

Devices of the second type are more diverse; they heat up to 40 degrees and maintain the temperature using constant heating. The advantage of using such yogurt makers is that you can insert any containers into them, for example, baby food jars, but this cannot be done in a thermos. These yogurt makers are the most common and can be purchased at any hardware store.

Device power and timer

Yogurt makers from different manufacturers differ in the connected power; it ranges from 8-15W.

In fact, any of them will maintain the required temperature, but the electricity bill will differ by several rubles. The price of the device depends on the presence of a timer, which can be mechanical or electronic.

After a few years, the mechanical one begins to fib a little in time, but its cost is justified.

The automatic shutdown function means that by setting a certain amount of time, the yogurt maker will turn off itself when needed. This function is very convenient in order to obtain a product of exactly the consistency and taste that will appeal to all family members or a specific person. The indication at the end of cooking can also be different: a light or a bell.

Expert advice! Pay attention to the location of the cooking indicators on the top cover or front panel. Another important point is that some appliances are programmed for a specific cooking time - this can be very inconvenient if the product needs to be cooked longer.

Number of containers and material of manufacture

Some devices are equipped with one container - this is very inconvenient, because the product may spoil before it is used.

Another argument in favor of several containers is the possibility of preparing yogurt or cottage cheese with different fruit additives or amounts of starter.

In this case, the device can have from 5 to 8 jars, their number is selected individually depending on the needs and number of family members.

Jars can be made of plastic or glass - the second option is more preferable due to its hygiene and environmental friendliness. Of course, it is worth noting the fragility of glass jars, so you need to be as careful as possible with them. When purchasing, you need to find out whether there is a set of additional jars for a specific device, and whether it is possible to use baby food jars.

Tefal and Mulinex are recognized market leaders

Tefal yogurt makers are made of high-strength plastic that is pleasant to the touch; they consist of glass jars. As already noted, such containers are the most hygienic and durable; they can be boiled for disinfection purposes. Models from Tefal and Mulinex have a special container for storing the cord, which allows you to make the most of the space in the kitchen.

Expensive models of these brands have an LCD display and an electronic timer. Another useful feature is the ability to mechanically mark the date. By turning the lid, the numbers in the window will change. In this way, you can monitor the expiration date of the product or the number of times it has been prepared.

Expert advice! Decide whether you need additional functions of the device and whether you will use them, so as not to overpay for a state-of-the-art yogurt maker.

Dex and Ariete – price-quality ratio

For those who do not need additional functions and do not plan to spend extra money on a purchase, you need to pay attention to the Dex and Ariette brands. They are not intended for constant use, but are perfect for occasional cooking. The Orion yogurt maker has the right price-quality ratio and is the golden mean in this market segment.

Dex devices are distinguished by their affordable price, but the average quality of the body, which means they are relatively durable.

At the same time, the prepared yogurt will not differ in quality from the finished product of a well-known brand. The disadvantage is the lack of a timer and the ability to automatically turn off.

The plastic housing of Ariete and Orion yogurt makers is of good quality, strength and durability.

How to make the right choice?

So, all yogurt makers on the market are not very different from each other: it is always a transparent square or oval container containing small jars for preparing fermented milk products.

All of them are easy to disassemble and wash, and are easy to use.

The body of models from the companies Mulinex, Ariette, Tefal and Orion is made of high-quality plastic, which means the device will be more pleasant to the touch, more durable and wear-resistant.

Tefal is a recognized market leader; its kitchen appliances are ergonomic and functional. Mulinex and Ariette show the best price-quality ratio on the market. Orion is very similar to Moulinex, and Dex is the most budget option of all. In this case, yogurt prepared in any of these devices will not differ in any way.

Source: https://expertvpokupkah.ru/kak-vyibrat-yogurtnitsu/

Rating of the best yogurt makers

For comparison, consider several specific models from different manufacturers.

Moulinex YG 1001

A simple and compact device. On the plastic case there are power and timer buttons. There is an electronic display that counts down the cooking time. The set includes 7 glass containers of 140 g each. You can mark the date of manufacture on the lids of the cups. Additionally, there are auto-off and timer functions. After cooking, a beep sounds. Fully complies with the stated characteristics. Purchasing Moulinex YG 1001 will cost you approximately 3,500 rubles.

Philips HD 9141/00

The yogurt steamer is programmed for 6 modes: portioned yogurt, family portion, thick yogurt, cottage cheese, dairy dessert, steaming. On the plastic panel of the case there is an electronic dial and program control buttons. The set includes 6 glass cups of 150 ml each, a 2 liter bowl, 8 wells for boiling eggs, a filter for cottage cheese. The device is additionally equipped with a timer function, auto shut-off and a descaling indicator; the set includes a recipe book. By purchasing Philips HD 9141/00, you can prepare not only fermented milk products, but also meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables. The purchase will cost approximately 7,000 rubles.

Vitek VT-2602

Suitable for a large family, since the capacity of this unit is 12 cups of 165 ml for yogurt or 4 containers of 500 g for cottage cheese. The yogurt maker set includes only 6 small and 2 large containers. Equipped with a function for making yogurt and cottage cheese. The plastic case contains power and timer buttons, an electronic display, and an indicator light. There is an option for automatic shutdown and timer. The price of the Vitek VT-2602 yogurt maker is approximately 3,000 rubles.

REDMOND M5401

The electronically controlled device will prepare 1.5 liters of yogurt at a time. The set includes 8 glass jars of 180 ml each, which you can mark with the date of manufacture. The metal body of the yogurt maker is equipped with a display, indicator light, power and timer buttons. Additional functions - auto power off, sound notification, timer. The cost of REDMOND M5401 varies within 2600 rubles.

Tefal YG 260132

The plastic model is equipped with one large capacity of 1.75 liters. In the device you can cook according to two programs - “Yogurt”, “Kefir”. Additional functions of setting a timer and automatic shutdown will simplify the process. An electronic display and light indicator will help you monitor cooking. The price of Tefal YG 260132 in household appliances stores ranges from 3,000 rubles.

Options for choosing a yogurt maker

When the issue of purchasing a yogurt maker has been resolved, all that remains is to choose the device rationally. Experienced users who have thoroughly mastered the skill of preparing fermented milk drinks and have tried many recipes recommend taking certain parameters into account when purchasing.

Device volume

It is imperative to focus on the number of containers and volume. For families that consist of 3 or more members, it is optimal to purchase a device with a standard number of glasses of 6-8 pieces. in a volume of 150 ml. They are more comfortable to use and also easier to store inside the refrigerator.

But some users believe that it is more advisable to prepare fermented milk products in 1 container rather than bother with glasses. In such a situation, it is advisable to focus on devices with 1 bowl with a volume of 1 liter.

Material and power

The key factor in the choice will be the material of the container. It is optimal to choose glass; such dishes are completely safe for human well-being, but there are certain concerns regarding the harmlessness of plastic.

When the developer uses synthetic materials of low quality, then during the heating that occurs when preparing yogurt, the device releases harmful components. Therefore, you definitely need to choose a device that is equipped with glass jars. It is also optimal that they have markings.

Since the device is classified as a low-performance device, the electrical energy consumption is small, its operation does not greatly affect the utility bill. However, during the constant rise in energy prices, it is optimal to choose products with low electricity consumption.

Functional

Devices with the greatest functionality cost significantly more, therefore, before making a priority, you should find out how any system will be used.

For example, a user needs a device with a monitor. Thanks to it, the user is able to monitor the yogurt preparation period every minute, after which there will be a notification via a sound signal about the completion of the fermented milk drink preparation process. When finished, the device will turn off. However, an ordinary timer with automatic shutdown programming will do an excellent job for this purpose. Delayed start - the operation of the yogurt maker will be delayed up to 15 hours at the request of the consumer. In addition to automatic shutdown of the device, the products are also equipped with:

• regulation of temperature indicators;
• the option to create the effect of a steam bath (for this purpose, liquid is poured between the dishes and the drink);
• marking of glasses;
• delayed start.

In addition, you may find other additional functions:

• comfortable handle on the lid of the device;
• compartment for storing wires;
• lids of different colors on containers for all family members;
• additional equipment for the container;
• book of recipes.

Such options are by no means in all cases in demand by users when using the device. Therefore, you should consider whether these functions are required in a particular situation. Sometimes you should focus on a simpler assembly of kitchen appliances.

Shape and design

Regarding the shape of the device, this is a matter of style and will not affect the functioning of the device in any way. Therefore, the choice indicator will be the user’s preferences and tastes.

You should remember such details as a comfortable handle on the lid of the device, an auxiliary set of containers, and the presence of a special compartment for storing the electrical cord. Some people consider the multi-colored set of lids on the container to be a key parameter.

The best yogurt maker according to the Test Purchase program

Unfortunately, it was not possible to find an episode or story of the Test Purchase program about yogurt makers, but when buying a yogurt maker, pay attention first of all to:

• The material from which the jars are made. Experts recommend devices equipped with glass containers. They are safer than plastic, but a little more expensive.
• Presence of a timer and auto-shut-off function. Some models of yogurt makers are equipped with this option, which increases the cost of the product. Even if the heating stops, mowing will continue until you put the product in the refrigerator. Consider whether you need an extra feature.
• Function for preparing other dairy dishes. If you only want to make yogurt, you can buy an inexpensive model. The fermentation process will be no different from the similar preparation of yogurt in an expensive machine.

Rules of operation and care

The main rule for making yogurt is to use high-quality raw materials. For the starter, use one of the following ingredients:

• high-quality yogurt without flavorings or additives;

• starter in powder form;

• leftover yogurt from previous preparation.

Also, keep an eye on the freshness of the milk and its pasteurization; be sure to boil homemade milk.

The next step is to prepare the yogurt maker for use. Place it on a flat surface and make sure that it does not move to the side to avoid uneven heating. Be sure to sterilize the containers for fermentation, otherwise the fermentation process may not begin.

The last step is to set the heating and temperature. The optimal temperature is 40 °C. Set the fermentation time from 8 to 12 hours, depending on how thick the product you want to get. To simplify the process, use the additional functions of delayed start or auto shut-off.

Customer Reviews

In general, buyers on forums in online household appliance stores are satisfied with their purchase. Many consumers prefer simple models without unnecessary features, and expensive devices with many variations in the final product leave a negative impression. People complain mainly about the device spontaneously resetting installed programs.

When choosing a yogurt maker, pay attention to functionality, as well as the volume of the bowl and containers, and their material.
Be sure to study the model you like and read the reviews. A properly selected yogurt maker will provide delicious and healthy homemade yogurt for the whole family without any hassle. Did you like the article? Was she helpful?