Yogurt Maker - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
If you're concerned about the ingredients in your food, the ability to make delicious meals and snacks in the comfort of your own home is sure to appeal. A yogurt maker allows you to prepare delicious and healthy yogurt for yourself and your family with very little effort.
At Real Indian, we sifted through a variety of yogurt makers to round up our favorites. Below you will... find a list of things to consider when choosing a yogurt maker for your kitchen. We'll discuss tips and tricks for getting the most out of your yogurt maker, and highlight some very helpful information from our expert nutritionist, Dr. Sanjay Mishra.
When you're ready to shop for a yogurt maker, scroll to the top of this page to learn more about our five favorite yogurt makers. The product list summarizes the quick facts you need to know about each machine.
Is a Yogurt Maker Right for you?
You may be wondering if a yogurt maker is worth the investment. The answer to that question is up to the consumer.
A yogurt maker is a good option for people looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. If you've been thinking about making more food from scratch, a yogurt maker is a good place to start.
If you eat a lot of yogurt, a yogurt maker can help you save money on grocery bills and satisfy your cravings.
Gadget-loving cooks may appreciate having a yogurt maker in their arsenal of cookware.
Yogurt is a healthy snack and dessert option. It is also an important component in many great recipes and sauces. And for those who are environmentally conscious, it significantly reduces waste as plastic yogurt containers are not constantly bought and discarded.
What to Consider Before Buying a Yogurt Maker
Before deciding on a particular yogurt maker, think about the following to make sure you are choosing the machine that fits your needs.
- Size
Size matters, especially if you plan to feed more than yourself. Check how many servings a particular yogurt maker can provide. Many yogurt makers come with small jars to make portioning easier. The jars are great for packing in kids’ lunches or storing breakfast on the go.
- Electric or Non Eectric
Check if the yogurt maker you are considering requires a power source or not. Non-electric yogurt makers are less convenient than those that require power, since you have to find an alternative heat source to heat the milk.
- Screen and Additional Features
While some yogurt makers are no-frills machines, others have displays that let you know how much time is left in the yogurt-making process. Auto power off is also a convenient feature; You don't have to constantly check the time if your yogurt maker turns itself off. And some yogurt makers have a smart self-cooling function for when the yogurt-making process has come to an end. The yogurt maker switches to refrigeration to ensure your yogurt stays fresh.
Although not a feature of the machine itself, some yogurt makers come packaged with individual glass jars that allow the date the yogurt was made to be entered.
- Easy Cleaning
Is easy cleaning a priority for you? Some yogurt makers are dishwasher safe, or at least have parts that can go through the dishwasher. Whichever yogurt maker you choose, it should be easy to clean. You don't want to reuse a dirty yogurt maker, as it could lead to bacterial contamination and an unsafe food product.
- Durability
The durability of your yogurt maker depends on the materials from which it is made. Plastic machines degrade faster and can break over time. Stainless steel machines offer a harder construction and are highly resistant to wear.
A Note on Fermentation
A yogurt maker is not a kitchen appliance for an impatient cook. These machines work slowly to create your final product. Yogurt is essentially milk that has been fermented with good bacteria.
The fermentation process required to make yogurt takes many hours, but without a yogurt maker to help, it would take even longer. Most yogurt makers require a yogurt starter to be used. The starter introduces the good bacteria that start the fermentation process.
Although the strong smell of fermented foods may put some people off, they are nutritional powerhouses. The fermentation process is a convenient and natural way to preserve food. It also makes food easier to digest.
If you've ever seen an ad for yogurt, you know that healthy digestion is repeatedly mentioned as a benefit of eating yogurt. Fermented foods introduce good bacteria to your digestive system, which is great for overall gut health.
Yogurt Snack Ideas
There are many ways to enjoy yogurt; it doesn't have to be boring. Here are some ideas to put your yogurt maker to good use.
- Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
- Overnight oats made with yogurt
- Yogurt with Granola, Coconut, or a variety of other mix-ins
- Yogurt and Fruit parfait
- Yogurt Smoothies
- Yogurt as a Base for a healthy Salad Dressing
- Yogurt as a Base for a Spicy Marinade
FAQ
Que. How do I make Greek yogurt?
Ans. Making Greek yogurt requires an additional tool: a strainer. Some yogurt makers come with a strainer for making Greek yogurt. If yours doesn't have it, you can buy one separately and strain the yogurt yourself. Straining the yogurt helps to make it thicker.
Que. Can I use a yogurt maker for other purposes?
Ans. Yes. Some people use their machines to make cheese. Delicious! There are plenty of recipes online to help you get the most out of your new yogurt maker.
Que. Is fermentation safe?
Ans. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you are producing a safe fermented product. If your machine stops working or shuts down mid-cycle, don't eat the yogurt. Also, be sure to clean your appliance after each use. Bacteria can fester in the nooks and crannies and can contaminate your yogurt if you don't properly sanitize your unit. Otherwise, it is a very safe process that has been used throughout history to preserve food.
Fermented foods have risen in popularity once again due to their unique flavor profile and health benefits.
Que. I like variety. Can I make many different types of yogurt at once?
Ans. It depends on your yogurt maker. Some machines make the yogurt in small individual batches so you can customize each pot to your liking. Others produce large quantities and require you to settle for a single flavor choice.