The Best Yogurt Makers Prove Homemade Is Better Than Store-Bought

Once you begin to make your own yogurt, you’ll quickly learn that it’s cost-effective, cuts down on plastic consumption, and produces the same quality you’re used to from your favorite brands (or better). Plus, once you’ve made a batch or two, you’ll be ready to experiment with your own flavors and add-ins. Once you add a yogurt maker to your countertop, you’ll find that, like with homemade ice cream, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.

Material: Brushed Metal/Glass/Plastic | Auto Option: Yes | Size: 9.5 x 5.75 in. | Weight: 4 pounds | Different Flavors: 7 | Storage Containers: glass | Container Lids: plastic

Why we chose it: This compact, user-friendly yogurt maker turns out seven individual servings of fresh yogurt, all of which can be independently flavored. 

If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it type of yogurt maker, this is your best bet. Small enough to fit any countertop and easy to operate and clean, it’s the most user-friendly machine on our list. The automatic shut off feature is the highlight of this Euro Cuisine choice, ensuring that your yogurt won’t become too firm or sour for your liking. Though it’s not suited for those who prefer a large amount of yogurt, the individual glass jars allow for plenty of customization with add-ins like fruit, jam, or extracts. 

Material: Glass and BPA-free plastic | Auto Option: no | Size: 9.5 x 9.5 x 6 in. | Weight: 4 pounds | Different Flavors: 7 | Storage Containers: Seven 6-oz. Glass jars | Container Lids: Plastic

Why we chose it: Individual jars provide creamy, fresh yogurt from a budget-friendly, no-frills appliance. 

Fuss-free and affordable, using this yogurt maker is as easy as flipping a switch. With room for seven dishwasher-safe jars, you’ll have enough yogurt to last for a full week. Unlike Euro Cuisine’s automatic yogurt maker, this machine requires you to set your own timer and manually turn it off. However, this price point for an electric yogurt maker simply cannot be beat. Though it doesn’t have a digital display, there are markings on the side of the machine that will show you where your yogurt is in the fermentation process, which typically lasts between six and 10 hours.

Material: BPA free plastic | Auto Option: n/a | Size: 10 x 10 x 5.25 in. | Weight: 1.54 pounds | Different Flavors: no | Storage Containers: no | Container Lids: no

Why we chose it: This strainer transforms classic yogurt into thick Greek-style yogurt worthy of your favorite recipes. 

A bit of a misnomer, this is actually a strainer that serves to separate the liquid whey from homemade or store-bought yogurt, yielding the thickest Greek yogurt possible. Using it is quite simple—you place yogurt in the mesh strainer above the included bowl, then place it in the refrigerator for several hours to drain. The strainer can transform up to two quarts of yogurt at a time, and it only takes a few hours. However, the mesh is not dishwasher safe and testers say it can be fragile, so the strainer must be washed and stored with care.

Material: Stainless Steel | Auto Option: no | Size:  7.87 x 5.11 in Different Flavors: no | Storage Containers: Glass | Container Lids: Stainless Steel

Why we chose it: This old-school manual yogurt maker is fashioned out of stainless steel and teamed with a glass mason jar for those wanting to make creamy yogurt, labneh, sour cream, or cultured butter. 

This low-tech yogurt maker, which includes a stainless steel flask and one-quart glass jar, is used like a thermos. You make the yogurt by heating milk, mixing it with the starter, putting it in the glass jar, and transferring it to the flask, which is designed to retain the heat of the yogurt for about eight to 12 hours. Capable of making yogurt, labneh, sour cream, and cultured butter, the manual yogurt maker is praised for its versatile functionality and electricity-free design. However, it’s best paired with a commercial yogurt starter to yield the best results, and users mention occasional trouble with keeping the heat for the full amount of time. You may have to test the yogurt maker in different areas of your home or add warm water to the flask before using.

Material: Stainless steel | Auto Option: Digital timer | Size: 10 -12 servings | Item Dimensions: 13.38 x 12.2 x 12.48 in. | Weight: 11.8 pounds | Different Flavors: No | Storage Containers: No | Container Lids: No

Why we chose it: A multi-cooker that can serve a variety of purposes, this handy gadget is for tech-loving chefs who want to do it all. 

Made for many purposes (including yogurt making, pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, and more), the Instant Pot Duo is worth the higher price tag and counter space. Plus, it makes yogurt easy with its “yogurt” setting that’s pre-programmed to make perfect, creamy yogurt. The yogurt will be ready in about eight to 12 hours, although it may take trial and error to find your consistency of choice. One word of warning: some users find that their yogurt can take on the flavors of other dishes made in the pressure cooker, so the inner pot and sealing ring must be thoroughly cleaned before using it for yogurt.

Material: Silicone and Plastic | Auto Option: Yes | Item Dimensions: 11.5 x 10.5 x 9.25 in. | Weight: 2 pounds | Different Flavors: Yes | Storage Containers: No | Container Lids: No

Why we chose it: Suitable for any kitchen, this collapsible yogurt maker takes up limited counter and storage space. 

A one-touch machine with automatic shut-off produces smooth yogurt before handily collapsing down to a three-inch height for easy storage. Fashioned out of silicone and plastic, this lightweight model is a great option for anyone looking for a streamlined yogurt maker that doesn’t take up too much kitchen space. This Cuisipro model does not come with storage jars, but they can be purchased separately.

Yogurt makers were tested by professional pastry chefs and home bakers using Siggi’s brand whole milk yogurt as a starter. We researched models that ran the gamut from manual options to hands-off automatic machines. Based on reviews and input from high-end kitchenware retailers, we then tested a variety of options that were easy to use and accessible.

Size will be dependent upon your kitchen space and frequency of use. If you reach for it regularly, choose one that will easily find a landing place on a counter. Larger models, or those used less frequently, can be stored in a cabinet. If you prefer large quantities instead of individual portions, consider a larger capacity machine.

Consider the features included with an electric or non-electric machine before purchasing a yogurt maker. If you consume large amounts of yogurt but prefer customizing your own flavors, choose a maker with individual jars. Automation functions will allow you to “set it and forget it,” while others require you to manually set time, temperature, and power. 

Yogurt makers range in capacity from 16 ounces to 50 ounces, with 32-ounce models proving popular because they yield a sizable quantity without being too cumbersome.

Making yogurt is an interaction between a starter culture (a mixture of live, active bacteria) and milk. Milk is heated to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, then allowed to cool to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The milk is then combined with a yogurt starter, flavored if desired, and poured into either individual jars or a large container, which is placed inside the yogurt maker and programmed for the appropriate amount of time. When the yogurt has finished incubating in the machine, it is covered with a lid(s) and refrigerated.

Check with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Most models with glass jars require a thorough wipe down of the machine and a dishwasher clean-up of the jars; plastic lids are best hand-washed. Avoid acidic detergents which are corrosive to metal. If using an Instant Pot, it is very important to thoroughly wash the stainless steel inner pot or risk residual odors and tastes leaching into your yogurt.

Greek yogurt can be made with a regular yogurt maker, but the yogurt will need to be set and strained afterward for a minimum of 10 to 12 hours.

For a thick, spreadable yogurt akin to Greek or labneh, it is best to strain fully-set yogurt in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours or overnight. Yogurt can be strained on the counter in a kitchen with an ambient temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or below, but only for less than two hours. Simply spoon the yogurt into a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth (or a large coffee filter), allowing the whey to drip into a bowl. Set a timer to check on it; the longer the yogurt strains, the stiffer it will become. 

Homemade yogurt is worth the effort, and easier than you may think. By making it at home, you’re controlling the sweetness, thickness, and ingredients of your yogurt. Choose a yogurt maker that’s best suited to your needs and lifestyle, and be sure to read the manufacturer’s operating instructions before using it.