The best food for healthy eaters is the one you prepare with your own hands. The yogurt maker is designed to produce tasty and healthy, and most importantly, natural fermented milk products at home. To buy a really good device, you need to know how different models differ from each other. How to choose a high-quality yogurt maker - advice and reviews from owners will help answer this question.

Regardless of the manufacturer, any yogurt maker is a container with thick walls, a transparent lid and a vessel for fermentation. Variations are possible in design, functionality, set of containers and other details. Some models allow you to prepare not only yogurt, but also other fermented milk products. To choose a good yogurt maker, you need to know the basic parameters of this kitchen appliance.

Principle of operation. According to this criterion, the following devices are distinguished:

• resembling a thermos;
• having a constant heating temperature.

In yogurt makers of the first type, the containers are heated for about half an hour, somewhere around 60˚C. Then the device turns off, but due to thermal insulation, heat remains inside it for a long time, which contributes to the preparation of the fermented milk product. You can prepare yogurt in this model 2 times faster than usual - in 4-5 hours. In addition, there is an obvious energy saving, because the device only works from the mains at the beginning of the process, and even then not for long. However, the price of convenience is quite high.

Yogurt makers that operate in constant temperature mode heat up to approximately 40-45˚C. This indicator does not decrease for about 8-12 hours, until the device is turned off. In such a situation, yogurt often becomes more fermented than necessary. One of the advantages is the ability to use baby food jars for fermenting fermented milk products, and not just those containers that come with the yogurt maker.

Advice. When buying a device that operates at a constant heating temperature, choose a model with an automatic timer that will stop the process of further ripening.

Form. Everything is simple here: a yogurt maker can be round, square or rectangular. This does not affect functionality in any way, so choose what you like and fits better into the kitchen design.

Power. The average for most yogurt makers is from 8 to 20 W. There are also more powerful specimens, but the main task of the device is to maintain a consistently warm temperature for a long time. Based on this, many experts advise not to focus on power as the main criterion for choosing a yogurt maker.

Jars: quantity, volume and quality of material. The device may include 1 large container designed to prepare 1-2 liters of yogurt, or from 2 to 15 individual cups with a volume of 100 to 200 ml each. Dishes for fermenting milk can be plastic or glass. In a family with children, the second option is preferable, because even food-grade plastic can release toxins when heated. Glass is a safe, but at the same time fragile material. Such containers can be sterilized with boiling water or steam. Plastic jars are also not without their advantages: they are easy to clean and last a long time.

Attention! Regardless of the material, volume and quantity, the cups are equipped with lids, thanks to which it is convenient to store the prepared product in the refrigerator.

Control method. Here are several options:

• mechanical - the timer can have only 2 positions (on-off), or it can have a scale that allows you to accurately set the cooking time of the product, from 4 to 10 hours;
• electronic - in this model you need to set a certain time on the display, after which the yogurt maker will turn off;
• without control - in this case, the device must be connected to the network, and when the yogurt is prepared, unplug it.

Advice. The longer the milk is fermented, the thicker the yogurt will be. At the same time, you cannot cook it longer than indicated in the instructions for the starters or recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment.

Additional functionality:

• labeling of jars - so as not to forget about the expiration date of yogurt;
• a sound signal that notifies that the ripening process is completed;
• light indicator - also helps to determine that the yogurt is ready;
• cord storage compartment;
• a set of spare jars;
• the ability to prepare ice cream, cottage cheese, sour cream, homemade cheese - as a rule, such devices are equipped with additional containers. There are models that can be used as double boilers at the same time.

Manufacturer:

1. Tefal is a brand that has proven itself well due to its high quality. True, the price for such yogurt makers is quite high.
2. Moulinex and Ariete offer decent options in which price and quality are correlated at a level acceptable to many buyers.
3. Orion is in many ways similar to Moulinex; this technique is also considered one of the most reliable.
4. Dex - makes it possible to choose a budget option that will last a long time.

Before you go to the store for a yogurt maker, take into account the reviews and recommendations of those who have already chosen the right model for themselves:

• In order not to overpay, before purchasing, think about which functions you cannot do without, and which ones are unnecessary for you.
• Labeling the glasses is necessary if the family does not drink yogurt in the first 2-3 days.
• Individual jars are preferable to one large container: it is convenient to store and hygienic to use.
• Almost all yogurt makers have one drawback: they overheat the product. You need to keep this in mind when using dry starters: at high temperatures, beneficial bacteria die.
• The timer and automatic shutdown are convenient features for those who do not rely on their memory or are too busy, so they may miss the time when they need to take out the yogurt. At the same time, such options make the equipment more expensive.

Some users are sure that a yogurt maker is an unnecessary item in the kitchen. You can prepare fermented milk products in a thermos, in a slow cooker, in an oven, even on a radiator, or the old fashioned way: by wrapping a pan of warm milk and starter in a blanket. Those who are satisfied with the purchase of a yogurt maker object: using a special unit, it is easier and simpler to ferment milk; the main thing is to choose a model that will satisfy the needs of your family.

Comparison of yogurt makers: video

Yogurt maker for home: photo

A yogurt maker makes preparing this miraculous drink as easy as possible. Ignoring the position of some doctors against acidic bacteria, we must admit: the device is useful. The difficulty is the need to firmly maintain the temperature. When the threshold of 45 degrees Celsius is exceeded, the bacteria in the yogurt making kit feel sick. Let's reduce the effectiveness of using such nutrition to zero. Let's see how to choose a yogurt maker.

Interesting! Most bifidobacteria and lactobacilli grow within a limited temperature range. Not without reason: they are called upon to populate the human intestine, where the constancy of the environment is maintained by homeostasis. The factor affects pathogenic flora. Salmonella thrives when encouraged by temperatures ranging from 4 to 45 degrees Celsius. Laboratory strains are grown at 37-38 degrees.

The work of a yogurt maker

A row of jars with prepared ingredients is lined up on a tray equipped with a heating element. Typical yogurt maker. The process is simple: you need to keep the product at a given temperature for several hours. The functions of the yogurt maker are limited to providing laboratory conditions. Inside there is a thermal relay that controls the operation of the heating element according to sensor readings. Where the temperature can be changed, the circuit changes the settings. As a result, the operating mode of the relay changes.

Temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius are harmful to bacteria. Avoid abusing user settings. The heating mode of multicookers is not suitable for the purpose of making yogurt - it is too hot. Not all devices work the same. According to the consultant of the “Everything Will Be Good” program, at least two functioning schemes have been developed:

1. In the first case, the yogurt maker heats the compartment evenly, achieving a temperature of 40 degrees, and maintains the mode for the required amount of time.
2. In the second case, the temperature reaches 60 degrees Celsius, then drops evenly. The process continues cyclically for the required time. Helps reduce the number of relay trips.

How to choose a yogurt maker. The advantage of the second solution: the ability to work in any conditions, ignoring the ambient temperature. The heating element is powerful, otherwise it would take a long time to heat up to a temperature of 60 degrees. The main sign of differentiation between the two families in the store. Let's remember: the power consumption of a multicooker in heating mode is 20 W. With a yogurt maker we have a much smaller volume. Choose below 15W. Surely the device works according to the first scheme and will not harm bacteria.

What properties does a yogurt maker have?

The device is represented by a heated tray. The surface is traditionally flat, sometimes molded. Which one to choose? In the first case, we can use our own container to infuse the starter. The purchased one is out of order, we take baby food from the store. We eat the contents and use the jar as a container for making yogurt.

As a result, you can flexibly vary tasks. Manufacturers use a cut bottom for two reasons:

• Force the consumer to buy containers if the old one fails.
• Ensure uniform heating using simple means.

Obviously, there is no need to indulge the first desire; the second group of yogurt makers can be distinguished by their relatively deep nests for jars. The principle is this: the air in the tray warms up, the heat spreads to the tray. The air acts as a heat accumulator, making cooking more efficient. Which option to choose, decide for yourself. Considering the plight of the country's inhabitants, you will probably like the flat bottom; we can put any utensils in the yogurt maker.

The container is glass, or you can throw it away after purchase and replace it with homemade one. According to the rules, plastic for food contains a special symbol: a glass plus a fork. None - Avoid trying to use yogurt cups. You can trust yogurt makers made in China. They stopped producing plastic, which causes severe allergic reactions. After standing for hours of cooking, the yogurt will become saturated with harmful substances.

Regarding steel, let us take into account: foreign brands do not compare well with ours (used by the USSR for the manufacture of dishes). Complements the question of choosing the body material. There is zero difference to the average person: the brand obviously diverges from the hygiene standards of the Union. Why did they remember the USSR? There were much fewer problems of this kind; there were plenty of canteens and other catering establishments. Consequently, we will accept the norms of a collapsed state as a standard. The West is overwhelmed by allergies; the USSR was rarely affected by atypical reactions of the immune system.

You can buy a cheap model - a source of low-quality plastic, throw away the container, and replace it with glass. The cans are open when preparing the drink. Sour milk will absorb a lot of harmful substances from the environment, emitted by the lid and tray, the effect is much lower than that described above. A characteristic feature of food products is to adsorb harmful substances (sugar gains odor).

Let's summarize:

Which manufacturer to choose. Visit Yandex Market. Apparently, yogurt makers can hardly be called top-end products at a first approximation. The cost is relatively low. Therefore, it is not difficult to pay an extra 500 rubles when buying a brand name. In conclusion, most yogurt makers have simple qualities. For example, some have a double lid, we put the caps of the cans there. We cannot answer the question regarding the existence of meaning; everyone is free to decide for themselves.

Quantitative characteristics of the yogurt maker

Yogurt makers of different sizes. The capacity of the cup is 200 ml, the volume is often measured by the number of cups. At first glance it’s unusual, but later you get used to it. Yogurt cannot be stored for a long time; the prepared supply is enough for a week. Choose your container accordingly. Be guided by the number of eaters, appetite, tastes. We avoid giving recommendations from doctors: Hiromi Shinya shares a negative opinion about the use of fermented milk products, including yoghurt, for medicinal purposes.

Please note: the power of the yogurt maker does not depend on the size. Processes proceed inertially. There is nowhere to rush; the heating rate does not play a leading role. Can be demonstrated with an example. Let's say there are 2 liters of yogurt inside at room temperature +22 degrees Celsius.

The specific heat of milk is 5% lower than water. We find the amount of energy spent on heating the volume to 40 degrees. 3.9 x 2 x 18 = 140 kJ. Using a power of 15 W, we continue heating for 2.5 hours. The existence of models equipped with high power consumption becomes clear. Let's speed up the cooking process. An initial temperature of 60 degrees will speed up heat transfer. The professional’s opinion was retold above.

The larger the volume, the longer the cooking process will take at the same power. It will take quite some time. Let us explain, the yogurt maker works for 6-8 hours to get the result. Decide for yourself whether one hour plays a role. We hope we explained to readers how to choose a yogurt maker.

Cooking process, drinking yogurt: harm and benefits

The author of the note reporting: pieces of yogurt fruit are sterilized by gamma radiation is unknown. More precisely, in addition to thermal effects (pasteurization), a number of methods for destroying microbes have been invented. Let's briefly touch on the technological process for yoghurts. I wonder if gamma radiation kills lactic acid bacteria. Like everything alive. Which yogurt maker is better to buy, filling the drink with the fruits of your own garden, stuffed with pesticides, insecticides, watered with acid rain, devoid of radiation.

Hiromi Shinya, a true American Japanese, is against dairy products, yogurt maker. The luminary of medicine says: the products are unnatural, deeply alien to the adult body, and cause intestinal disorders. Writes: the lion's share of yogurt bacteria is destroyed by the acid of the gastric juice; those that pass the barrier cause negative consequences. We take trivial diarrhea to relieve constipation with yogurt. Great!

We are inclined to think that in Japan what has been said is true. Residents of the Land of the Rising Sun are accustomed to eating mostly products of plant origin, caught from the ocean; yogurt makers rarely remember. Joe Weider, a considerable expert in nutrition, writes: science has found that people are more suited to foods grown in their native area. The Chinese love rice, the Belarusians love potatoes. Since the time of Columbus, the fruit has reached Russian soil.

Our grandmothers and grandfathers did not make yogurt; every family, except the poor, chewed cows. We are powerless to believe that strong peasant families who have not tried seafood were wrong. Therefore, Hiromi Shinya is right in particulars, and is probably close to the truth regarding yogurt. An additional blow will be food sterilization methods. Science produces yogurt as if it were planning to destroy the population. Some ways:

1. In pharmaceuticals and some other areas, treatment with ethylene oxide is popular. The gas destroys microbes. It must be said right away: the yogurt was processed after packaging, the container allows EO to pass through. The materials are produced in factories, the container is expensive. It is interesting that after exposure to the sterilizing factor, time must pass: the gas will disappear. Sometimes it takes weeks. Along the way, the laboratory monitors that microbes do not resume growth. Products sterilized by the EO method are equipped with a detector strip for the presence of pathogenic factors.
2. The second method uses exposure to gamma radiation. High frequencies that penetrate everywhere. Light, compared to gamma particles, occupies the bottom of the spectrum; WiFi 2.4 GHz from a height is simply not visible on the graph. Thanks to its pervasive properties, radiation is omnipresent, destroying the DNA chains of microbes, blocking reproduction, killing. Not every material can withstand radiation. Today there are a lot of patented brands.

Rumors have surfaced: yogurt pieces of fruit are being processed in a dangerous way. First, readers were asked whether gamma radiation kills lactic acid bacteria. Imagine, the milkmen closed up the yogurt with fruit in packs, they are powerless to process it - the benefits are lost. We believe that the process of preparing yogurt is complemented by sterilization and pasteurization of milk. The fruit is discarded, bacteria are added, sealed, placed in a warm place, and never touched again. To ensure that the fruit pulp is evenly distributed, mechanical manipulation is performed.

The detailed technology of yogurt production is kept silent by factories. It is the reader's responsibility to understand the following:

• Rospotrebnadzor is unable to control the quality of yogurt starter throughout Russia.
• The electron radiation method is relatively safe (they didn’t tell), it’s just being introduced, it’s expensive, and the container has not been invented.
• One can only guess where the fruits and berries come from. What did you do with the yogurt ingredients before packaging?

Readers will exclaim: it’s not better to buy a starter for a yogurt maker and make some goodies with your own hands. We are directly reviewing yogurt makers.

Choosing a yogurt maker

The first thing you should learn is that a rare yogurt maker can turn itself off. We missed the moment, the drink will thicken for a while, then who knows what will happen. Is it possible to drink? Yes. but we cannot recommend it to readers. Please note that you can make yogurt thicker by choosing full-fat milk or by increasing the exposure time. By lengthening the cooking cycle.

Conventionally, we will divide the yogurt makers as follows, guided by the type of control of the cooking progress:

1. Automatic yogurt makers turn off automatically when the work cycle is completed. Convenient, expensive (heart, pocket) option.
2. Yogurt makers equipped with a built-in alarm clock will announce the appointed hour: it’s time to take out the cups and fill the refrigerator.
3. Simple yogurt makers are fun at the same time. They work all the way, some are equipped with a mechanical marker. Scale 1 - 12 on the front panel of the yogurt maker: a person sets the start time or end time of the cycle. Then we run around the kitchen, checking the clock on the yogurt maker. The first person to notice the end of the cycle receives a delicious glass. Others will first remove the thicker drink, then who knows what from the yogurt maker (good bacteria die, harmful bacteria that get into the milk from the air or dirty dishes multiply).

It’s difficult to do without mechanical fun markers; they don’t require electrical power. It becomes possible to indicate the day and hour on each glass; it helps to properly store fresh sourdough and yogurt. We said earlier: an expired product acquires the wrong taste, we avoid going into more detail.

Yogurt is stored in the refrigerator, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli have eaten almost all the nutrients, and are powerless to reproduce further (let’s fix the result with low temperature). At normal temperatures, the drink will be attacked by harmful strains and will find something to profit from.

Plastic cups in yogurt makers are going out of fashion today. Glass yogurt jars are easier to boil, sterilize (without using gamma radiation), preferable. Advanced manufacturers make a working compartment; a third-party, standard glass container fits under the lid.

Let's check whether you can buy jars for a yogurt maker in a food supermarket and, freeing them from excess mayonnaise, use them for their intended purpose. It is recommended to carry out small measuring operations. Concerns third-party glass containers of the food retailer, the working compartment of the selected device. As a result of simple mathematical operations and elementary imagination, everyone will be able to tell which yogurt maker to buy from those standing on the counter.

The house is full of Soviet jars - it’s logical to try on old ones. Please note: if the temperature in the yogurt maker is low, the plastic lids do not suffer; we will come up with something else to sterilize the lids. Clearly, gamma radiation is useless. There are rumors: you can boil the lid for 5 - 10 minutes, try the advice first. Rather, we are talking about the old Soviet ones; the yogurt makers sold to cover the containers are different.

The factory packaging supplied with the product is square. Logical. Round jars are made based on considerations of saving material and increasing strength. Square containers rationally fill the volume. Remember when you start choosing cups for the Tefal yogurt maker. The named brand is considered a leader, along with Ariete. Women believe that yogurt makers from these companies are of good quality at affordable prices.

The story is incomplete if the authors do not mention the controls: it can be mechanical, electronic. The first is much more accurate; it cannot be said that yogurt makers cost much more. The electronics turn off automatically. Knowing the intricacies, manufacturers do not try to produce a mechanical yogurt maker equipped with a timer. They work until the chef whistles!

Next time we promise to discuss how to buy a yogurt-ice cream maker. There are a lot of household appliances, it’s dizzying. The opportunities are duplicated, the real question is where to invest the money. Multicookers are often equipped with a function for making yogurt. It makes no sense for device owners to pay more. The yogurt maker costs money. Not much, around a thousand. What do we get by purchasing a separate device?

Firstly, the yogurt maker, with few exceptions, will fit more jars. Secondly, there is no need to occupy the main device - the multicooker - with additional needs. Thirdly, the multicooker works according to the program; the yogurt maker, as discussed above, in the worst case, may forget to call the owner.

Updated: 02/10/2018 13:18:01

When choosing a yogurt maker, it is worth considering several parameters that will determine its performance.

How to choose a yogurt maker: parameters to consider

When choosing a yogurt maker, you should first pay attention to the following parameters:

Bowl volume (for yogurt makers without cups);

Number of containers inside the yogurt maker;

Type of cups for making yogurt;

Possibility to mark the date of preparation of yogurt on the lid of the cup;

The manufacturer of the device is also important.

Types of yogurt makers

Yogurt makers are divided into two types - with a common container for preparing fermented milk products and with separate cups in which the starter is produced.

Large Capacity Yogurt Makers

Yogurt makers, which have one common bowl for preparing fermented milk products, are quite rare. However, they are very practical if you plan to also ferment cottage cheese or fermented baked milk.

When choosing such a yogurt maker, it is worth considering the material of the bowl, since it greatly affects the taste of some products (for example, fermented baked milk in ceramic containers turns out to be especially tender).

Advantages

They can prepare not only yogurt, but also cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, kefir and other fermented milk products;

They have a fairly low price (compared to models that use separate complete cups);

Easy to clean and maintain;

Flaws

Products prepared in them are not intended for long-term storage;

The inability to use a yogurt maker to prepare several types of products at the same time;

During the preparation of food, human intervention may be required (for example, for stirring);

Yogurt makers, which are complemented by individual portion cups, are distinguished by their narrow specialization. But with them you can prepare delicious fermented milk products, taking into account the desires of each family member.

When choosing a device of this type, it is worth considering that it can only cook yogurt. Therefore, this technique is suitable exclusively for lovers of such products.

Advantages

Excellent taste of the finished yogurt;

Covered cooking containers can be stored for a relatively long time (1-2 days or more depending on refrigerator temperature);

The ability to prepare several types of fermented milk products at the request of each family member;

Flaws

Suitable for preparing only certain types of fermented milk products (yogurt and the like);

The taste of the finished product largely depends on the material of the cup;

A little more difficult to maintain (you will need to wash more dishes);

Which yogurt maker to choose

When choosing a yogurt maker, you should take into account its planned use. So, if you want to prepare various fermented milk products like cottage cheese and kefir, you should take a model with a single bowl. But exclusively for yogurt, if its taste is very important, a model equipped with separate cups for each serving of the dish is suitable.

In both cases, it is necessary to take into account the material from which the bowl or cups are made.

Main selection criteria

The functional and operational characteristics of the yogurt maker are influenced by the following parameters:

Bowl material and capacity;

Material and number of cups;

Features of the cups;

Additional functionality.

Important additional functions include parameters that determine the practicality and ease of use of the device.

Bowl material and capacity

Yogurt makers with a single (common) bowl are a good solution for preparing large quantities of fermented milk products. True, these dishes must be consumed immediately after fermentation is complete.

The capacity of the bowl determines the number of products that can be prepared during one cycle of using the yogurt maker, and the speed of their processing. Devices equipped with a 1 liter tank are the most practical. They can cook exactly the amount of food that can be consumed in one sitting by a family of 1-2 people. In addition, the fermentation speed in such yogurt makers is most optimal.

If there are more than 2 people in the family, it is worth purchasing a 2-liter yogurt maker. But it is worth considering that in such devices some fermented milk products may not turn out as tasty as we would like.

The material of the bowl determines the taste of fermented milk products and the cost of the yogurt maker. The container can be made of plastic, ceramic or glass.

Plastic bowls

Advantages

Low price;

Resistance to the abrasive action of detergents;

High mechanical and thermal strength;

Flaws

The taste of products prepared in such bowls is inferior to those prepared in ceramic or glass containers;

The shelf life of products from such bowls is very short.

Glass bowls

Advantages

Warm up well;

Easy to clean;

Flaws

High price;

Glass bowls

Advantages

They do not change the taste of the product in any way;

Warm up well;

Easy to clean;

Flaws

Low mechanical stability;

Low thermal stability (it is not recommended to pour cold milk into them);

High price;

Ceramic bowls

Ceramic bowls are perhaps the best solution for use in yogurt makers. Such bowls allow you to prepare the most delicious yogurt, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, kefir and similar products.

Advantages

The best taste of fermented milk products (especially baked ones, such as fermented baked milk);

When the heating mode is turned on, the products in such bowls only become tastier;

Warm up well;

Easy to clean;

Flaws

Mechanical fragility;

High price;

Not suitable for making yoghurts with fruit additives;

Material and number of cups

The number of cups, as the name suggests, determines the number of servings that can be prepared in a yogurt maker in one cycle.

Most yogurt makers are designed for 4-7 cups. This is quite enough for 1-3 people. A larger number of cups additionally leads to the fact that the cooking process becomes quite lengthy.

You should choose the number of cups based on your preferences and the number of users.

Cups can be made of plastic, glass or ceramic - and they have the same advantages and disadvantages as plastic, glass or ceramic bowls for single-pot yogurt makers.

Features of the cups

Among the functional features of the cups that determine the ease of use of the yogurt maker are:

Availability of a cover;

Cover fastening type;

Possibility to write on the lid the date of production of yogurt.

The presence of a lid is a very useful element that will appeal to people who are not used to eating yogurt immediately after preparing it. Covered cups can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

The type of lid fastening determines the tightness of its fixation on the cups. A regular plastic rim does not allow the container to be sealed, so the finished yogurt can be stored for no more than 1-2 days. The screw thread provides a greater fixation density, but it is found mainly on glass cups. Yogurt can be stored in such a container for up to several days, subject to temperature conditions.

The ability to write the date of production of yogurt on the lid is a very useful feature for people who are used to storing fermented milk products for a long time (from 2-3 days). This allows you to avoid eating expired food.

Among the most practical additional functions of yogurt makers are:

Built-in niche for cord;

Digital display;

Availability of an automatic switch;

Sound signal when ready;

Delayed start timer;

Heating mode;

Thermostat.

Built-in cord storage– a useful feature for people who plan to use the yogurt maker periodically. The only downside is that most models with this feature come with a short power cord.

Digital display– a great feature for a yogurt maker that can be used to prepare a wide variety of fermented milk products. The screen displays the processing time and temperature.

Availability of circuit breaker makes using a yogurt maker safer, and also prevents “overcooking” of products, as a result of which the taste of the finished dish deteriorates.

Sound signal when ready– a useful function for lovers of the freshest, freshly prepared yogurt.

Delayed start timer– another useful feature for lovers of the freshest yogurt. With it you can pour milk and add starter in the evening, and in the morning you will get a freshly prepared product. But it is worth remembering that the prolonged presence of lactic acid bacteria in milk greatly changes the taste of yogurt.

Heating mode It is not very suitable for preparing yoghurt directly, but it significantly improves the taste of fermented baked milk and also makes the cottage cheese fattier.

A temperature regulator is necessary for yogurt makers in which it is planned to prepare not only yogurt, but also other fermented milk products. For example, fermented baked milk, yogurt, cottage cheese or sour cream. All of them require special thermal conditions for cooking.

How much does a yogurt maker cost?

Prices for yogurt makers depend on the material and capacity of the bowl, as well as the functionality of the devices. Thus, models with a small plastic container cost from several hundred rubles, but top-end equipment with many individual jars, timers and other capabilities is sold for several thousand rubles.

The vast majority of models are in the price range of 2-3 thousand rubles.

The best yogurt maker manufacturers - which company to choose

Among the manufacturers of yogurt makers are:

Oursson - specializes in the production of yogurt makers. The models belong to the middle price segment, but offer functionality that ensures the best taste of the finished product - rubberized seals, overheat protection, ceramic containers;

Tefal, Kitfort are well-known manufacturers of small kitchen appliances. Yogurt makers belong to the middle price range, are durable and of high quality;

Galaxy – produces budget but high-quality yogurt makers.

You can also highlight the Redmond and Great Rivers companies, which produce budget models of yogurt makers.

Video on choosing yogurt makers

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.

Industrially produced yoghurts contain flavorings, dyes, and preservatives. After reading the information on the packaging, many begin to think about how to choose a yogurt maker to prepare a healthy product at home.

The benefits of a homemade product for a child are much higher

Yogurt has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. Live bacteria inhibit the growth of intestinal microflora, which causes disease. Consumption of the product improves immunity, promotes the synthesis of folic acid and B vitamins, neutralizes toxins, and reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. Another argument in favor of homemade products: they taste better and are cheaper than store-bought ones.

What is a yogurt maker?

This is a small round or rectangular container with a transparent lid and thick walls. They are thermally insulated to maintain optimal temperature conditions necessary for fermentation of warm boiled milk, to which lactobacilli have been added.

Moulinex DJC141 yogurt maker is compact and convenient for use at home

A standard machine consists of 5-7 cups of 125 or 150 g, which are placed in one large container. There are lids for the cups. Powered by electricity.

The device is not complicated, so models from different manufacturers do not differ much from each other. Some are equipped with a timer, but they are more expensive than regular ones. There are models that have not 5-7, but one capacity. The timer in the device is needed in order to accurately set the ripening time. Thanks to the exact time, the product is obtained with the desired consistency and the desired taste (thick or liquid, more or less sour).

When choosing, you should pay attention to the following characteristics of the device.

What to look for when choosing

• Material of yogurt containers and number of jars

A yogurt maker with one large container or several small ones produces from 0.7 to 1 liter of product at a time. On sale you can find devices for 5-8 jars. A model with several containers is considered more functional, since the prepared product is easier to use in small portions. Excess cups are simply covered with a lid and placed in the refrigerator. If the machine has several containers, you can prepare yogurt with different toppings at the same time.

It is better to choose glass cups; prepared yogurt is better stored in the refrigerator in them.

• Power

The power is small - within 8-14 W. No longer necessary - the main job of the device is to maintain a stable temperature for a certain time.

• Control type

The device is controlled using a mechanical timer with a scale. The timer can be limit (have only two positions) and rotary. The latter is preferable, as it allows the cooking period to be more accurately established. The time depends on the chosen consistency of yogurt. The product is fermented for 4 to 10 hours. The longer the yogurt sits in a warm place, the thicker it will be.

It’s good if the timer has an automatic shutdown function - you don’t have to worry that the yogurt will sour. An important option is the work indicator. This is a red light or sound warning system. Many have several additional options. This is a section for winding a cord or special jars with a marking system according to the date of preparation.

Choosing the best yogurt maker: review of brands

Yogurt ice cream maker

Tefal, Moulinex, Severin, Scarlet, Braun, Dex, Ariete, Orion - these companies produce household appliances and machines for making yoghurt, among others.

Models differ in the number of yogurt jars and their design. Most have 12 watts. They differ in the presence or absence of a timer.

More often, buyers choose Moulinex and Ariete. They hold 7 jars with a timer and a cord winder. The price is acceptable for most buyers. The Dex yogurt maker can be described as “cheap and cheerful.” This device is inexpensive, but of fairly good quality. It is difficult to distinguish a fermented milk product prepared in a Dex yogurt maker from the same product from any other machine.

Tefal is a recognized market leader, which takes into account almost all the details and nuances

"Tefal" is considered the standard among all models on the market. It consists of a container for heating the starter and a transparent lid with a lock. Devices from this manufacturer are equipped with glass jars. The product is prepared and stored in them. Glass jars are better than plastic ones; this method of storing yogurt is the most hygienic; glass can be boiled, and this is important if there are small children in the house. It is strictly prohibited to boil the lids (the lids are plastic and may not withstand high temperatures). And there is no need for boiling, because the lids do not come into contact with the yogurt.

Many people choose plastic jars, citing the fact that glass ones can break. It is quite difficult to get a branded set of jars for a yogurt maker, but regular users have found an original solution to this problem. Baby food jars are suitable for any yogurt maker.

Tefal has taken care of user convenience. Without exception, all devices are equipped with a special niche for the cord. After all, a yogurt maker is not a device that constantly stands on the table; most likely, it will have to be put away in a closet.

Most do not have a display, which does not allow you to fully control the cooking process. The Mulinex 230 model is equipped with an LCD display and an electronic timer.

Dex device

Yogurt makers from well-known brands have a high-strength plastic body. This is how Moulinex and Tefal devices compare favorably with Dex; the quality of the front panel plastic leaves much to be desired.

Another difference is a special marker on the lids of the jars. There you can set the preparation date or expiration date of the product. To do this, you need to turn the lid so that the special hole contains the day of the month that you need. Thus, Dex and Ariete do not have marking capabilities, but Moulinex, Orion and Tefal are equipped with such a marker. With this simple device you can monitor the quality of the prepared yogurt.

The simple design of the Severin yogurt maker is compensated by the high quality of the yogurt produced

All yogurt makers have a cooking time indicator. Some have it on the front panel (Orion and Tefal, Dex and Ariete), but Moulinex has the time indicator on the lid. To set the cooking time of the product, you need to turn the lid so that the cooking time is exactly opposite the special marker. There are models that have a standard ripening time. These are the cheapest devices from little-known manufacturers. There is no cooking timer. If the standard ripening time is five hours, then after this time the yogurt maker will turn off automatically. And if the required time is 6-7 hours, then after 5 hours you will have to turn it on for another 2 hours and wait to turn it off in time. It is clear that this is not entirely convenient.

The disadvantage of Dex, Orion, Ariete and some Moulinex models is that the devices will have to be turned off manually. The product preparation timer is simply a mechanical prompt that clearly shows how much time is left before the operation of the device must be stopped. Tefal yogurt makers and some Mulinex models turn off on their own after a certain time. But Tefal has a standard time, but in Moulinex 230 you can set the cooking time on the display. Don’t forget to place the product in the refrigerator after cooking, because the timer cannot do this for you. If you forget to remove the prepared yogurt, it may simply turn sour, especially if the room is very hot.

Regular consumption of fermented milk products has a positive effect on health. The bacteria contained in yogurt normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and improve intestinal function. If you prepare it at home, the product will be much healthier and tastier than store-bought. Which yogurt maker is better, and what should you consider when choosing it? The article will discuss the principles of its operation and main functions.

What is a yogurt maker

The device is a container with thermoregulation, round or rectangular in shape with a lid. Inside the yogurt maker there are plastic or glass cups or jars. Usually their number ranges from 5 to 12 pieces. Devices with one large capacity are known.

What is the working principle of a yogurt maker? Let's find out! The yogurt maker runs on electricity. In it you can prepare not only yogurt, but kefir, fermented baked milk, sour cream and even cottage cheese.

The device is easy to use and it will not be difficult for anyone to understand the rules of use. Many useful functions will make cooking even more enjoyable. The principle of a yogurt maker is to obtain a tasty product. The essence of the device is that it maintains a certain temperature, which is favorable for the reproduction and activity of lactic acid bacteria. As a result, yogurt is obtained from milk to which the starter has previously been added.

The most popular yogurt makers are among the following categories of buyers:

• young mothers who care about the health of their babies;
• people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• athletes who take care of their health;
• people trying to lose weight.

People should not forget about the usefulness of fermented milk products prepared at home.

Main functions

How does a yogurt maker work? The device is designed for preparing fermented milk products, and in most cases it has the following functions:

1. Automatic shutdown. The timer turns off the appliance after the cooking time has elapsed. Auto shut-off is a useful function, but yogurt makers with such a sensor are much more expensive. Making yogurt requires constant presence, so auto-shutoff is not a vital feature.
2. Display. The presence of an indicator in the model allows you to monitor the process of preparing yogurt. Some devices have a light indicator, while others display the time remaining until the end of cooking. In the most modern models, the display shows the cooking program for a specific product.
3. Delayed start. To get fresh yogurt, you can set the time when your family needs this product. You need to pour in the mixture, set the program, and within the specified period the yogurt maker will prepare it.
4. Sound notification. When the yogurt preparation process ends, the device notifies you with a special signal. As a result, the housewife will not forget about the product being prepared.
5. Markers. Some models have such a useful function as marking the finished yogurt. This is very convenient and will help you remember about the cooking time of the product.
6. Special compartment for cord. Some appliances have a place to store the power cord. The wire will be securely hidden and will not interfere.

Here are the main functions that modern models of yogurt makers are equipped with.

Main advantages of the device

The positive properties of the yogurt maker include:

• Fresh fermented milk products are constantly present on the table.
• The housewife will be completely confident in the quality of the yogurt and its shelf life.
• The transparent lid of the yogurt maker allows you to easily observe the process of preparing the product.
• In the device you can prepare yogurt, sour cream, kefir, fermented baked milk and even cottage cheese.
• Many models are compact in size and can be matched to the overall style of the kitchen.
• No special knowledge or skills are required to use and care for the device.

If you use a yogurt maker frequently, it is best to choose models with many functions, and if you rarely prepare food, it is enough to purchase a device with a basic set of options.

Cons of a yogurt maker

The negative properties of the device include:

1. A yogurt maker takes up a lot of space, so if the kitchen has a small area, then there is no point in buying it. Especially if a woman has a multicooker with the function of preparing fermented milk products.
2. It is necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the container in which yogurt is prepared. Otherwise, instead of healthy products, you can get food poisoning.
3. In some situations, difficulties arise in purchasing dry starter or high-quality milk for preparing delicious fermented milk products.

Despite some disadvantages of a yogurt maker, no one will deny that a homemade product is much tastier and healthier than a store-bought one. And the right model of the device will help save a woman’s time and energy.

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 amenities 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.

Preparing the device for operation

How to use a yogurt maker? Before starting work, place the device on a flat surface. It is not recommended to move the unit until the yogurt preparation process is completed, so as not to disturb the uniformity of heating.

Before starting to prepare the product, the cups are washed and dried. Do not leave residues of cooked foods or detergents on them.

The cups are filled with milk and starter, then the required mode is set.

How the yogurt maker works

The functioning of a device such as a yogurt maker is simple and without any particular difficulties, so preparing fermented milk products in it is not difficult.

According to the instructions for use, in a yogurt maker, kefir, fermented baked milk or other product is obtained by heating the device and maintaining the optimal temperature (+40 degrees).

A container with milk and special starter cultures is placed inside the unit, closed with a lid and the power supply is turned on. Thanks to the heat generated, lactic acid bacteria multiply, which turn regular milk into yogurt. The process takes from 6-8 to 12 hours.

You should not increase the cooking time of the product yourself. In this case, the beneficial bacteria are destroyed and the yogurt will not have a uniform consistency.

Necessary ingredients for yogurt

The basis of fermented milk products is ready-made pharmacy starters, purchased yogurt without additives, or part of the product from the previous batch.

It is best to choose homemade milk; it should be boiled before use. This is done to get rid of bacteria. If such milk cannot be purchased, then store-bought milk with high fat content will do.

When making yogurt at home, you can add preserves, jams and chocolate. This makes them not only tasty, but also healthy.

Model overview

To choose the right device, you should focus not on the brand, but on whether it has a quality certificate. You can choose a yogurt maker from TEFAL, MAXWELL, MOULINEX or REDMOND. These are the most popular manufacturers of such equipment.

Which yogurt maker makes the most delicious yogurt? There are no fundamental differences in the technical characteristics of the devices. If they exist, they are insignificant. The main difference is in price and manufacturer. The taste of the product does not depend on this.

The number of cups in a yogurt maker should be chosen based on family members. The more homemade yogurt lovers there are, the more of them there should be in the equipment.

The most popular are TEFAL yogurt makers. They have operation sensors, a compartment for wires, and a product preparation time indicator. Model 8872 with 6 jars and a container for cottage cheese is very popular.

MOULINEX products also have many positive properties. The Yogurteo yg2301 model has a long cord, a pleasant interface, and the presence of markings makes it easy to use. The operating principle of this brand of yogurt maker is similar to typical models.

MAXWELL models have the most affordable prices. The MW-1430 device kit includes 5 cups. The model assumes its infrequent use for the preparation of fermented milk products.

If the choice is REDMOND, then this option is especially optimal for large families who constantly love to eat yoghurt. It is worth paying attention to the model RYM-M 5401.