The yoghurt maker is an excellent assistant for culinary dairy masterpieces. Delicious and nutritious yogurt, so healthy and made with ingredients you have proven, will become a favorite treat for you and your family. But how to choose a good device among all that variety of prices and models? Does it make sense to overpay for a brand or advanced functionality? Read our review and find out a lot of interesting and useful information about this device. And you will also learn how to choose a yoghurt maker based on the rating of the best models 2017- of the year, based on customer reviews.
Why do you need a yogurt maker?
Fermented milk products should appear on the weekly menu at least twice or three times. This product is especially important for children. It is yoghurt with active cultures of the "right" bacteria that will help to normalize the functioning of the whole organism and the gastrointestinal tract in particular. The presence of fermented milk products also has a beneficial effect on human immunity.
This appliance consists of a reservoir, yoghurt containers and a lid that covers the appliance. In special cups, which are already included in the kit, you pour pasteurized milk, preferably slightly warmed up, and add a special ferment with live bacteria there. After turning on, the yoghurt maker slowly warms up the mixture to 40 ° and continues to maintain this temperature until the yoghurt is completely ready. Please note - the best yogurt makers do not violate the cooking technology and observe the temperature regime.
See also - Rating of the best dryers for fruits and vegetables according to user reviews
What is important to know before buying a yogurt maker
If you decide to buy a yoghurt maker - for your own use or for a gift, then you need to know what criteria are important and really affect the quality of the prepared yogurt. After all, well-known firms and novelties, more expensive and cheaper models are on the store shelves - which one will suit your needs? Our rating contains the most popular and discussed models of yogurt makers, which means it will be easier for you to choose.
But first, we will tell you what to look for before buying. Take a closer look at:
- Containers for yoghurt. There are models with portioned jars made of glass or plastic, and there are full-size bowls. The former are more practical for making different types of yoghurt for a large family. Bowl models are more compact. Well, it's up to you to choose!
- The material for making yoghurt containers. If plastic is food grade, but glass is optimal, because it is easier to disinfect. An interesting option is bowls and containers for yogurt made of ceramics, such models are in our rating.
- Power. Although all yogurt makers work according to the same principle, a device with a rated power of 8 - 18 watts will still be more reliable.More powerful appliances can overheat or heat the yoghurt mix up to 60 °. In such a product, the number of active beneficial bacteria will be slightly lower.
- The presence of an auto-off function. This is a reasonable precautionary measure. The device will turn itself off at the end of work and notify you about this with a sound signal. This way you will not miss the moment when the yoghurt is ready and there is no risk of over-acidification in the yoghurt maker. It is this criterion that often plays a decisive role in the selection of a particular model in the rating of the most successful devices for making yogurt.
- Additional options - timer, display, delayed start, cooking mode for cottage cheese or milk desserts. These features will affect the price of the appliance, but will make your yogurt maker more convenient and productive.
During the compilation of the rating, we paid great attention to these criteria, and also studied a huge number of customer reviews. Which model was preferred by visitors to various online stores? Which manufacturing company has established itself as the best? Let's find out about it right now!
See also - How to choose a good yogurt maker for your home
The rating of the yogurt makers was not easy to compile. Almost all models of the mid-price segment are prepared according to the principle of constant heating. What is the difference between the model for from the 5700 model Do I need to pay for a brand or is it better to take a functional, but cheap? I answered below in the description of the TOP models, focused on the assortment of the outgoing product, the configuration and features of the programs of each device.
Galaxy GL2690
Budget yogurt maker for Chinese manufacturer for making yogurt and kefir at home. With constant heating up to 40–450, mechanical simple control and automatic shutdown at the end of the process. The shape of the case is round.
Pros:
- inexpensive;
- jar material - glass, dishwasher safe;
- for storing yogurt in the refrigerator, the jars are supplied with plastic lids;
- large volume of product output - 1260 ml, these are 7 jars with a useful volume of 180 ml;
- saves energy.
The users did not note any disadvantages.
Inexpensive, for making yogurt and kefir at home. Large product yield. It cannot be used for curd like VES H-270.
Kitfort CT-2007
The model of a domestic company for ... Stylish design, elongated body shape, jars are installed in a row, not in a circle, as in the Galaxy GL2690. Designed for making yoghurt and rice wine (an ingredient for making sauces).
Pros:
- simple controls. The panel displays the time and temperature setting;
- sound signal of the end of cooking;
- as in Galaxy GL2690, glass jars with a lid of 180 ml of usable volume, but a smaller amount - 4/7;
- prepares rice wine, which is recommended for the base of sauces in Chinese cuisine. You can drink it neat, to taste like cider;
- an informative recipe book - included;
- beige body color is practical and beautiful.
Minuses:
- 4 jars are not enough for a large family;
- short wire - 83 cm, it is not enough, you have to use an extension cord;
- incorrect instruction, half of the recipes need to be edited.
Stylish in design, inexpensive model for a family of 2-3 people with simple controls - timer and 2 buttons. Convenient cooking - more comfortable than in multicooker, all products are immediately in the container - I took it out and sent it to the refrigerator. In addition to yoghurt and kefir, you can make rice wine, taste the "exotic", and, if you wish, adapt it for making wines from berries. There are a lot of recipes for Kitfort KT-2007 on the net. For families of 5-6 people, the outlet volume (720 ml) will be too small, they should take Galaxy GL2690 (1260 ml) or Oursson FE1502D (1000 ml).
Scarlett SC-YM141P01
Compact, practical model. Besides yoghurt, he prepares fermented baked milk, kvass, kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, and sprouts grains. Unlike Galaxy GL2690 or Kitfort KT-2007, there are no jars, one large 1 liter bowl.
Pros:
- you can prepare yogurt in a factory (1 liter) carton of milk;
- 6 preset program modes;
- there is a program "My recipe";
- auto shutdown of programs;
- simple electronic control, as in Kitfort KT-2007;
- compact vertical body;
- corresponds to the price in terms of functionality and product quality.
Minuses:
- no sound signal;
- you need to pour the finished product yourself, buy containers;
- does not save settings in case of power outage.
Compact and versatile model for a family of 2-4 people. I really like the possibility of germinating grains, as the basis of a healthy diet - it's just super (from the reviews). The only drawback noted in the reviews is the lack of small containers in the kit, as in Kitfort KT-2007 or Galaxy GL2690.
VES H-270
Appliances of the Spanish manufacturer with good functionality and beautiful design. She, like the Scarlett SC-YM141P01, has no small containers, only two large 2 liters. The miracle technique prepares Greek yogurt and ordinary, cottage cheese and baby curd, kefir, sour cream, fermented baked milk and Philadelphia cheese for rolls and cheesecakes.
Pros:
- versatile, well-equipped model in just ;
- filter supplied for Greek yoghurt;
- containers made of high-strength plastic, which can be washed in a dishwasher;
- large volume of one bowl - 2 liters;
- timer up to 48 hours;
- aesthetic design, compactness, can be installed on a small tabletop.
Minuses:
- liquid cottage cheese turns out, do not expect crumbly;
- no end signal;
- no small containers.
Convenient, multifunctional, easy to use yogurt maker for a large family Compact, takes up space no more than an electric kettle. Conveniently, a large portion is prepared immediately. Excellent complete set for cooking. It does not have program modes, as in the Scarlett SC-YM141P01, but you can find all the parameters in the instructions and set it yourself.
Oursson FE1502D
Premium segment model from a Swedish company at a price ... Aesthetic design of the main body, three colors to choose from - milky white, orange, red. There is no big bowl like the VES H-270. 5 painted ceramic jars of 200 ml. In addition to the preparation of fermented milk products, there is a fermentation program. An easy way to make yeast dough, homemade kvass, wine, tinctures.
Pros:
- aesthetic design of the body and jars;
- the material of the jars is ceramic, not glass as in the Galaxy GL2690. The product lasts longer. The covers come with a silicone seal;
- fermentation program;
- long cord 120 cm.
Minuses:
- it is inconvenient to make cottage cheese in a small container, but a large one, as in Scarlett SC-YM141P01, is not;
- may overheat and produce sour yogurt.
The model is more expensive than VES H-270 or Scarlett SC-YM141P01, and much simpler in functionality. If the fermentation process is so important, you are a lover of beautiful design, then the model is yours. Users have no particular complaints about product quality.
Tefal YG260132
The well-known brand surprised and pleased with the model of an intelligent yogurt maker. She will prepare thick and liquid drinking yoghurt, low-calorie kefir, fermented baked milk, ayran. As Scarlett SC-YM141P01, one bowl.
Pros:
- two temperature conditions and two programs;
- prepares dietary fat-free kefir for children;
- automatic temperature control and end of work Lacteo;
- the bowl and lid are dishwasher safe;
- the finished product does not need to be poured into small containers. A specially shaped container is placed on the side compartment of the refrigerator.
Minuses:
- there is no choice of temperature regime, only those set for yogurt and kefir;
- reset of the program in case of voltage drops;
- does not display temperature on the display;
- there is no volume graduation on the flask. The material is fragile, scratches.
Simple, convenient use, a great option for storing products without unnecessary actions and a lot of small jars. Not a bad model for a large family, where 1750 ml of kefir or yoghurt are sold in 1-2 days. Expensive () for making fat-free kefir. Scarlett SC-YM141P01 is 2 times cheaper, but better in functionality. For the preparation of "sour milk" the child can take VES H-270.
Moulinex YG230 / 231
A regular classic yogurt maker like the Galaxy GL2690, the same material, volume and number of cans. But here's the price for higher ($ 50 / $ 12).Not finding the peculiarities of the cooking technology on the YG230 / 231, but I shoveled through a lot of sites, both official and forums, I decided to go through the reviews. The result is pros and cons.
Pros:
- lids for glass containers with setting the date of manufacture;
- glass jars, as in the Galaxy GL2690;
- acceptable price for the advertised brand - ;
- special compartment for storing lids.
Minuses:
- yoghurt is not always obtained: sometimes like toffee, sometimes very liquid;
- poor recipe book;
- overheats the product, you have to select the parameters yourself.
Judging by the reviews, users are disappointed with the quality of the product, and the range is poor. One user told on the forum how she was selecting ingredients and looking for a recipe for making baby curd on the Moulinex YG230 / 231. I think it would be better if she saved both money and time by purchasing the VES H-270.
REDMOND RYM-M5401
The manufacturer pleases with its inexpensive and multifunctional household appliances. The yoghurt maker immediately attracts attention with its appearance. The case, unlike other competitors in the rating, is made of metal, not plastic. As in Moulinex YG230 / 231, jar lids with date markers. Prepares yogurt, fermented baked milk, kefir, cottage cheese, sour cream and 35 more recipes placed in a colorful cookbook (included).
Pros:
- 8 glass jars, 180 ml of useful volume;
- date marking on the caps;
- a colorful cookbook with adequate recipes .;
- simple control with two buttons;
- flat bottom of the yogurt maker, easy to clean;
- auto shutdown at the end of work;
- lightweight, compact;
- it is convenient that the display shows the remaining time;
- quiet at work.
Minuses:
- the material of the body and the transparent general cover is of poor quality. Scratches quickly;
- timer - only for 12 hours;
- no heat support function;
- non-removable cord.
Reliable in product quality. Large assortment of recipes. A volume of 1440 ml is enough for a family of 2-4 people for 2-3 days. Model on more expensive than Moulinex YG230 / 231 ($ 55 / $ 50), but, according to reviews, it is 100% better - both in terms of functionality and maintenance.
Tefal YG500132
Most expensive rating model for ... It differs from others in the set of containers. There are 8 glass jars, as in REDMOND RYM-M5401, however, their volume is less - 125 ml (versus 180 ml). And if you need to cook something voluminous or make cottage cheese, a 1 liter container is installed.
Pros:
- 2 modes for making yoghurt and cottage cheese;
- a special container with a strainer for making cottage cheese and 8 small glass jars for yogurt;
- high-strength material of the container, jars. Not scratched. Easy to clean in the dishwasher;
- powerful - 300 watts.
Minuses:
- overheating of the bottom of the jars, sometimes yogurt is curdled from below;
- uneven heating of the jars.
Users find it overpriced. There is not much difference in cooking on the cheaper VES H-270 or Scarlett SC-YM141P01, only in the configuration (small and large dishes).
And I still can't make up my mind to buy a yogurt maker. To be honest, I do not see a critical need for it, I cook yoghurts at home just in a glass jar or in a thermos. I use dry starter cultures Bakzdrav and regular store milk 2.5-3.2% fat. In a yogurt maker, it takes 6-8 hours to ferment milk, and at a lower temperature, a little more, about 14 approximately. Those. in principle, the result will be identical, only you will have to wait longer. And with yoghurt makers it is difficult, many write that it warms up unevenly, then it warms up too much - in general, unnecessary hassle and a busy place in the kitchen. IMHO
I, too, was not particularly eager to buy a yogurt maker, but my relatives gave it to me for my birthday. Now I have VIVO Yogobox in which I cook kefir and yogurt for children, and also make sour milk for myself. It is cool, compact and you can ferment yogurt right in the bag - no need to buy additional jars, and then wash them and the yogurt maker itself.