A quality yoghurt maker is a must for anyone looking to enjoy delicious yoghurt made fresh daily. However, you may be asking the question is it Yogurt or Yoghurt? Yogurt is more common in American English and Canadian English whilst Yoghurt is the preferred term in British English.
You will find a great variety of yoghurt maker machines currently available on the market today. There are compact models for the smaller kitchen that can be used to whip up large quantities of plain or Greek yoghurt with minimal fuss.
You will also find plenty of advanced machines that incorporate multiple preparation jars, allowing you to ferment a variety of different flavourings in a single cycle.
Need some help deciding on the right machine for you? Read on for a breakdown of all the essential spec you need to bear in mind when shopping for a yoghurt maker.
How to Use a Yoghurt Maker
In addition to the main machine itself, you will need a few extra essentials in order to produce delicious yoghurt at home. Firstly, you will need to stock up on a couple of basic ingredients like starter yoghurt and fresh milk.
You will also need some extra utensils and pieces of equipment including a saucepan, mixing bowl, ladle, spoons and a thermometer.
Recipe Preparation
To commence making yoghurt, you will need to begin by heating milk. To do this, pour your desired quantity into a saucepan and warm it on a gentle heat. You should only need to warm it at a medium temperature for a few minutes.
As soon as the milk begins to foam slightly, it is sufficiently warm for the next step and can be removed from the heat. The milk should now be left to cool down to around 43 degrees Celsius. You should use a liquid thermometer to accurately determine when the milk has cooled down to a desired temperature.
Once your milk has reached a cooler temperature, you can begin to add the starter yoghurt. You should do this carefully and gradually, scooping up a small measurement of yoghurt at a time and adding it to the milk. Stir each scoop of yoghurt gently into the milk with a wooden spoon, ensuring the two ingredients have blended properly to achieve a smooth consistency.
Adding to the Yoghurt Maker
Once you have prepared your yogurt and milk concoction, it is time to introduce it to your yoghurt maker machine. Some machines will include several smaller pots, while other machines will incorporate a single, much larger pot.
Whatever model you have, pour the yoghurt carefully into the receptacle, taking care to ensure you leave no yoghurt mixture on the outside of any given pot. Once that is done, you can turn on your yoghurt maker.
Most machines will need around 10 hours in order to finish your yoghurt preparation, although this can vary slightly depending on the chosen recipe. Whatever recipe you have gone for, once it is completed, you should aim to store your finished yoghurt in the fridge for a few hours prior to serving.
What Yoghurt Varieties Are You Looking to Prepare?
This is a very important thing to consider when shopping for a yoghurt maker. The best makers on the market will allow you to make all main types of yoghurt, including regular and Greek varieties.
More advanced models should also allow you to make things like kefir, a yoghurt-like fermented milk drink. If you prefer the freedom to experiment with varieties, you should definitely opt for a machine that allows you to make all three types.
Temperature Settings
Different varieties of yoghurt require varying temperature levels when it comes to preparation. The best yoghurt maker machines will allow to you fine-tune temperature settings so you can make the exact recipes you prefer. This is particularly important when making something like kefir, which requires a markedly lower temperature than other yoghurt varieties. Unless you are forced to stick to a tight budget, avoid purchasing a yoghurt maker with limited temperature settings where you are resigned to a handful of preset options only.
Capacities
When deciding on a yoghurt maker, you should consider how much yoghurt you usually consume to ensure you have a model that is fit for purpose.
If you live in a small household or you are the only one who enjoys yoghurt, a model with a smaller capacity should be more than sufficient. However, if you are looking to prepare yoghurt for the entire family, a maker with a larger capacity is a must.
Yoghurt makers usually come in two varieties. Some machines will include numerous individual pots for making multiple smaller servings. These are particularly handy if you intend to prepare different recipes and flavourings.
Other machines will only include a single, much larger pot to prepare yoghurt in. This might seem limiting, but it is a good option for those looking to prepare large quantities of simple recipes, especially Greek yoghurt.
Preparation Times
You will need to allow for an average of 10 hours for your yoghurt recipes to properly ferment. Some recipes might take longer than this, while other recipes may take less time to finish.
As the fermentation process is a delicate process and crucial when it comes to producing perfect yoghurt, you will want to ensure the machine you buy offers adequate time allowances.
Look for machines that include customisable timer settings that allow for a minimum of 12 hours. Automatic presets are also handy, but any model you pick should include presets that offer a useful range of preparation times.
Another feature you should be looking for is an automatic shutdown function. This means you can leave your yoghurt maker to do its work without you needing to be at home to switch the machine off at a certain time.
Easy Maintenance
To make life in the kitchen as easy possible, you should look for a yoghurt maker that can be cleaned and cared for with minimal fuss. To ensure your yoghurt maker lasts for as long as possible, you should ensure that the blade components are washed thoroughly after every use. This will not only ensure your blades operate properly within the machine, but also eliminates the chance of bacteria growth and food hygiene issues. Hand washing is often recommended when cleaning things like blades and other internal components. If you are looking for something more convenient, consider yoghurt makers with dishwasher-safe parts.
Compact Design
If you are looking to invest in a yoghurt maker, chances are high that you already own a substantial amount of kitchen equipment. Therefore, you will need to consider available space in your kitchen, especially as a yoghurt maker will no doubt be used on a regular basis. Opt for a compact model whenever possible, as this will take up less counter space and leave you with enough surface area to prepare your meals. If you intend to store your machine between uses, make sure you have sufficient cupboard space for storage.
Remember to check our buyers guide and product reviews on Best Multi Cookers
Product Reviews of 10 Best Yogurt Maker UK 2020
Read on for our pick of some of the best yoghurt makers you can currently find on the UK market. Our line-up has something for everyone, from budget-friendly options to more advanced models from top manufacturers.
Severin Yoghurt Maker with Timer
If you are looking for something simple and user-friendly, this Severin yoghurt maker will definitely appeal. This compact yoghurt maker has been designed with simplicity in mind.
Simply load the maker with prepared pots, set the timer to your desired setting and let the machine take care of the rest. With 13 watts of power, this yoghurt maker ticks all the right boxes when it comes to technical spec, delivering you delicious yoghurt with minimal effort.
The transparent cover with integrated handle gives you constant oversight of what is going on inside, while an automatic shutdown feature ensures the machine never operates longer than you want it to.
This yoghurt maker also includes seven jars with lids, ensuring you can get to work straight away. This handy piece of equipment from Severin is an ideal choice for those looking to prepare multiple servings of different yoghurt recipes at the same time.
Euro Cuisine GY60 Greek Yogurt Maker
If you are looking to prepare larger batches of yoghurt, the Euro Cuisine GY60 is definitely worth considering.
This essential piece of kitchen kit is go-to if you are looking to prepare Greek yoghurt at home, with several nifty features that will ensure the best possible recipe results.
An acrylic catch container and fine mesh strainer are on hand to ensure the finest results from your yoghurt-making efforts. The acrylic container also boasts clear measurements on the exterior, with a handy conversion chart so you can prepare recipes in either cups or ounces.
The secure sealing lid also doubles up as useful serving tray once your yoghurt has been prepared and is ready to eat. If you are someone who enjoys Greek yoghurt, you will love this convenience of this maker.
However, if you prefer your yoghurt recipes with a little more variety, you may be best served by an alternative model that allow you to prepare multiple smaller batches of different varieties.
Severin 3519 Yoghurt Maker
The Severin 3519 is an ideal choice of yoghurt maker for those looking to experiment in the kitchen.
This machine is surprisingly compact, ensuring it will not take up much space in your kitchen. However, the user-friendly design allows you to make large batches of yoghurt in one go.
This maker allows you to place up to seven individual 150ml pots within it at any one time, meaning you can make upwards of a litre of yoghurt in one go. Because of the smaller pots, you can choose to prepare different flavours in just one fermentation cycle.
This makes it a good choice for those playing around with recipes or if you are looking to prepare yoghurt for large families with varying tastes and preferences. There are a total of 14 pots includes for your use, meaning you can prepare up to two whole batches before needing to clean out pots for further use.
The transparent lid gives you constant oversight of what is going on inside, while an on/off switch indicator lamp lets you know your machine is active.
Timer presets are printed clearly on the outside of the lid itself, letting you know how long you need to wait for fermentation to be completed.
This yoghurt maker also includes a recipe book to inspire you.
Seb Compact Multi-Delicate Yoghurt Maker
If you are looking for a compact and convenient choice of yoghurt maker, this model might be for you. This machine houses six individual 140ml pots so you can prepare various recipes at any one time.
There are five different programs to choose from here, allowing to you whip up various yoghurt recipes, milk desserts, white cheeses and other soft desserts.
This maker utilise advanced steam technology to perfect a more expansive range of recipes, with a patented drip system also included that will help you produce superior cheeses with minimal hassle.
This yoghurt maker is a very user-friendly choice, with preset options clearly labelled at the front. An automatic closing function also makes this a safe and secure choice.
Another very attractive feature here is the express program. This express functionality allows you to make recipes in as little as four hours.
This is ideal for those last-minute recipe requirements, or for those keen to experiment with a wider range of recipes without waiting around for long fermentation cycles to finish.
It might be a little more expensive than other options on this list, but with a slate of superior features on offer, the slight premium is more than justified.
Duronic Yoghurt Maker YM1
The YM1 from Duronic will definitely impress with a first-rate range of features.
Firstly, the large ceramic pot offers a very generous capacity of 1.5 litres. This is perfect for those looking to whip up larger quantities of yoghurt in one go.
The airtight lid also means you can store your finished yoghurt recipes in the fridge for longer. You can also look forward to better yoghurt as standard here thanks tot he slow heat-up process.
Slow and mild heating is the name of the game here, with the machine gradually building to a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius to ensure a richer tasting yoghurt that is creamier in consistency.
This machine is also very easy to use. The control pad offers access to all key functions, including start/stop, power settings and timer settings. This allows you to make quick adjustments to tailor your preferences for truly personalised recipes.
The YM1 also scores top marks for convenience. The ceramic pot and lid are both dishwasher-safe, while the main machine itself can be quickly wiped clean to ensure things are kept as hygienic as possible.
Lakeland Multi Yoghurt and Soft Cheese Maker
If you are looking for a more versatile choice of machine, this Lakeland Multi Yoghurt and Soft Cheese Maker might be worth considering.
This machine can be used to make delicious plain yoghurt and Greek yoghurt varieties in as little as 8 hours. It can also be used to produce mouth-watering soft cheeses with minimal effort.
This great value machine is ideal for those looking to prepare larger batches of yoghurt or soft cheese.
You have a choice of two containers here, one with a 1.6-litre capacity and a larger one with a 1.8-litre capacity.
This yoghurt maker is also incredibly easy to use, with a simplified control panel and full instructions included so you can perfect delicious recipes.
A strainer also comes as standard, making it ideal for preparing Greek yoghurt and cheese recipes.
This machine has plenty going for it and comes at a surprisingly low price making it hard to resist.
Tribest YL-210-A A-YL-210RA Yolife Yoghurt Maker
This Yolife yoghurt maker from Tribest will definitely appeal to those looking for something compact and easy to use.
This great value yoghurt maker includes seven 170ml glass jars that can be used to whip up a variety of single-serving yoghurt in no time at all.
These glass jars can be used with the shorter lid for express preparation, while a second, much taller lid is also included so you can make much larger quantities of yoghurt with larger jars of your own.
A user-friendly time indicator lets you know how long is left before your batches are finished and ready for refrigeration.
This high-quality yoghurt maker is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a robust machine that will hold up well to regular use.
You can expect premium quality down to the smallest detail, with the included glass jars particularly durable and convenient for blending your yoghurt starters.
GOURMEO Yoghurt Maker
This yoghurt maker from GOURMEO has been designed with simplicity in mind. This yoghurt maker offers a generous 1-litre capacity, allowing you to prepare large batches of your preferred yoghurt recipes for later consumption.
This machine allows you to prepare plain yoghurt, Greek yoghurt, soy yoghurt and curd with ease.
To begin, all you need to do is add 600ml of boiling water to the machine itself, before introducing your yoghurt starter and a litre of milk. Then, all you need to do is wait for the fermentation process to finish.
Preparation time ranges from 12 to 14 hours. Once finished, the container can be removed from the main machine and placed directly into the fridge, making it a very convenient way to make yoghurt.
The compact design of this yoghurt maker also makes it a welcome addition to even the smallest of kitchens.
There are some drawbacks of this manual design.
You can only make single batches, meaning you will not be able to play around with multiple flavours during a single preparation.
Despite some limitations, this yoghurt maker comes at a very reasonable price, making it a good option for the budget-conscious buyer.
Stainless Steel Yoghurt Maker
Now for something a little different.
This non-electric yoghurt maker will definitely appeal to those seeking something user-friendly and compact in design.
With no timer or electronic elements, you will not need to worry about precise programming with this yoghurt maker.
The lack of electronic elements also means you will not need to worry about overheating, giving you total peace of mind when it comes to preparing yoghurt at home.
The stainless steel container is double walled for maximum durability, while the robust glass jar offers a generous capacity of 940 millilitres. This makes it a good option for those looking to prepare large quantities of fresh yoghurt.
All you need to do to prepare delicious yogurt here is heat your milk then leave to cool slightly before adding your starter. Then leave your yoghurt to ferment for approximately 8 hours.
Finally, leave to chill in the fridge for approximately six hours before enjoying your finished recipe.
Sensio Home Ice Cream Maker Machine
If you prepare your yoghurt served chilled, this Sensio Home Ice Cream Maker is worth a second look.
This machine can be used to prepare ice cream recipes, sorbet, gelato and frozen yoghurt in as little as 20 minutes, making it a great option for those with less time on their hands.
You will need to ensure the bowl itself has been freezes for around 12 hours prior to preparing any recipes, but provided this is done, perfecting chilled desserts takes no time at all.
This compact machine has been designed with convenience in mind, with only four individual components that can be readily assembled and disassembled in moments.
This makes general recipe preparation a breeze, while cleaning and maintenance is also incredibly straightforward.
If you are new to the world of frozen yoghurt, you will find plenty of recipe ideas in the form of a free ebook to help you on your way.
This machine is a must if you are looking to broaden your culinary horizons and makes an ideal companion to a conventional yoghurt maker.
Lakeland Digital 7 Individual Cup Electric Yoghurt Maker
This digital yoghurt maker from Lakeland is bound to become a firm favourite in your kitchen.
This compact machine comes with seven individual pots so you can whip up a selection of freshly prepared yoghurt recipes. The individual cups are ideal for those looking to prepare multiple flavours in one go.
This is also a good choice for those looking for more express preparation. With this maker from Lakeland, most recipes can be fermented in as little as 8 hours.
This yoghurt maker is incredibly simple to use, with a user-friendly digital display panel that allows quick access and adjustments to temperature control and other settings.
It is also a very robust and durable unit, making it an ideal investment for those looking to prepare yoghurt on a daily basis for years to come.
Luvele Pure Yoghurt Maker
The Luvele Pure Yoghurt Maker is a little more expensive than other models in this list, but there is good reason for this slight premium.
This first-rate yoghurt maker provides you with plenty of freedom when it comes to preparing delicious yoghurt at home.
A 24-hour digital timer means you can prepare recipes tailored toward GAPS and SCD diets, with three temperature settings on hand to ensure you can achieve the ideal temperature range to encourage good bacteria growth.
Water-bath immersion comes as standard here, ensuring more accurate temperatures are achieved to ensure optimal results from the incubation process.
The pared-back touchscreen controls allow for quick adjustments to settings, while the waterproof housing ensures optimal performance.
This maker also includes four ceramic jars, with each one boasting a generous capacity of 400ml. This allows you to make very large quantities of your preferred recipes in a single preparation cycle, while also giving you the freedom to play around with different flavourings.
You can also purchase smaller ceramic jars with 300ml capacities separately.
