How to choose the best yogurt maker

Homemade yogurt, prepared without dyes or preservatives, is an ideal product for those who watch their diet and care about the health of their family. This is a great option for breakfast or a light snack. To always have a fresh dietary treat on the table, it is important to choose the right yogurt maker. This article will tell you how to buy the best device.

What is important to know when choosing a yogurt maker

A wide range of models can cause panic in an inexperienced buyer. That is why it is important to understand in advance what exactly to pay attention to.

Bowl capacity

Manufacturers offer two options.

• Full volume bowl. This option is perfect for a family of several people: the finished product is divided into portions and eaten immediately. The volume of the bowl is usually 1–2 liters.
• Set of containers. Instead of a large container, a set of 4–12 glasses, mostly 200 ml each. For those who prefer small portions, this option is perfect. Untouched containers can be stored in the refrigerator.

IMPORTANT! Today there are yogurt makers that have both a full-volume bowl and a set of containers.They are functional, but at the same time they take up quite a lot of space, which means they are not suitable for a small kitchen. When it comes to many options, appliances with a bowl are more compact than appliances with glasses.

Material for making the bowl and lid

The following materials are used to make the containers and lids.

• Glass ceramics. The main advantages are quality and safety. But you should be prepared that if you fall, the container will break and you will have to buy a new one.
• Plastic. Lightweight, practical, but not always safe material. Much depends on the manufacturer: reputable companies, as a rule, use high-quality plastic.

ATTENTION! It is optimal if the containers are made of ceramics, glass or high-quality plastic, because they come into direct contact with the product. If necessary, finding a replacement option will not be difficult. But the lid is always better made of plastic: it is not so easy to find a replacement, and besides, it only covers the yogurt without touching it.

Number of bowls

Before deciding on the package, there are a few things to consider.

• Number of family members. A full bowl is a great option for a family breakfast. In a house where everyone loves yogurt, it won’t go stale. In addition, it is easier to wash one container than several. But sets of containers are convenient.
• Household tastes. If children love yogurt with pieces of fruit, and parents prefer the product without additives, it is better to give preference to glasses. This way everyone will get what they love.
• Storage. For one or two people, the best choice is a set of containers. What is left is put into the refrigerator, covered, and eaten in several sittings.

IMPORTANT! Depending on the number of family members and love for fermented milk products, some will need twelve bowls, while for others four will be enough. It is better to discuss this point with your household in advance.

What functions are needed in a yogurt maker?

The convenience of its operation depends on what functions the yogurt maker performs.

• Thermostat. Allows you to select the desired temperature for preparing yogurt, whey or homemade sour cream.
• Timer. Makes it possible to set the time for turning the device on and off, setting up a delayed start, and also adjusting the duration of ripening.
• Sound signal. Informs when the product is ready.
• Marking. Marks the date of manufacture on the jars.
• Auto power off. A function thanks to which the yogurt does not overheat: at the appointed time the device will turn off itself. It's not just convenient, but also safe.

Should I trust a yogurt maker with the function of preparing other products?

Yogurt makers deserve special attention because, as manufacturers claim, they can also prepare other products.

• Function for preparing cottage cheese/kefir. For this option, the developers provide a separate bowl. The preparation process is the same as for yogurt. You only need a special starter, which is sold in pharmacies and specialized stores. In fact, the task can be entrusted to a simple yogurt maker with a full-volume bowl.
• Cheese making function. This will disappoint some, but you can’t make cheese in the usual sense in a yogurt maker. But the cheese preparation is fine. In fact, we are talking about kefir or yogurt, which is transferred to gauze folded in several layers. After the moisture has drained, the product is placed under a press. If desired, you can add greens. It turns out delicious, but whether a separate function is needed for this is a good question.
• Multi-cook function.The latest word in technology. Thanks to the ability to regulate the temperature, you can even make drinks like kvass and homemade liqueurs in this yogurt maker.

Which manufacturer is better to choose?

The manufacturer's impeccable reputation is a guarantee of quality. But often a famous name means a premium for the brand. Tefal, Broun, Moulinex, Scarlet - many people trust these names. And deservedly so. At the same time, yogurt makers from such manufacturers as Ariete, Dex, Severin, Orion are successfully winning the market and the hearts of consumers. This means that you need to focus not only on the brand.

First of all, evaluate the functionality of the device. Carefully inspect the body and parts. Look for what will be the optimal ratio of quality and price for you.

Tips on how not to make a mistake in choosing the best yogurt maker

Here are some tips to help you when choosing the best yogurt maker.

• Bowl or glasses - this question should be decided in advance. If a bowl, one or two liters? If glasses, how many?
• Think about what set of features you need first. When choosing a device, remember: more is possible, less is not advisable.
• Before choosing a yogurt maker with the function of preparing other products, ask yourself the question: do you need it? Practice shows that additional “chips” often turn out to be unclaimed.

And finally, the main advice. Go to the checkout only when you are absolutely sure of your choice.