How to choose a yogurt maker and what is important to know in 2017: learn in order

Main manufacturers

Yoghurt makers are made in different countries: in Russia and abroad. The most popular equipment from companies such as Redmond, Moulinex, Ariete, Galaxy, Tefal, Oursson, Vitek. The technical characteristics of these devices are similar. They differ only in configuration, design, price and the presence of a timer.

Table: price range for yoghurt makers of major manufacturers

The most expensive yogurt makers are produced by Tefal. They have a niche for a cord and are equipped with glass jars, which contribute to better storage of the product. And glass is more hygienic than plastic. But it can break.

Redmond yoghurt makers are distinguished by their beautiful design and advanced functionality. Oursson supplies its devices with ceramic containers, which makes them hygienic and more durable than glass.

The body of the Moulinex and Tefal yogurt makers is made of durable plastic. The timer switches off the appliance automatically. The Galaxy, Vitek and Ariete devices are not particularly robust. And they have a timer as a hint that it's time to turn off. But the prices are not high. And the quality of cooking and the availability of additional options does not lag behind expensive brands.

Yogurt maker selection options

If the issue of buying a yogurt maker is resolved, it remains to rationally approach the choice of a model

What should you look out for first? Experienced housewives who have thoroughly mastered the art of making yoghurts and have tried dozens of recipes are advised to adhere to several selection parameters

Appliance volume

Be sure to focus on the number of containers and their volume. For a family of three or more people, it is advisable to get a yoghurt maker with a standard set of 6-8 cups with a volume of 150 ml. They are more convenient to use, and it is more convenient to store them in the refrigerator.

However, some housewives believe that it is better to cook fermented milk products in one container, and not fiddle with cups

Then it is logical to pay attention to devices with a single liter bowl.

Material and power

An important factor in the selection is the material of the containers. Glass is preferable, such dishes are absolutely harmless to human health, and there can be serious doubts about the safety of plastic.

If the manufacturer used low-quality synthetic material, then when heated, which occurs during the preparation of the product, it can emit harmful substances. But we prepare yoghurts, first of all, for children, taking care of their healthy food. Therefore, you should definitely choose a device equipped with glass jars. It is also desirable that they be labeled.

Since the yogurt maker is a low-power appliance, it consumes little electricity, its work will not be too reflected on the utility bill. However, with the constant rise in energy prices, it is advisable to choose devices with low energy consumption.

Functional

Devices with the maximum set of functions are much more expensive, therefore, before making a purchase, you should decide how much this or that system will be in demand.

For example, do you need a device with a display. With its help, the hostess can control the cooking time of the product by the minute, he notifies with an audible signal about the end of the yoghurt preparation process and turns off the device. But a regular timer with a programmable shutdown does the job just fine.

In addition to automatic shutdown of the device, models can be equipped with:

• temperature control;
• the ability to create the effect of a steam bath (for this, water is poured between the dishes with yogurt);
• labeling of cups;
• delayed start.

These functions are not always in demand by housewives when using the device. Therefore, it does not hurt to think about how they will be useful to you.

Maybe you should pay attention to the simpler design of kitchen and household equipment

Form and design

As for the shape of the device, this is a design issue and does not affect the operation of the yogurt maker. Therefore, here the selection criterion is the preference and tastes of the buyer: who likes what.

You should not lose sight of such trifles as: a convenient handle on the lid of the device, an additional set of containers, the presence of a special compartment for storing the power cord. For someone, a multi-colored set of lids on a container can be a decisive factor.

The best yogurt makers with 4-6 jars

Tefal YG660132 - comfortable and functional

5

★★★★★
editorial estimate

91%
buyers recommend this product

See overview

The electric yoghurt maker, equipped with an electronic control system, will make it easy to prepare yoghurt, cottage cheese, cheese, cream and other dishes. It has 5 automatic modes, as well as the ability to manually adjust the temperature and duration.

Thanks to the special shape of the cups, it is easy to drain the whey from them, so there is no need for a special sieve for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. And the accelerated operation with additional steaming will not only shorten the cooking time, but also make the food softer.

Advantages:

• 5 automatic modes;
• Easy draining of whey;
• Temperature regulation;
• Timer;
• Steam service;
• Sound signal.

Disadvantages:

Increased electricity consumption.

The Tefal yoghurt maker YG660132 is suitable for small and medium families, where fermented foods are often cooked.

Kitfort KT-2007 - small yoghurt maker for 4 portions

4.7

★★★★★
editorial estimate

85%
buyers recommend this product

See overview

In 4 glass jars included in the kit, you can prepare more than just yoghurt. Despite the difficulties in reading the instructions, which many users complain about, in the end they will be able to create the perfect homemade cheese, varenets, cottage cheese, sour cream and many more delicious.

The device is equipped with a system of manual temperature control within the range from 20 to 50 degrees and cooking time, so that any dishes are perfect. The yoghurt maker has compact dimensions, the jars are arranged in a row in it, so it takes up very little space in the kitchen.

Advantages:

• Temperature regulation;
• Automatic shutdown;
• Digital display;
• Versatility of application;
• Capacious jars;
• Compact dimensions.

Disadvantages:

• Complicated instruction;
• No sieve for curd.

Yoghurt maker Kitfort KT-2007 will be enough for a family of 2-4 people.

Galaxy GL2695 - Inexpensive Yogurt Maker for Home

4.5

★★★★★
editorial estimate

82%
buyers recommend this product

See overview

The mechanical control of this device reduces its cost, but does not in any way affect the efficiency of making natural yoghurt. The model does not have a built-in timer and temperature control system, so the operating time has to be adjusted manually. For thick yoghurt it takes 10 hours, for drinking yoghurt - 8 hours. But the compact size of the Galaxy will allow you to use it even in a small kitchen.

Advantages:

• Glass jars;
• Low price;
• Compact size;
• Economical consumption of electricity;
• Work indication.

Disadvantages:

• No temperature regulation;
• No automatic shutdown.

Thanks to the small size of the yogurt maker itself and the small 100 ml jars, this model is suitable for those who plan to cook infrequently yoghurt or use the machine only for preparing baby food.

What criteria should the best yogurt maker meet?

In order to make the right decision in the store and choose the really best yoghurt maker, you must first decide on the tasks that will be assigned to specific household appliances

What is important to know so that your choice is really balanced? First of all, it should be noted that the yogurt maker is a versatile means for preparing a number of types of dairy products.

High-quality, expensive models have an accurate thermostat, thanks to which you can get at your disposal not only a universal machine for making yoghurts, but also an ice cream maker, a device for producing cottage cheese and kefir. But let's start with yoghurts - why can there be complaints about the quality of a store product? The fact is that in the pursuit of customers, manufacturers in the domestic market are almost always inclined to save. That is why there are many substitutes, colorants, flavor enhancers and flavorings in yoghurts. In order to get really high-quality yoghurt, it must be prepared correctly, and secondly, 100% natural yoghurt will be stored less than its modern counterparts in supermarkets.

First of all, it should be noted that the yogurt maker is a versatile means for preparing a number of types of dairy products. High-quality, expensive models have an accurate thermostat, thanks to which you can get at your disposal not only a universal machine for making yoghurts, but also an ice cream maker, a device for producing cottage cheese and kefir. But let's start with yoghurts - why can there be complaints about the quality of a store product? The fact is that in the pursuit of customers, manufacturers in the domestic market are almost always inclined to save. That is why there are many substitutes, colorants, flavor enhancers and flavorings in yoghurts. In order to get really high-quality yoghurt, it must be prepared correctly, and secondly, 100% natural yoghurt will be stored less than its modern counterparts in supermarkets.

How often do you buy yogurt, which comes across really large, juicy pieces of fruit, nuts? Of course, truly generous yogurt can only be made with your own hands at home.

That is why it is better to buy a yoghurt maker - you will be able to fully control the process of preparation of the product and, what is also very important, you will be able to get any yoghurt with any taste, because the store assortment will sooner or later get bored

What is a yogurt maker and how it works

Any yogurt maker is a bowl with thick walls and a transparent lid, inside which there are containers for ready-made yogurt or other fermented milk products. Warm milk is poured into special cups included in the set of the device, and ferment containing live bacteria is also added there. Then you need to turn on the yogurt maker, after which it will heat the mixture to 40 degrees and will maintain this temperature regime until the product is completely cooked.

It is important to know that the best models never violate the cooking technology and always adhere to the set temperature.

What is it for

• almost all dairy products in the store contain dyes and preservatives that can cause an allergic reaction, so many decide to use cottage cheese, yogurt, yogurt, homemade kefir and resort to using this household appliance;
• a good yogurt maker produces very healthy and tasty products intended for feeding children of any age;
• if a person has diseases of the digestive tract, using this apparatus, you can make high-quality food that will not harm your health;
• those who want to lose weight can make themselves a low-calorie yogurt, for this it is enough just to choose milk for a future delicacy with a low percentage of fat;
• for people suffering from diabetes, the yogurt maker is an indispensable assistant in the preparation of fermented milk products, which can then be safely consumed and not worried about your health.

What are

These devices are classified into two types of work:

1. Yoghurt thermoses. Here, the cups with the product are slowly heated to the required temperature, usually about 60 degrees. After that, the device turns off, and since it has a strong thermal insulation of the case, heat remains inside it for a long time, due to which lactic acid bacteria multiply. The product is cooked in such a yoghurt maker rather quickly, in about 5 hours, and in devices of a different type in 8-10 hours. The only drawback is the high cost of such models.
2. Devices at a constant heating temperature. After the start of work, the temperature in the yogurt maker quickly reaches 40 degrees and lasts until the very shutdown. The advantage of this type of aggregates is that any size cups or jars can be placed in it. Unfortunately, the disadvantage of these models is the rapid heating, due to which the temperature of the food being cooked can rise dramatically, and its quality will not meet your expectations. In addition, there is no automatic shutdown timer.

The units also differ in the number of containers included in them:

1. A yoghurt maker with several cups included. The device can contain from 4 to 15 cups. Such a device can be useful in a house where a large family lives, and in each of the containers you can prepare yogurt of different composition and taste. This variety is considered a big plus, and the disadvantage of such models is the long washing of dishes after use;
2. Apparatus containing one container. The bowl capacity of this appliance is from 1 to 1.5 liters. This model is suitable for those who plan to prepare a large amount of yogurt, cottage cheese, cream and quickly use it for eating or making confectionery. The advantage of this yogurt maker is the receipt of a large amount of product, the disadvantage is the impossibility of preparing different recipes in one session.

Yoghurt makers can also have cups of different materials, which are:

• glass - such dishes exclude the possible possibility of the release of substances harmful to health during the preparation of the product. But if the glass breaks, you will have to replace it with something else, because they are not sold separately from the yogurt maker;
• plastic - these cups are made of food grade plastic, which is quite safe when heated and can withstand low and rather high temperatures. Plastic containers are comfortable and light, unlike glass containers, they do not break and are easy to clean.

Kitfort CT-2007

Model of a Russian company for 1300 rubles. Stylish design, elongated body shape, jars are installed in a row, and 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 setting of time and temperature;
• sound signal of the end of cooking;
• as in the 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;
• 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 yogurt and kefir, you can make rice wine, taste "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 small, they should take Galaxy GL2690 (1260 ml) or Oursson FE1502D (1000 ml).

Types of devices

All commercially available yogurt makers work according to the same principle - milk sourdough. The process lasts approximately 8 hours, they work silently. All these devices are divided into 2 types:

• single cans - cheaper with one container with a volume of 1-2 liters;
• multi-bank, allowing you to prepare individual portions for each family member.

Depending on the principle of operation of the device, the starter culture can occur:

1. Like a thermos. In this case, the cups are heated slowly, and when the temperature reaches 60 ° C, the yoghurt maker turns off. Reproduction of lactobacilli takes place in conditions of heat, which persists for a long time due to the excellent thermal insulation of the case. In this case, the duration of the process is reduced by 2 times. True, the price of such a device is quite high.
2. At the same temperature and constant heating. Such a yoghurt maker is heated up to 40 ° С and maintains a stable mode until the end of the process, which lasts 8 or even 10 hours. Many people choose such models due to the fact that even jars left over from baby food can be used instead of standard containers.

Tip: a single-canned yogurt maker is convenient if you use a large volume of product, for example, to make cream for cakes, cottage cheese, sour cream. You can also choose a device with a set of cups and a cottage cheese mold to boot.

How to choose a good model and what is important to know

Before you go to the store to choose such a household appliance for yourself, it is important to study the basic parameters in order to choose the best and most convenient yogurt maker that is right for you.

1. Power. Despite the fact that all yogurt makers work in the same way, the most reliable one will be the one with a power of about 8-18 watts. It should be remembered that the power of the device does not affect the quality of the finished product, its taste and shelf life, this only indicates the degree of energy consumed.
2. Control method. The mechanical control is represented by two rotary switches on the front of the device. With the help of the first, you can adjust the cooking duration, the second usually controls the maintenance of a certain temperature. On the model with electronic control, you must first set a certain operating time on the display, in addition, there is a timer, thanks to which the device can turn off automatically when cooking comes to an end. The uncontrolled yoghurt maker starts working immediately after connecting to the network, and when the yoghurt is ready, you just need to unplug the plug.
3. Food containers. You can choose a model without cups with one large container, with a volume of about 1.5 liters. But nevertheless, it will be more convenient to use a device that has a certain number of containers. In most cases, the kit includes 5–8 containers with lids, their volume can be different, from 100 grams to 200 grams. It is preferable to choose the material of the dishes from plastic rather than glass, since such cups will be much more convenient to use.

Additional functions

It is important to pay attention to the options of the device in order to decide whether you will use them or not, since the price of an electronic device may be higher due to the presence of any special functions. This household appliance may have the following additional services:

This household appliance may have the following additional services:

This household appliance may have the following additional services:

• depending on the cost and the manufacturer's firm, the electronic device may have the following functions: automatic shutdown, sound signal of completion of work, light indicators;
• many cups have compartments on the lids.Here you can mark the date of manufacture of the product, the end of the shelf life, storage temperature;
• there are devices in which the cord is folded into a separate storage compartment, which is very convenient when using;
• if you choose a device where cottage cheese is additionally prepared, a large bowl will come with it for ease of preparation;
• If you wish, you can purchase an ice cream yogurt maker. In this machine, you can cook two versions of different dishes. There are also models on sale that work as steamers.

Helpful advice when choosing

1. Before choosing a good device that meets all your expectations, you need to decide which of the additional functions you really need. Don't overpay for a model that contains many different options that you will never use.
2. If you choose an inexpensive technique, there is a possibility to face the frequent problem of overheating of the product.
3. The device with automatic shutdown is very convenient. Here it is possible to start the cooking process in the evening, and then in the morning a freshly prepared product will be waiting for you. But do not forget that ready-made yogurt should not be in the appliance for a long time, since all beneficial lactic acid bacteria can die, so it must be stored in the refrigerator.
4. The timer is a necessary function, thanks to it the product turns out the way it should be - thick, tender and tasty.
5. The shape and color of the device can be chosen in accordance with your preferences, this is only an aesthetic indicator.
6. It is best to purchase the model with cups and an extra container, especially if you plan on cooking curds and liquid foods.
7. It should be borne in mind that such a multifunctional device as a yoghurt ice cream maker is very convenient to use, but there is a possibility that when you try to combine two different dishes, their quality may suffer.
8. When buying, try to give preference to well-known brands such as Philips, Vitek, Moulinex, because devices made by unknown manufacturers may not be of the best quality.

Rating of the best yogurt makers

For comparison, consider several specific models from different manufacturers.

Moulinex YG 1001

Simple and compact device. On the plastic case there are power and timer buttons. There is an electronic display that counts down the cooking time. The set includes 7 glass containers, 140 g each. On the lids of the cups, you can mark the date of manufacture. Additionally, there are auto-off and timer functions. A beep sounds after cooking. Fully complies with the declared characteristics. Buying a Moulinex YG 1001 will cost you about 3,500 rubles.

Philips HD 9141/00

The yoghurt steamer is programmed for 6 modes: portioned yoghurt, family portion, thick yoghurt, cottage cheese, milk dessert, steaming. On the plastic panel of the case there is an electronic dial and program control buttons. The set includes 6 glass cups of 150 ml each, a 2-liter bowl, 8 cavities for boiling eggs, a filter for cottage cheese. The device is additionally equipped with a timer function, auto-off and an indicator of the need to descale, the set includes a recipe book. By purchasing Philips HD 9141/00, you can cook not only dairy products, but also meat, fish, eggs and vegetables. The purchase will cost about 7,000 rubles.

Vitek VT-2602

Suitable for a large family, since the capacity of this unit is 12 glasses of 165 ml for yogurt or 4 containers of 500 g for cottage cheese. Only 6 small and 2 large containers are provided with the yoghurt maker. Equipped with the function of making yoghurt and cottage cheese. On the plastic case, there are power and timer buttons, an electronic display, and a light indicator. There is an option for automatic shutdown and timer. The price of the Vitek VT-2602 yogurt maker is about 3000 rubles.

REDMOND M5401

The electronically controlled appliance will prepare 1.5 liters of yoghurt at a time.The set includes 8 glass jars of 180 ml, which you can mark with the production date. The metal body of the yogurt maker is equipped with a display, light indicator, power and timer buttons. Additional functions - auto power off, sound notification, timer. The cost of REDMOND M5401 varies between 2600 rubles.

Tefal YG 260132

The plastic model is equipped with one 1.75 liter large capacity. In the apparatus you can cook according to two programs - "Yogurt", "Kefir". Additional timer setting functions and automatic shutdown simplify the process. An electronic display and a light indicator will help you keep track of the cooking. The price of Tefal YG 260132 in home appliance stores ranges from 3000 rubles.

Overview of yogurt makers

To choose the right yogurt maker, it is advisable to read the reviews of people who have already tried it. We invite you to view an overview of some of the most popular options.

The purchase of a yogurt maker depends on the funds available

The most popular models of yogurt makers:

1. Tefal YG2601 32 is an excellent single jug yoghurt maker. She does an excellent job of making yoghurt from skim milk.
2. Tefal YG652 Multidelices is perfect for those who like portioned cups. There are 12 of them here. Such a device is popular due to the possibility of making fermented milk drinks and a lot of yogurt desserts. You will also be pleased with the presence of a sound signal indicating the end of cooking.
3. DEX DYM-107 has excellent quality despite its low price. It includes 6 cups.