It’s true what they say, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day! You should have something substantial enough to fuel you for a busy morning but not something that will make you bloated and lethargic. Perhaps you usually use your
breakfast sandwich maker to rustle up some brekkie. Or, you might be more of a pancake kinda gal. If you’re trying to be a bit healthier, however, you might want to consider
whipping up a morning smoothie packed with fresh fruit and maybe even some yogurt!
Have you noticed that yogurt takes up the majority of space in the dairy aisle of most grocery stores? It is becoming increasingly difficult to find more classic dairy items such as sour cream and cottage cheese amid the many yogurt flavors. This is to be expected considering the many health benefits acquired from incorporating yogurt into your diet. Yogurt is a source of “good” bacteria; it tastes delicious, and works with many diet plans.
Due to yogurt’s high demand, prices have steeply increased. Depending on preference, with options such as low-fat, organic, fat-free, natural, Greek, or gluten-free yogurt, the price per month spent on enjoying dairy treats can seem excessive. Making your own yogurt will cut your spending in half, allowing your family consistently fresh, delicious yogurt; just the way they like it, with no preservatives or additives.
If you love creamy yogurt, you can’t go wrong with a quality yogurt maker that can be used in the comfort of your home. To begin, all you need is milk and a yogurt starter. Fill a container with milk and yogurt culture, then put the mixture in a box, making sure that the box is well insulated and cool. Plug in the machine and wait for the bacteria do its job. For lactose-free yogurt, let the mixture
ferment for 24 hours.
To achieve the desired quality, thickness, and consistency of your yogurt, a high-quality yogurt maker is required. How do you choose the best one when there are so many on the market? One important thing to consider is whether you will be making your yogurt in large batches or in individual jars. Large batches make sense if you intend to strain the yogurt, while individual jars are excellent for ready-to-eat servings.
Let’s look at the factors to consider when shopping for the best yogurt maker. Then, we can jump straight to our picks.
Price
The prices of yogurt makers vary, depending on the amount of assistance provided when making the yogurt. The price range for our picks is between around $30 and $300. The budget-priced models offer a stable, temperature-controlled atmosphere for fermentation, but you will be largely responsible for the preparation and storage work. The mid-range models provide improved timing devices as well as a water bath, but you will still be required to transfer the end-product for cold storage. The luxury yogurt maker provides exclusive temperature control and an independent refrigeration unit, eliminating the need to transfer the final product to cold storage.
While you may find cheap yogurt makers on the market that promise to give you the same results as expensive alternatives, it is good to be careful with them as they may not be durable or provide desired features.
Features
Here are the features to look out for when buying a yogurt maker:
Type
Yogurt makers can be classified as electrical and non-electrical. Electrical yogurt makers come with built-in timers that notify you when the yogurt is ready. Most of them also have translucent lids so you can view the fermentation process. Non-electrical yogurt makers, on the other hand, utilize hot water to warm up the milk used for fermentation.
Capacity
The capacity of a yogurt maker varies, but only a small amount. You will probably only find yogurt makers for home use with capacities between 1 and 2 quarts. For large quantities of yogurt, a special model may be required.
Temperature Control
When preparing yogurt, temperature plays a crucial role to ensure that live cultures do not die and the yogurt comes out thick and tasty. Make sure you buy a yogurt maker that has precise temperature controls and accurate timing.
Timer / Automatic
When making yogurt, the fermentation process takes between 5 to 24 hours. Choose a yogurt maker with a timer and automatic shut off if possible,.
Pots
Use glass pots in small serving sizes. Glass does not have toxic chemicals such as phthalates or BPA, which can be found in some plastics. If you are unable to find a yogurt maker featuring glass pots, you can substitute with glass jars that fit well in your yogurt maker.
Construction and Design
When shopping for the best yogurt maker, make sure you go for a product that suits your needs. While some advanced machines are designed to churn large batches of yogurt, other yogurt makers come with smaller jars that can produce individual portions and allow for different flavors. Go for a 1 quart yogurt maker if it’s just for you or a 1.5 or 2 quart capacity would be ideal for a couple or small family. Additional features such as a thermometer, recipe book, or cheese straining bag are recommended.
Performance and Ease of Use
The best yogurt maker is one that is simple and easy to use. Beware of yogurt makers that look sleek and stylish, but dominate kitchen space and are too complicated to operate. The machine should be easy to clean and guarantee long-term service. The best yogurt makers can also make scrumptious ice creams and sorbets!
Yogurt makers may seem like simple machines, but there are factors that go into the overall quality of each machine. While buying yogurt from the supermarket or farmers market are certainly reasonable options, making it at home saves more money than you think. When selecting the best yogurt maker, think about what you’re looking for in terms of capacity and general functions. Can it make regular and Greek yogurt, or perhaps even cheese?
If you’re someone who clips coupons or is looking to save money on your favorite treat, our review on the “Top 5 Picks for Yogurt Makers” is the best place to start. We hope we have helped you choose the best yogurt maker to match your needs, budget, and preferences. However, you don’t have to take our word for it. Feel free to browse through these trusted brands and find yourself a machine to ensure you never run out of delicious, healthy yogurt.
