Modern manufacturers of household appliances produce a huge range of products designed to facilitate the work of the hostess in the kitchen. All kinds of devices help us diversify our menu and prepare not only the first and second courses, but also dairy products. Such a technical tool as a yogurt maker allows lovers of this healthy delicacy to quickly and easily prepare not only yogurt, but also cottage cheese, sour cream, and kefir. In this article, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" reviewed the most popular models of yoghurt makers for home cooking and prepared a review and rating of the best quality products.
Content
How a homemade yogurt maker works
Most models are a device consisting of a plastic body, bowl or small cups. To prepare fermented milk products, you need to follow a few simple steps, which should be described in the instructions:
- First you need milk and sourdough, which are placed in special cups or a large container.
- They are placed inside the device and covered with a lid. A high temperature is maintained here, which contributes to the fermentation of milk and the reproduction of beneficial bacteria.
- After 4-8 hours of being inside the device, the product is taken out, cooled slightly and placed in the refrigerator. This point cannot be ignored, otherwise the growth of bacteria will not stop and the yogurt will turn from useful to hazardous to health.
What are home yogurt makers? Main types
The types of devices can be distinguished depending on the following parameters:
The mechanism of work is distinguished:
- Devices that maintain a constant temperature inside themselves. They slowly warm up to an average temperature (40-50 degrees), which remains until the moment of shutdown. The main disadvantage of such devices is the high probability of product spoilage, and the advantages are the low price and the possibility of using any containers of a suitable size made of safe material as cups.
- Devices that work as follows: first, heating to high temperatures (more than 60 degrees) occurs, and then automatic shutdown. Thanks to the properties of the shell to keep warm, the fermentation process is quick (about 5 hours) and safe. The disadvantage of this type is the high price.
By type of management:
- Mechanically controlled devices are the simplest and cheapest option, which only has the ability to make yoghurt.
- Units with an electronic control system are a more modern and expensive type, with the function of preparing cottage cheese, sour cream, and other fermented milk products.
By the number of containers:
- Devices with one large bowl, with a volume of 1 to 2 liters, are suitable for a large family. But at the same time, there is no way to prepare several different versions of the product, everyone will have to eat the same.
- Models with several small glasses in which you can make several types of yoghurt at the same time. A convenient option if each family member has their own taste preferences.A small drawback is spending more time preparing food and washing dishes.
Product selection criteria
- How much product can be prepared in the end and the capacity of the bowl.
- The number of temperature modes for cooking the product. If there are several of them, then you can make not only yogurt, but also curdled milk, cottage cheese, sour cream.
- The presence of a timer that can turn on and off the device in accordance with the specified time. In addition, there are more possibilities for preparing a product with the same composition.
- The ability to change and regulate the cooking temperature, depending on the wishes of the owner.
- The presence of an automatic shutdown after the end of the process allows you to calmly go about your business without the fear that the yogurt will deteriorate or the device itself will overheat. Some models even signal the completion of work.
- Manufacturing material. Large bowl and jars can only be made of glass, ceramic or plastic. Glass and ceramic devices are considered the safest for health, but they are easy to break. Plastic jars are more durable but can be harmful to the body. If you stopped at this option, it is worth focusing on the fact that the plastic is food grade, otherwise there is a risk of poisoning.
- Power. Most models do not have a lot of power, which allows you to significantly save on electricity, even if you work for many hours.
- Management type. Mechanical appliances are more affordable, but only yoghurt can be prepared. The electronic interface provides more opportunities for sourdough, but the price is much higher.
- Most models have additional functions. They are designed to make the operation process more convenient, but they almost do not affect the main process, if desired, it is quite possible to do without them.
- The presence of a compartment for the cord can greatly facilitate the storage of the unit.
The nicest mechanical yoghurt makers
Polaris PYM 0104
A well-known budget model with a mechanical control system. The set includes four 180 ml small containers with colorful bright lids. each one. The owner of this device will have to monitor the cooking process on his own, since it is not equipped with a timer, sound signal or an automatic shutdown function. A yogurt maker can produce a small amount of product at a time and is suitable for a small company, a couple or one person. Price: from 1300 to 1900 rubles.
Advantages:
- Easy to operate;
- Affordable cost;
- Convenient containers made of glass;
- Bright, attractive design.
Disadvantages:
- Small productivity;
- Lack of timer and sound signal;
- The need to monitor the cooking process.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Polaris PYM 0104 |
|---|---|
| Control type | Mechanical |
| Power, W | 20 |
| Number of jars, pcs. | 4 |
| Jars capacity, ml. | 180 |
| Weight, kg | 1.2 |
Vitek VT-2600
One of the most budget mechanically controlled models on the market today. The principle of operation is based on constant heating of the case. Equipped with a simple interface with a timer, auto-off and the ability to independently set the temperature, which allows you to cook not only yogurt, but also other fermented milk products. The set includes a large bowl and 6 small jars up to 165 ml. Cost: from 2000 to 2500 rubles.
Advantages:
- Easy to use:
- The presence of a timer with auto-off;
- The ability to independently set the temperature;
- Low weight;
- Takes up little space in the kitchen;
- Economical on energy consumption;
- Nice appearance;
- The bowl and cups are made of high quality, safe food grade plastic and glass.
Disadvantages:
- There is no electronic board indicating the operating time, which slightly complicates the operation process;
- There is no sound signal at the end of the process;
- The plastic case sometimes emits extraneous sounds:
- Customer reviews indicate that the device often overheats products, spoils them or turns them into yogurt.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Vitek VT-2600 |
|---|---|
| Control type | Mechanical |
| Power, W | 24 |
| Timer setting time, h | 3-14 |
| Number of jars, pcs. | 6 |
| Jars capacity, ml. | 165 |
Rating and description of electronically controlled devices
Brand 4002
Quality and affordable electronically controlled yoghurt maker. The main feature is a large number of glass jars (12 pcs.), Which will allow you to cook the product for several days in advance. The model is equipped with a display, timer and sound signal about the end of work. The cost varies from 1600 to 3000 rubles.
Advantages:
- 12 containers allow you to get a large amount of yoghurt;
- Easy to use;
- The fermentation process takes less time compared to other models;
- Maintains the desired temperature, does not overheat or spoil the product;
- A light weight;
- Bright design;
- Resistant to damage;
- The presence of a tray for cups;
- The containers are tightly closed with lids;
Disadvantages:
- There is no way to select the desired temperature;
- Silent alert sound;
- The total volume is slightly less than stated;
- There are no special containers for cottage cheese, ice cream.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Brand 4002 |
|---|---|
| Control | Electronic |
| Power, W. | 50 |
| Number of jars, pcs. | 12 |
| Jar volume, ml. | 200 |
| Timer setting time, h | Up to 12 |
| Weight, kg. | 3.4 |
| Dimensions, cm. | 27x32x14.5 |
Galaxy GL2692
A popular model with electronic control, which functions by constantly heating the main body. The set includes a large 1 liter bowl. The device operates in two main modes: cooking yoghurt and maintaining the temperature, plus an additional function - making rice wine. The cooking time is displayed on the electronic liquid crystal display, the temperature is set automatically, without the possibility of its further regulation. Average price: about 1000 rubles.
Advantages:
- The presence of a timer with a large range of time settings (up to 48 hours);
- Ease of use;
- A large bowl included;
- High-quality assembly;
- Small size, compact;
- The kit includes instructions with recipes for cooking;
- Affordable cost.
Disadvantages:
- Inability to regulate the cooking temperature;
- A short cord limits how the unit can be placed in the kitchen;
- The container is made of plastic;
- Loud timer sound that cannot be turned off.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Galaxy GL2692 |
|---|---|
| Control type | Electronic |
| Power, W | 20 |
| Timer setting time, h | Up to 48 |
| Bowl volume, l. | 1 |
| Weight, kg. | 1.6 |
| Dimensions, cm. | 15x15x22 |
Supra YGS-8014
Convenient roomy unit with electronic control system. Equipped with a mechanical timer to turn off the device after the end of work. The set includes four glass bowls up to 200 ml. Due to the presence of the temperature adjustment function, you can cook not only yogurt, but also cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir. Cost: about 1100 rubles.
Advantages:
- Fast cooking process:
- Efficiently consumes electricity;
- Compact;
- Convenient roomy cups;
- The presence of a timer;
- The ability to adjust the temperature;
- It turns off automatically after the end of the cooking process;
- There is a function of making cottage cheese, sour cream, kefir, yogurt and other dairy products.
Disadvantages:
- In some cases, the product overheats;
- The cups are made of thin glass and are not durable;
- A short cord significantly reduces the portability of the device.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Supra YGS-8014 |
|---|---|
| Control type | Electronic |
| Power, W | 15 |
| Timer setting time, h | Up to 48 |
| Number of jars, pcs. | 4 |
| Jars capacity, ml. | 200 |
Steba JM2
The budget option is electronically controlled. The yoghurt maker works by constant heating. The body is made of metal, not plastic like most other models.The set includes 12 glass jars for preparing a large volume of product. Equipped with a timer, display, work indicator. Price: from 2900 to 3500 rubles.
Advantages:
- A large number of containers;
- Acceptable cost;
- The presence of a compartment for storing the cord;
- The body is made of metal;
- Easy to use.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of a thermostat;
- According to customer reviews, the model sometimes overheats and spoils the product;
- No alert signal;
- In some cases, the timer shows the wrong time, for example, when the temperature changes.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Steba JM2 |
|---|---|
| Control | Electronic |
| Power, W. | 21 |
| Number of jars, pcs. | 12 |
| Jar volume, ml. | 200 |
| Weight, kg. | 2.5 |
| Dimensions, cm. | 25x31x12.5 |
Moulinex Yogurteo YG 230
The original model is electronically controlled. Due to its low power, it is considered one of the most economical options on the market today. The set includes seven 160 ml glass jars. Equipped with a timer, display indicating the time remaining until the end of the cooking process. After the end of work, the device switches off automatically and signals about it. Price: from 2800 to 3600 rubles.
Advantages:
- Reliable build;
- Quality workmanship material;
- Interesting design;
- Ease of use;
- Economical, consumes little electricity;
- Equipped with a timer;
- There is an automatic shutdown function;
- Emits a sound signal after the end of work;
- The yoghurt containers are made of glass.
Disadvantages:
- Overheats quickly;
- A short wire reduces the mobility of the device;
- Cooking the food for a long time: about 8 hours:
- It is difficult to regulate the consistency of the yogurt.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Moulinex Yogurteo YG 230 |
|---|---|
| Control type | Electronic |
| Power, W | 13 |
| Timer setting time | Up to 15 |
| Number of containers | 7 |
| Container volume, ml | 160 |
Terms of use of the yogurt maker
In order for the equipment to serve faithfully for a long time, it is recommended to follow the following operating rules:
- Try to protect from bumps and falls.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Before starting work, carefully read the instructions for use.
- After finishing work, make sure that the device is disconnected from the mains.
- Wash yoghurt jars with soapy water or in the dishwasher.
- Wipe the body of the device regularly with a damp cloth.
How to make your own yogurt starter at home
- Purchase a starter base in advance at the pharmacy. There is an alternative option - to make a starter with ready-made yogurt from the store, but experts do not advise doing this, since there is a high likelihood of harmful bacteria entering.
- Take 2 liters of milk, bring to a boil.
- Cool slightly until warm.
- Mix with a small amount of pharmacy starter culture and bring to a homogeneous mass.
- Close the pot and bowl tightly with a lid.
- Wrap the container with the contents with paper and a thick cloth.
- Leave for 12 hours in a warm place for fermentation.
- Unwrap and cool the resulting mixture to room temperature.
- Put the starter culture in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
- 60-70% of the finished composition can be used directly in food.
- Use the rest of the starter for the preparation of subsequent portions of the product.
- Act according to the principle described above.
We talked about the structure and principles of operation of home yogurt makers, reviewed their main types and necessary selection criteria, got acquainted with the most popular models among buyers so that you could choose the most suitable product in terms of price, quality and reliability. If you have experience with these devices, please share your impressions in the comments.
