A creamy pot of yoghurt not only makes a delicious breakfast, dessert or snack but has so many health benefits too. If you are looking for a more cost-effective way to buy yoghurt, a cheaper dairy-free option, or a healthier, sustainable alternative to store-bought yoghurt, then a yoghurt maker will be an investment that will be paid off very quickly.
What's not to love about yoghurt? It can be high in protein, calcium, vitamins and live culture, which helps promote good gut health. However, the downside is many yoghurt brands are packed full of sugar and additives so that you won't reap the benefits of the live bacteria or the probiotics. When making your own at home, you control all the ingredients you put into your body.
Best yoghurt makers at a glance:
• Best overall yoghurt maker: Lakeland Multi Yoghurt and Soft Cheese Maker – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best yoghurt maker for big batches: VonShef Yoghurt Maker Machine with Strainer – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best yoghurt maker for individual servings: VonShef Digital Yoghurt Maker with 7 Jars – Buy now on Amazon UK
Whether you are looking to make bulk batches or individual pots, yoghurt makers are a great sustainable option, and the best part is that these machines are inexpensive and are simple to use.
With that in mind, here are our top picks of the best yoghurt makers so you can make sustainable, cost-effective and healthy yoghurt at home.
Best yoghurt makers for sweet treats
Best overall yoghurt maker
LakelandThe Lakeland yoghurt maker is excellent value if you are looking to buy an appliance for bulk-making yoghurt. It can make soft cheese and yoghurt and is suitable for those that follow a dairy-free diet. The yoghurt machine comes with a set of instructions for making soft cheese and Greek yoghurt and comes with two 1.8 and 1.6-litre containers and a strainer. One thing to consider is that the temperature control can be temperamental, so you will need to monitor the machine. This machine also has a three-year warranty.
Best yoghurt maker for big batches
VonShefThis yoghurt maker from VonShef is an excellent choice for those who have experience making yoghurt or using devices. If you are looking to produce large quantities of yoghurt for a fraction of a supermarket price, this machine is of great value. This compact machine has a large 1.8L container, so you can choose the quantities when making homemade yoghurt. VonShef is compact and easy to store, is very energy efficient and can make up to 14,000ml of yoghurt in one cycle. Each batch takes about 10 hours to complete, and as there is no LCD display to view the temperature or automatic off switch, you will need to monitor the machine when it has finished its cycle. The device also comes with a two-year warranty.
Best yoghurt maker for individual servings
VonShefQuick, convenient and easy to use - the VonShef digital yoghurt maker comes with seven single-serve jars - perfect for breakfast and on the go. It is easy to use and control with the LCD display, timer and temperature monitor; plus, the PTC heating component makes this more energy-efficient than other yoghurt makers. All the jars come with screw caps, so you can easily store them in the fridge.
Best non-electric yogurt maker
Country Trading Co. StoreThis no-fuss yoghurt making device requires no power, no timers - just an old fashioned jar. It is also dishwasher safe making clean-up a breeze. It can produce up to 1L of yoghurt, so if you have a small fridge, it may not fit. Naturally, as this is not an electric device, you will not have all the advanced features; therefore, what you see is what you get with this appliance.
Best frozen yoghurt machine
SensioSo this device isn't exactly for yoghurt making, but if you love ice cream and are looking for a healthier alternative, you can make frozen yoghurt effortlessly and quickly at home. This appliance can prepare ice cream recipes, sorbet and frozen yoghurt in just 20 minutes. The device can hold 1.4L and has four components, allowing you to control the quantities. The bowl itself will need to be frozen 12 hours before preparing any recipes, but provided this is done, perfecting frozen yoghurt will take no time at all.
Best yoghurt maker for portion sizing
DuronicCustomise the sweetness and flavour of each pot with the Duronic Yoghurt Maker YM2. Easy to use, it maintains a steady 38°C for fermentation, though the temperature isn't adjustable. The timer can be set for 8–12 hours, delivering fresh yoghurt. With individual pots, you can experiment with flavours by adding honey, fruit, chocolate, or nuts for variety. Spare pots can be purchased separately.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Maintains a steady 38°C for fermentation
- Adjustable timer (8–12 hours)
- Makes individual pots for flavour variety
- Customisable with honey, fruit, chocolate, or nuts
Cons
- Its operating temperature is too high to grow Lactobacillus reuteri
| Quantity of yoghurt per batch: | 8 x 125ml pots |
| Dimensions: | 26 x 24 x 17cm |
Best yoghurt maker for flavour variety
EasiYoThe EasiYo Red Yoghurt Maker makes it easy to prepare tasty flavoured yoghurt with powder mixes. It works like a Thermos flask to incubate the yoghurt without using electricity. Just add water to the jar, mix in the EasiYo powder, fill the maker with boiling water, and place the jar inside. Let it sit for 8–12 hours, then chill in the fridge. Customers love the creamy, delicious flavours, including: Natural, Strawberry, Vanilla and Greek Style with Coconut Bits .
Pros
- No electricity needed
- Easy to use with powder mixes
- Incubates yoghurt like a Thermos flask
- Makes creamy, delicious flavours
- Requires 8–12 hours for fermentation
- Simple process with minimal steps
Cons
- It can go wrong if the water is at the wrong temperature or if too much water is added
| Quantity of yoghurt per batch: | 1kg |
| Dimensions: | 35.5 x 19.8 x 16.7cm |
What to consider when buying a yoghurt maker?
Temperature settings: If you are looking to make different kinds of soft cheese or yoghurts with kefir, you will need a lower temperature. Therefore, you will need a machine that has temperature controls. However, if it's just straightforward, plain yoghurt, you are looking to make then perhaps a manual yoghurt or no-frills yoghurt maker would suit you best such as the Lakeland Multi Yoghurt Maker, theVonShef Yoghurt Maker Machine or the Country Trading Co. Store Stainless Steel Yoghurt Maker.
Capacity: Yoghurt makers are designed in two ways, one is a machine with smaller individual pots for smaller servings, and the other is a big pot to make a large quantity at a time. Consider what you will need the yoghurt for - bulk batches or individual pots to narrow down your search.
Preparation times: Yoghurt usually takes around 10 hours for the fermentation process to finish. Automatic pre-sets are a helpful addition if you have never used a yoghurt maker before. Additionally, a machine that has an automatic shutdown function will allow your yoghurt maker to do the work without you needing to be around to switch it off.
Maintenance: The best machines are the ones that need minimal maintenance and cleaning. To ensure the longevity of your device, clean the blade components thoroughly after every use. It is best to hand wash the parts, but you can also consider purchasing a yoghurt maker with dishwasher-safe components and jars.
Design: If you haven't got a lot of space in your kitchen, it is best to pick a more compact yoghurt maker that will take up less counter and cupboard space.
Yoghurt starter cultures and mason jars
This Yoghurt Starter Culture pack comes with 10 freeze-dried sachets.
This four-pack of 14 oz glass mason jars (1 pint) are perfect for preserving, canning or storing yoghurt.
How to use a yoghurt maker
After you have chosen a yoghurt maker, you will need a few other essentials to get started such as starter yoghurt packets, fresh milk or non-dairy milk and mason jars. You will also require a saucepan to boil the milk, a ladle, a mixing bowl and a thermometer.
This simple video tutorial from Lakeland shows you how to make yoghurt at home using their Lakeland Multi Yoghurt and Soft Cheese Maker.
A few tips for making homemade yoghurt
Sterilize your jars: You don’t want the yoghurt cultures contending with any bacteria in your pots and jars as you will not get the probiotic benefits.
Non-dairy starter: If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, you can use specialised non-dairy yoghurt starter powder.
No metal spoons: Don't use any metal spoons to mix the milk or yoghurt starter, as it will deactivate the probiotics.
In a pinch, you can actually use two tablespoons of store-bought unflavoured yoghurt as a yoghurt starter or even a probiotic capsule that provides up to 30 billion CFU’s.
Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.