Best Yogurt Makers of 2025: Electric, Manual & Multi-Jar Machines Compared

Making yogurt at home sounds like the kind of thing people with a lot of time and a sourdough starter do. But it’s actually simpler than making most breakfasts. Heat milk, cool it, stir in a spoonful of live yogurt, keep it warm for 8-12 hours, and you’re done. A yogurt maker just handles the “keep it warm” part — maintaining a steady 108-112°F so the cultures do their work without needing you to check a heating pad or an oven pilot light.

It saves you money (a gallon of milk makes a gallon of yogurt for the price of a single quart at the store), gives you control over ingredients (no thickeners, no stabilizers, whatever fat percentage you want), and homemade yogurt has roughly twice the live cultures of commercial stuff. We tested 6 of the best yogurt makers in 2025.

What to Look For in a Yogurt Maker

Capacity: How Much Yogurt at Once

Yogurt makers come in two configurations: single-container (one large tub) and multi-jar (six to eight individual 6-8oz jars). Single-container makers produce 1-2 quarts per batch — good for families who eat a lot of yogurt or want to portion into their own containers. Multi-jar makers produce yogurt in individual servings with lids, so you grab one and go. Neither is better; it depends on whether you portion yogurt into bowls at breakfast or grab a jar from the fridge.

Temperature Control: Set-and-Forget vs. Manual

The best yogurt makers have precise, automatic temperature control — set the timer for 8, 10, or 12 hours, and the machine maintains 110°F ± 2° until the timer ends, then switches to refrigeration mode. Manual models lack a timer — you plug them in, they stay warm until you unplug them. You can overcook yogurt on manual models (8 hours turns into 12 if you forget), which makes the yogurt tangier and can separate the whey.

Temperature consistency matters more than you’d think. Fluctuations above 115°F kill the cultures; below 105°F and fermentation slows dramatically, potentially allowing unwanted bacteria to grow. A good yogurt maker keeps the temperature steady without your attention.

Included Jars and Lids

Multi-jar models come with glass jars and lids. Glass is the standard — it doesn’t scratch (no hiding spots for bacteria), doesn’t leach, and is dishwasher-safe. Look for jars that fit standard mason jar lids if you want to buy replacements later. Some budget makers use plastic jars — skip those. Plastic scratches over time and can warp in the dishwasher.

Single-container models come with a plastic or stainless steel tub. Stainless is ideal (durable, doesn’t stain, no plastic taste). Plastic tubs work but may absorb odors from previous batches.

Yogurt Timer and Settings

Most yogurt makers offer a simple timer (6, 8, 10, 12 hours) and a “set yogurt” mode that starts the fermentation timer after the milk reaches the right temperature. Some premium models add a pasteurization cycle that heats milk to 180°F first, then cools it to 110°F before fermentation starts — this eliminates the step of pre-heating milk on the stove. That’s a genuine convenience upgrade.

Ease of Cleaning

Yogurt makers involve milk, which means they involve potential mess. The jars or tub should be dishwasher-safe. The main body should NOT need cleaning — only the container. Avoid models where the heating element or temperature probe is inside the container or requires special care. Any yogurt maker with removable, dishwasher-safe glass jars wins on cleaning.

Power Consumption

Yogurt makers use very little electricity — typically 15-25 watts for 8-12 hours, which amounts to a few pennies per batch. Not a decision factor, but it means you can run one continuously without thinking about the electric bill.

Top 6 Yogurt Makers Reviewed

1. Euro Cuisine YMX650 — Best Overall Yogurt Maker

The Euro Cuisine YMX650 is the yogurt maker that keeps showing up in professional kitchens and home kitchens alike. It makes 2 quarts in a single stainless steel container with a glass lid — no individual jars, just one batch container that yields about 8 cups. The digital timer goes up to 15 hours with automatic shutoff, and the temperature is maintained within ±1°F. The clear lid lets you check consistency without opening. A beep sounds when the cycle is complete, and the unit then refrigerates (it switches to a lower temperature that keeps yogurt from over-fermenting but won’t cool it fully — you still need to refrigerate).

The stainless steel container is the standout feature. It doesn’t stain, doesn’t absorb odors, is dishwasher-safe, and comes with a tight-sealing glass lid. At 2-quart capacity, one batch covers a family’s yogurt needs for a week. The temperature consistency over a 12-hour cycle is the best we’ve measured.

Pros:

• Large 2-quart capacity in one container — minimal dishes
• Stainless steel container won’t stain or absorb odors
• Digital timer up to 15 hours with auto shutoff and beep
• Excellent temperature stability (±1°F)
• Glass lid for monitoring fermentation without opening
• Compact footprint for 2-quart capacity
• Timer starts automatically when milk reaches culture temperature

Cons:

• No pasteurization cycle — you must heat milk on the stove first
• Single container means no portioned servings
• Refrigeration mode doesn’t fully cool — still needs the fridge
• No pre-set yogurt-style programs (just a continuous timer)
• Stainless steel container is not microwave-safe
• Limited to 2 quarts — no smaller batch option

Verdict: The best all-around yogurt maker for anyone who wants the simplest, most reliable way to make 2 quarts of yogurt at a time. The stainless steel container and precise temperature control make it worth the price.

2. Gourmia GYM1000 — Best Budget Yogurt Maker

Gourmia’s GYM1000 proves you don’t need to spend a lot for decent yogurt. It’s a 1-quart single-container model with a plastic tub, a digital display, and 8 preset programs (yogurt, Greek yogurt, kefir, cheese making, etc.). The timer runs up to 24 hours. The heating element surrounds the container for even temperature distribution.

At under $40, you get a fully automatic yogurt maker with a pasteurization cycle — meaning you can pour cold milk into the container, hit “yogurt,” and the machine heats it to 180°F, cools it to 110°F, and starts fermentation. This is the same feature set as machines that cost three times as much. The plastic tub is the main compromise — it works fine but won’t last as long as stainless or glass.

Pros:

• Pasteurization cycle — pour in cold milk, press start, walk away
• 8 presets: yogurt, Greek, kefir, cheese, and more
• Affordable — the cheapest automatic yogurt maker with pasteurization
• Clear lid with steam vent
• Auto shutoff when cycle completes
• 24-hour max timer for long ferments
• Compact and lightweight

Cons:

• Plastic tub is the only container — stains and scratches over time
• 1-quart capacity is small for a family
• Temperature is less consistent than Euro Cuisine (±3-4°F)
• Plastic lid seal can loosen over time
• Presets are convenient but not adjustable — can’t fine-tune temperature
• No separate jar option

Verdict: The best budget choice for someone who wants a fully automatic yogurt maker with pasteurization. The 1-quart capacity is best for individuals or couples. The plastic tub is the trade-off at this price.

3. Luvele Pure YM200 — Best Multi-Jar Yogurt Maker

The Luvele Pure YM200 is a 7-jar yogurt maker that takes the individual-serving approach seriously. It comes with seven 6.3-oz glass jars with plastic lids, plus two 16-oz glass jars for larger batches — a total of 9 jars across two sizes. The temperature control is fully digital with a timer (6, 8, 10, or 12 hours) and a “start after cooling” function that holds the temperature at 110°F before the timer starts.

The glass jars are thick-walled, dishwasher-safe, and fit standard plastic lids. The heating element wraps around the entire chamber, not just the bottom, so all jars ferment at the same rate. An audible beep announces completion, and the unit shifts to refrigeration mode. Luvele also includes a detailed recipe booklet that covers yogurt, Greek yogurt, labneh, and yogurt-based cheeses.

Pros:

• 9 jars in two sizes (7 × 6.3 oz + 2 × 16 oz) — versatile batch options
• Thick glass jars that are dishwasher-safe and durable
• Start-after-cooling function for set-and-forget in the morning
• Upright chamber design with wraparound heating — even fermentation
• Quiet operation — barely audible during the cycle
• Recipe booklet included for yogurt and beyond
• Refrigeration mode after fermentation

Cons:

• 7 small jars plus 2 large means lots of washing
• Higher price than equivalent-capacity single-container models
• Plastic jar lids can crack over time (replacement jars cost extra)
• Jars don’t fit standard mason jar lids
• Only 4 timer presets (6/8/10/12) — no custom time
• Chamber is specific to Luvele jars — can’t use random containers

Verdict: The best multi-jar yogurt maker for people who want grab-and-go portioned yogurt. The two jar sizes are a thoughtful touch — small for individual yogurt, large for making Greek yogurt or cheese.

4. Instant Pot Duo (as Yogurt Maker) — Best Multi-Function Appliance

We also tested the Instant Pot Duo’s yogurt function since so many people already have one. If you do, you can skip buying a dedicated machine — it works well for large batches. The process is fully automated: select “Yogurt,” then “Normal” for the boil cycle (heats milk to 180°F for pasteurization), then when it beeps, stir in starter, select “Yogurt” again and set the timer (8, 12, or 24 hours). The Instant Pot maintains a steady 110°F during fermentation.

The main advantage is zero additional counter space. If you already have a Duo for pressure cooking, you get yogurt making as a free addition. The main disadvantage is capacity — the 6-quart pot is too large for small batches (you need at least 2 quarts to fill the pot to the minimum line), and the lack of individual jars means you’re scooping yogurt from a large pot.

Pros:

• No extra appliance if you already own an Instant Pot Duo
• Fully automated boil + ferment cycle
• Holds temperature accurately for the full fermentation period
• Can make 2-4 quarts per batch (large capacity)
• Stainless steel inner pot is easy to clean
• Can make yogurt from any milk type (dairy, soy, coconut, etc.)
• 24-hour timer for long ferments (tangier yogurt)

Cons:

• Minimum 2-quart batch — too much for singles or couples
• No portioned jars — one large container
• Cleanup involves the heavy stainless steel pot, not dishwasher-safe small jars
• Harder to monitor fermentation without lifting the lid
• Requires knowing the Instant Pot’s yogurt function (not all models have it)
• If you don’t already own one, it’s expensive as a yogurt maker

Verdict: The best yogurt maker is the one you already own. If you have an Instant Pot Duo, try the yogurt function before buying a dedicated machine. If you don’t, the Euro Cuisine or Luvele are better dedicated choices.

5. Yogourmet Electric Multi-Yogurt Maker — Best Large Capacity

Yogourmet’s electric yogurt maker is a beast. It holds 2 quarts in a single container (like the Euro Cuisine) but adds a separate timer module that you can program for specific dairy types. The container is a clear BPA-free plastic tub with a plastic lid — not as premium as the Euro Cuisine’s stainless, but functional. The temperature control is within ±2°F, and the timer goes up to 24 hours.

What sets the Yogourmet apart is that it includes a packet of Yogourmet starter culture with every unit (plus a 3-month supply). The starter culture is freeze-dried and shelf-stable, with active L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, and B. bifidum. It’s a nice convenience for first-time makers who might not have live yogurt on hand.

Pros:

• Large 2-quart capacity for family batches
• Included starter culture packets — no need to buy starter immediately
• 24-hour timer for long fermentation
• Clear plastic container lets you see fermentation progress
• Compact base with separate removable container
• Temperature control is consistent (±2°F)
• Wide heat distribution — no hot spots

Cons:

• Plastic container — not as durable as stainless or glass
• Plastic lid seal is not airtight; whey leaks if tipped
• Timer module is separate and can be lost
• Container is less stable than a wide tub — tips if bumped
• Higher price than equivalent Euro Cuisine
• Replacement starter packets cost extra after the initial supply

Verdict: A solid large-capacity yogurt maker for families. The included starter culture packets make it easy to start immediately. The plastic container is the main downgrade from the Euro Cuisine.

6. Euro Cuisine YM80 — Best Small & Simple Yogurt Maker

The Euro Cuisine YM80 is the simplest yogurt maker on our list — a 1-quart single-container model with no digital timer, no display, no buttons. You plug it in, pour in your inoculated milk, and unplug it when the yogurt is ready. The 1-quart glass container has a glass lid and is completely dishwasher-safe. The heating element maintains 110°F ± 3°F with no adjustments needed.

This is the yogurt maker for people who don’t want another digital appliance on their counter. No beeps, no timers, no settings. The simplicity is the point. The trade-off is that you must be home to unplug it (or use a separate outlet timer), and you monitor doneness visually — the YM80 wins on reliability and longevity over complexity.

Pros:

• Dead simple — plug in, wait, unplug
• Glass container and lid — no plastic, no staining, full dishwasher-safe
• Consistently maintains 110°F despite no digital control
• Compact footprint (fits in a cabinet when not in use)
• Very quiet — no fan or pump noise
• Durable — no electronics to fail
• Affordable — the least expensive proper yogurt maker

Cons:

• No timer — must remember to unplug
• 1-quart capacity is small (single person or couple)
• No pasteurization cycle — pre-heat milk separately
• Cannot customize temperature for different ferments
• No auto shutoff — a safety consideration if you forget
• Glass container can break if handled carelessly

Verdict: The best yogurt maker for purists and minimalists. No electronics, no timers, no fuss. The glass container is the most hygienic option on this list. Just set a timer on your phone.

Comparison Table

*Only if you don’t already own an Instant Pot — otherwise, it’s free.

FAQ

Can I use any milk in a yogurt maker?

Yes. Whole milk makes the creamiest yogurt (3.25% fat). 2% and skim work but produce thinner yogurt unless you add powdered milk (1-2 tablespoons per quart) to increase solids. Plant-based milks (soy, oat, coconut) work but require different starters — check that the starter culture is designed for plant-based milk. Raw milk works but should be heated to 165°F first to kill potential pathogens. Ultra-pasteurized milk works without pre-heating if your yogurt maker has a pasteurization cycle.

How long does homemade yogurt last in the fridge?

3-4 weeks in a sealed container. The live cultures produce lactic acid, which naturally preserves the yogurt. The tang increases slightly over time as cultures continue to work at refrigerator temperatures. After 3-4 weeks, separation or whey pooling becomes more noticeable — drain it or stir it back in.

Why did my yogurt turn out runny?

Several common causes: the milk didn’t reach a high enough temperature during pre-heating (proteins need 180°F to denature and thicken properly), the fermentation temperature was too low (below 105°F), the fermentation time was too short (less than 8 hours), or the starter culture was weak or old. Fixes: pre-heat milk to 180°F and cool to 110°F before adding starter, ferment for at least 8 hours, and use fresh live yogurt or a commercial starter packet.

Can I make Greek yogurt in a yogurt maker?

Yes. After fermentation, strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth-lined sieve or a fine-mesh strainer for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator for thicker Greek-style yogurt. The longer you strain, the thicker it gets (up to labneh/cream cheese consistency). A 2-quart batch yields about 1 quart of Greek yogurt. The strained whey can be used in smoothies, baking, or soups.

Do I need special starter culture or can I use store yogurt?

Store-bought live yogurt works perfectly. Look for yogurts that list “live active cultures” on the label and contain L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus (the standard yogurt bacteria). Avoid flavored yogurts (the sugar and additives affect fermentation). Greek yogurt works fine if it’s plain and live. After your first batch using store yogurt, save 2-3 tablespoons from each batch as starter for the next one. After 5-7 generations, the culture can weaken — buy a fresh tub of store yogurt every few months to revive it.

Is homemade yogurt cheaper than store-bought?

Significantly. A gallon of milk costs around $4 and makes a gallon of yogurt. A 32-oz tub of quality plain yogurt at the store costs $5-7. At $4 for a gallon (128 oz) of homemade, you’re paying about 3 cents per ounce versus 15-20 cents per ounce for store yogurt. Over a year of weekly consumption (52 quarts of yogurt), the savings is about $200-300 — more than enough to pay for the yogurt maker in the first month.

The Bottom Line

The Euro Cuisine YMX650 is the one to buy for most people. The 2-quart stainless steel container is durable and hygienic, the temperature control is the best we’ve tested, and the digital timer with auto shutoff means you can start a batch before bed and wake up to finished yogurt.

If budget is the main concern, the Gourmia GYM1000 with pasteurization cycle costs under $40 and does everything automatically. The plastic tub is the trade-off, and at 1 quart it’s best for one or two people.

For individual portions, the Luvele Pure YM200 gives you 9 jars in two sizes. More cleanup, but the convenience of grab-and-go yogurt is real.

And if you own an Instant Pot Duo, try its yogurt function before buying anything. It works well — equivalent to a dedicated machine for large batches — and it costs nothing extra.

Whichever you choose, your first batch of homemade yogurt is oddly satisfying. You heated milk, added bacteria, waited, and got yogurt. That kind of kitchen magic doesn’t get old.

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