The 8 Best Yogurt Makers of 2020

Best Overall: Proctor Silex 86300 Yogurt Machine

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If you’re looking for a yogurt maker that does it all, your search ends with the Proctor Silex 86300. This machine features a LED display with a digital timer and push-button controls that you can use to turn the machine on or off and to adjust the fermentation time for your homemade yogurt.

During the 8- to 12-hour cycle, the yogurt ferments in a 32-ounce BPA-free plastic insert that also doubles as a storage container. When the yogurt is done fermenting, you simply pop the container out of the machine, cover it with the included top with snap-down clips, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to eat it.

Although it’s not the most compact yogurt machine on this list, at 7.48 x 7.56 x 9.13 inches, it’s still smaller than most and has a sleek black and stainless steel design that fits well into most kitchens. Even if you have limited counter or pantry space, you’ll likely be able to find somewhere to store it.

Best High-Tech: Cuisinart Electronic Yogurt Maker with Automatic Cooling

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If you’re willing to shell out a little extra cash for some extra features, the Cuisinart CYM-100 Electronic Yogurt Maker is like the Cadillac of yogurt machines. Not only does it have an easily operable LED display that starts cooking at the touch of the “start” button, but it also features an automatic cooling system.

This cooling system kicks on at the end of the fermentation process and holds the yogurt at the perfect chilling temperature until you’re either ready to serve it or store it in the refrigerator. This prevents the yogurt from overcooking, making the Cuisinart an ideal option if you’re looking to make yogurt when you’re not at home or if you make yogurt overnight.

With its 50-ounce, or 1.5 liters, capacity, the Cuisinart is also one of the biggest machines on the list, so it’s an excellent option if you’re feeding yogurt to a crowd or meal prepping.

Best Budget: Euro Cuisine YM80 Electric Yogurt Maker

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Saving money doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice performance and the Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker proves that. Like the more expensive Euro Cuisine model, this electric yogurt machine comes with seven 6-ounce glass containers that you can arrange in a 9.5 x 9.5 x 6-inch base to make 42 ounces of yogurt in one cycle.

On the front of the machine sits an on/off switch that controls an indicator light that lets you know when the machine is running. While there’s no digital display, there are time markings on the side that show you where your yogurt is in the fermentation cycle, which typically takes 6 to 10 hours with this machine.

One downside to the YM80 is that there’s no auto shut-off feature, so you’ll have to make sure you’re close by when your yogurt is done cooking so you can turn it off manually.

Best Multi-Function: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

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If you’re not a fan of single-function machines, the Instant Pot DUO60 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker may be your appliance of choice. The price tag is a little higher than others on this list, but instead of being a dedicated yogurt maker, it combines seven different appliances—yogurt maker, pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, and warmer—in one. 

If that seems intimidating, don’t worry. The IP-DUO60, as it’s called by its loyal fans, makes things easy for you with a “yogurt” button that’s pre-programmed to make the perfect homemade yogurt, every time. All you have to do is prepare your yogurt starter, add the starter and milk to your Instant Pot, and then choose the yogurt setting and let the pot do its work—a process that takes 8 to 12 hours, depending on how you like your yogurt.

Keep in mind that while you can successfully make yogurt with any Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, not all of them have the yogurt function. If that’s one of your main goals for this machine and you don’t want to have to figure it out yourself, make sure you’re getting the DUO60, which comes in 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart sizes.

Best for Different Flavors: Euro Cuisine YMX650 Automatic Digital Yogurt Maker

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The Euro Cuisine YMX650 Automatic Digital Yogurt Maker offers an easy way to get some variety in your homemade yogurt. Instead of utilizing one large container, the yogurt machine is designed to house seven individual glass jars so that you can mix flavors in advance and easily store them in your refrigerator until you’re ready to eat them.

After you heat up 42 ounces of milk, all you need to do is make your flavors, transfer equal amounts to each of the seven 6-ounce jars, and then turn it on and let it do its thing. The yogurt machine has an automatic 15-hour shut off and auto temperature control so there’s no need to monitor your yogurt as it cooks. Once the yogurt is ready, the blue LED digital timer will beep to let you know it’s time to transfer your yogurt to a cooler environment.

Best for Greek Yogurt: Oster Mykonos Greek Manual Yogurt Maker

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Although you don’t need a yogurt machine that’s tailored specifically to Greek yogurt to make it—you can strain any yogurt through a cheesecloth to get the signature thickness of a Greek variety—this Oster Mykonos Greek Manual Yogurt Maker makes life a little easier. 

All you have to do is mix your milk and starter cultures together, transfer the mix to the digital unit, which features an LCD display and timer, and then cook. Depending on the type of milk you use, the yogurt is usually ready within 10 to 12 hours, with no need for stirring as it goes.

Once the yogurt is made, you have the option to leave it as is or use the included Greek yogurt strainer, which turns the regular yogurt into a thicker, protein-rich Greek variety. And the Oster comes with everything you need, including a set of six 7-ounce glass jars with lids and one 32-ounce plastic container, to make regular yogurt or Greek yogurt in individual portions or larger batches. 

If you don’t need to serve a crowd, there’s also a smaller, 1-quart option that has all the same features in a more compact size.

Best Compact: DASH Greek Yogurt Maker Machine

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No stranger to compact designs, Dash designed its Greek Yogurt Maker Machine with limited counter space in mind. At 7.1 x 7.1 x 9.5 inches and just under 2.5 pounds, this yogurt machine packs a lot of function into a small design. It features a front control knob that you can use to set the time, change the temperature, and start or stop the 8- to 12-hour fermentation cycle. And even though the Dash yogurt machine is compact, it can make up to 2 quarts, or 8 cups, of yogurt at a time—the same amount as other bulkier models on this list.

As an added bonus, all of the accessories fit inside the base so when it comes time to store it, you don’t have to find extra cabinet space either. It also comes in blue, pink, and white, so if you want to leave it on your counter, you can choose the option that best fits your kitchen aesthetic.