Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared

For most home cooks, the best yogurt maker is an inexpensive jar-style machine with a timer and glass jars, and the Euro Cuisine YMX650 and the GDOR model are the clearest examples in this group of ten. If you want a bigger batch for Greek-style yogurt, the Bear and the Party Dessert machines add strainers. Anyone chasing precise temperature control for other ferments may eye the TANICA at the top of the price range. Here is how each listing compares, based only on what its title says.

Top picks at a glance

Ultimate Probiotic Yogurt Maker with TruTemp™ Adjustable Temperature & Time Control, Make Trillions of Probiotics for Gut Health, Two 1-Quart Containers for Larger Batches, UNLIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Yogurt Maker Machine with Time & Temperature Control, Yogurt Maker with 8x 6oz Glass Jars, Food grade, Easy to Make Healthy Yogurt

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Euro Cuisine YM80 Electric Yogurt Maker Machine- Promote Gut Health with Probiotic Rich Homemade Yogurt -Home Yogurt Incubator with Glass Jars, White

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Yogurt Maker 6 Jars with Temp & Timer Control for Probiotic

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Party Dessert Electric Greek Yogurt Maker Machine with Strainer, Automatic Yogurt Maker for Home Organic Yogurt, Timer Control, BPA-free PP Lid, 2 x Inner Bucket (2 Quarts)

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Bear Yogurt Maker, Greek Yogurt Maker Machine with Strainer&Timer Control | Stainless Steel Inner Pot, Automatic Digital with 2 Glass Jars 1 Quart for Home Organic Yogurt, Cheese, Fruit Wine

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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GDOR Yogurt Maker Machine with Adjustable Temp & Time, 48H Timer Digital, 8×6oz BPA-Free Glass Jars for Homemade Probiotic Yogurt, Auto Shut-Off, Stainless Steel Body

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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[TANICA] YOGURTiA Yogurt Maker & Fermented Food Machine – Precise Temperature Control (1°F/1°C Increments) for Consistent Results, 77-158°F (25-70°C), 100-240V, Made in Japan, 2 Glass Pots, Timer

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Euro Cuisine Yogurt Maker - YMX650 Automatic Digital Yogurt Maker Machine with Set Temperature - Includes 7-6 oz. Reusable Glass Jars and 7 Rotary Date Setting Lids for Instant Storage

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Yogurt Maker, 1 Qt Stainless Steel Bowl, Constant Temp Control, BPA-Free | 1L Automatic Greek Yogurt Machine for Home Kitchen, Electric Probiotic Curd Maker for Natto, Rice Wine

Included for 'Best Yogurt Makers: Ten Jar, Pot and Greek Strainer Machines Compared' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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What is shifting among yogurt makers

Yogurt makers are a small appliance category that never quite went away, though it has changed shape. Older designs were simple warming bases with a fixed temperature and a set of jars. Many newer listings add digital timers, adjustable temperature, longer run times and auto shut-off, and several now include a strainer for Greek-style yogurt.

Part of the change is demand for fermented foods more broadly. Titles in this group mention probiotics, cheese, natto and rice wine alongside yogurt, which shows sellers positioning one box as a general fermenting appliance. Such claims are marketing language, and the machine only holds a warm temperature; the result still depends on your ingredients, culture and hygiene.

Multicookers with a yogurt setting are another influence. They give cooks a way to try yogurt without buying a single-purpose gadget, which pushes dedicated machines to compete on convenience, jar sets and capacity. At the budget end, near-identical eight-jar designs appear under many brand names, so differences are often in the details of the listing rather than the look of the machine. Expect more digital controls and larger containers, and always verify claims on the product page.

Buyers are also more aware of materials. Glass jars, steel pots and BPA-free plastics appear in nearly every title because shoppers ask about them. That awareness is welcome, but a material label is only a starting point; look for care instructions, dishwasher guidance and replacement-part availability before you commit to a design.

How we sorted these ten

This comparison is built from product titles, published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. We kept to what each title states, flagged vague or unusual claims, and wrote “check the listing” wherever a title is silent. Price tiers are relative within this set of ten, not absolute.

The ten machines, one by one

Ultimate Probiotic Yogurt Maker with TruTemp

The title names adjustable temperature and time control, two 1-quart containers for larger batches and an unlimited lifetime warranty. It also says it can “make trillions of probiotics for gut health,” which is the seller’s marketing claim; treat it as such and do not read it as a health promise.

It suits a household that eats a lot of yogurt and wants two big batches at once, for instance one plain and one for flavouring. The warranty is a seller statement, so read its terms.

Two large containers also change the rhythm of your week: a single run can yield a family-sized supply, so refrigerator space becomes the limit. Since the title leans on probiotic language, it is worth remembering that any culture-based yogurt depends on the starter you add, not on the machine’s name.

• Pros: Adjustable temperature and time; two 1-quart containers.
• Pros: Warranty wording is prominent.
• Cons: Mid-range price for a jar-based machine.
• Cons: Health claims in the title are not verified.

Check the listing for container material, temperature range and warranty conditions. Ask yourself before buying: do you actually need two quart-sized batches, or would several small jars suit your routine?

cewajbaa Yogurt Maker Machine with Eight Glass Jars

This title states time and temperature control, eight 6-ounce glass jars and “food grade” materials. Eight small jars let you portion yogurt for the week or vary flavours by jar.

It is a sensible fit for a person packing lunches, who wants grab-and-go cups in the fridge. Think of making a batch on Sunday and eating one jar per day.

Eight identical jars also make it easy to compare two milks or two cultures side by side in one run, labelling the lids and noting texture. The title says glass and food grade, but only the product page can confirm lid material and whether the base is wipe-clean.

• Pros: Eight jars; time and temperature control.
• Pros: Budget price tier.
• Cons: Lesser-known brand with limited service information.
• Cons: Title does not state the temperature range or timer maximum.

Check the listing for lid type, temperature range and whether the jars are dishwasher-safe. One question: will you eat eight 6-ounce portions before the yogurt loses its best quality?

Euro Cuisine YM80 Electric Yogurt Maker

The YM80 is described as an electric yogurt incubator with glass jars, in white. The title talks about gut health and probiotic-rich yogurt but gives no temperature or timer information, so the machine appears to be a simple design.

It suits a first-time maker who wants a plain, uncomplicated unit without digital settings, for example someone trying yogurt once a month before deciding whether to continue.

A machine like this often rewards patience: with no digital readout, you learn by trial how long your preferred culture needs. That learning curve is the price of simplicity, and some buyers enjoy it while others would rather press a button and walk away.

• Pros: Simple design with fewer parts to fail; includes glass jars.
• Pros: Budget price tier.
• Cons: No timer or temperature control in the title.
• Cons: Jar count and capacity not stated.

Check the listing for jar count, jar size and whether it shuts off automatically. Ask: if the machine has no timer, are you comfortable setting an alarm yourself to avoid over-fermenting?

ANZKTOS Yogurt Maker with Six Jars

A short title: six jars, temperature and timer control, “for probiotic”. Little else is stated, so size, material and temperature range are all open questions.

It could suit a one- or two-person household that wants a few portions at a time and enough control to adjust the schedule.

Six jars is a middle path between a single bowl and eight cups, and it suits a smaller refrigerator shelf. Because the title is so short, the product page is where you will find the real answer on capacity, so read it fully before comparing prices with the better-documented listings.

• Pros: Six jars with temperature and timer control.
• Pros: Budget tier.
• Cons: Title is sparse; jar size and material are not given.
• Cons: Unfamiliar brand.

Check the listing for the jar capacity and material, the temperature range and the warranty. Before buying, ask whether the extra detail you can see on neighbouring listings is worth a small premium.

Party Dessert Electric Greek Yogurt Maker

This one pairs a strainer with a timer, a BPA-free polypropylene lid and two inner buckets, with a 2-quart capacity mentioned. Straining removes whey, which gives a thicker, Greek-style texture.

It suits a family that eats thick yogurt and wants to avoid straining through cloth, for example someone who uses yogurt in dips and breakfast bowls.

Two inner buckets mean you can start a second batch while the first is still draining, which helps if you cook with large amounts of thick yogurt. Straining leaves whey behind, and many cooks save it for baking or smoothies rather than pouring it away.

• Pros: Built-in strainer and two inner buckets; timer.
• Pros: Budget price tier for the capacity.
• Cons: Plastic parts; the title does not say what the bucket is made of.
• Cons: No temperature adjustment mentioned.

Check the listing for the strainer design, bucket material and cleaning instructions. Ask: do you want a large pot to strain, or do you prefer individual jars you can take to work?

Bear Greek Yogurt Maker with Strainer and Timer

The title lists a stainless steel inner pot, two 1-quart glass jars, a strainer and an automatic digital timer, and says it can also handle cheese and fruit wine. Those extra uses are claims, so verify them in the manual.

It suits someone who wants steel contact surfaces and a Greek-style strainer, for example a cook who makes a large weekly batch and wants to experiment with simple fresh cheese.

The steel pot and glass jars point to a design aimed at people who care about materials that clean easily and resist stains. As with every listing here, the title is the seller’s description, and the manual is the authority on safe temperatures and approved uses.

• Pros: Stainless steel inner pot; strainer; two 1-quart glass jars.
• Pros: Digital timer.
• Cons: Higher price tier than the budget jar machines.
• Cons: Wine and cheese claims go beyond ordinary yogurt use; the title does not explain how.

Check the listing for the temperature range and the manual’s instructions on non-yogurt uses. A key question: will you really use the strainer, or would a simpler jar machine do the job?

GDOR Yogurt Maker with 48-Hour Timer

The title states adjustable temperature and time, a 48-hour digital timer, eight 6-ounce BPA-free glass jars, auto shut-off and a stainless steel body. The long timer is useful for slow ferments, and auto shut-off is a welcome safety touch.

It suits a cook who wants to start a batch in the evening and finish it the next day, or who wants to try longer culturing times.

A timer that long lets you plan around sleep or a workday, so the batch finishes when you are ready to chill it. Longer culture times generally give tangier yogurt, so the setting is a matter of taste, and the culture’s own instructions should guide your first batches.

• Pros: 48-hour timer and adjustable temperature; auto shut-off.
• Pros: Eight glass jars; steel body.
• Cons: Lesser-known brand.
• Cons: Temperature range is not given in the title.

Check the listing for the temperature range and the lid design. Ask: do you need a timer this long, or would a shorter one match every recipe you plan to use?

TANICA YOGURTiA Yogurt Maker and Fermented Food Machine

The most expensive listing here, the title states temperature control in 1 degree increments across 77 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 70 Celsius), 100 to 240 volts, made in Japan, two glass pots and a timer. It markets itself as a fermented food machine, not only a yogurt maker.

It suits a hobbyist who wants wide, precise temperature settings for different ferments, and travels or uses different voltages. For someone making only plain yogurt, it is likely more machine than needed.

Its voltage range suggests flexibility for different countries or power setups, although you should confirm plug type and any adapter needs on the listing. The Japanese origin appears in the title as a selling point; what it means for build quality is something to judge from the manual, warranty and buyer reviews.

• Pros: Very wide temperature range with fine steps; wide voltage range.
• Pros: Two glass pots and a timer.
• Cons: Highest price tier in the set by a large margin.
• Cons: Capacity of the pots is not stated in the title.

Check the listing for pot capacity, warranty and available spare parts. Ask yourself: will you use the full temperature range, or do you only need one or two temperatures?

Euro Cuisine YMX650 Automatic Digital Yogurt Maker

The title lists an automatic digital design, set temperature, seven reusable 6-ounce glass jars and seven rotary date-setting lids. The date lids let you dial the day on each jar, which helps you eat the oldest first.

It suits a household that wants to keep track of batches, such as a family making seven portions each week.

The rotary lids turn storage into a small tracking system, which matters if several people share the refrigerator and nobody remembers when a jar was filled. It is a modest feature, but it solves a real annoyance with unlabelled jars.

• Pros: Date lids; digital controls; seven jars.
• Pros: Mid-range tier from a named brand.
• Cons: Temperature is set, not adjustable, according to the title wording.
• Cons: Jar capacity is small if you want larger servings.

Check the listing for timer range and replacement-jar availability. Ask: do date lids matter enough for you to pay more than for a plain eight-jar machine?

DiDimo 1 Qt Stainless Steel Yogurt Maker

The cheapest listing in the group describes a 1-quart (1-litre) stainless steel bowl, constant temperature control and BPA-free parts, with mentions of Greek yogurt, probiotic curd, natto and rice wine. The title does not mention a timer.

It suits a person who wants one modest batch at the lowest cost, perhaps to try yogurt before investing more.

A single bowl is easy to wash and to fill, and it keeps the cost low, but you serve straight from a shared container instead of individual jars. The extra uses in the title, such as natto and rice wine, should be treated with caution and checked against the manual before you try them.

• Pros: Lowest price tier; steel bowl.
• Pros: Single batch, easy to clean.
• Cons: No timer or jars mentioned.
• Cons: Small capacity.

Check the listing for automatic shut-off and the lid design. Ask: if you must remember to switch it off yourself, will that fit your routine?

What to look for in a yogurt maker

Jars, pot or strainer

Jar machines give portions; a pot gives one large batch; a strainer adds Greek-style thickness. Pick based on how you eat yogurt. Portion jars suit lunches, while a strained pot suits cooking and dips. Compare capacity in total volume, not jar count.

Temperature and timer

Fixed-temperature machines are simple and sufficient for common cultures. Adjustable control and long timers add flexibility. Auto shut-off adds a layer of convenience. Confirm any of these on the listing rather than assuming.

How a yogurt maker differs from the traditional approach

Traditional methods rely on a warm spot, such as an oven with the light on or a towel-wrapped pot, which varies with the room. A machine holds a steady temperature, so results repeat more easily. The trade-off is another appliance to store.

Uses beyond yogurt

Some titles mention cheese, natto or rice wine. Treat those as optional extras, and follow culture instructions and local rules. For plant-based ideas see our guides to soy milk makers and nut milk makers, and for chilled desserts, gelato makers.

Cleaning and maintenance

Wash jars and lids with hot soapy water after each batch and let them dry completely. Check whether the base can be wiped only or immersed; most heating bases must never be submerged. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, descaling and electrical safety, and unplug before cleaning.

Choosing by household size and habits

A single person who eats a small cup a day does well with six or seven jars and a weekly run. A couple, or a family with children, tends to prefer a quart-sized pot or two, because refilling jars is fiddly. If you cook with yogurt, such as in marinades and sauces, or you like thick Greek-style yogurt, a strainer model saves effort and counter clutter. Think too about where the machine will live: a tall pot needs cupboard height, while a flat jar tray fits on a shelf. Noise is rarely an issue, since these machines mainly warm, but a machine that must be unplugged by hand when finished asks more from you than one with automatic shut-off.

Electrical and food-safety cautions

Keep the heating base dry, never immerse it in water, and place it on a stable, heat-tolerant surface away from the sink. Use only the supplied power cord and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local electrical codes. Do not leave a machine running unattended past its recommended time, and refrigerate finished yogurt promptly. Anything that grows mould, changes colour or smells sharply off should be discarded, not tasted.

Milk and starter basics

Most recipes call for warming milk, cooling it to the culture’s range, stirring in a spoonful of live yogurt or a freeze-dried starter, and then incubating. Whole milk generally gives a creamier set than skim. Ultra-pasteurised milk can behave differently from ordinary milk, and some cooks prefer one or the other, so follow your culture’s instructions. Always use a clean spoon, and avoid adding fruit or sweetener before fermentation unless the recipe says so.

Common homemade yogurt problems

Runny yogurt usually points to a culture that was too old, milk that was not warmed enough first, or a batch moved before it set. Grainy texture often means the temperature ran too high. Very sour yogurt suggests it fermented too long. Change one variable at a time, keep notes, and avoid opening the lid during fermentation. If something smells or looks wrong, throw it out instead of tasting it.

Which brands appear in this set

Names like Euro Cuisine and Bear are recognisable small-appliance labels, while several others appear to be marketplace brands. A familiar name can mean easier support, but it is not a guarantee; check warranty length, how replacement jars are sold and what buyers say about lids and cleaning.

Worked example: a weekly batch (estimate)

Assume a household of two eats about 6 ounces of yogurt per person per day. That is roughly 84 ounces a week, or about 2.6 quarts, which is a useful number to compare with each machine’s total capacity before you buy. An eight-jar, 6-ounce machine holds 48 ounces, so you would run it twice a week; a pair of 1-quart containers holds 64 ounces, still a little short; a Greek strainer loses volume as whey drains, so plan on starting with more milk. These are illustrative assumptions, not measured results.

Mistakes buyers make

• Judging by jar count. Eight tiny jars may hold less than two large containers.
• Assuming every machine has a timer. Some listings do not mention one at all.
• Skipping hygiene. Unclean jars or the wrong temperature can spoil a batch; discard anything that looks or smells wrong.
• Paying for features you will not use. A fine-temperature fermenting machine is wasted on plain yogurt.
• Ignoring starter quality. An old or weak starter culture produces thin yogurt however good the machine is.
• Believing health claims. Words like probiotic and gut health describe the seller’s marketing, not a guaranteed outcome.

Verdict by use case

Everyday portions: the Euro Cuisine YMX650, GDOR or cewajbaa. Greek-style thickness: the Party Dessert or Bear strainer machines. Large batches: the Ultimate Probiotic with two 1-quart containers. Precise temperature control: the TANICA, if you will use the range. Cheapest trial: the DiDimo or Euro Cuisine YM80. Check each listing for the details these titles leave out, and treat all specifications as seller claims.

If you are still undecided, start small. A budget jar machine teaches you how much yogurt you actually eat, which jar size you prefer and whether you want a strainer, and that knowledge is worth more than any single feature on a spec sheet. If you outgrow it, the upgrade choice becomes much clearer, and you will already own a set of glass jars with other uses in the kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a yogurt maker, or can I make yogurt without one?

You can make yogurt in an oven with the light on, in a warm cooler, or in a multicooker with a yogurt mode. A dedicated machine simply holds one gentle temperature for hours without supervision, which makes results more repeatable. If you make yogurt rarely, a workaround may be enough. If you make it weekly, a small dedicated machine is easier.

What is the difference between jar-style and single-pot yogurt makers?

Jar-style machines hold several small glass jars, so you can make different flavours or portion sizes at once and store the yogurt in the same jars. Single-pot machines make one large batch in a bowl, which suits families and Greek-style straining. Jars are handier for lunches; a pot is simpler to fill and clean. Check the listing for the capacity of each.

Do I need adjustable temperature control?

Not necessarily. Many basic machines hold one fixed warm temperature that suits common yogurt cultures. Adjustable control becomes useful if you ferment other foods or use a culture that needs a different range. Several listings here state temperature and timer control, while others do not, so check the listing before assuming a feature exists.

How do I keep homemade yogurt safe?

Start with clean, sanitised jars and fresh milk, follow your culture’s instructions, and refrigerate the yogurt promptly after it sets. Discard anything with mould, an unusual colour or an off smell. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine. Anyone with a weakened immune system or other health concerns should check with a health professional before eating homemade fermented foods.

Can a yogurt maker make plant-based yogurt?

Many machines can hold the temperature plant-based yogurts need, but results depend on the milk, the culture and any thickener you add. Plant milks usually set more loosely than dairy milk. Check the culture’s instructions, and look to the machine’s manual to see whether non-dairy use is supported before relying on it.

Are glass jars better than plastic containers?

Glass does not hold odours or stains as readily and can be sanitised with hot water, which many people prefer for fermented foods. Plastic is lighter and less likely to chip. Most jar-style listings here include glass jars, while the strainer machines use plastic or steel buckets. Check the listing for what each material is and whether parts are dishwasher-safe.