Best Yogurt Makers for Homemade Yogurt in 2026
Last updated June 4, 2026
Homemade yogurt is one of the cheapest, most rewarding ferments you can make — but holding milk at a steady 108–112°F for hours is the part that trips people up. A yogurt maker solves that completely. The simplest models keep a set temperature for individual glass jars; the best add adjustable temperature and timing so you can culture everything from mild Greek yogurt to slow-fermented L. reuteri. We compared the makers most home fermenters actually use to find the best option for your kitchen.
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Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker
Our Top Picks
1. Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker
What we like
- Seven 6-oz glass jars — perfect portions
- Decades on the market, proven reliable
- Simple, near-foolproof operation
- Inexpensive and compact
Watch out for
- Fixed temperature — no custom strains
- No automatic shutoff timer (manual)
Our verdict: The classic budget workhorse and the easiest recommendation for most people. Seven individual glass jars, a warm steady base, and a price that's hard to argue with. If you just want reliable homemade yogurt without fuss, start here.
2. Euro Cuisine YM260 Automatic Yogurt Maker
What we like
- Adjustable temperature (78–132°F) and timer up to 99 hours
- Ideal for L. reuteri and specialty strains
- Large glass jar plus auto shutoff
- Trusted brand with great support
Watch out for
- Pricier than fixed-temp makers
Our verdict: The pick for anyone who wants to go beyond plain yogurt. The adjustable temperature and long timer make it the home maker of choice for L. reuteri and other slow, low-temperature ferments. If you're serious about gut-health yogurt, this is the one.
3. Bear Greek Yogurt Maker
What we like
- Makes thick Greek yogurt with a straining function
- Generous single-batch capacity
- Clear controls and consistent results
- Sturdy, well-reviewed machine
Watch out for
- Pricier than basic jar makers
- One batch instead of portioned jars
Our verdict: If Greek yogurt is your goal, this maker handles the thick-and-strained style cleanly without the cheesecloth-and-colander juggling. It makes a generous batch and runs reliably. The pick for fans of dense, high-protein Greek yogurt.
4. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (Yogurt Function)
What we like
- Genuine yogurt mode plus pressure cooking and more
- Large 6-quart batch capacity
- Heats milk and cultures in one pot
- Best-selling, easy to find and durable
Watch out for
- Bulkier and pricier than a dedicated maker
- No portioned jars — one big batch
Our verdict: If you'd rather not buy a single-purpose appliance, the Instant Pot's yogurt button genuinely works — and you can boil the milk and culture it in the same pot. The best choice for a small kitchen that wants one device to do many jobs.
What to Look for in a Yogurt Maker
Temperature control
Basic makers hold one fixed temperature — fine for standard yogurt. If you want to culture specialty strains like L. reuteri (which needs a lower, longer ferment) or experiment, choose a model with adjustable temperature and a timer.
Jars vs. one batch
Multi-jar makers give you portion-sized servings in glass (no plastic, easy grab-and-go). Single-container makers produce one larger batch and are better if you strain for Greek yogurt or make big quantities.
Capacity
Match the maker to your household. Seven 6-oz jars suit a couple or small family; a 1.5–2 quart single batch is better for heavy yogurt eaters or Greek-style straining where volume shrinks.
Glass over plastic
Glass jars or containers won't stain, retain odors, or leach, and they handle the warm, acidic environment better over years of use. It's worth prioritizing for something you'll run weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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