Best Yogurt Makers (2026): 5 Picks for Greek, Jar and Big-Batch Yogurt
Five ways to make yogurt at home, from glass-jar makers to a Greek yogurt strainer set and an Instant Pot, plus the basic method.
Best overall: Euro Cuisine YMX650. Best value: Euro Cuisine YM80. Best for Greek yogurt: Dash Greek Yogurt Maker. Best multi-use: Instant Pot Duo.
A yogurt maker holds milk at a steady warm temperature for hours, which is all it takes to turn milk and a spoonful of culture into creamy homemade yogurt.
For most homes, the Euro Cuisine YMX650: glass jars and a timer that shuts off when it is done. On a budget, the classic YM80. For thick Greek yogurt, the Dash with its strainer. Own an Instant Pot? Its yogurt setting works well.
Quick Picks: The Best Yogurt Makers
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.
Euro Cuisine YMX650 Digital Yogurt Maker
A digital yogurt maker with individual glass jars and an automatic shut-off timer.
Check Euro Cuisine YMX650 Price →Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker with 7 Glass Jars
A simple, low-cost yogurt maker with seven glass jars.
Check Euro Cuisine YM80 Price →Dash Greek Yogurt Maker
A small maker that comes with a strainer for thick Greek yogurt.
Check Dash Greek Yogurt Maker Price →Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (Yogurt Setting), 6 Qt
A multicooker with a yogurt setting that also pressure cooks and slow cooks.
Check Instant Pot Duo Price →Yogurt Maker Comparison Chart
All five side by side. Tap any name to see today’s price on Amazon.
| Yogurt maker | Containers | Key feature | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro Cuisine YMX650 Digital Yogurt Maker | Glass jars | Digital timer | Auto shut-off | $$ |
| Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker with 7 Glass Jars | 7 glass jars | Manual | Budget | $ |
| Cuisinart CYM-100 Electronic Yogurt Maker | Large container | Auto cooling | Digital | $$ |
| Dash Greek Yogurt Maker | Container | Strainer included | Compact | $ |
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (Yogurt Setting), 6 Qt | 6 qt | Yogurt setting | 7-in-1 | $$ |
Specs as stated by each brand. Price tiers are a rough guide and change often, especially around Black Friday: $ under $40 · $$ $40–100 · $$$ over $100.
The 5 Best Yogurt Makers, Reviewed
Jar makers first, then big-batch, Greek and multicooker options.
Euro Cuisine YMX650 Digital Yogurt Maker
Euro Cuisine is one of the best-known yogurt maker brands, and the YMX650 adds a digital timer that switches off when your yogurt is done. Individual glass jars make ready-to-grab portions for breakfasts and lunch boxes.
- Set-and-forget timer
- Glass, not plastic
- Single portions
- Jars take shelf space
- Strainer sold separately for Greek
Euro Cuisine YM80 Yogurt Maker with 7 Glass Jars
The YM80 is a long-running classic: seven glass jars and a simple on/off switch at a budget price. Set a kitchen timer and you are done.
- Lowest price
- Glass jars
- Very simple
- No timer
- Must remember to switch off
Cuisinart CYM-100 Electronic Yogurt Maker
Make one big batch for the week. Cuisinart’s maker automatically cools the yogurt when it is done, so it will not over-ferment if you are out or asleep.
- Big batches
- Auto cooling
- Easy controls
- Single container only
- Larger footprint
Dash Greek Yogurt Maker
Love thick, high-protein yogurt? Dash includes a strainer to turn regular yogurt into Greek yogurt, all in a compact, budget-friendly maker.
- Greek yogurt made easy
- Low price
- Small footprint
- Plastic container
- Smaller batches
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (Yogurt Setting), 6 Qt
If you already have one, use it: the Instant Pot Duo’s yogurt setting can boil the milk and hold the culture temperature in the same pot. You also get a pressure cooker and slow cooker.
- Does many jobs
- Makes big batches
- Huge recipe library
- Not a dedicated yogurt maker
- Takes counter space
How to Make Yogurt at Home
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Heat | Warm milk to about 180°F, then cool it to about 110°F |
| Add culture | Stir in a few spoonfuls of plain yogurt with live cultures, or a starter |
| Incubate | Hold at about 110°F for 6 to 12 hours; longer is tangier |
| Chill | Refrigerate for a few hours to set; strain for Greek yogurt |
Use it in these high-protein Greek yogurt recipes, yogurt parfaits or a mango yogurt smoothie.
Tips for Thick, Creamy Yogurt
Use whole milk
Whole milk sets thicker; add a little milk powder for extra body.
Don’t stir
Leave yogurt still while it incubates so it sets evenly.
Strain it
Strain for 1 to 3 hours in the fridge for Greek-style thickness.
Try it in Greek yogurt dips or Greek yogurt chia pudding.
How to Choose a Yogurt Maker
Six things to check before you buy.
Jars or one tub
Jars give portions; one container makes big batches.
Auto shut-off
A timer or auto cooling prevents over-sour yogurt.
Glass or plastic
Glass jars avoid plastic and are easy to sterilize.
Strainer included
A strainer turns regular yogurt into thick Greek yogurt.
How much you eat
Daily eaters need bigger batches.
One appliance
Multicookers with a yogurt setting save space.
Want a multicooker instead? See the best electric pressure cookers.
Yogurt Maker FAQs
What is the best yogurt maker?▼
The Euro Cuisine YMX650 for most homes: glass jars and a timer that shuts off automatically.
Is a yogurt maker worth it?▼
Yes if you eat yogurt often; homemade yogurt costs less and has no added sugar.
How long does homemade yogurt take?▼
Usually 6 to 12 hours to incubate, plus chilling time.
What milk is best for homemade yogurt?▼
Whole milk sets thickest; low-fat works but is thinner.
Can I make Greek yogurt in a yogurt maker?▼
Yes. Make regular yogurt, then strain it to thicken.
What starter do I need?▼
Plain yogurt with live cultures or a powdered yogurt starter.
Why is my homemade yogurt runny?▼
Too short incubation, low temperature or low-fat milk; try longer or whole milk.
How long does homemade yogurt last?▼
About 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, covered.
Can I make yogurt in an Instant Pot?▼
Yes, on models with a yogurt setting like the Duo.
Can I make dairy-free yogurt?▼
Yes with plant milks and a starter; it may need a thickener.
Glass or plastic yogurt jars?▼
Glass is easier to sterilize and avoids plastic contact.
How do I make yogurt tangier?▼
Incubate longer; shorter times give milder yogurt.
The Bottom Line
- Best overall: Euro Cuisine YMX650; value: Euro Cuisine YM80.
- Big batches: Cuisinart CYM-100.
- Greek yogurt: Dash Greek Yogurt Maker; multi-use: Instant Pot Duo.
Heat, cool, add culture, wait and chill: a yogurt maker handles the waiting. Try a pumpkin pie yogurt bowl.