Many people seeking a healthier diet are wondering what is the best yogurt maker for their money. There are several to choose from with a variety of options and in a wide range of prices. There's really not a huge difference between all the competing yogurt makers. Their only function is to heat the yogurt mixture at a steady temperature for a given length of time. In my opinion, the best yogurt maker is the most inexpensive reliable machine that gets the job done.
Many people want to take the inexpensive route and not buy a yogurt maker at all - using their oven as their heat source. There's nothing wrong with this option, but I feel it wastes a lot of heat and electricity because you have to leave the oven on for at least six to eight hours. Personally I think it would be less expensive to invest in a yogurt maker since they are more energy efficient and don't use nearly as much power as an oven. I must say again that the best yogurt maker is the least expensive option.
Some people like to use their microwave convection ovens as a heat source. These are also larger appliances that draw more electricity therefore they run up your electric bill if they are left on for hours at a time. Not to mention that you can't use the microwave while it's being used as a yogurt maker. Plus, who wants to listen to the constant noice of their microwave for hours. Yogurt makers are so much more quiet.
I believe the best yogurt maker for your money is the Salton Yogurt Maker. They are very inexpensive at around $18-25. They make a quart of yogurt. They don't have all those complicated settings and temperature gauges. It is pre-programmed to heat the yogurt at the correct temperature. All you have to do is plug it up and when it has heated for your desired amount of time, you unplug it. It comes with a great enclosed recipe. Most yogurt maker recipes call for plain yogurt with active cultures, fresh milk and dried milk.
When following the recipe, choose a brand of yogurt that you like because it is likely that your homemade yogurt will taste similar to your starter yogurt. Follow the recipe instructions carefully. Heat the milk first. Remove it from the heat and stir in the dry milk. Then allow it to cool. Once it has cooled, add your yogurt starter and stir well. Pour the mixture into the yogurt maker container. Close the lid, plug it up and allow to heat for at least 6 to 8 hours. The Salton is the best yogurt maker because it's easy to use and inexpensive.
