It should be noted right away that the power of the device is not a priority parameter, because even 8 watts is enough to maintain 40-45 degrees. At the same time, models with power up to 450 W require more electricity, and do not provide better performance. Therefore, we suggest paying attention to yogurt makers ratingcustomer reviews and expert opinions. This will help you understand which characteristics and qualities are really important, and which are the usual ploy of manufacturers.
Case and containers for yogurt
Perhaps the most important parameter is the material of the container, the quality and number of cones for yogurt. And just in this aspect it is not worth saving. The case for yogurt makers is of the following types:
- Metal - the most expensive option, giving the device a more elegant design, and more;
- Plastic - when choosing a yogurt maker, make sure that the material is specifically labeled PET or PETE.
As for containers, they can be from 4 to 8 pieces, with a capacity of 150 to 200 grams. Here, it all depends on how much you cook. There are also models with one bowl, from 0.8 to 1.5 liters. Judging by the reviews, the first option provides significant time savings. As for the material, containers can be made of metal, plastic and glass. If you decide to choose products from polymers, make sure that they are food. In addition, note that you will not be able to boil them, as is the case with glass. For the preparation of yogurt, only benign bacteria should be used, which cannot be achieved if the jars are not sterilized. Therefore, even high-quality plastic containers are not as effective as glass ones!
Type of control
By the method of controlling yogurt makers can be mechanical and electronic. The first option is equipped with a timer, on / off button. Cooking time takes from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the recipe and containers. Electronically controlled models are more expensive but have more features. For example, automatic shutdown, temperature sensor and built-in recipes. When choosing a yogurt maker for home, the type of control does not play a special role, since it does not affect the taste. But when working with large volumes of dairy products, the second option is preferable.
What is important to know when choosing a yogurt maker?
To choose the best yogurt maker, you need to pay attention to detail, down to the shape of the containers. There are models with sections and an ordinary flat bottom. Oddly enough, the second option is cheaper and better, because jar dividers limit the container size. If there are children in the family and you have to cook a lot, this aspect will not seem unimportant. In addition, glass containers may break, and the absence of sections indicates that in the future it will be possible to use jars of any size (even from under baby food).It will not be superfluous if the lids of the jars are painted in different colors so that each member of the family has his own.
Important factors
Not many people know that external factors such as vibration influence the quality of yogurt. If you want to choose the right yogurt maker, make sure that it is equipped with rubber legs. This will minimize the negative impact of other appliances, including a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, etc.
It is very convenient if the jars are equipped with a measuring scale. Leading manufacturers add recipes to the instructions. If you do not have experience in operating this equipment, it will come in handy. Many users, for example, do not know that adding syrup, fruits, and other ingredients to yogurt is possible only after its final preparation.
Finally, I want to add that modern models can be equipped with additional features, including the preparation of whey and other fermented milk products. As practice shows, only the choice of a yogurt maker with the function of preparing cottage cheese can meet expectations. In other cases, excesses lead to the fact that the model does not cope with the main tasks. Of course, the brand and the price / quality ratio also play an important role. Therefore, we strongly recommend reading reviews.