Most of us have yogurt in our diets.
Yogurt is a source of calcium, which is so necessary for our skeletal system. Finland is the record holder for yogurt production, which accounts for about 37% of the global turnover, and the Finns themselves consume the most yogurt in the world (35 kg per year).
Cooking yogurt at home became possible with the advent of a special technique - a yogurt maker. With its help, you can cook a treat for the whole family in liters.
In order for this process to meet your expectations and yogurt to be delicious, you need to know how to choose such a machine. You can find a variety of models of yogurt makers on the website
where comparison of models by price and specifications is available. But before that, let's figure out what is most important in a household appliance for making yogurt.
Power
It makes almost no sense to choose equipment by this parameter, since it only works after switching on for an hour, after which, thanks to the heat-insulating walls, the desired temperature level is maintained for the starter culture. For example, if you have to choose between a 15 and 20 W yogurt maker, there is no significant difference, and this indicator will not affect the energy consumption. There are models of higher power (above 100 W), but taking into account the fact that the equipment works for about 60 minutes, you can safely purchase a high-power yogurt maker.
Container for yogurt
Containers for yogurt makers are of two types, glass and plastic. Many people are afraid of plastic because it can release harmful substances during heat treatment. Plastic used in the food industry is harmless. But for those who do not believe in these "tales", of course, it is better to choose a glass container. However, it should be warned that glass containers break very often, and it is often impossible to find identical glasses.
Also containers for yogurt makers vary in volume. There are two options: 6-8 jars with a capacity of 150-200 ml or 1 large jar with a capacity of 1-1.5 liters. Advising something specific does not make sense, since it all depends on habits, on individual preferences. Portion jars are convenient if there are several people in the family, one large capacity is beneficial if you do not want to bother with several jars.
Control method
To control the yogurt maker, a mechanical timer is often used, less often an electronic one. There is also control of a button or plug (plug into a power outlet to start work and remove to end). It would be preferable to have a timer option so that you can adjust the operating time.
Auto shut off
The “Auto power off” function is equipped with expensive models, but its availability simplifies operation. There are frequent cases when users forget about cooking yogurt, overexposure - as a result, yogurt does not work, they throw out a tasteless one. There are models with automatic shutdown: this is a useful feature, especially if there are small children in the house who can be awakened even by a whisper, not to mention a loud sound signal. But still, many will like the model with a sound alert to complete the preparation of a milk treat.
Additional features
Additional functions make operation convenient. Among them:
- · Compartment for a cord;
- · Marking jars (so as not to forget the date of preparation);
- · Additional containers for yogurt (to prepare two servings of yogurt alternately).
Manufacturers
And now about the companies that produce yogurt makers. Among the companies that supply this household appliance to the market, there are both well-known and unfamiliar brands. Among the popular ones is Tefal, but the products of this brand are quite expensive. Less expensive are products from companies such as Orion, Ariete and Vinis. Models of these brands can be found for $ 20-30.
Before buying a yogurt maker, read reviews: there are models that heat up to a temperature of +50 degrees Celsius, at which the bacteria for yogurt starter die, and the use of this product decreases. Also take into account the dimensions of the equipment: it is very desirable that it should stand motionless when fermenting yogurt. And if the yogurt maker interferes, it will be constantly shifted, then the product will not be ideal.