Yogurt maker with kefir preparation function. Yogurt maker. Description, functions and choice of yogurt maker. In conclusion, a useful video

Yogurts appeal to many people. Moreover, dairy treats have many benefits for the body. True, this only applies to natural products, which, unfortunately, cannot always be found on the shelves. However, you can prepare it yourself using only organic and fresh ingredients. A yogurt maker will help with this. How to buy a good device? What should you pay attention to when making a purchase? If you need a yogurt maker, then it will be useful for you to know how to choose the best model.

Yoghurt rating

Using a yogurt maker, you can easily and simply prepare the product. What about store-bought dairy treats? Are there really natural and delicious desserts among them?

Brands such as “Miracle” and “Danone” are popular among consumers. They are not distinguished by a high level of naturalness and the absence of preservatives. However, they have advantages: taste, aroma, price, thickness. Yoghurts “Miracle”. They contain proteins and bacteria beneficial to the body, unlike Danone products - they consist more of enhancers and preservatives.

What is important to know when choosing a yogurt maker

Home appliance stores offer several models of yogurt making devices. How to choose a yogurt maker to remain satisfied with your purchase for a long time?

Price

There is no need to chase expensive devices in search of highest quality. The operating principle of all models is the same. Both a budget option and an expensive one will fulfill its direct tasks. In this case, it is better to prefer a well-known company that has already proven itself from the best side. As a rule, reliable, time-tested companies carefully check and control the production process.

Functional

The main function of a yogurt maker is to heat the milk mixture in a tightly closed container for a certain time. Depending on the set temperature, the following products are obtained:

cottage cheese;
yogurt;
kefir;
sour cream.

More expensive models work via a heating element. Budget devices do not have this capability. The principle of their operation is to initially heat the milk.

A useful feature that not all devices have is auto shutdown. Making yogurt is a long process. Therefore, you can completely forget about turning off the program at the appointed time. And thanks automatic system the product will not stop shutting down. In some devices, this function is accompanied by a sound alert.

There are two types of device control:

electric;
mechanical.

The type of appliance does not in any way affect the quality of the preparation of the dairy dessert.

Some models have markings on the cups. This is a very convenient feature. It allows you to mark the date of manufacture of the product, which allows you to track the expiration date of the yogurt.

There are two types of operation indicator:

light;
display.

It is much more convenient to track the process on the display, which shows the time and cooking mode.

Types of yogurt makers

When wondering how to choose a yogurt maker, you should note that there are two types:

A device with one container, the capacity of which is on average 1 liter.
Device with 5–12 jars.

The number of containers should be selected in accordance with the expected production volume of the product. For example, if only one person in the family consumes yogurt, a device with 5 jars will do. Dairy products are not stored for long, so there is no point in preparing them in excess.

Material

The choice of a yogurt maker also includes such an important factor as the material from which the containers are made. As a rule, these are two types of raw materials:

glass;
plastic.

Glass is stronger, more reliable and can be used to heat other mixtures due to its heat resistance. However, don't be afraid of plastic. If a plastic container is produced under the control of reliable companies, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the material.

Power

Standard simple yogurt makers have a minimum power of 12 W and a maximum of 50 W. At the same time, there are devices capable of heating milk with a power of 600 W. Such devices have more advanced capabilities with which you can prepare various desserts.

Which yogurt maker will serve better and longer? The power level does not affect the shelf life in any way. When choosing this indicator, you should take into account the purpose of purchasing the device.

Thus, you have learned how to choose a yogurt maker, what parameters you need to pay attention to, and what is important to know about the device as a whole.

Rating of yogurt makers by quality

To make it easier to decide which yogurt maker is better, it is recommended to study the more popular models. Since the device comes in several types and types, each classification has its own best yogurt maker.

With a big bowl

Budget yogurt makers: rating

Among the inexpensive models, the following devices stand out:

The best models with portioned jars

The best yogurt makers with ceramic containers

Models with a universal set of containers

The following yogurt makers stand out:

Video on the topic

Is the yogurt maker the most useless or absolutely necessary appliance in the kitchen? Buyers' opinions differ. If you are constantly making dairy desserts, or if you have a toddler, a yogurt maker will undoubtedly make your life easier. Should I choose a more expensive model?

What to look for when choosing a yogurt maker?

A model that costs more does not necessarily cook better. All yogurt makers work the same way - they maintain a given mode. That's all you need to make yogurt. When buying an expensive model, you pay for the name, for additional functions, for convenience.
Almost all devices are made in China. But large manufacturers strictly control the quality of production and are responsible for it. Choose a well-known brand.
Useful feature— auto shutdown. After cooking is finished, the heating will turn off, and there will be a guarantee that the yogurt will not overheat.

What not to do?

Beware of "plastic". If the device is made at the factory of a well-known manufacturer (Tefal, Moulinex, etc.) under strict control, then all its parts are absolutely safe. High-quality food-grade plastic is used in production; when it is heated to the temperature specified in the passport, no harmful substances are released during the life of the yogurt maker.
Chasing the number of jars. It’s still not possible to make yogurt “in reserve”; its shelf life is limited (depending on the type of starter, read the instructions). Therefore, you should not buy a device for 12 jars if in your family only the child eats yogurt 3 times a week.
Look for a model with a thermostat for manually setting the temperature with high accuracy. For the growth and development of yogurt bacteria, a range of temperatures must be maintained, and even the most simple models cope with this task.

To prepare yogurt at home, you need a thermostat capable of maintaining a temperature of 38 - 40 degrees Celsius for 5 - 10 hours. Yogurt makers produced by industry usually contain a low-power electric heater constantly connected to the power supply. In some cases, this leads to a significant deviation of the temperature from the optimal one, which negatively affects the quality of the resulting product. This article proposes a diagram and design of a simple electronic thermostat capable of maintaining temperature with sufficient accuracy. The electrical circuit diagram of the thermostat is shown in the figure.

The green LED HL1 is an indicator of the presence of mains voltage. A stabilized power supply with an output voltage of 12V is assembled on elements VD2, R1, R2 and R3. Silicon diodes VD3, VD4 are used as a temperature sensor. At a temperature of 20°C, the voltage drop across them is about 1V, and the conversion coefficient is -4 mV/°C. Comparator DA1.2 compares the voltage on the sensor with the setpoint obtained from variable resistor R9. Thanks to resistors R11, R12, the comparator operates with a slight hysteresis. If the temperature is lower than the set one, then the voltage at input 3 DA1.2 is higher than at input 2 DA1.2, the comparator output transistor is locked, powerful high-voltage field-effect transistor VT1 is open, because thanks to resistor R13, a voltage of 12 volts is present at its gate. Heater R17 is supplied with rectified mains voltage. When the temperature rises above the set one, the output transistor of the comparator will open, and VT1 will lock, the heater will turn off. The red LED HL2 is an indicator that the heater is turned on. Variable resistor R9 is equipped with a scale of 20°C - 60°C, allowing you to set the desired temperature value. Trimmer resistors R5 and R6 set the boundaries of the temperature control range.

The described circuit implementation has the disadvantage that in the event of a break in the sensor circuit, an uncontrolled increase in the temperature of the heater will occur. To eliminate this drawback, comparator DA1.1 is used, the output of which is connected to the output of DA1.2 according to the “wiring or” circuit. In the event of a break in the sensor circuit, the voltage at input 6 of DA1.2 will be higher than at input 5. The output transistor of the comparator DA1.1 will open and VT1 will be locked, regardless of the state of DA1.2.

The damping circuit (snubber) R16, C6 protects transistor VT1 from breakdown by short high-voltage pulses that sometimes occur in the supply network.

Construction and details

The device consists of two parts - an electronic unit and a heat-stabilized surface, shown in the following photo.

The electronic unit is assembled in a plastic box measuring 100x75x65 [mm]. The axis of the variable resistor R9 is located on the top panel of the block. The end of this axis is slightly recessed relative to the level of the top panel. It has a slot that allows you to change the set temperature using a screwdriver. Also on top panel LEDs HL1 “Network” and HL2 “Heating” are displayed. The electronic unit is mounted on a breadboard shown in the following photo.

The thermally stabilized surface is made of a metal tray, inside of which there is a temperature sensor VD3, VD4 and a heater R17, which is used as a heating element from a photo glosser. The heater and sensor are mounted on a 5 mm thick aluminum plate, screwed to the bottom of the tray with 6 countersunk screws. The plate should be made according to the dimensions of the bottom of the tray. The paint from the inner surface of the bottom of the tray must be cleaned off and a thin layer of heat-conducting paste KPT-8 or, worse, Litol-24 grease applied to it, and then the plate must be installed and secured with screws. The dimensions of the plate can be significantly reduced or even abandoned altogether if you use a tray made of aluminum, the thermal conductivity of which is significantly greater than that of steel. The heater should be placed in the middle of the plate. The relative position of the heater and sensor is shown in the photograph. The gap between the heater and the sensor must be filled with heat-conducting paste.

On the heater side, the tray is covered with a plywood lid. It is useful to place a heat insulator between the lid and the heater - thin felt, padding polyester, etc.

The electronic unit is connected to a thermally stabilized surface using a homemade four-core cable 50 cm long, ending with a DB-9 connector. The wires going to the heater should be twisted, and to connect the sensor, use the wire in the screen, as shown in the diagram.

As HL1 you can use any green LED, for example L-1154GF from Kingbright, and as HL2 you can use any red LED, for example L-1154ID from the same company.

VD3, VD4 1N4148 can be replaced with KD512 or KD503 with any letter. VT1 IRF740 can be replaced with IRF840.

It is advisable to use stable resistors R1, R2, R4, R7 and R10 C2-23, MF-25, etc. Trimmer resistors R5 and R6 SP5-3, SP5-14 or 3266 bowrns. Variable resistor R9 must have a linear dependence of resistance on the angle of rotation of the axis (for domestic resistors - group A, for imported ones - B). The author used a wirewound resistor PP3-20.

This device has direct communication with power supply. It is recommended to perform all adjustment operations by connecting the electronic unit to the network via a 220V/220V isolation transformer.

Setting up the device comes down to setting the boundaries of the temperature control range. To do this you will need a thermometer and digital voltmeter or multimeter.

The thermometer should be placed near the sensor and its readings recorded. After this, you need to measure the voltage at the sensor - test point KT1. Knowing the sensor conversion coefficient (- 4 mV/°C), it is easy to calculate what the voltage on the sensor will be at a temperature of 20°C (V1) and at 60°C (V2).

By connecting the voltmeter to KT3, you need to set the voltage V2 at this control point using trimming resistor R6. Next, you should set the voltage V1 on KT2 using R5. Since these adjustments are interdependent, they should be repeated several times. At this point, setting up the device can be considered complete.

Finally, some tips for use.

To heat the yogurt evenly, it is useful to create a closed, thermally insulated volume above the thermostated surface. The easiest way to do this is with a blanket or thick blanket.

The scale on the electronic unit by which the surface temperature is set is indicative. In addition, the temperature of the yogurt may differ slightly from the surface temperature due to imperfect thermal insulation. In this regard, it is recommended, using a thermometer placed in a vessel with water, to draw up a table of corrections for the thermostat scale. When performing this work, you should use the same dishes and the same thermal insulation that will be used in the future for preparing yogurt.

This thermostat has an extended temperature range. This allows it to be used not only for its intended purpose, but also for other culinary and technical purposes. For example, for preparing dough, heating a solution during etching printed circuit boards etc.

At negative room temperatures, the electronic unit may block the heater from turning on, because this situation will be perceived as a malfunction (break) of the sensor. The device is not intended for operation in such conditions, but if you heat the sensor to positive temperature in any way, the thermostat will work.

List of radioelements

Designation	Type	Denomination	Quantity	My notepad
DA1	Comparator	LM393	1	To notepad
VT1	MOSFET transistor	IRF740	1	To notepad
VD1	Diode bridge	RC207	1	To notepad
VD2	Voltage reference IC	TL431	1	To notepad
VD3, VD4	Rectifier diode	1N4148	2	To notepad
HL1	Light-emitting diode	L-1154GF	1	To notepad
HL2	Light-emitting diode	L-1154ID	1	To notepad
R1	Resistor	39 kOhm	1	To notepad
R2	Resistor	10 kOhm	1	To notepad
R3	Resistor	43 kOhm 2W	1	To notepad
R4, R10, R13	Resistor	22 kOhm	3	To notepad
R5, R6	Trimmer resistor	1 kOhm	1	To notepad
R7	Resistor	1.5 kOhm	1	To notepad
R8	Resistor	180 Ohm	1	To notepad
R9	Variable resistor	3.3 kOhm	1	To notepad
R11, R14	Resistor	1 kOhm	1

The yogurt maker takes pride of place in the kitchen of many families. Using the device, you can prepare a fermented milk mixture containing a large number of lactobacilli. As a result, you will get healthy yogurt, sour cream or homemade cottage cheese without preservatives or dyes. It is this feature that encourages housewives to buy equipment, choosing it with special care. Leading manufacturing companies supply store shelves with yogurt makers for every taste and budget.

What is a yogurt maker

The device is a plastic container that has a rectangular or round shape. The yogurt maker is equipped with a transparent glass lid and thick sides.
The walls are thermally insulated, which ensures constant maintenance of the desired temperature. The regime must be maintained for better fermentation based on lactobacilli and milk.
In most cases, yogurt makers are quite compact and easy to use. The classic device is equipped with cups (about 5-15 pieces) with a volume of 125-150 g. every. All containers are closed and placed in a common container, with a glass lid placed on top.
Each device has an instruction manual and a warranty card. All devices operate on electricity, so installation should be carried out near an outlet.
There are standard yogurt makers in the “economy” segment. The control unit is made in the form of rotating arrows, with which you can set the temperature and time. However, there are devices with buttons and an electronic display, but their price category is much higher.
Not all yogurt makers come with cups. Some household units are equipped with one continuous container into which ingredients are placed. However, each type of equipment must have a timer that will accurately determine the duration of fermentation.
Depending on the timing, the final product can be liquid or thick, sour or sweet. When choosing, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the power, control method, cup shape, and additional functions.

What is the purpose of a yogurt maker?

New mothers who want to prepare a healthy product for their child resort to using the device.
Most store-bought products contain strong allergens. For this reason, it is better for people with individual intolerance to use their own composition.
Individuals who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract resort to using a yogurt maker. If the correct proportions are observed, you can get a high-quality product that will only affect your health in a favorable way.
It is impossible not to highlight the popularity of the unit among representatives of the fair sex who watch their figure. If you take skim milk as a basis, the yogurt will be low-calorie.
Yogurt maker is considered an indispensable assistant for people with diabetes. If you use honey or a natural substitute as a sweetener, you can maintain your blood glucose levels without fear for your own health.

Yogurt makers may differ in the principle of operation, the number of cups, and the materials of additional containers.

Principle of operation

Yogurt thermos maker. In devices of this kind, the cups are heated evenly, reaching up to 60 degrees. Next, the equipment turns off, retaining heat. At this time, the mass reproduction of beneficial bacteria begins, which are responsible for the quality of the product. The advantage of this type of yogurt maker is the short duration of preparation of the product (about 5 hours). The disadvantage is the high pricing policy.

Yogurt maker with constant heating. After turning on, the yogurt maker quickly reaches 40 degrees and maintains it until it turns off. The advantage is that you can insert cups into the device that do not come “by default” with the equipment. New mothers place baby food jars into the cavity, which is very convenient. The disadvantage is rapid heating, as a result of which the temperature of the composition increases greatly. In addition, the device does not have an automatic shutdown function.

Number of cups

Yogurt maker with one container. The device is equipped with a capacious form with a volume of 1-1.5 liters. It is worth choosing this type of technique if you plan to prepare a fermented milk product in large quantities and consume it in a short time. In the container you can prepare cake cream, sour cream, jelly pie filling, cottage cheese, etc. The disadvantage is that you cannot make compositions according to different recipes in one session. However, this criterion is, to some extent, a plus.

Yogurt maker with cups. The cavity of the unit includes space for cups; there can be 4-15 jars. This type of yogurt maker is suitable for large families with different taste preferences. In each of the cups you can prepare yogurt according to an individual recipe. Variety is considered a plus, while the minus is long-term washing of containers after cooking and consumption.

Cup material

Glass. The equipment is supplied with the number of cups provided by the manufacturer. The containers are not sold separately from the unit. If they break, you will have to improvise by substituting other glasses of a similar type into the mold.

Plastic. The cups are made of food-grade plastic, which does not release harmful substances into food when heated. All containers have an environmental certificate indicating the safety of the material. They can withstand maximum heating (up to +120 degrees) and cooling (up to -20 degrees). Plastic containers are ergonomic, they do not break and are easy to clean.

How to choose a yogurt maker: basic parameters

Before giving preference to one brand or another, you need to study the basic parameters. General information will provide food for thought, and it will be easier for you to navigate among the large selection.

Yogurt maker power

It is important to immediately clarify that the power of the device does not in any way affect the quality of the final product, its shelf life or taste parameters. This feature only indicates the degree of electricity consumption.
As a rule, all devices have a power of about 12-50 W, these indicators are quite enough for use at home.
Regardless of the selected power (12 or 50 W), the yogurt maker will be able to maintain the temperature of the composition at 40 degrees and below.

Yogurt maker cups

In addition to power, it is also important to pay attention to the presence of cups, their volume, quantity and material from which the containers are made. For many housewives, it is the characteristics of the cups that are decisive when choosing appliances for the home.
If you wish, you can choose a device without cups. It will be equipped with a large container with a volume of about 1-1.5 liters. Or buy a unit with big amount containers, such yogurt makers are easy to use.
If we talk about the material of the cups, they can be made of glass or food-grade plastic. Last option more preferable, although it does not have high impact resistance.
Modern yogurt makers can contain from 4 to 15 glasses, but in most cases there is equipment with 5-8 containers (and lids, respectively).
If we talk about the volume of each dish, there are small (100-125 g), medium (125-175 g) and large (from 180 g) glasses. The choice depends on personal preference. The larger the volume, the smaller the amount of containers that will fit in the main container of the equipment.

Yogurt maker control

As mentioned above, yogurt makers can be mechanically or electronically controlled. However, there are options in which the technique has no leverage at all.
In the latter case, all functions (including setting temperature, time, on/off) are monitored by the user.
If we talk about electronic control, the yogurt maker is equipped with a timer. The unit turns off automatically; you just need to set the cooking duration.
In the case of mechanical devices, there are two rotating mechanisms on the front part. The first is responsible for the duration of cooking, the second controls the maintenance of temperature (it may not exist).

Additional yogurt maker options

Depending on the price category and manufacturer, the equipment may be equipped with light indicators, a function automatic shutdown And sound signal about the completion of cooking.
Many modern yogurt makers with cups have compartments on the lids. Holes and stickers are needed to sign the date of manufacture, recommendations for storage temperature, expiration date and other nuances.
If you choose a device with a long cord, it will have a separate compartment for storing the cable (like vacuum cleaners). The function is extremely convenient, and you will overpay a small amount.
When choosing a yogurt maker with the function of making cottage cheese, most likely it will come with a large diameter bowl. With its help, the procedure will be easier.
Many housewives buy an ice cream yogurt maker for certain reasons. This is very convenient, since one device is designed to prepare two types of dishes of different categories.

Cheap equipment often overheats. If you prefer economy segment units, ask your consultant about the conditions warranty service and possible exchange/return.
An ideal yogurt has a slight sourness and moderate thickness. This feature can be achieved using the built-in timer. If possible, choose a device with a display.
The color of the body and the shape of the yogurt maker belong to the aesthetic part. Don’t get too hung up on these indicators; carefully study the technical specifications.
If you plan to prepare not only yogurt, but also cottage cheese, choose a technique with an additional wide container. In the future, you can make creams, jellies, etc. in it.

It’s easy to choose a yogurt maker for your home if you have basic information regarding the configuration and technical characteristics. Buy equipment with plastic cups, decide in advance on the desired functions. When buying a yogurt-ice cream maker, make sure that there is warranty service, give preference to well-known brands (Tefal, Mulinex, Vitek).

Ariete	Vitek	Orion	Arzum
Clatronic	Becker	Hilton	Delonghi
Steba	Binatone	Saturn	Rotex
Delfa	Moulinex	Cuisinart	Vinis
Kenwood	Dex	Maxwell	Elbee
Tefal	Mystery	Scarlett	Russell Hobbs
VES Electric	Redmond	Viconte	ST