The Best Dairy-Free Yogurt Makers and Other Options

Some of you have asked for recommendations of dairy-free yogurt makers. So I thought I would put together our top picks, most of which are quite budget-friendly. I’ve also included other equipment needed, ways to make vegan yogurt without a yogurt maker, and of course, some delicious dairy-free yogurt recipes!

The Best Dairy-Free Yogurt Makers

There are several DIY ways to make dairy-free yogurt. But I’m partial to dairy-free yogurt makers because they take the worry and guess-work out of yogurt making. You turn it on and forget about it. It’s pretty foolproof if you ask me. And these are the best dairy-free yogurt makers we’ve found to date.

Ultimate Probiotic Yogurt Maker

There’s a reason this is a best seller. It has all the bells and whistles you could need, at a relatively modest price point. Unlike most other brands, Ultimate gives you a bigger range of control over the temperature and run time. This machine allows you to set whatever you are fermenting from 68ºF to 131ºF for up to 48 hours with a digital timer. The set up is also ideal. It comes with two, dishwasher-safe, 1-quart containers with lids for easy storage in your refrigerator. You can make a smaller batch in one container or up to 2 quarts with both containers at the same time. They also offer small jars separately, or you can buy their small jar yogurt maker.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1

It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, and yes, yogurt maker all in one. The dairy-free yogurt maker function itself doesn’t have the extensive range of the Ultimate. The temperature is preset and it has a run time of up to 24 hours. But what is lacks in control, it makes up for in versatility. You can use your Instant Pot for the whole process of making dairy-free yogurt, including any stove top portion of the recipes. The 7-in-1 is pretty large, with a 3 quart capacity. But the 9-in-1 Instant Pot holds 6 quarts, and also has a yogurt function.

EuroCuisine YM 80

Simple, space-saving, and reliable should be the motto of this brand. It’s great for small spaces, small batches, and small budgets. This machine works well, mostly because there aren’t many moving parts. It has a simple on-off switch and an array of jars – that’s it! You have to set your own timer, and there isn’t a temperature control to adjust. Their YM 100 model has a timer, but it malfunctions often.

Country Trading Co. Stainless Steel Yogurt Maker

Go super-eco with this no plastic, no power yogurt maker. It’s basically a thermos-style method for homemade dairy-free yogurt that is typically quite reliable. It isn’t cheaper than the other options on this list, but will save on electricity and space, and is relatively attractive sitting on the counter.

My Dairy-Free Yogurt Failed. Was it the Machine?

It might be, but it could be another factor. Here are the issues that can cause a yogurt flop.

1. The dairy-free milk was too hot when the culture was added. Exercise patience and verify the temperature before whisking in the dairy-free starter culture.
2. Your starter was dead, partially dead, or you didn’t use the right amount. You need live active cultures for fermentation. This issue happens often when dairy-free yogurt is used as a starter, but it can still happen with a dairy-free starter culture or probiotics. Make sure you stored it according to the instructions and contact the manufacturer if it seems to be a quality problem.
3. The temperature was inconsistent during fermentation. This is where you can blame your dairy-free yogurt maker. If it isn’t holding the right temperature (too cold, too hot, or fluctuating), report it to the manufacturer. You can test by checking the yogurt with a sterilized thermometer at different times during the fermenting.
4. Other ingredients were introduced too soon. You must wait to add flavors, such as vanilla, and add-ins until after the dairy-free yogurt has fermented.
5. Bad bacteria was introduced. Tell-tale signs are pink, brownish, or grayish mold on surface of yogurt. This is usually caused by equipment that wasn’t properly sterilized.

How to Make Dairy-Free Yogurt without a Yogurt Maker

You don’t necessarily need a machine to make yogurt. All that’s required is a consistently warm spot (usually 100ºF to 110ºF) and sterilized containers. Here are a few ways to make that happen. But keep in mind that creating the perfect conditions in your home can take some trial and error.

Slow Cooker

When you get to the step adding your dairy-free milk (if you are using thickeners, you likely dissolved them in water on the stove top first), transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cover and turn your slow cooker on low, heating until the mixture reaches about 180ºF. Turn off your slow cooker, and let the mixture cool to 110ºF. Stir in your starter, cover, and wrap a towel around your slow cooker to insulate it. Let the yogurt ferment for 8 to 12 hours. See this tutorial for more guidance. We’ve successfully used that fermentation process to make soy yogurt.

Oven Method

Preheat your oven to around 115ºF and then turn it off. If you have a baking stone, put it in the oven as it preheats to help retain the heat. Once your dairy-free yogurt mixture is ready for fermenting, transfer it to a Dutch oven or other covered, heat-safe vessel. Wrap it with several layers of towels to insulate, and put the bundle in the warm oven for 8 hours, or until tangy and thickened. Some people turn the oven light on, which generates low heat as it ferments (this doesn’t work with an LED bulb).

Dehydrator

If you already have a food dehydrator, you essentially have a potential yogurt maker. When ready to ferment, put the glass jars or other sealed containers in your food dehydrator, set to 110ºF. Let them ferment for 8 to 12 hours.

Thermos

For the ultimate low-tech method, a good, sterilized thermos can work. Pour the prepared mixture (at 110 to 120ºF) into the thermos, seal, and wrap the thermos with towels to insulate it. You can also put it in a cooler with some hot water for further warming insulation.

Other Dairy-Free Yogurt Making Equipment

• Thermometer – It’s essential to cool your mixture to a safe temperature before adding the yogurt starter. If using a dairy-free yogurt maker, I aim for 95 to 100ºF. The yogurt maker will heat it to the appropriate temperature, so it’s okay to err on the cool side when adding the starter. If it’s too hot, the friendly bacteria that cultures the dairy-free milk will die. I find this usually happens at around 118˚F. I have gone through six thermometers and have learned that hard way that waterproof and digital is the way to go. Make sure the thermometer tip has been sterilized before starting.
• Big Pot – Use a 5-quart stainless steel pot or larger. Milk alternative can quickly bubble up and can create a mess if using a smaller pot.
• Whisk – When adding powdered starter culture or probiotic powder to the cooled milk alternative, it needs to be thoroughly mixed in and evenly distributed. A silicon-coated whisk comes in handy for this. but make sure it has been sterilized before use.
• Starter – See our Dairy-Free Yogurt Starter Culture Guide for your options.

Making Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt

You can make the dairy-free yogurt thicker by straining it with some additional supplies. You can buy a Greek Yogurt Strainer or make your own set up. For the latter, place a mesh strainer over a bowl. Place several layers of cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, muslin, or a thin dish towel in the strainer. Add the yogurt, gather up the edges and tie (or close the nut milk bag). Place the set up in your refrigerator and let it strain for 8 to 48 hours, until it reaches your desired thickness. Check after just an hour to make sure there is no yogurt straining through. Thicken the cheesecloth with a couple more overlapping layers if any chunks of yogurt are there.

Dairy-Free Yogurt Recipes

Here are some favorites to try in your dairy-free yogurt maker!

• Almond Milk Yogurt (with Almond-Hemp Option)
• Coconut Milk Yogurt
• Whole30 Coconut Almond Yogurt