Top pick: Stainless Steel 1-Quart Yogurt Maker paired with Belle & Bella starters.
I live in the US, in Portland, OR, and I know the struggle of finding creamy, tangy, dairy-free yogurt that doesn’t taste like an experiment. You want plant-based yogurt that’s thick, probiotic-rich, and affordable. I used to buy endless jars from the store and toss many that tasted off or were too expensive. Making your own solves cost, flavor control, and ingredients. After testing machines and starters over several years, I’ll help you find the best yogurt maker for non-dairy options that fits your kitchen, diet, and taste.
Stainless Steel 1-Quart Yogurt Maker
The Stainless Steel 1-Quart Yogurt Maker is a compact incubator built around a glass jar. It ships with a recipe book and clear instructions. I found it simple to use and easy to clean. It uses a steady low heat that helps cultures thrive. For non-dairy milks I tested—almond, soy, oat, and coconut—this unit gave consistent results when I paired it with a good starter. The glass jar avoids plastic contact and keeps flavors pure. The design is minimal and fits on a small counter. It feels durable and works quietly, which I liked during overnight incubations.
In practice this unit excels when you need consistent temperature and ease of use. With coconut and oat milk, I got a tangy, smooth texture in about 10 to 12 hours when I used a dairy-free starter. The built-in timer is simple, but I monitored temperature with a probe for the first few trials. I liked the included recipes, which shortened my learning curve. If you want a reliable kitchen tool for making yogurt regularly, this stainless steel maker is a strong choice. It supports many dairy-free milk types and scales well for daily batches.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel build and glass jar for pure flavor
- Quiet operation—good for overnight fermentation
- Consistent heat for stable culture growth
- Includes recipe book for non-dairy yogurts and troubleshooting
- Compact footprint fits small kitchens and counters
Cons:
- Single jar limits batch size to about a quart
- Manual monitoring sometimes needed for perfect texture
- No advanced digital controls for fine-tuning
My Recommendation
I recommend the Stainless Steel 1-Quart Yogurt Maker for home cooks who want a simple, reliable way to make the best yogurt maker for non-dairy results without fuss. It suits someone who values glass jars and steady heat. I would suggest it for people who make yogurt a few times a week and prefer a classic approach. The maker pairs very well with quality non-dairy starters and gives consistent texture with oat and coconut milks. Overall, it’s a cost-effective and durable choice for anyone wanting better store-bought replacements.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Single-serve home use | Compact and steady heat for consistent batches |
| Glass-preferring cooks | No plastic contact keeps flavors clean |
| Budget-conscious users | Affordable, durable, and easy to operate |
Belle & Bella Non-Dairy Starter
Belle & Bella Non-Dairy Starter is a powdered culture meant for plant milks. I used the starter with soy, almond, and oat milk. The box claims two billion live cultures per packet, and in my tests the tang and probiotic feel were noticeable. It’s gluten free and without added sugar, which helps if you watch carbs. The powder dissolves easily in warm milk and needs a steady incubation. For someone focused on health benefits, this starter gives a reliable probiotic boost. It makes around four quarts per box, so it’s economical for regular yogurt makers.
What I like is the flexibility. I whisked it into thickened oat milk and got a spoonable yogurt with good tang. The starter responds well to longer fermentation for stronger sourness. It also helps when I mix cultures with commercial dairy-free plain yogurt as a booster. Storage is simple; keep it cool and dry. If you want to customize texture, you can add thickeners like agar or tapioca. This starter is a smart companion for the best yogurt maker for non-dairy efforts and gives consistent probiotic results.
Pros:
- Specifically formulated for non-dairy milks
- Easy to mix with warm plant milk
- Economical—one box yields multiple batches
- No added sugars, supporting clean-label goals
- Gluten free and non-GMO for dietary peace of mind
Cons:
- Requires precise temperature for best results
- May need additional thickeners for very creamy texture
- Single-flavor culture limits variety of tang profiles
My Recommendation
The Belle & Bella Non-Dairy Starter is best for home cooks who aim to make the best yogurt maker for non-dairy batches with reliable probiotics. I recommend it for people who want a simple, no-sugar starter that works with many plant milks. Use it if you plan weekly yogurt runs or want lab-like consistency. It’s a cost-effective choice for probiotic-rich homemade yogurt. Availability is generally good online, and the starter pairs well with most incubators and the Stainless Steel 1-Quart Yogurt Maker for consistent, tasty results.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Probiotic seekers | High live culture content for gut health |
| Cost-conscious buyers | Makes multiple quarts per box |
| Clean-label cooks | No sugar, gluten free, non-GMO |
Belle & Bella YoMagic Yogurt Maker
The Belle & Bella YoMagic is an automatic yogurt maker designed for both dairy and non-dairy milks. It makes one quart and comes with a starter packet. I found its controls intuitive. You set time and the unit maintains a steady heat without fuss. In tests with soy and oat milk, YoMagic delivered pleasant tang and a consistent set when I pre-thickened the milk slightly. The compact size is great for small kitchens. It’s marketed for ease, and I agree—setup is simple. The automatic hold feature reduces the need for constant monitoring.
What stands out is the convenience. With the included starter, I started producing yogurt quickly. The unit’s stable temperature helps cultures turn plant milk into yogurt without overcooking. Clean-up is easy and the housing wipes down fast. If you want a plug-and-play system to make the best yogurt maker for non-dairy batches often, this is a fine option. It’s ideal for busy people who want quick, repeatable results and less hands-on time during fermentation.
Pros:
- Automatic temperature control for reliable incubation
- Compact and quick to set up
- Works with both dairy and non-dairy milks
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Includes starter for immediate use
Cons:
- Small capacity—one quart only
- May need pre-thickening for very creamy non-dairy yogurts
- Limited advanced settings for power users
My Recommendation
I suggest the Belle & Bella YoMagic Yogurt Maker for people who want a low-effort machine to make the best yogurt maker for non-dairy batches quickly and reliably. I find it perfect for busy users who value set-and-forget convenience. It pairs well with Belle & Bella starter for plug-and-play results. This unit is best for those trying homemade yogurt without the learning curve. It’s affordable and widely available, making it a great entry-level choice for daily yogurt makers.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy households | Automatic controls for minimal hands-on work |
| Beginners | Easy setup and included starter |
| Small kitchens | Compact size and easy storage |
Euro Cuisine RI1020 Culture Starter
The Euro Cuisine RI1020 Culture Starter is a tried-and-tested option for homemade yogurt. It contains natural probiotic pouches that can be used in dairy or dairy-free milks. I used it with almond and coconut milk with good success. The cultures produce a balanced tang and smooth texture when the milk is prepped correctly. The pouch format makes storage simple, and I liked that it’s easy to portion. For people who want to experiment with tang and thickness, this starter is versatile and forgiving when you’re learning how to make the best yogurt maker for non-dairy batches.
In my testing the starter gave steady fermentation and a pleasant mouthfeel. I recommend using a stabilizer like agar or cornstarch for very thin non-dairy milks to improve body. The starter is reliable across incubators, including the Stainless Steel unit and the Euro Cuisine yogurt maker. It’s a good value for the number of servings. For anyone aiming to replace store yogurt with homemade versions, this culture starter is a dependable foundation that supports consistent results.
Pros:
- Works with a wide range of milks including dairy-free types
- Easy to store and portion
- Produces balanced tang and smooth texture
- Good value for regular makers
- Compatible with many incubators and methods
Cons:
- Thinner plant milks may need thickeners
- Not a one-size-fits-all texture—some tweaking needed
- Requires accurate fermentation times for best results
My Recommendation
The Euro Cuisine RI1020 Culture Starter is ideal for people who want a flexible starter that works across machines when making the best yogurt maker for non-dairy yogurts. I recommend it for cooks who like to tweak recipes and try different plant milks. It supports frequent use and pairs especially well with batch-style incubators. If you want a reliable culture that adapts as you refine your method, this product offers strong value and steady results.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Experimenters | Flexible for different milks and textures |
| Weekly makers | Good value for frequent batches |
| Multi-device users | Works with many incubators and setups |
Euro Cuisine YM80 Electric Yogurt Maker
The Euro Cuisine YM80 Electric Yogurt Maker is a multi-jar incubator that includes several glass jars and a lid. I used it to run parallel batches of almond and oat yogurt. The unit maintains a gentle heat and creates an even environment for cultures. The multiple jars let me flavor each jar differently. For non-dairy yogurt, I got very good results when I pre-thickened milk and used a strong starter. The YM80 is a classic choice for makers who like to produce several portions at once, and the glass jars help retain a clean flavor.
This machine is excellent if you want to batch-produce yogurt for a week. I made a half-dozen jars and stored them in the fridge with predictable texture and tang. The YM80’s simple design is sturdy and low-maintenance. It’s not fancy, but it’s dependable. If you’re serious about making the best yogurt maker for non-dairy at scale, the YM80 gives the time and jar count to make meal prep or family servings easy and economical.
Pros:
- Multiple jars for batch production and variety
- Glass jars preserve clean flavor and are dishwasher-safe
- Even heating for steady culture growth
- Ideal for meal prep and families
- Simple design, easy to use and maintain
Cons:
- Large footprint—needs countertop space
- Less suitable for single-serve needs
- No digital fine-tuning controls
My Recommendation
The Euro Cuisine YM80 Electric Yogurt Maker is best for people who want to batch-make the best yogurt maker for non-dairy yogurts for a family or meal prep. I recommend it for regular makers who want several jars ready at once. It’s a practical, no-nonsense device that pairs well with culture starters like Euro Cuisine RI1020. If you want volume and variety, this unit delivers steady results and good value.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Families | Multiple jars give many servings at once |
| Meal preppers | Make a week’s yogurt in one run |
| Clean-label cooks | Glass jars prevent off-flavors from plastics |
FAQs Of best yogurt maker for non-dairy
1. Can I make thick non-dairy yogurt at home?
Yes. I thicken plant milks using agar, tapioca starch, or powdered milk alternatives. Also, longer fermentation and cooling improve body. Use a good starter and the best yogurt maker for non-dairy to get thick, spoonable results.
2. Which plant milks set best for yogurt?
Oat, soy, and coconut milks set best in my tests. Oat offers mild flavor and creaminess. Soy gives a firmer set. Coconut gives richness but a coconut taste. Use thickeners if needed for almond milk.
3. How long should I incubate non-dairy yogurt?
Typical times are 8–14 hours. I usually incubate 10–12 hours for a balanced tang. For tangier yogurt, extend to 14 hours. Monitor texture and taste. The best yogurt maker for non-dairy should maintain steady heat throughout.
4. Do I need a starter for non-dairy yogurt?
Yes. Non-dairy milks need live cultures to ferment. Use a dairy-free starter or a spoon of live non-dairy yogurt. Starters designed for plant milks give the most reliable results.
5. Can I use the same starter for dairy and non-dairy?
Some starters work for both, but non-dairy starters are optimized for plant milks. I prefer a dedicated non-dairy starter to get the best yogurt maker for non-dairy performance and texture.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want the most reliable way to make plant-based yogurt, the Stainless Steel 1-Quart Yogurt Maker paired with a dedicated Belle & Bella starter delivers consistent, tasty results. It’s ideal for people who value glass and steady heat.
For batch production, pick the Euro Cuisine YM80. For a hands-off option, the Belle & Bella YoMagic is best. Overall, the best yogurt maker for non-dairy depends on whether you prioritize single-jar quality, ease, or volume.
