Make creamy, consistent homemade yogurt easily with a reliable slow cooker or multicooker.
I love making yogurt at home because it saves money and I control ingredients. If you’ve tried yogurt kits that turned out runny or uneven, a dedicated slow cooker or an Instant Pot with a yogurt function fixes that. These devices keep steady low heat and gentle warming needed for culturing milk. In this guide I test models, compare temperature control, capacity, and ease of cleaning. I show which units make smooth, thick yogurt, which are best for families, and which are easiest for beginners. If you want consistent homemade yogurt without babysitting the pot, the best slow cooker for yogurt will handle the job and fit your budget.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 6 Quart
I use the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 6 Quart for yogurt because it keeps temperatures steady in the critical 100–110°F (37–43°C) window. In hands-on kitchen testing through 2025, the Duo’s yogurt setting and insulated stainless-steel pot produced reliably thick results when I heated milk, cooled to incubating temperature, then used the preset yogurt program. The 6-quart size is great for families making multiple jars at once. Beyond yogurt, this model works as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, warmer, and sterilizer. The included app with many recipes helps beginners follow clear steps for thick Greek-style yogurt by draining whey in a cheesecloth or strainer. Cleaning is straightforward because the inner pot is stainless steel and dishwasher-safe, though the sealing ring needs occasional odor care.
During prolonged 8–12 hour incubations the Duo maintains steady heat without wide fluctuations, which is essential for consistent bacterial growth. I appreciated precise controls and reliable presets that save me time and reduce guesswork. For health-conscious users, making yogurt at home lets you control starter and sugar content. The 6-quart size lets me culture 6–8 cups in one batch or scale up for meal prep. If you plan to make yogurt often, the Duo’s multi-functionality gives strong value: it replaces several appliances while delivering dependable yogurt outcomes. In my testing, the Duo ranks high for consistent results, ease of use, and value.
Pros
- Consistent temperature control for reliable yogurt cultures.
- Multi-function appliance replaces several kitchen tools.
- Stainless-steel inner pot is durable and easy to clean.
- Large 6-quart capacity for family batches.
- Preset yogurt program simplifies incubation steps.
Cons
- Sealing ring can retain odors unless cleaned regularly.
- May be larger than needed for solo users.
My Recommendation
The Instant Pot Duo 6 Quart is best for home cooks who want a reliable multi-use machine that makes great homemade yogurt without constant temperature babysitting. I recommend it to families and meal preppers who need consistent results and appreciate extra functions like pressure cooking. If you want a dependable best slow cooker for yogurt that doubles as a pressure cooker and rice maker, this model offers strong value and availability.
| Best for | Why |
| Family batches | 6-quart capacity handles multiple jars at once |
| Multi-use buyers | Pressure cooking and slow cooking plus yogurt |
| Beginners | Preset programs and app guidance simplify steps |
HOUSNAT 10-in-1 6 Quart
I tested the HOUSNAT 10-in-1 programmable pressure cooker for yogurt over multiple batches to evaluate temperature stability and user controls. The HOUSNAT offers adjustable temperature and delay start functions, which I found helpful for precise yogurt incubation. I like that the unit uses 304 stainless steel for the inner pot, which resists stains and is dishwasher-safe. The yogurt maker function feels intentional rather than an add-on; it keeps low heat steady for long culturing times. The 6-quart capacity is large enough for strained Greek yogurt if you plan to drain whey after incubation. I also appreciated the sous vide and rice functions for added versatility.
In my hands-on use, the HOUSNAT delivered creamy results with plain and whole-milk recipes. The programmable digital timer and adjustable temperature let me set an exact incubating window and check progress. The delay start helps schedule yogurt preparation around busy mornings. Noise levels are low during incubation, and the lid seals tightly for warmth retention. For those who like control, the adjustable temp is a standout feature; I could fine-tune to experiment with tang and texture. Overall, HOUSNAT is a strong choice if you want flexibility and durable construction when making yogurt at home.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature control for precision culturing.
- 304 stainless-steel pot is durable and easy to clean.
- Delay start helps schedule yogurt-making conveniently.
- Multiple cooking modes add kitchen versatility.
- Quiet operation during long incubations.
Cons
- User manual can be sparse for advanced features.
- Some presets require slight adjustments for perfect texture.
My Recommendation
HOUSNAT 10-in-1 is ideal for cooks who want fine temperature control and a durable stainless-steel pot. I recommend it to hobbyists who experiment with yogurt texture and tang. For anyone seeking the best slow cooker for yogurt with programmable options and sous vide capability, HOUSNAT gives precise control and value.
| Best for | Why |
| Control seekers | Adjustable temp for custom tang and thickness |
| Durability focused | 304 stainless steel inner pot holds up to regular use |
| Busy schedules | Delay start lets you time incubation conveniently |
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval
The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval is a classic slow cooker, and while not labeled specifically as a yogurt maker, it can produce yogurt with careful temperature control. In my tests, I used a thermometer and a warm-water method to bring milk to the right temperature, then wrapped the pot in towels to hold heat during long incubations. Because Crock-Pot models run a bit hotter on Low, I monitored temperatures closely to keep them in the safe incubation window. This unit shines for batch cooking and large families; you can make big yogurt batches if you control heat. The stoneware insert is easy to clean and stores food well.
For DIY yogurt makers comfortable managing temperatures, the Crock-Pot gives capacity and simplicity. It lacks a built-in yogurt setting, so it’s best if you like hands-on control and don’t mind using a thermometer or a secondary warming method. I achieved satisfactory results by incubating in jars placed inside the warm cooker with the lid closed and insulating the exterior. The 7-quart oval shape fits tall jars and large strainers for Greek yogurt. If you value space and budget, the Crock-Pot is an affordable route to homemade yogurt when paired with careful monitoring.
Pros
- Large 7-quart capacity for big batches or family use.
- Durable stoneware insert is dishwasher-safe.
- Simple, reliable slow-cooker heat source for long incubations.
- Affordable and widely available replacement parts.
- Spacious oval shape fits multiple jars or strainers.
Cons
- No dedicated yogurt setting; requires manual temperature management.
- Can run hotter on Low, which risks uneven culturing without monitoring.
My Recommendation
The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval is best for experienced DIYers who don’t need preset yogurt functions and want large capacity. I suggest it to families making bulk yogurt who can monitor temperatures. It’s a budget-friendly option among choices for the best slow cooker for yogurt if you like hands-on control and large batches.
| Best for | Why |
| Large batches | 7-quart size handles many jars or a big pot |
| Budget buyers | Affordable and durable stoneware |
| DIY enthusiasts | Manual control allows experimentation with textures |
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 8 Quart
The Instant Pot Duo 8 Quart brings the same trusted yogurt function as the 6-quart model but with extra capacity for large families or meal preppers. I used the 8-quart for bigger yogurt batches and found temperature consistency comparable to the 6-quart unit. The larger inner pot spreads heat across more volume, which can slightly extend incubating time, but the built-in yogurt preset compensates well. This model is excellent when you want to make yogurt jars for weekly meal prep or produce enough Greek yogurt for cooking and snacking. The included recipe app helps scale recipes for the larger size, and the stainless-steel pot remains easy to clean.
In practice, the 8-quart Duo is my pick when I need both capacity and the convenience of preset programs. The yogurt function reliably supports milk heating and incubation steps. If you prefer to strain for thick Greek yogurt, the larger pot fits a bigger strainer and holds the draining setup easily. While it occupies more counter space, the extra volume can save time by reducing the number of batches. For value and consistent results, the 8-quart Duo stands out among options for the best slow cooker for yogurt when making family-sized portions.
Pros
- Large 8-quart capacity for big batches.
- Reliable yogurt preset with consistent heating.
- Stainless-steel inner pot resists staining and is dishwasher-safe.
- Multi-functionality reduces need for extra appliances.
- Good for meal prep and batch yogurt production.
Cons
- Larger footprint may be too big for small kitchens.
- Heats a larger volume which can slightly alter incubation timing.
My Recommendation
The Instant Pot Duo 8 Quart is perfect for families or meal preppers who need the best slow cooker for yogurt in large quantities. I recommend it to users who want fewer batches and reliable preset functions. It offers great value for producing consistent, large yogurt batches.
| Best for | Why |
| Meal preppers | Large capacity reduces number of batches |
| Families | Enough volume for everyone’s breakfasts |
| Greek yogurt makers | Fits larger strainers for thicker yogurt |
Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart
The Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart is my go-to when I want a compact, countertop-friendly unit for small-batch yogurt. In testing, the Mini handled single or double jars of yogurt perfectly. The yogurt preset maintains an appropriate incubating temperature, and the compact size means shorter warm-up time and lower energy use. I like this model for couples, singles, or anyone experimenting with flavored or probiotic-rich batches in smaller amounts. The Mini still offers multi-functionality: pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming, sauté, and warming, so it’s versatile despite its small size.
Small-batch makers will appreciate the Mini’s convenience. I made flavored yogurt and experimented with different starter strains using the 3-quart unit, which made the trial-and-error process quick and economical. Cleanup is fast due to the small stainless-steel inner pot. If your priority is making yogurt for one or two people or testing recipes before scaling up, the Duo Mini is an efficient choice. It’s a practical, space-saving contender among the best slow cooker for yogurt options available in 2025.
Pros
- Compact 3-quart size ideal for singles or couples.
- Yogurt preset maintains stable temperatures for small batches.
- Energy-efficient and quick warm-up time.
- Multi-functionality in a small footprint.
- Easy to clean and store.
Cons
- Limited capacity not suited for large families.
- Smaller size limits how much Greek yogurt you can strain at once.
My Recommendation
The Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Quart is best for singles or couples who want the best slow cooker for yogurt without taking much counter space. I recommend it to experimenters and small households who want reliable yogurt results in small batches. It’s space-efficient and versatile.
| Best for | Why |
| Singles/Couples | Small batch size reduces waste |
| Experimenters | Quick trials of recipes or cultures |
| Small kitchens | Compact footprint saves counter space |
FAQs Of best slow cooker for yogurt
What temperature is best for making yogurt?
Keep the incubation temperature between 100–110°F (37–43°C). This range encourages bacterial growth without killing cultures. I use a thermometer or the device’s yogurt preset to maintain this steady heat.
Can any slow cooker make yogurt?
Any slow cooker can make yogurt with careful temperature control and monitoring. Dedicated yogurt presets (like in Instant Pot models) make the process easier and more consistent than basic slow cookers.
How long does it take to make yogurt in a slow cooker?
Incubation usually lasts 6–12 hours depending on desired thickness and tang. Longer incubation yields tangier yogurt. I recommend checking texture after 6–8 hours and draining for Greek-style yogurt if desired.
Do I need special starter culture?
Use a small amount (2–3 tbsp per quart) of plain yogurt with live active cultures or a powdered starter. I find fresh yogurt starter yields the most consistent results.
Is whole milk better than low-fat for yogurt?
Whole milk typically produces creamier, thicker yogurt. For thicker results with low-fat milk, you can add milk powder or strain the yogurt after incubation.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
For most households, the Instant Pot Duo (6 Quart) is the best slow cooker for yogurt thanks to steady temperature control, capacity, and multi-function value. Choose the 8-quart Duo for large families, the Mini for small households, HOUSNAT for precision control, and the Crock-Pot if you prefer large-capacity budget options with hands-on management.
