The best yogurt maker in NZ overall is the Davis & Waddell Yoghurt Maker & Fermenter 2-in-1, which pairs a 1.6 litre container with a larger 1.8 litre one plus a strainer, and holds the incubation temperature itself to turn out a batch in around 10 hours. That timing is the practical part, because yogurt started after dinner is ready for breakfast, and it is the only schedule most Kiwi households will realistically keep to. Making yogurt at home can otherwise be as simple as a jar in the fridge, and this guide compares 8 genuine yogurt makers available to New Zealand shoppers, from budget non-electric options through to multi-function and large-capacity picks.
It takes the overall pick for combining genuine automated fermentation with a strong review base and the flexibility to branch into other fermented foods. For a simpler, cheaper option with no electronics at all, the Country Trading Co. Stainless Steel Yoghurt Maker is a well-reviewed budget alternative.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Davis & Waddell 2-in-1 | Best Overall | 4.2★ (369) |
| Country Trading Co. | Best Budget / Non-Electric | 4.3★ (1,058) |
| Flora FL-YME-816 | Best Individual Portions | 4.4★ (38) |
| Instant Pot Rio Wide | Best Multi-Function | 4.0★ (89) |
| Euro Cuisine GY50 | Best Greek-Style Strainer | 4.6★ (5,789) |
| Suteck 2-Quart | Best for Large Families | 3.5★ (14) |
| Dysokan 9-Jar | Best Temperature Range | 4.7★ (4) |
| Kuvings KGY-881 | Best Premium / Large Capacity | 3.8★ (4) |
1. Davis & Waddell Yoghurt Maker & Fermenter 2-in-1 – Best Overall
The Davis & Waddell 2-in-1 is a genuine automated yogurt maker rather than a passive jar, pairing a 1.6 litre container with a larger 1.8 litre container plus a strainer for a thicker finish. It runs pre-set programs so the appliance holds the correct incubation temperature itself, producing plain or flavoured yogurt in around 10 hours.
Beyond plain yogurt, it doubles as a general fermenter, capable of soft cheese and pickled vegetables in about 72 hours, which suits households wanting to explore fermented food more broadly rather than buy a single-purpose machine.
With 369 ratings at a 4.2 average and an Amazon’s Choice listing, it has a solid track record and a sensible mid-range price, making it the most well-rounded pick in this guide for anyone who wants an appliance that genuinely ferments milk into yogurt rather than a manual or strained approach.
Pros
- Genuine automated fermentation, not just a passive jar
- Doubles as a fermenter for soft cheese and pickled vegetables
- Two container sizes (1.6L and 1.8L) plus a strainer included
- Solid 369-review track record with an Amazon’s Choice badge
Cons
- Mid-range price versus the simplest jar-style options
- Plastic containers rather than glass
- Two-container design suits fewer distinct flavours per batch than multi-jar machines
Key specs: Containers: 1.6L + 1.8L BPA-free plastic · Yogurt time: ~10 hours · Fermentation time: up to 72 hours for other foods · Includes: strainer
2. Country Trading Co. Stainless Steel Yoghurt Maker – Best Budget, No-Frills Option
This Country Trading Co. yogurt maker strips things back to a single one litre stainless steel and glass jar, with no timer, heating element or digital program to manage. It ships with a 42-page recipe book covering more than a dozen yogurt styles, including Greek, coconut and almond versions, aimed at first-time yogurt makers.
Because there is no electronics to fail, incubation relies on the household’s own consistent warm spot, such as an oven with just the light on or an insulated box, rather than an automatic heating cycle. This keeps the design about as low-maintenance as yogurt making gets, with nothing to plug in or program.
It carries a strong sample size of 1,058 ratings at 4.3 stars, and it is the most affordable genuinely well-reviewed option in this guide, making it a sensible low-risk starting point for anyone new to homemade yogurt.
Pros
- Simple, non-electric design with nothing to program or overheat
- Comes with a detailed 42-page recipe book
- Strong review base of over 1,000 ratings at 4.3 stars
- Among the most affordable options in this guide
Cons
- Single one litre jar limits batch size
- No digital timer or temperature display
- Relies on the household’s own heat source (such as an oven light) for incubation
Key specs: Capacity: 1 litre · Material: stainless steel and glass · Heating: none (non-electric) · Includes: 42-page recipe book
3. Flora FL-YME-816 8-Jar Yoghurt Maker – Best for Individual Portions
The Flora FL-YME-816 splits each batch across eight individual 180ml BPA-free glass jars rather than one large tub, so every jar becomes its own grab-and-go portion for lunchboxes or picnics. Flora states it uses PTC heating paired with a microcomputer chip to hold a steady 20-50°C incubation range.
A digital LCD display lets users set a timer of up to 48 hours, with a voice prompt before the unit automatically switches to keep-warm mode once the cycle finishes. Because each jar is sealed individually, different flavours can ferment side by side in the same batch.
It has 38 ratings at a 4.4 average, a smaller but solid sample, and Flora positions it as a 6-in-1 appliance also capable of natto, rice wine and curd for households wanting to branch out beyond plain yogurt.
Pros
- Eight individual glass jars for grab-and-go portions and mixed flavours
- Digital LCD display with up to 48-hour timer
- Voice prompts and automatic keep-warm mode
- Also makes natto, rice wine and curd
Cons
- Smaller review base than some rivals in this guide
- Individual 180ml jars mean smaller total batches than tub-style makers
- Glass jars need more careful handling than plastic
Key specs: Jars: 8 x 180ml BPA-free glass · Temperature range: 20-50°C · Timer: up to 48 hours · Power: 25W
4. Instant Pot Rio Wide Multi-Cooker – Best Multi-Function
The Instant Pot Rio Wide is a 7-in-1 multi-cooker that happens to include a dedicated yogurt setting alongside pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming, sauteing and keep-warm functions. Its stainless steel inner pot has a wider base with around 35 percent more surface area than Instant Pot’s standard round pots.
For yogurt specifically, the dedicated program holds a steady incubation temperature before automatically switching to keep-warm once fermentation finishes. Because it doubles as a full multi-cooker, it suits households that would rather have one appliance handle both dinner and yogurt than dedicate bench space to a single-purpose machine.
With 89 ratings and a 4.0 average, it has a reasonable track record, though yogurt is only one of many functions rather than the main purpose, so households making yogurt very frequently may still prefer a dedicated multi-jar machine.
Pros
- 7-in-1 functionality doubles as a full multi-cooker
- Wide stainless steel pot suits bigger batches
- Dishwasher-safe lid and pot for easy cleanup
- 10+ safety features including overheat protection
Cons
- Yogurt is a secondary function, not the appliance’s main purpose
- Bulkier on the bench than a dedicated yogurt maker
- No individual jars included for portioning
Key specs: Capacity: 7.1 litres · Functions: 7-in-1 including a dedicated yogurt program · Material: stainless steel inner pot · Servings: up to 7
5. Euro Cuisine Greek Yogurt Maker – Best for Thicker Greek-Style Yogurt (No Fermenting Needed)
The Euro Cuisine GY50 works differently to every other product in this guide: it is a non-electric strainer kit rather than an incubator, designed to convert up to two quarts of ordinary yogurt, homemade or store-bought, into thick, creamy Greek-style yogurt inside the fridge. Its BPA-free bowl and fine mesh strain out the whey while leaving the yogurt behind.
Because it needs no power and has a patented stackable design, it takes up little fridge space and rinses clean easily after use. Amazon’s listing includes a recipe book covering dips, spreads, tzatziki, salad dressings and berry desserts made from the strained yogurt.
With close to 5,800 ratings and a 4.6 average, it is comfortably the most reviewed and highest-rated product in this guide, and it is worth considering alongside a genuine fermenting machine for anyone who already has a yogurt source and simply wants it thicker.
Pros
- Best-reviewed and top-rated product in this guide with almost 5,800 ratings
- No electricity needed, works in any fridge
- Compact, stackable, BPA-free design
- Recipe book included for dips, spreads and desserts
Cons
- Strains existing yogurt rather than fermenting milk from scratch, so it will not suit buyers wanting a full incubator
- Needs a source of plain yogurt to start with
- Capacity capped at two quarts of yogurt per batch
Key specs: Capacity: up to 2 quarts of yogurt per batch · Material: BPA-free plastic bowl with mesh strainer · Power: none required (fridge-based) · Includes: bowl, strainer, lid, recipe book
6. Suteck 2-Quart Yogurt Maker – Best for Large Families
The Suteck yogurt maker is built around two BPA-free glass jars with a combined 2-quart capacity, aimed at larger households or anyone doing a week’s meal prep in one sitting. It offers adjustable fermentation temperature from 68°F to 131°F, alongside a timer that runs from 0 to 48 hours.
The unit automatically shuts off once the programmed cycle completes, so a batch can be started before bed and left to finish overnight. Beyond plain and Greek yogurt, Suteck also markets it for labneh, paneer and other slow-fermented dairy projects.
Reviews are modest so far, with 14 ratings at an average of 3.5 stars, so it is worth treating the early feedback as an indicator rather than a large-sample verdict. Its stainless steel housing and dishwasher-safe glass jars suit buyers who want fewer, larger jars rather than many small ones.
Pros
- Two-quart combined capacity across two large jars suits bigger households
- Adjustable temperature and 48-hour timer with auto shut-off
- Dishwasher-safe glass jars
- Also handles labneh, paneer and other ferments
Cons
- Lower average rating (3.5 stars) than most other picks in this guide
- Review sample is still small at 14 ratings
- Two large jars offer less flavour variety per batch than multi-jar machines
Key specs: Jars: 2 glass, 2-quart combined capacity · Temperature range: 68-131°F · Timer: 0-48 hours · Power: 25W
7. Dysokan 9-Jar Digital Yogurt Maker – Best Temperature Range
The Dysokan spreads each batch across nine individual 170ml glass jars, each with its own lid, plus a carrying rack so all nine can be lifted out together. Its microcomputer timer runs from close to zero up to 99 hours 59 minutes, with a temperature range of 25°C to 65°C, the widest of any machine in this guide.
It uses PTC constant-temperature heating to keep the culture active, and it remembers the previous setting unless unplugged. Beyond plain and flavoured yogurt, the listing notes it can also be used for Greek-style yogurt if paired with a separate filter.
One point worth flagging for New Zealand buyers is that the control panel is in Chinese, with only an AU power adapter included as standard, so English instructions need to be requested from the seller separately. It has just 4 ratings at a 4.7 average so far, a promising but very small sample.
Pros
- Nine individual jars plus a carrying rack for easy handling
- Widest temperature range in this guide (25-65°C) with a timer up to nearly 100 hours
- Remembers the previous setting
- PTC heating for even temperature distribution
Cons
- Control panel is in Chinese, with English instructions only available on request
- Very small review sample of just 4 ratings
- Among the pricier options in this guide
Key specs: Jars: 9 x 170ml glass · Temperature range: 25-65°C · Timer: up to 99 hours 59 minutes · Includes: carrying rack
8. Kuvings KGY-881 Smart Yogurt Maker – Best Premium, Large Capacity
The Kuvings KGY-881 is built around a single 2 litre vessel, making it one of the largest single-container options in this guide. It has a 4-hour rapid mode alongside multiple temperature and time settings, so home cooks can dial in Greek, natural, probiotic or dairy-free yogurt to taste.
The unit is made from BPA-free plastic with easy-clean surfaces, and Kuvings states it runs quietly and efficiently enough to leave running on the bench overnight. The large single tub suits people who prefer to portion out their own yogurt rather than manage several small jars.
This is the most expensive machine in this guide and, at the time of writing, only carries a handful of reviews, so shoppers are relying more on Kuvings’ general reputation than a deep pool of feedback. It suits buyers who want generous capacity and rapid-mode flexibility and are comfortable paying a premium for it.
Pros
- Large 2 litre capacity for family-size batches
- 4-hour rapid mode cuts waiting time
- Multiple temperature and time presets for different yogurt styles
- BPA-free, easy-clean housing
Cons
- Highest price in this guide
- Very few customer reviews to verify long-term reliability
- Single large tub rather than individual portion jars
Key specs: Capacity: 2 litres · Material: BPA-free plastic · Rapid mode: 4 hours · Voltage: 220-240V
How to Choose a Yogurt Maker
Yogurt makers generally take one of two approaches: a single large container, often one to two litres, or a set of individual jars, commonly six to nine and usually 170-180ml each. A single tub suits people happy to portion out their own yogurt, while multiple small jars are handy for grab-and-go breakfasts, lunchboxes, or fermenting a few different flavours in the same batch.
Electric models vary in how much control they hand over. Some hold a fixed cycle with little adjustment, while others let users dial in a specific temperature, sometimes from the low 20s up to 65°C, plus a timer that can run from a few hours to two days. More precise control generally means more consistent results, particularly for a tangier or Greek-style ferment that benefits from a longer, cooler cycle.
Jars come in either glass or BPA-free plastic, and both appear across the machines in this guide. Glass stays looking fresh for longer and will not pick up stains or odours the way plastic sometimes can, while plastic jars are lighter and more resistant to chips or cracks if dropped, which matters for households with young children handling their own portions.
A handful of yogurt makers, including multi-cookers like the Instant Pot Rio Wide in this guide, fold a yogurt setting into a much broader set of pressure-cooking, slow-cooking and steaming functions. These suit households that would rather have one appliance do several jobs, whereas a dedicated yogurt maker is usually more compact and, for frequent yogurt makers, easier to leave permanently plugged in and ready to go.
Verdict
For most New Zealand households, the Davis & Waddell Yoghurt Maker & Fermenter 2-in-1 is the best all-round pick, genuinely fermenting milk into yogurt with a strong review base and the flexibility to branch into other fermented foods. For a cheaper, simpler alternative with no electronics at all, the Country Trading Co. Stainless Steel Yoghurt Maker backs up its low price with over a thousand ratings at 4.3 stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a yogurt maker actually work?
A yogurt maker holds milk at a steady warm temperature for several hours so the live bacterial culture in a starter can multiply and thicken the milk into yogurt. Electric models use a heating element and thermostat to hold this temperature automatically, while non-electric jar makers rely on an insulated design or an external heat source, such as an oven light, to do the same job more passively.
What temperature and incubation time does yogurt need?
Most home yogurt makers hold milk somewhere between 40°C and 45°C, since this is the range where common yogurt cultures multiply fastest without being killed off by excess heat. Incubation typically takes 6 to 10 hours for a milder yogurt, though some machines and recipes stretch this out to 24 or even 48 hours for a tangier, thicker result.
What types of milk can be used in a yogurt maker?
Whole, reduced-fat and skim cow’s milk all work well, with whole milk generally giving the thickest, creamiest result. Many machines can also handle dairy-free alternatives such as soy, coconut or almond milk, though these often need a specific plant-based starter culture and may set slightly thinner than dairy versions.
How do you clean a yogurt maker?
Glass or plastic jars can usually go in the dishwasher or be washed by hand in warm soapy water, and it is worth rinsing them as soon as the yogurt is out to stop residue drying on. The base unit itself, which houses the heating element and electronics, should only be wiped down with a damp cloth rather than submerged in water.
How long does homemade yogurt keep in the fridge?
Homemade yogurt is generally good for around 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge if it has been made and stored hygienically, though it is worth giving it a smell and visual check before eating, as with any fresh dairy product. Keeping a small amount aside as a starter for the next batch works best within the first week, while the culture is still active.
Do you need a special starter culture to make yogurt at home?
Yes, yogurt needs live active bacterial cultures to set, and these can come from a small amount of plain, unflavoured shop-bought yogurt that lists live cultures on the label, or from a freeze-dried starter culture sachet sold specifically for home yogurt making. Once a batch is made, a spoonful of it can usually be kept aside to start the next one, though it is best refreshed with a fresh starter every few batches as the culture’s potency fades over time.
