For a small kitchen, consider an insulated, non-electric maker if you want to move it off the worktop and are happy making one batch with compatible sachets. An electric jar maker suits separate breakfast portions, while a larger programmable maker makes more sense if you will regularly use its batch capacity or strainer. Whichever format you choose, allow for overnight preparation and space to refrigerate the finished yoghurt.
If you can prepare yoghurt the night before but do not want an appliance permanently on the worktop, a movable insulated maker is worth considering. EasiYo describes its non-electric maker as movable and specifies an 8–12-hour set.
Individual pots can keep breakfast servings or flavours separate. Severin specifies seven 150 ml lidded jars for the JG 3518; VonShef specifies seven 180 ml glass pots for its digital maker.
If you regularly want a larger shared batch, Greek-style yoghurt or soft cheese, Lakeland’s programmable maker offers up to 1.65 L of plain yoghurt and includes a strainer. Allow room for the appliance and finished batch.
For breakfast in a small kitchen, check where the maker can sit overnight and be stored afterwards, then decide whether a shared batch or separate pots fit your routine.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop and storage space | Measure the space needed during use and in storage, including lid clearance. For an electric model, check socket placement. | I need to reclaim the worktop after setting up breakfast, so a maker I can move or store easily matters most. Around 33% of consumers put worktop and storage space first. |
| Overnight timing | Compare the stated setting time or timer range, and leave time to refrigerate the yoghurt before serving. | An evening setup only works for me if the setting period and chilling fit my morning routine. Roughly 27% of consumers make overnight timing their primary concern. |
| Portions and batch size | Check container capacity, the number and size of pots, and whether the finished containers fit in your fridge. | Separate servings would simplify our breakfasts, but I would have more pots and lids to wash; another household might prefer one shared batch. Around 20% of consumers prioritise portion and batch format. |
| Ingredients and recipe control | Check whether the maker uses a specified mix or supports your preferred milk-and-starter recipe, and which settings or strainer are supplied. | I want to choose my own ingredients or make strained yoghurt, even if that adds preparation and cleaning. Approximately 20% of consumers put ingredient and recipe flexibility first. |
A compact label does not give you a comparable footprint. Severin specifies a 24 × 24 cm footprint for the JG 3518, while VonShef states the height and width of its digital model without a complete footprint.
Measure your available worktop and cupboard space, including room to open the lid, and confirm all dimensions before buying.
A cooker with a yoghurt programme may offer other useful functions, but a 5.7 L capacity does not establish that it will fit a cramped worktop.
Consider a multicooker if you will use its other cooking functions too; check its full dimensions and compare them with dedicated makers.
EasiYo specifies its 1 kg sachets for its insulated maker. Lakeland describes a milk-and-starter method for its programmable model, so the preparation choices differ.
Decide whether you prefer a compatible-sachet routine or want to prepare recipes with your own milk and starter.
A large batch or several filled pots need fridge space after preparation. The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland advise keeping fridges between 0°C and 5°C.
Check fridge shelf space before choosing a batch size, refrigerate finished yoghurt and follow the relevant ingredient storage instructions.
An insulated, non-electric system for an overnight 1 kg batch.
A programmable maker aimed at larger yoghurt batches and soft-cheese preparation.
The JG 3518 is an electric maker for separate breakfast portions.
A digital electric maker for seven individually lidded portions.
Yes, if you allow for both the maker’s setting period and refrigeration before serving. EasiYo specifies an 8–12-hour set, while Lakeland describes making plain yoghurt overnight in 8 hours; check the instructions for your chosen recipe and plan the evening start accordingly.
It may suit you if being able to move the maker and avoiding a socket during setting matter more than electronic controls. EasiYo states that its insulated maker needs no power, but its method requires boiling water, compatible sachets and an 8–12-hour set.
Choose a shared container if you prefer preparing one batch; choose jars if separate servings or flavours matter more. Lakeland specifies up to 1.65 L of plain yoghurt, while the Severin JG 3518 has seven 150 ml jars and VonShef’s digital maker has seven 180 ml pots. Check how the filled containers will fit in your fridge.
Refrigerate finished yoghurt and follow the maker’s and ingredients’ storage instructions. The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland advise keeping fridges between 0°C and 5°C, so make room for the finished batch or pots before you start.
Check the plug, voltage, instructions and warranty for the exact version offered by the seller. Severin’s manufacturer page specifies a Euro Type C plug for the JG 3518, so do not assume that particular version has a UK plug.