Comparison: Best Slow Cooker For Yogurt (Updated | Dec 8th)
Imagine waking up to creamy, homemade yogurt without the fuss or mystery. The secret? A slow cooker that doubles as your personal yogurt-making assistant! Whether you’re a yogurt newbie or a cultured connoisseur, our guide will help you discover the best slow cooker that transforms simple ingredients into probiotic-rich goodness.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for multi-function yogurt maker: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for advanced yogurt functions: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
- Best for custom yogurt settings: HOUSNAT Slow Cooker
- Best for large capacity yogurt: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for compact yogurt maker: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for professional yogurt maker: Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Best for programmable yogurt cooker: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for mini yogurt specialist: Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker
- Best for family size yogurt: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for versatile yogurt system: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker For Yogurt
Multi-Function Yogurt Maker
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze
- Power-Packed Performance: 1000 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more to keep cooking worry-free
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything
Advanced Yogurt Functions
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts
Instant Pot
- 9 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, sous vide, steam, steralize, keep warm, make rice and yogurt—all in one appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 15 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Intuitive and Convenient Design: An easy-to-read display with dedicated cooking time, temperature, and pressure indicators keeps you updated in real time. And when it’s time to tuck it away, the detachable power cord makes storage easy.
- Safe and Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from durable 18/8 stainless steel with an anti-spin, tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup and A Little Extra: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean up a breeze. Includes 2 extra sealing rings and a stainless steel steam rack to keep you ready for anything. :
- Power-Packed Performance and Proven Peace of Mind: 1000 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL and ULC Listed. Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more for worry-free cooking.
- Source Notes: Compared to slow cooking methods
Custom Yogurt Settings
HOUSNAT Slow Cooker, 10 in 1 Programmable Cooker, 304 Stainless Steel Rice Cookers 6QT, Yogurt Maker, Delay Start, Adjustable Temp& Digital Time for Large Families or Entertaining
HOUSNAT
- ✔️ MULTI USE SLOW COOKER – 10 preset programs of the low and high slow cook setting, sear/sauté, roast, bake, steam, stew, rice, multigrain, sous vide, yogurt to choose, time and energy saving. No need to operate after selecting the corresponding function, the display will automatically display the time and temperature, wait for about 10S to start automatically.
- ✔️ YOU ARE IN ALL CONTROL – Customize design allows you to adjust the cooking time and temp according to your cooking habits and preferences. 24-hour “delay start” You can set the cooking start time, the slow cooker will automatically start cooking when the time you set starts, and the slow cooker has a heat preservation function, even if you are not in the kitchen, you can make hot meals and keep warm.
- ✔️HIGH CAPACITY & DISHWASHER SAFE – 6 QT inner pot is perfect for family meals. Easy cleaning mirror stainless steel made and dishwasher safe removable pot and glass lid are convenient to be cleaned in dishwasher with warm soapy water after use.
- ✔️ SMART COOKWARE WITH RECIPE – There is a real time display of the remaining cooking time and selected temperature on the digital screen. And the automatic keep warm function works with no watching needed and keeps your dishes warm until it is time to serve.
- ✔️ SAFE TO USE – Thick 304 stainless steel with good heat insulation brings non melt and cool touch handles and shells to protect your hands from burns and assure you safe transport. The tempered glass lid can bear high temperature and long time use.
- Note: After the slow cooker starts cooking, the temperature rises gradually. The maximum slow cooking temperature is lower than 212°F(100°C): Low setting: 201.2°F ± 5.4°F; High setting: 204.8°F ± 5.4°F. This programmed setting prevents burning and sticking at the bottom. Characterized by low-temperature slow cooking, it functions to preserve the moisture and nutrients in the food.
- Note: The stainless steel pot of the slow cooker is lead-free and safe for cooking. The lead warning on the outer box pertains to the circuit board located at the base of the product. Since the circuit board does not come into contact with food, please rest assured.
Large Capacity Yogurt
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
Crock-Pot
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F
- Stylish: Stainless steel exterior with black accents and practical plastic handles
- Economical & Healthy: Provides a cost-efficient way to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals
Compact Yogurt Maker
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
- Compact Yet Capable: A 3-quart capacity makes it perfect for small households or side dishes, and with 11 one-touch smart programs, it can tackle everything from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make washing up effortless.
- Power-Packed Performance: 700 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more.
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything.
Professional Yogurt Maker
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black, 6 Quart
Instant Pot
- 10 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, cook yogurt and rice, bake, steam, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 28 one-touch options covering all essential meals
- Good Food Done Faster: Preheat 20% faster and cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Easy & Convenient Steam Release: Gentle steam release switch and diffusing cover allow you to confidently and quietly release steam every time
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power Packed Performance: 1200 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features safety features and mechanisms like easy grip inner pot handles, overheat protection, and an auto-sealing safety lid lock
- A Little Extra: Includes an extra sealing ring and a stainless steel steamer rack with handles to keep you ready for anything
Programmable Yogurt Cooker
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
Crock-Pot
- Programmable Digital Timer: Control cooking times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
- Serve a Crowd: 6 quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker serves 7 plus people
- Locking Lid: Lid gasket provides extra seal for less mess during transport
- Interactive Cooking: Safe for use in oven up to 400 degree F, and microwave
- Worry-free Travel: Secure locking lid and rubber gasket prevent spills
- Material: Contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus)
- Environmentally Friendly: Energy efficient at 240 Watts at 120V A.C; and 60Hz
Mini Yogurt Specialist
Instant Pot 4QT RIO Mini 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow cook, Sauté, Steam, Rice Maker, Yogurt, & Warmer, Rosewater, 4 Quarts
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, cook rice, make yogurt, or keep your meals warm, all in one compact device.
- Mini and Mighty: Easy to store, offering the same cooking surface as an 8-inch pan
- Fun Sized Capacity: The 4-quart capacity is perfect for up to 4 servings, ideal for students, singles, and small families
- Cooking Status at a Glance: Progress indicator lets you monitor your cooking status with ease
- Intentionally Convenient: Anti-spin design ensures the pot stays steady for effortless stirring and sautéing
- Colorful Design: The Rosewater finish adds a lovely modern touch to your kitchen
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. Dishwasher-safe lid and cooking stainless steel pot make cleaning a breeze
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 proven safety features, including overheat protection and an auto-sealing locking lid
- Power-Packed Performance and A Little Extra: 800 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed. Includes a versatile stainless steel steam rack
Family Size Yogurt
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 8 Quart
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 servings—ideal for larger families, gatherings, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power-Packed Performance: 1200 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more to keep cooking worry-free.
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything.
Versatile Yogurt System
Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More | Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon | Nonstick | Oven Safe Pot to 500°F | Black | MC1010
Ninja
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil.
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to transfer to the stovetop.
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy top.
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING: 8.5-quart cooking capacity allows you to make chili for up to 20 people, 9 lbs of spaghetti and meatballs, or enough pulled pork for 30 sliders.
- TRIPLE FUSION HEAT TECHNOLOGY: Cook up to 30% faster* than conventional ovens by combining bottom, side, and steam heat. More heat, more possibilities. *Tested on 6-lb chickens.
- INCLUDED UTENSIL: Multi-functional utensil works as a ladle and pasta fork, plus it has its own utensil rest right in the lid handle.
- 6 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Keep Warm, Sous Vide, Braise, and Proof.
- EASY CLEANUP: Nonstick pot enables you to quickly wipe away messes and makes for a stress-free cleaning experience. Utensil & glass lid are dishwasher safe. Hand-washing pot recommended to extend its life.
- SAFE & EASY TO USE: Free of PFOA, cadmium, and lead.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 8.5-Quart Cooking Pot, PossibleCooker Base Unit, Integrated Detachable Spoon-Ladle, Glass Cooking Lid, Chef Curated Recipe Guide.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What features are most important for making yogurt in a slow cooker?
Look for a dedicated yogurt function that maintains a consistent low temperature, as this is crucial for proper fermentation. A timer or delay-start feature is also highly valuable for automating the long incubation process. Finally, ensure the inner pot is a non-reactive material like stainless steel for the best results and easy cleaning.
How does a multi-cooker like an Instant Pot compare to a traditional slow cooker for yogurt?
Multi-cookers offer greater versatility with dedicated yogurt settings and precise temperature control, often producing more consistent results. Traditional slow cookers are simpler to operate but may lack a specific low-temperature setting, sometimes requiring a separate thermometer or a hack to maintain the right heat. For someone who only wants to make yogurt, a basic model is fine, but a multi-cooker is a better all-in-one investment.
What capacity slow cooker should I choose for making yogurt?
For small households or individuals, a 3-4 quart mini cooker is perfectly sufficient and more energy-efficient for smaller batches. A standard 6-quart model is ideal for families, allowing you to make larger batches to last through the week. Consider your typical batch size, as yogurt doesn’t expand, so you don’t need extra room like you would for soups or roasts.
Is a programmable timer worth the extra cost for making yogurt?
Yes, a programmable timer is extremely convenient for yogurt, which requires a long, unattended incubation period of 8-12 hours. It allows you to set the cooking time and temperature in advance, so you can have fresh yogurt ready when you wake up or come home. This ‘set it and forget it’ functionality significantly simplifies the process compared to manually monitoring the time.
Are there any safety concerns when making yogurt in these appliances?
Modern multi-cookers and slow cookers are designed with numerous safety features, making them very safe for yogurt making. The primary concern is maintaining the correct low temperature to encourage bacterial growth rather than dangerous pathogens, which the built-in yogurt function is designed to do. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use clean utensils to ensure a safe and healthy final product.
How do I clean my slow cooker after making yogurt to avoid lingering smells?
Most models feature dishwasher-safe inner pots and lids, which is the easiest way to ensure a thorough cleaning. For stubborn residues or odors, soaking the pot in warm, soapy water before washing can be very effective. Some users recommend a short cleaning cycle with water and a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize any remaining dairy smells.
What is the value proposition of a high-end model like the Ninja PossibleCooker for yogurt?
The Ninja PossibleCooker offers superior heating technology with bottom, side, and steam heat, which may provide more even temperature regulation for fermentation. Its large 8.5-quart capacity and oven-safe pot make it an incredibly versatile appliance for large-batch yogurt and many other cooking tasks. The value lies in its ability to replace a dozen other kitchen gadgets, making it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks who want one powerful tool.
