Oster CKSTYM1001 Mykonos Greek Manual Yogurt Maker, 1-Quart

I've had this for a couple months and I'm really impressed. The yogurt maker is essentially a thing that warms up to the temp the yogurt culture works best at. Its simple and does the job well. And the yogurt is better than any I've bought at the store. But it took a few tries to get the yogurt to this point so I'm writing out what I do in stupidly basic detailed instructions that I would have appreciated at first. I use a pyrex 11 cup dish, whole milk, a 4 quart metal mixing bowl, a flat bottomed wisk, a large sause pan, a digital cooking thermometor and a single serving of unflavored, plain greek yogurt from the store. A note about the 11 cup dish. It holds exactly 11 cups, so put 10 in it because liquid expands as it warms and you want some space at the top of the dish so it doesn't spill and so you can get the lid on. And a note about the thermometer. I got one from ikea for fairly cheap that has a probe that can go in the oven that has a heat proof long cable that connects to a digital contoller where you read the temp and set the temperature you want the thermometer to alarm at. This is nice for yogurt because you leave the long probe in the double boiler while warming up the milk and it doesn't get in the way of stirring but you can still read the temp on the display. First, I run hot tap water until it gets up to about as hot as it can get and I fill up the saucepan half way with that. Then I add the 10 cups of milk to the metal mixing bowl. I put the bowl on top of the saucepan and turn on the heat to high (basically just a double boiler). I put on the probe of the thermometer and set the thermometer alarm to go off at 175 degrees Fahrenheit. I begin to stir the milk once the water in the saucepan gets close to boiling, and I stir continuously throughout the rest of the heating process to avoid scalding. Scalding results in grainy yogurt :( Once the milk reaches 175 I turn the heat off and pull the mixing bowl off of the saucepan. I fill the sink with cold water about half the height of the mixing bowl and I place the mixing bowl with milk into the cold water. I make sure to do this transition as quickly as possible and to stir as much as possible. I often throw ice cubes into the water to speed up the cooling process. You want to stir while the milk is cooling so the thermometer reads accuratly. Once the milk reaches 110, remove the mixing bowl from the sink. At this point, I put the single serving of plain greek yogurt in a bowl and stir it up a bit with the wisk. Then, add in about a cup of the warm milk to the yogurt and wisk to break apart the yogurt into a consistent, even mixture. Add this into the rest of the warm milk. This tempering step prevents grainy yogurt by keeping the milk that goes into the yogurt maker as smooth as possible. Now just pour this mixture into the 11 cup pyrex dish, put the lid on and place in the yogurt maker. Turn on and leave for 10 hours (generally overnight). Once time is up, move the dish with your freshly made yogurt to the fridge for several hours to cool. Once cool, fill up the strainer with as much yogurt as you can while reserving a single serving of unstrained yogurt for the next batch. I actually use the glass jars that came with the yogurt maker for this. I let the yogurt strain for several hours until the strained off liquid whey level reaches the base of the strainer. It won't strain more than this unless you pour off the whey because once the whey reaches the strainer it can move both out of and into the strainer. But at this point I actually combine the strained yogurt back in with the remaining yogurt that didn't fit into the strainer. This gives you a reasonably thick consistency (somewhere between yoplait and greek yogurt) without loosing too much of your yogurt. Of course you can strain all of the yogurt or none of it depending on what you like. My parents mix pectin into their yogurt to thicken it instead of straining it. I like straining it because you loose a lot of acidity in the whey and it takes less sugar or fruit to make it paletable. And that is the last step for the yogurt is to mix in flavor into a single serving right before you go to eat it. I initially tried making yogurt with 2% because thats what we drink. I prefer the whole milk because it makes a much richer, thicker, and creamier yogurt. You leave it.in the yogurt maker for 2 hours less which results in a less acidic yogurt, and it is still thicker than 2% left in for 12 hours. This also means less straining needs to be done to get a good yogurt and that you don't loose as much of your yogurt as whey. So this is what I do and it makes a yogurt I really like. This is obviously not the only way to make yogurt so play around and see what works best for your tastes.

I love yogurt, but had to go vegan a few months ago and seriously miss my Fage yogurt for breakfast. So I dove in, and bought this machine to try and use soy milk to make my own at home. First time was a disaster, though it was edible it was too much like cottage cheese. Second time was a total disaster, THIRD time was the charm. None of this has anything to do with the machine, because that has been the easiest part of the whole process. My mistake was using the wrong milk - so I hope I can help someone else! I used Silk Unsweetened Soy the first time, but it was NOT smooth and not tangy at all. Second time I used Silk Almond/Cashew and that was a really bad mistake. Tasted awful. So I read and read and figured out the best milk to use (doesn’t really matter what type) is a brand that has water + nut/soy/oat/hemp only. NO other ingredients, no additives or preservatives. Works perfectly, and if you buy shelf stable containers (I have been using WestSoy Unsweetened) then you do not have to heat the milk at all. (1) open the container (2) add your starter (3) close container and shake to make sure the starter is dissolved (4) add to the machine and turn it on for 10-12 hours. **the above works for shelf-stable containers only, since they are sealed and do not need heating to kill off bacteria that may interfere with the fermenting process. Another recommendation, since I bought a starter in a box (4 packets) and just recently switched to probiotics (http://a.co/dyLMwVa) which means I can make like 25 batches of yogurt now. Much cheaper than the supermarket, so much cheaper than buying a pre-packaged starter. Just get your own preferred company probiotics, in capsule form, and you are all set to go. Hope this helps someone else looking at buying this machine. The machine is great, makes a perfect batch everytime, and is super easy to use. I just never realized the importance of using milk that was free and clear of unnecessary things to make sure each batch comes out tasting perfect and straining it with the machine is easy and gives me thick, creamy 100% vegan yogurt everytime.

We eat a lot of yogurt in our household but most store bought yogurt is loaded with sugar or other preservatives; so after enjoying some homemade yogurt on a recent vacation I decided to make my own having never attempted to do so in the past. I researched several models from the $20-$100 price range. I eventually decided I did not know if I would use it enough so justify the top price point but that a timer was something I wanted and the ability to strain for Greek yogurt was also a necessity - this machine had everything I wanted hence I purchased this as it comes with everything you need. Yesterday I made my first batch and it turned out perfectly. This comes with six glass jars and a plastic container allowing you to make rather a lot of yogurt in one go. The suggestions called for 9 cups of milk - I went with whole for a richer yogurt - and I used one full cup of Greek yogurt. I heated the milk to boiling then allowed to cool for about 40 minutes aided by a water bath until it was around 95 degrees. Then I simply whisked in the yogurt and this amount filled every container making enough for 10-12 servings. I set the timer for 8 hours but in full disclosure I forgot about it and did not get these in the fridge until about the 11 hour mark . I kept the yogurt in their jars but strained the larger container by simply scoping the contents into the included strainer which goes back into the large container just counter clockwise so it catches on the grooves to allow for straining. I popped these in he fridge overnight and by morning the jars were like a thick rich yogurt and the larger container had very rich, thick Greek yogurt which I whipped up. It is fresh and tart, so was delicious with some fruit , honey and vanilla. I was surprised how quick and easy this was to use and both the results and quality / quantity of the yogurt. Well worth the purchase. And also has some significant savings potential as the milk and yogurt cost me $5 yet this yields at least 10 servings making it 50 cents or less per serving which is far cheaper than store bought Greek yogurt; and of course far healthier!

I looked at several yogurt makers before settling on this one. My main reasons I chose it was that it was square (it just fits better into cabinets and would have more options for large glass containers I could cook the yogurt in), it came with a strainer (cost savings compared to other brands), and there were no reviews about overcooking yogurt at too high of temperatures, which was common among other brands. I also felt it was the best value in the entry range of models for yogurt makers. The unit is larger than the circular models available and this would allow me to wait another day or two between making batches compared to other brands. A few things of note. I ordered a digital one, but it was defective. Oster replaced it with no problems, but sent me a manual one. For those of you wanting to know the difference, the digital one you turn on and can only set it for 15 hours. I was planning on making some coconut yogurt, which cooks for 24 hours. So it would require that I reset the timer at some point while cooking so that it wouldn't shut off after the 15 hour time limit. As many reviewers indicate, it IS hard to tell whether it is on. I can't recall, I think there was a blinking circle or something like that that showed it was on but without a backlight you had to get right up on it to see). The manual one has a switch, and it DOES light blue when it is on. Some reviewers have indicated it doesn't, but I think I have a newer model so it is easy to tell when it is on. In the end, I'm glad they sent me the manual one. It is easier to tell if it's on, and I don't have the hassle of having to reset the timer. For those of you wondering about containers, you cannot use 8oz mason jars in it. They are slightly too tall. I do not like cooking in the small containers it comes with. By the time I add toppings, the containers are just too small to fit a serving of yogurt with granola and some fruit. Instead, I cook in large glass containers. There is a rectangular Pyrex dish that works great: http://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-1073142-Rectangular-Clear-Glass-Food-Storage/dp/B000MW3AK8/ref=sr_1_13?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1426897132&sr=1-13&keywords=pyrex You can use the three dishes that come in this Pyrex set all at once and cook up to 8 cups of yogurt. I've also used two disposable bread pans (the cheap ones you can buy for potlucks) and they work fine too but since there are several sizes so you'll just have to find the size that works. Some people have complained about the poor instruction manual in this book. But, I'm not really looking to an appliance instruction manual to make yogurt. There are oodles of recipes and advice online. Now that I have the manual one, I just turn it on and off and don't need anything from the manual. I make the yogurt (I've cooked dairy yogurt anywhere from 8-15 hours), put it in the fridge to cool, and then into the strainer (which fits about 6-7 cups). I really don't like Greek yogurt, it is too thick for me. But, my husband does so I strain everything. I've found that when I add in watery fruit, it ends up getting it to the less firm consistency that I prefer so it all works out. I do use some evaporated milk as well to thicken it because I'm using 1% milk to make the yogurt. I puree frozen fruit in the blender and freeze in an ice cube tray. When the yogurt is complete and I've ready for a serving, I thaw my frozen ice cube fruit, add it to a serving of yogurt, and add some honey. This is convenient because I don't always have strawberries on hand in the winter and that is my preferred flavor. I haven't quite found the right level of sweetness yet. I'm still working on perfecting it to match the flavor of my favorite yogurt. But my husband is happy. He likes plain yogurt like Fage or Stoneyfield in the big tubs. So what I'm making has worked well as a replacement for him. I've also made several variations of coconut yogurt. My son is allergic to dairy and doesn't like the coconut yogurt available in the store. I've tried several combinations of yogurt, probiotics, and starters with mixed success. I'm still working on that, as well as trying to make a soy yogurt. There are many recipes and options available online. Finally, if you mess up a batch (doesn't set correctly, flavor is off), try pureeing it with some fruit and then turning into popsicles. While my son hasn't like the coconut yogurt I've made, he does like it when it is frozen. Keeps me from wasting food and my kids think they are getting dessert when they are just getting frozen homemade yogurt. One con about this device is that the strainer has too many nooks and crannies around the edges. It makes getting all the yogurt out kind of a pain. I wish it had completely flat sides. I feel like I waste a little bit each time. Overall, I'm very happy with it and glad I purchased it.

Ive made over a dozen batches of greek yogurt with this thing. It seems reliable. It works fine. My biggest complaint is that it takes up alot of counter space. If you have plenty of counter space and end up using it a few times a week then go for it! But..the fact that they dont sell additional big containers is a disappointment. (because i would like to have two so i can make more and not use the jars as often) i bought this mostly to make greek yogurt but wanted the option of making small jars of regular yogurt as well. It serves that purpose. I would also like a shut off feature which it does not seem to have. I bought this one because of its versatility, the potential amount of yogurt it can make in on batch & because ive always been pleased with Oster products. I plan on buying a Dash Yogurt maker as well so i can make more yogurt and not have to make it every day!

Great machine, it does a great job. I have purchased additional containers (4.7 cup, medium deep, see photo for brand) that I can use alongside the lg container that comes with the machine. You can also use 2 of them side by side in the maker then save the large container for straining only. They will hold 9 cups of milk. The strainer that comes with this maker is fabulous. If you let your yogurt strain over night it practically falls out of the strainer when you dump it. I found that the more whey that is drained the less tart the yogurt is. The process details others included were very helpful to me as a beginner so here are mine: 9 cups 2% milk heated in microwave for approx 17-18 minutes to achieve 180 degrees. This will vary based on your bowl and microwave. I used a huge 4 liter Pyrex bowl that held all 9 cups. Cooling on counter took 30-35 minutes. This will vary depending on room temp. Cooled to 115 degrees. First time making yogurt I used a whole Fage plain Greek yogurt in the individual container for my cultures. Incubated for 10 hours. Cooled in fridge for approx 2 hours. Less time would have been ok I think. Strained each container for 12 hours.

Well! Just before I got sick I decided to save a bunch of money by making my own Greek Yogurt! I, therefore, bought a Mykonos Greek yogurt maker for like $60+! Today I am making the yogurt. Prep time (boil milk, let cool, add stuff, etc.) 1.5 hours. I used 1% milk with some powdered milk thrown in for consistency. It went into the yogurt maker at 11:30 a.m. Well! In ELEVEN HOURS (11 hours), at 10:30 p.m. I get to remove the 6 - 6 oz. jars. In THIRTEEN HOURS (13 hours) yes, that would be at 1:30 a.m., I get to remove the "large yogurt tray". The whole mess then goes into the refrigerator for THREE HOURS (3 MORE hours). At that time, please note, 4:30 a.m.!!!! I get to scrape out the yogurt from the jars and large container, wash and dry them all, put the strainer into the large tray, dump all the yogurt on top of it and strain it in the refrigerator for at least THREE MORE HOURS!!! I then get to remove it from the fridge, put it back into the jars and whatever I'll be using to store the contents of the "large tray" and re-refrigerate it! Once it is cold, I can eat it. So . . . if I stay up all night, go by the book, and wait - and wait - and wait some more, by 8:30 or so tomorrow morning I can be eating freshly made, HOMEmade yogurt! Anybody want to buy a Greek yogurt maker that's been gently used once (unless I smash it against a wall first) cheap???? Speak up! Don't be shy! First come - first served! Oh! Did I mention that it took 20 minutes to scrub the scalded milk from the bottom of the pan. ONLY THEN did I read that I could have used the microwave! This things keeps getting cheaper - any takers? OK! Now I can't tell if the bloody thing is ON or not! Shouldn't there be a red light? Shouldn't it be warm/hot to the touch? Shouldn't it make the bed and do the dishes? I have decided that if in a couple of hours I am NOT convinced that this THING is ON, I will dump all the jar and "large tray" contents into the crockpot, put it on low for a bunch of hours and see if it turns into yogurt. I just tried to call customer service at Oster (which makes this thing) and it keeps asking "what appliance are you calling about?" I keep saying "YOGURT MAKER" it responds with "SO, you are calling about an ice shaver" What the heck is an ice shaver? They make such a thing?? After six repeated "ice shavers" the recording states "the offices are closed"! I'll bet they'd be open if I had an ICE SHAVER!!!!! THE YOGURT SEQUEL: The saga continues. At 1:45 a.m. I removed the yogurt from the "machine" and put it into the fridge. At 4:00 a.m. I emptied the jars into the strainer to make "Greek" (thick) yogurt. The "large container" does not fit so I am STILL waiting for the jar contents to strain so I can start on that! In the interim, I called Oster - this is confusing - Oster makes the thing but through a company in Boca Raton, FL, named Jarden. The thing is manufactured in - you guessed it - China, then distributed by Sunbeam Products (I thought they made bread). The woman (AMERICAN!!!!) didn't know much about the machine and after a bunch of hoo ha - ing, guess what! THEY ARE SENDING ME ANOTHER ONE!!! Be still my heart! The timer never worked, there is no light to tell you if it is on or off and I really expected that there was some warming element - wouldn't you? Customer service didn't know either! SO! This is simply nothing more than a $50 plastic bed with a plastic cover on it where you set all those jars and "large tray" instead of covering up a bowl of hot milk with towel and letting it ferment on the kitchen counter for 12 or so hours! I tried to call Amazon, however, there is NO NUMBER to call Amazon. I am lucky, though, that since I bought it on November 15 I get to return it FOR FREE TO AMAZON! They even pay the shipping! Except for being entirely exhausted I am now a happy camper. The only problem is that I tasted the yogurt and it is really terrible. I'll have to use it in smoothies. I guess I just can't compare my homemade with the store bought that has all those tasty preservatives and artificial flavors in it. Anyone want the new one that is coming so generously from Oster? The Final Episode: The yogurt is finished! It is the consistency of thick cake batter and tastes awful! I will make some smoothies and throw away a little more each day until it is gone. The "machine" goes back to Amazon today and then I await the replacement (stop to dry the tears of laughter from my face) from Oster. My yogurt now comes pre-made, pre-packaged and pre-paid from the market! So ends the saga of the yogurt maker (i.e., the ice shaver)!

I am a beginner with making yogurt. I started with using my oven. It wasn't convenient tying up my oven for 24 hours. I tried just my counter but my home wasn't warm enough. So, I bought this manual yougurt maker. It gets to hot. I don't know if I can do anything to cool it down. Keeping the lid on was a mistake. It got up to 130° F. I'm sure my cultures are dead. I took the lid off and it cooled dramatically but not cool enough. See pictures. Side note this yogurt is being made with coconut milk. I never boiled it. It was room temperature from the can. Is there any yogurt cultures that prefer temperatures 121-130 °F? It would be really nice if it didn't kill my cultures. I will update if I figure out a way to keep it cooler. It only has an on and off switch. **UPDATE** If you keep the lid off this makes delicious coconut milk yogurt. The first batch is runny but each batch gets thicker and creamier. I am now experimenting with goat milk. I have changed my rating from 2 stars to 4. The instructions should warn you not to use the lid or keep the lid ajar. But I am enjoying my manual yogurt maker. Saving myself tons of money (all natural coconut milk yogurt is hard to find and expensive when you find it). I didn't have my phone with me at the time I ate the yogurt that came out the best texture. The picture shown is okay but I have gotten much creamier and thicker results. **UPDATE #2" It stopped working. I think it burned out. I will post pictures. I got about 10 uses out of it.

La yourtera funciona perfectamente, contiene todos los accesorios necesarios para hacer yogurt griego. Recomendada 100% El proveedor súper confiable, el producto llego en el momento prometido.

I used a few times and it worked very well. Their recipe said to boil the milk, which I did the first time and it turned out grainy. When I heated the milk to 185F, the yogurt turned out perfect.

Works like a charm. Amazingly simple to operate. The yogurt turned out perfect. It was exactly what I was hoping it would be.

Me encanto, muy fácil de usar , deja el yogurt muy cremoso , debería venir él instructivo en español y debí haber comprado el más grande

Made quite a few batches of yogurt in the few days I got it and it I ask myself why I did not buy this earlier.