Great Design and Features, but mixed results
I really like the fact that this machine is fully automatic - starts the fermentation for the set number of hours, and then automatically switches to refrigeration to stop the fermentation and chill the yogurt to refrigerator temperatures. However, the actual making of the yogurt as had mixed results. I had to make 4 batches trying different times/cultures, etc before I finally hit on the right mix of ingredients, time and methods.
I would give the unit a 5 star rating, but I think that it's misleading by stating how easy it is to make your yogurt. After researching, yogurt making is a finely tuned process and it takes several trial and errors before latching onto the right mix.
My best results were using a dehydrated culture rather than store-bought plain yogurt. After hitting the right parameters, it is VERY convenient and saves a lot of money over buying pre-made yogurts. One final word: beware of all of the advertising pushing Greek Style yogurt - since it is just plain yogurt strained and most of the liquid removed, it is highly concentrated and therefore very high in calories. Yes, it's creamy and delicious, but very easy to gain weight if you don't watch portion control.
In the end, I would highly recommend this yogurt maker over any other brand (I fully researched all of the alternatives), but just be aware that yogurt making is a fine art and will take practice before you reach the right recipe and method of making it. After that, the machine takes over the rest of the hassle of watching over times and temperatures.
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