Live Yogurt Maker Recommendations

Homemade Methods

• Oven Method: User suggests using the oven to incubate yogurt by preheating it and then turning it off.
• Heating Pad Method: Another user recommends using a heating pad for yogurt making.
• Ice Chest Method: Using an ice chest with hot water jars to create a warm environment for fermentation is suggested.
• Insulated Box Method: An insulated box or cooler can be used for fermenting yogurt by adding hot water bottles.

Electric Appliances

• Electric Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot: It is mentioned that an electric pressure cooker can be used for making yogurt.
• Rice Cookers/Multi Cookers: Modern rice cookers and multi cookers often include a yogurt-making function.
• Sous Vide Circulator: A low tech sous vide circulator is recommended for consistent yogurt making.

Yogurt Maker Appliances

• Random Chinese Yogurt Maker: A user mentions a basic, low-capacity Chinese yogurt maker that keeps the pot warm but may not be suitable for large quantities.
• Bear Yogurt Maker: Another user recommends the Bear Yogurt Maker as an easy-to-use option.

Other Recommendations

• Easiyo: A user suggests considering Easiyo if available locally for yogurt making.
• Insulated Food Bag with Heating Pad: A method using an insulated bag, electric heating pad, and jars for large batch yogurt making is proposed.

Pros and Cons

Homemade Methods

• Pros: Cost-effective, versatile methods using household items like an oven, heating pad, or ice chest.
• Cons: May require more monitoring and adjustment, less precise temperature control.

Electric Appliances

• Pros: Versatile for other cooking purposes, may have preset functions for yogurt making.
• Cons: Limited capacity, additional functions may not be needed.

Yogurt Maker Appliances

• Pros: Specific appliance for yogurt making, easy to use.
• Cons: Limitations in capacity and single-function use, price variation may not affect functionality.

Other Recommendations

• Pros: Cost-effective bulk yogurt making methods, innovative use of tools like insulated bags.
• Cons: Requires specific equipment and setup, may not provide precision in temperature control.

Overall, the choice of method or appliance depends on personal preferences, batch size, convenience, and budget. Mixing kefir with yogurt is possible but it's important to note that they are distinct ferments and not interchangeable due to differences in fermentation processes and additional strains present in kefir.