Buying guide
Dairy Ferments Station
Updated How we research
Yogurt and kefir are the easiest daily ferments once your station is set up. A dependable yogurt maker holds temperature without babysitting, and a Greek yogurt strainer turns the result thick and rich. Milk kefir grains plus a dedicated fermenter give you a fresh drink every morning, while a fine mesh strainer makes separating grains painless. The page is split into six sections (Yogurt Makers; Greek Yogurt Strainers; Milk Kefir Grains; Kefir Fermenters; Yogurt Starter Cultures; Fine Mesh Strainers), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 24 picks. Our scores range from 6.6 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Cuisinart CYM-100 Electronic Yogurt Maker with Automatic Cooling, 1.5L Jar Capacity. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Yogourmet Freeze Dried Yogurt Starter, 16 Pack, 3 g Sachets. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:Euro Cuisine GY60 Greek Yogurt Maker with Ultra Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainer Basket. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Euro Cuisine YMX650 Automatic Digital Yogurt Maker Machine with 7 Reusable 6 oz Glass Jars. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Yogurt Makers
- Cuisinart CYM-100 Electronic Yogurt Maker with Automatic Cooling, 1.5L Jar CapacityOur score8.6/10
- Euro Cuisine YMX650 Automatic Digital Yogurt Maker Machine with 7 Reusable 6 oz Glass JarsOur score8.4/10
- Dash Greek Yogurt Maker Machine with LCD Display + 2 BPA-Free Storage Containers with Lids, WhiteOur score7.8/10
- Euro Cuisine YM80 Electric Yogurt Maker Machine with Glass Jars, WhiteOur score7.6/10
Greek Yogurt Strainers
- Euro Cuisine GY60 Greek Yogurt Maker with Ultra Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainer BasketOur score8.6/10
- Hatrigo 2-Quart Greek Yogurt Maker with Extra Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainer BasketOur score8.4/10
- Euro Cuisine GY50 Greek Yogurt Maker with Ultra Fine Mesh Strainer Basket, BPA FreeOur score7.6/10
- Kleynhuis Greek Yogurt Strainer Set with Stainless Steel Colander and Organic Cotton PouchOur score7.6/10
Milk Kefir Grains
- Live Milk Kefir Grains by Laila, Home-Cared Culture Shipped in Glass Jar with Recipe BookOur score8.2/10
- Mr. and Mrs. Kefir Live Milk Kefir Grains, Live Probiotic Culture, 1 TeaspoonOur score8.1/10
- The Spirit Of The Forest Milk Kefir Live Grains, Live Active Starter CulturesOur score7.3/10
- Fun with Fermentation Active Milk Kefir GrainsOur score6.9/10
Kefir Fermenters
- Masontops Kefir Caps - Wide Mouth Mason Jar Lids - Water Kefir Grains Strainer Mason Jar Kefir Jar - Home Water Kefir Starter Kit Kefir Fermenter Container - 4 PackOur score7.8/10
- Kefir Fermenter 1.5L/50oz for Rapid Homemade KefirOur score7.6/10
- LynxLink Kefir Starter Kit - 64oz Thickened Glass Kefir Jar with Lid - Metal-Free Fine Mesh Strainer for Milk & Water Kefir - Complete Fermentation Kit with Stick-on ThermometerOur score7.0/10
- Kefir Fermenter Container for Milk and Water Kefir Grains, Large Size 210 ccOur score6.6/10
Yogurt Starter Cultures
- Yogourmet Freeze Dried Yogurt Starter, 16 Pack, 3 g SachetsOur score8.6/10
- Yogourmet Yogurt Starter, 6 Sachets, All Natural Gluten Free Kosher HalalOur score7.8/10
- Coolinario Yogurt Starter Culture with Probiotics, 10-Pack 1.5g Sachets, Non-GMOOur score7.8/10
- Yogurt Starter Cultures, Pack of 3 Freeze-dried Sachets for Balkan Style Plain YogurtOur score7.1/10
Fine Mesh Strainers
- ELEEN Premium Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, 3-Piece Set with Non-Slip Handle, Small, Medium and Large SievesOur score8.4/10
- SUNWUKIN 304 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Colander-Skimmer with Handle, Sieve Sifters for Food, Tea, Rice, OilOur score7.8/10
- AOWOTO 3.35 inch 304 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Colander-Skimmer with Handle, Metal Sieve SiftersOur score7.6/10
- 3.35 Inch Silver Fine Mesh Strainer, Stainless Steel Handheld Small Mini Sieve Strainer with Handle for Cocktail, Tea, Coffee and JuiceOur score7.2/10
All 24 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Cuisinart's CYM-100 electronic yogurt maker with automatic cooling and a 1.5L jar capacity.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Automatic Cooling stops fermentation so yogurt does not over-sour
- + 1.5L jar makes a family-size batch in one go
- + Cuisinart is a well-known small appliance brand
- - Bulk jar needs portioning after the yogurt sets
- - Cooling feature makes the machine larger than simple warmers
#2Euro Cuisine's GY60 Greek yogurt maker with an ultra fine mesh stainless steel strainer basket.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Stainless Steel mesh basket is durable and easy to rinse
- + Ultra fine mesh keeps yogurt solids in while whey drains out
- + Upgrade over plastic mesh strainers for daily use
- - Fine mesh needs soaking to clear stuck yogurt
- - Container size limits how much yogurt strains at once
#3Yogourmet's freeze dried yogurt starter, a 16 Pack of 3 g sachets for regular homemade yogurt.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 16 Pack keeps a frequent yogurt maker stocked for months
- + Freeze dried sachets store well in the fridge or freezer
- + 3 g sachets are pre-measured, so each batch is consistent
- - Single-use sachets cost more over time than reculturing heirloom starters
- - Mild flavor may not suit people who like very tangy yogurt
#4Euro Cuisine's YMX650 automatic digital yogurt maker machine with 7 reusable 6 oz glass jars.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Automatic digital timer switches off when yogurt is done
- + 7 reusable 6 oz glass jars make a week of single servings
- + Glass jars are dishwasher friendly and do not hold odors
- - Jar size is too small for batches used in cooking or straining
- - Digital controls add parts that can fail compared with simple makers
#5Hatrigo's 2-Quart Greek yogurt maker with an extra fine mesh stainless steel strainer basket for large batches.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 2-Quart capacity strains a whole batch of homemade yogurt at once
- + Extra Fine Mesh stainless steel basket holds back even thin yogurt
- + Large size also works for labneh and draining ricotta
- - Big container takes up significant fridge space
- - Stainless mesh needs careful cleaning to avoid clogged holes
#6ELEEN's 3-Piece premium stainless steel fine mesh strainer set with non-slip handles in small, medium and large.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Small, Medium and Large sizes cover kefir grains up to yogurt whey
- + Non-Slip Handle stays steady over bowls and jars
- + Premium stainless steel mesh holds shape with regular use
- - Three nested sieves take more drawer space than a single strainer
- - Large sieve may be too wide to rest on a narrow jar
#7Laila's live milk kefir grains, a home-cared culture shipped in a glass jar with a recipe book for beginners.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Shipped in Glass Jar protects the grains better than a plastic bag
- + Recipe Book gives ideas for smoothies, dips and flavored kefir
- + Home-cared culture comes from a small producer who feeds grains regularly
- - Start with a small batch until you see how quickly the grains grow
- - Small-producer stock may vary in availability and shipping time
#8Mr. and Mrs. Kefir's live milk kefir grains, 1 Teaspoon of probiotic culture for starting homemade kefir.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Live grains start culturing milk within a day or two of arrival
- + 1 Teaspoon is enough to begin and the grains grow with each batch
- + Reusable culture replaces store-bought kefir for the long term
- - Small starting amount means small batches until the grains multiply
- - Live grains can be sluggish after shipping and need a few feedings
#9Dash's Greek yogurt maker machine with LCD display and 2 BPA-Free storage containers with lids, in white.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + LCD Display shows timer settings clearly during incubation
- + 2 BPA-Free containers let you store yogurt right after straining
- + Greek yogurt focus includes a straining step for thick results
- - Plastic containers may not appeal to glass-only households
- - Two containers limit how many flavors you can make per batch
#10Masontops Kefir Caps turn a wide mouth mason jar into a milk or water kefir fermenter: a 2-position lid that breathes or seals, with a built-in strainer and grain measure.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Open and closed twist positions let the same lid allow airflow during fermenting and seal the jar afterwards.
- + The clear top pops off as a 1/4 cup measure for grains, and the lower half strains them as you pour.
- + Uses wide mouth mason jars you already own, so batch size is set by the jar you pick.
- - No jar and no kefir grains are included, so this is a lid system and not a complete starter kit.
- - The title says 4 pack while a bullet mentions one blue and one green cap, so confirm the count on the listing.
#11Yogourmet's yogurt starter, 6 Sachets of all natural gluten free, kosher and halal cultures for homemade yogurt.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Kosher and Halal certification suit a wide range of households
- + 6 Sachets give several batches from a single box
- + Yogourmet is a long-running freeze dried culture brand
- - Direct-set sachets are single use, not a reusable heirloom culture
- - Box of six runs out quickly if you make yogurt weekly
#12Coolinario's yogurt starter culture with probiotics, a 10-Pack of 1.5g Non-GMO sachets.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + With Probiotics formulation adds beneficial strains beyond basic yogurt cultures
- + 10-Pack of 1.5g sachets makes portioning simple for each batch
- + Non-GMO label suits buyers watching ingredients closely
- - Single-use sachets are not reusable from batch to batch
- - Check the packaging for the exact probiotic strains before you buy
#13SUNWUKIN's 304 stainless steel fine mesh strainers for kitchen use, colander-skimmer sieves with handles for food and tea.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 304 Stainless Steel mesh is food grade and non-reactive with kombucha
- + Handle design lets you strain directly over a jar or bowl
- + Fine mesh separates water kefir grains from finished drinks
- - Confirm the exact pack size and mesh diameter before you order
- - Fine mesh needs a brush to clear dried kefir or pulp
#14Euro Cuisine's YM80 electric yogurt maker machine in white with glass jars for making individual portions.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Glass Jars keep yogurt away from plastic during incubation
- + Simple electric design holds a steady warm temperature
- + Portion jars make it easy to grab yogurt for lunches
- - No automatic shutoff, so you need to time the batch yourself
- - Individual jars are fiddly to wash compared with one large tub
#15Euro Cuisine's GY50 Greek yogurt maker with an ultra fine mesh strainer basket in BPA Free plastic.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Ultra Fine Mesh strainer turns regular yogurt into thick Greek style
- + BPA Free container stores the yogurt after straining
- + Separated whey can be reused as a starter for vegetable ferments
- - Mesh is not stainless steel, so it may wear faster
- - Straining takes hours in the fridge before yogurt is thick
#16Kleynhuis' Greek yogurt strainer set with a stainless steel colander and organic cotton pouch.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Organic Cotton Pouch gives the thickest labneh-style strain
- + Stainless Steel Colander supports the cloth for even draining
- + Kleynhuis is a Dutch kitchenware brand with a traditional approach
- - Cotton pouch needs washing and drying after every use
- - No container included to catch whey in the fridge
#17Microbiota's 1.5L (50 oz) kefir fermenter: a glass jar with a mesh grain container, so milk goes in and finished kefir pours out without a separate strainer.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Grains stay in the mesh container, so there is no straining step or second jar to wash, per the listing.
- + 1.5L glass jar makes a larger daily batch than the small fermenters in this guide.
- + Container is BPA-free food grade polypropylene, and the mesh comes out for rinsing under the tap.
- - Kefir grains are not mentioned as included, so they have to be bought before the first batch.
- - The listing says lid color can vary, and it is written for milk kefir with no water kefir guidance.
#18AOWOTO's 3.35 inch 304 stainless steel fine mesh strainers, metal colander-skimmer sieves with handles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 3.35 inch sieve fits over mason jar mouths for straining kefir
- + 304 stainless steel will not react with acidic ferments
- + Handle keeps fingers clear of the liquid while pouring
- - Small diameter is slow for straining large brews
- - Mesh may dent if pressed hard with a spoon
#19The Spirit Of The Forest's milk kefir live grains, live active starter cultures for daily homemade kefir.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Live Active cultures ferment milk quickly compared with dried starters
- + Grains are reusable, so one purchase supplies ongoing kefir
- + Brand also sells water kefir, making it easy to expand your cultures
- - Start with a small batch until you see how quickly the grains grow
- - Perishable shipment should be fed milk as soon as it arrives
#20A 3.35 Inch silver fine mesh strainer, a stainless steel handheld mini sieve for cocktails, tea, coffee and juice.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Mini sieve catches kefir grains and fruit bits when pouring into a glass
- + Stainless steel mesh resists rust from acidic drinks
- + 3.35 Inch size sits neatly over jars and bottle funnels
- - Small bowl fills fast when straining a full quart of kefir
- - Single strainer offers no larger size for big batches
#21Yogurt starter cultures in a Pack of 3 freeze-dried sachets for Balkan style plain yogurt.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Balkan Style culture gives a thick, tangy traditional yogurt
- + Freeze-dried sachets keep well until you are ready to use them
- + Pack of 3 is a low-cost way to test the style
- - Only three sachets, so it is more of a trial pack
- - Check the packaging for the exact yogurt strain before you buy
#22LynxLink's kefir starter kit pairs a 64 oz wide mouth glass jar and lid with a nylon fine mesh strainer for milk or water kefir and a stick-on thermometer. No grains are named in the title.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + BPA-free nylon mesh strainer, so the grains do not touch a metal strainer when you separate them.
- + 64 oz jar is double the size of a quart kit, enough for a household batch of water kefir in one brew.
- + Stick-on thermometer is included for keeping an eye on the temperature at the jar.
- - The title does not mention kefir grains, so budget for live or dehydrated grains on top of this kit.
- - Much of the listing copy is about kombucha, with little detail that is specific to water kefir.
#23Fun with Fermentation's active milk kefir grains, a plain grain listing for starting milk kefir at home.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Active grains are ready to culture milk soon after they arrive
- + Fermentation-focused seller specializes in live cultures
- + Reusable grains keep producing with simple daily feeding
- - No quantity, instructions or packaging details are listed
- - Active grains will not survive long if left unfed during shipping delays
#24A large size 210 cc kefir fermenter container for milk and water kefir grains, used inside a jar to hold the grains.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + 210 cc container keeps grains together so straining is not needed
- + Works with both milk and water kefir grains
- + Large size holds a generous amount of grains for faster ferments
- - Container only, so a jar and grains must be supplied
- - Mesh holes need regular cleaning to keep milk flowing through
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Ferment Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.