Deni 5600 1-Quart Electric Yogurt Maker Review
This is the first yogurt maker I have ever used. The thing that most appealed to me about this model is that the yogurt is made in single serving containers so you can flavor each one differently if you choose. Also, the price is very reasonable and the super-saver shipping was an added bonus. I’ve made a few batches and each one has come out perfectly. The glass jars are durable and have wide mouths so they’re easy to clean. The machine is easy to use and comes with very clear instructions. You just plug it in, set the timer, and let it sit.
It would be nice to have an automatic shut-off, but you need to refrigerate the yogurt immediately afterwards anyway so this really isn’t a big deal. I use packets of yogurt starter and the homemade yogurt comes out mild and creamy every time. Be aware that it does not come with starter, so you’ll have to purchase it separately (I found it in the refrigerated section of a natural foods store) or you can use a little bit of store-bought plain yogurt. This is a high-quality product and I highly recommend it!
The Deni 5600 Yogurt Maker is a good product, especially considering the price. I have found yogurt recipes on the Web that work great in it, but don’t count on the booklet that comes with it. Using 1/2 cup of natural Greek yogurt as a starter, 1 1/2 cups of 1% milk, and 1/2 cup of dry milk, I get good yogurt in 10 hours. (There are instructions that go with these ingredients that are too long to list here.) It’s still slightly thinner than I like, so I’m going to try using 2% milk next time.
The big drawback I’ve found, which I initially thought would be a plus, is the six 6-oz. jars. I didn’t know this, but you don’t add flavoring until the yogurt is fully incubated, so having separate containers is no particular advantage. In fact, it’s less convenient, since I still empty the yogurt into a small bowl before eating it, and that’s when I mix in any fruit or flavoring I want. Consequently, the next yogurt maker I buy will be one with a large, 1-qt. container rather than the small individual ones.
