Top-Rated Electric Pressure Cookers for Making Yogurt and Cheese

Making yogurt and cheese at home is a rewarding experience, offering fresh, creamy, and flavorful results that store-bought versions often can't match. With the rise of electric pressure cookers, the process has become simpler and more accessible. These appliances provide a convenient way to create homemade dairy products without needing to watch over a stovetop or use specialized equipment. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home chef, an electric pressure cooker can take your dairy-making skills to the next level.

In this guide, we'll explore the best electric pressure cookers for making yogurt and cheese. We'll discuss why these appliances are ideal for dairy production and dive into the top-rated models to help you find the best one for your needs.

Why Use an Electric Pressure Cooker for Making Yogurt and Cheese?

Electric pressure cookers are much more than just fast, one-pot cooking tools. They offer precise temperature control, a sealed cooking environment, and the convenience of automated settings, making them perfect for yogurt and cheese-making. Here's why these appliances excel in this area:

1. Consistent Temperature Control

Both yogurt and cheese-making require maintaining a steady temperature for extended periods. Electric pressure cookers allow for precise control over temperature, ensuring that your milk is kept at the right warmth for the bacterial cultures to thrive, or for the curds to form properly during cheese-making.

2. Self-Contained Environment

An electric pressure cooker creates a sealed, insulated environment that helps maintain consistent temperatures, reducing the need to monitor the process closely. This sealed environment also minimizes the risk of contamination, ensuring better quality and safety for your homemade dairy products.

3. Programmable Functions

Many electric pressure cookers come with preset programs designed specifically for yogurt-making, and some models even have customizable settings for cheese-making. This allows for easy operation and less guesswork, so you can get consistently excellent results.

4. Versatility

In addition to yogurt and cheese, an electric pressure cooker can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks. From making soups and stews to steaming vegetables or cooking beans, it's a highly versatile kitchen appliance that can save space and reduce the need for other specialized equipment.

Best Electric Pressure Cookers for Making Yogurt and Cheese

1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

The Instant Pot Duo is one of the most popular and versatile electric pressure cookers on the market, and it stands out as an excellent choice for making yogurt and cheese at home. The 7-in-1 functionality includes settings for pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more, but it also has a dedicated yogurt-making program that makes the process incredibly easy.

Key Features:

• Yogurt Program: Automatically maintains the correct temperature for culturing yogurt, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced yogurt makers.
• Adjustable Temperature Settings: Allows you to customize the temperature for different types of cheeses or for making yogurt with varying consistency.
• Stainless Steel Inner Pot: Ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking, which is important when making dairy products.
• Multi-Use Functions: In addition to making yogurt and cheese, the Instant Pot can also be used for stews, rice, soups, and more.

Why It's Great for Yogurt and Cheese Making:

The Instant Pot Duo makes yogurt-making incredibly easy with its preset yogurt program, which keeps the temperature at the perfect level for fermentation. It's also great for beginners who want to experiment with cheese-making, as it provides the consistency and control needed for simple cheese recipes like ricotta or paneer.

2. Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer

The Ninja Foodi is another powerful, multi-functional electric pressure cooker that includes features ideal for making yogurt and cheese. Its 9-in-1 functionality includes pressure cooking, air frying, baking, and slow cooking. What sets it apart is the TenderCrisp Technology, which allows you to create perfectly textured cheese and yogurt while also offering additional options for meal preparation.

Key Features:

• Yogurt Making Function: With a precise temperature setting, the Ninja Foodi ensures your yogurt cultures develop properly.
• Large Capacity: The 6.5-quart size is great for making larger batches of yogurt or cheese, perfect for families or meal prep.
• Multiple Cooking Options: In addition to yogurt and cheese, the appliance can handle pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: Simple buttons and settings make it easy to select your desired function for yogurt or cheese-making.

Why It's Great for Yogurt and Cheese Making:

The Ninja Foodi allows you to experiment with a variety of dairy-based recipes, and its large capacity means you can make big batches for parties or for use throughout the week. The yogurt-making function is precise, and it's perfect for those who want a high-quality, easy-to-use appliance for both savory and sweet dishes.

3. Crock-Pot Express 6-Quart Pressure Cooker

The Crock-Pot Express is an affordable option for those looking to make yogurt or cheese without breaking the bank. Despite its lower price, it offers excellent performance for both pressure cooking and yogurt-making.

Key Features:

• Yogurt Program: This model comes with a dedicated yogurt program that maintains the ideal temperature for culturing yogurt.
• Simple Control Panel: Easy-to-use interface with preset functions, including options for pressure cooking, slow cooking, and yogurt making.
• Affordable: Ideal for people new to making yogurt and cheese at home, or those on a budget.
• 6-Quart Capacity: Adequate size for most home cooks.

Why It's Great for Yogurt and Cheese Making:

The Crock-Pot Express is an excellent entry-level appliance for those just starting their dairy-making journey. Its simplicity and affordability make it a great choice for small families or anyone looking to make homemade yogurt without a lot of complex settings.

4. Breville Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker

The Breville Fast Slow Pro is a high-end option designed for precision cooking. With multiple temperature settings and a dual sensor system, this cooker allows for extremely accurate control over both temperature and pressure, making it ideal for more complex cheese-making processes.

Key Features:

• Precise Temperature Control: Dual sensors monitor both the top and bottom of the cooking chamber, ensuring that the temperature remains consistent.
• Yogurt and Cheese Programs: Specialized functions for making yogurt and soft cheeses, with customizable settings for different milk types.
• Large LCD Screen: A clear and easy-to-read display makes it simple to track your progress.
• Premium Build: Durable and built to last, perfect for advanced users looking for a professional-grade appliance.

Why It's Great for Yogurt and Cheese Making:

The Breville Fast Slow Pro offers the kind of control needed to make delicate cheeses and yogurt. Its precision is a game-changer for advanced home cooks who want to make artisanal cheeses or experiment with different types of milk and bacterial cultures. If you're serious about homemade dairy, this is an excellent investment.

5. GoWISE USA 12-in-1 Pressure Cooker

The GoWISE USA offers a versatile 12-in-1 multi-cooker with functions ranging from pressure cooking to air frying. It also includes a yogurt-making setting, making it a solid choice for anyone interested in making both yogurt and cheese at home.

Key Features:

• 12-in-1 Multi-Functionality: Includes options for yogurt making, pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more.
• Large Capacity: The 12-cup capacity is perfect for larger batches of yogurt or cheese.
• User-Friendly Interface: An easy-to-use control panel with preset programs and a wide range of cooking options.
• Affordable Price: A budget-friendly option with plenty of features.

Why It's Great for Yogurt and Cheese Making:

The GoWISE USA is ideal for those who want to make large batches of yogurt or cheese without spending a lot of money. Its multi-functional capabilities also make it a great choice for families who need a versatile appliance for everyday cooking.

Tips for Making Yogurt and Cheese with an Electric Pressure Cooker

1. Use the Right Milk

For both yogurt and cheese, the type of milk you use will impact the final product. Full-fat milk produces creamier yogurt and cheese, while lower-fat milk will result in a lighter product. Be sure to use fresh milk, ideally without added preservatives.

2. Activate Your Cultures

When making yogurt, it's essential to activate your starter culture before adding it to the milk. Be sure to heat the milk to the right temperature and let the cultures develop for the appropriate time to ensure a smooth, tangy flavor.

3. Monitor the Process

Even though electric pressure cookers automate much of the process, it's still a good idea to monitor the cooking and fermentation times, especially when making cheese. Different recipes and techniques will require slightly different times, so adjusting as you go is essential.

4. Experiment with Flavors

Once you get comfortable with basic yogurt and cheese-making, try experimenting with different flavors and variations. You can add vanilla, fruit, or honey to your yogurt, or experiment with herbs and spices for unique cheese blends.

Conclusion

Making yogurt and cheese at home is easier than ever with the help of an electric pressure cooker. From the versatile Instant Pot Duo to the precise control of the Breville Fast Slow Pro, these appliances offer a wide range of features that make dairy-making a breeze. Whether you're new to making yogurt and cheese or a seasoned pro, investing in a high-quality electric pressure cooker can take your culinary skills to the next level, delivering creamy, fresh, and flavorful results every time.