Which Kitchen Gadgets Are Worth the Money?
It can be tricky deciding what deserves to take up space in your cabinets. We've done the math, so you don't have to.
By Lynn Andriani
Yogurt Maker
Startup cost: $40, plus ingredients
How often you need to use it to make it worthwhile: Once a week for two-and-a-half months.
Yes, you can make yogurt with a pot, a thermometer and a jar—and people have been doing so for centuries. But a machine, with its built-in timer and automatic shut-off, can make the process insanely easy (also, we are total suckers for the little jars that come with it). If you buy a 6-ounce, 89-cent container of strawberry yogurt for breakfast or a snack every day, in 80 days you'll have spent about $71. Make your own 80-day supply, and you'll have laid out $40 for the machine, plus $33 in ingredients—so $73 total. (Caveat: If you have a slow cooker, you can make yogurt—so there's no need to add another appliance to your counter.)
How often you need to use it to make it worthwhile: Once a week for two-and-a-half months.
Yes, you can make yogurt with a pot, a thermometer and a jar—and people have been doing so for centuries. But a machine, with its built-in timer and automatic shut-off, can make the process insanely easy (also, we are total suckers for the little jars that come with it). If you buy a 6-ounce, 89-cent container of strawberry yogurt for breakfast or a snack every day, in 80 days you'll have spent about $71. Make your own 80-day supply, and you'll have laid out $40 for the machine, plus $33 in ingredients—so $73 total. (Caveat: If you have a slow cooker, you can make yogurt—so there's no need to add another appliance to your counter.)
Published 08/19/2013