Homemade plant-based milks are all the rage, and for good reason. Whether for health, environmental reasons, or simply the pleasure of controlling what you drink, making your own plant-based milk is a trend that's here to stay. Say goodbye to added sugars, preservatives, and mountains of packaging! Preparing your own almond, oat, or soy milk has nothing but benefits. But with the vast array of available models, how do you find your way? This guide is here to help you see clearly, decode the spec sheets, and find THE plant-based milk maker that's right for you.
Before you dive in, let's review the key points that will guide your decision.
The pitcher's capacity is the first criterion to consider. A single person won't have the same needs as a family. Models typically range from 300 ml to over 1.2 L. For daily family use, a capacity of around 1 litre (1000 ml) is ideal. This allows you to prepare enough for morning cereal and the day's recipes without having to run another batch.
A good plant-based milk maker should do it all, or close to it. Modern appliances offer several preset programs to adapt to each ingredient: soy, almonds, cashews, oats, rice, and more. The most versatile models transform into true self-cleaning heated blenders, capable of making juices, milkshakes, soups, and even boiling water. The delayed start function is a real bonus: imagine waking up to a freshly made plant-based drink, ready to enjoy.
Nothing ruins the pleasure of making your own plant-based milk like a tedious cleanup. Nut and grain residues have a nasty habit of getting stuck on. This is where the self-cleaning function, now an almost standard feature, comes into play. With a simple press of a button, the machine runs a high-temperature cycle to loosen residue. It's a precious time-saver in your daily routine.
Whether you're a fan of all things homemade or need a quick solution for your recipes, here are our recommendations.
Key Features
The IAGREEA is a true Swiss Army knife designed to simplify making your own drinks. With its 1000 ml capacity, it's perfectly sized for family use. It stands out with its 8 preset programs for variety: soy milk, nut milk, juice, milkshake, and even hot preparations like porridge.
Advantages
homemade soy milk or a flawless almond milk.Who is it for? This machine is for families and anyone who wants to easily incorporate fresh plant-based drinks into their daily routine. Versatile and easy to use, it's an excellent all-in-one option, from breakfast to a post-workout smoothie.
Sometimes, time is short. Or a recipe—a Thai curry, a creamy dessert—calls for the unique texture of coconut milk or cream. In those moments, having a quality, ready-to-use solution on hand makes all the difference.
Option 1: CHAOKOH Coconut Cream 23%
With 23% fat, this coconut cream offers unparalleled richness and creaminess. It's perfect for adding body and flavour to your sauces, curries, and desserts. Its 1L format is economical and practical for regular cooks.
Option 2: Kara Classic UHT Coconut Milk 17%
Made from 90% coconut extract, this milk offers an excellent balance between richness and fluidity with its 17% fat content. Highly versatile, it works just as well in soups and sauces as it does in drinks. Its UHT packaging ensures a long shelf life.
If you prefer a ready-to-use dairy milk alternative or want to explore other options, take a look at our selection of 1L milk cartons.
Discover our selection of 1L milks
In the long run, the answer is yes, it's often more economical. The cost per kilo of nuts or grains (almonds, oats, soy) is much lower than that of store-bought plant-based milks. The initial investment in a plant-based milk maker is therefore paid off sooner or later, depending on your consumption. Not to mention, you control the concentration of your drink, and therefore its cost per serving.
Most modern machines are very versatile. They can prepare a wide range of drinks from:
Models like the IAGREEA 8-in-1 go even further by offering dedicated programs to optimize extraction and texture based on the ingredient.
It all depends on the model! Older or more basic appliances can indeed require tedious disassembly and manual cleaning. Fortunately, recent models almost all include a self-cleaning function. Just add water, a drop of dish soap, and start the program. The machine heats and agitates the water to remove all residue. Maintenance becomes a breeze. Opting for a self-cleaning heated blender is therefore a smart choice for hassle-free daily use.