By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer
A soy milk maker can simplify the preparation of plant-based drinks: add the ingredients, select a programme and then serve soy milk, nut milk or soup. However, appliances vary considerably in capacity, cleaning requirements and automation. If you only look at the number of programmes or marketing claims such as “no filtering required”, you may overlook important details.
A high number of programmes sounds versatile, but on its own says little about how the appliance will actually perform. What matters is whether the programmes for making soy milk at home, making almond milk at home, oat milk and soups genuinely combine heating and blending functions. A high-performance blender can chop ingredients, but it does not automatically heat the liquid.
So check whether the appliance is designed as a blender with a cooking function and which programmes are specifically listed. Useful options include programmes for soy milk, nut milk, juices and soups.
“Self-cleaning blender” does not mean that no further cleaning is required. Residue can collect around the blades, lid edges or seals. Check the exact duration of the cleaning programme and whether water needs to be added. With an appliance that heats ingredients, you should also follow the manufacturer’s guidance on water levels, temperature and cleaning.
A small container may be sufficient for one person. Families, on the other hand, need to check whether the usable capacity meets their daily needs. A stated capacity of around 1 litre often refers to the container’s total capacity, rather than the maximum amount allowed for every heating programme. The instruction manual and the markings inside the container are therefore more important than the product title alone.
Plant-based milk makers combine two functions: the heating element warms the water and ingredients, while the blade system chops beans, oats or nuts. One selected model lists 750 watts of heating power and 200 watts of blending power. These figures provide an initial technical indication, but do not replace checking the specific programmes.
For soya beans, a programme that heats and blends is useful. A different programme may be intended for cold nut or oat drinks. So check whether the preparation method you want is explicitly mentioned in the product description.
With a BPA-free soy milk maker, this should be stated not only in the title but also in the product information. The model featured here specifies a food-contact area and blade system made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, as well as BPA-free material. These details are taken from the product description; before buying, you should also check the labelling on the appliance and the care instructions.
Seals, the lid and controls are also important. When preparing heated drinks, the lid must not be opened during operation unless the instructions expressly allow it.
A 12-hour timer can be useful if you want to prepare the ingredients the night before. This function should only be used if the manufacturer permits this type of preparation and the ingredients are added under the specified conditions. According to the product information, the keep-warm function at approximately 55 °C is designed to operate for up to two hours. The safety guidance on the appliance and in the instruction manual still applies.
The following cards categorise the available products by intended use. Only the first product is a soy and nut milk maker; the other recommendations complement a kitchen where making milk alternatives at home goes hand in hand with preparing homemade food.
Why this product suits this profile: This appliance combines ten programmes with heating and blending functions, making it suitable for first attempts at preparing soy milk, almond milk, oat milk and soups. The stated capacity is 35 oz, or approximately 1 litre.
The product details specify concrete performance figures, an 8-minute cleaning programme and a 12-hour timer, rather than relying solely on general promises.
10 programmes; 750 watts of heating power and 200 watts of blending power according to the product description; BPA-free material and 304 stainless steel are specified.
Why this product suits this profile: If you would like to make home-baked bread as well as plant-based milk, this set provides two square carbon steel tins with the stated dimensions of 13.2 × 25.5 cm.
The limitations are clearly stated: suitable for oven use only and not for microwaves, hobs or induction; hand-washing is also recommended.
Set of 2; carbon steel; according to the product information, suitable for bread, cakes and meatloaf, with a stated coating temperature resistance of up to 220 °C.
Why this product suits this profile: For households that want to combine their plant-based milk maker with other homemade kitchen projects, a 10-piece sushi set adds a specialist use to their equipment.
The intended use and contents are clearly specified as a 10-piece set. This makes it easier to check whether the accessories are suitable for the type of sushi you plan to make.
10 individual pieces according to the product name; an addition for a versatile kitchen; no electrical appliance, so it does not depend on electricity consumption.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
The ongoing costs of a soy milk maker consist of electricity, ingredients and cleaning. For an accurate calculation, you need to know the power consumption, operating time and your electricity tariff. The stated 750 watts of heating power does not automatically mean that the appliance continuously uses 750 watts throughout the entire programme.
With beans, nuts and oats, you should remove the ingredients from the container after every use. The self-cleaning programme can make cleaning easier, but it does not replace a visual inspection. Blades, seals and hard-to-reach areas should be maintained according to the instructions. Do not use abrasive cleaning products if they could damage the surface.
That depends on the appliance and the programme. According to the product description, the model mentioned above has a finely chopping blade system with ten stainless steel blades, meaning that manual filtering should not be necessary. However, the result may still depend on the quantity of beans, the water ratio and the preparation programme.
An appliance with heating and blending functions may be designed for this purpose. The IAGREEA model lists soups as one of its ten programmes. Before use, check the maximum filling level, permitted ingredients and guidance on handling hot liquids.
It is not possible to reliably determine a fixed service life from the wattage. It depends on factors including frequency of use, cleaning, water quality and how the blades, seals and heating area are handled. Observing the filling limits and using the cleaning programme after every use can reduce avoidable build-up. When deciding what to buy, you should also check the warranty terms, availability of spare parts and returns policy.