Last Updated on January 11, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
Why I Started Making My Own Plant-Based Milk
I got tired of spending $4-5 per carton on store-bought oat and soy milk that contained gums, preservatives, and added sugars. After reading labels obsessively, I decided to test soymilk makers myself.
Over 30 days, I made over 40 batches of plant-based milk using almonds, oats, soybeans, and cashews. I tracked blending power, ease of cleaning, noise levels, and whether the “auto-clean” feature actually worked.
Here’s what I found.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Livatro 50.73oz | AlfaBot N2 35oz | KIDISLE 51oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.5L (50.73oz) | 1L (35oz) | 1.5L (51oz) |
| Programs | 12-in-1 | 5 modes | 10-in-1 |
| Delay Start | 24 hours | Yes | 12 hours |
| Keep Warm | 4 hours | No | 8 hours |
| Auto-Clean | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Detachable Jar | Yes (Glass) | No | No |
| Noise Level | Standard | Standard | 70dB (Quiet) |
| Rating | 4.6/5 (126) | 4.3/5 (861) | 4.8/5 (22) |
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Overall: Livatro 50.73oz – Detachable glass jar makes cleaning effortless. Perfect for families.
Best Budget: AlfaBot N2 35oz – Solid performance at the lowest price. Great starter option.
Best Features: KIDISLE 51oz – 8-hour keep warm and whisper-quiet operation. Ideal for busy mornings.
1. Livatro 50.73oz Nut Milk Maker – Best for Families
My Testing Results
The first thing I noticed was the detachable glass jar. Unlike other models where the blending container is fixed, this one lifts right out. It made pouring and cleaning so much easier.
I tested it with raw almonds (no soaking) using the “Nut Milk” program. In 22 minutes, it delivered creamy almond milk with zero chunks. The texture was silky smooth.
Performance
The 10-blade system is aggressive. It pulverized soybeans, oats, and even tougher cashews without struggle. The LED display shows real-time progress, so I always knew how much time was left.
Key stats from my testing:
- Almond milk (no soak): 22 minutes
- Soy milk: 18 minutes
- Oat milk: 15 minutes
- Noise: Moderate (similar to a blender)
The 24-hour delay start saved me every morning. I loaded it before bed, set the timer, and woke up to fresh soy milk.
What I Like
- Detachable glass jar – No awkward tilting to pour. Just lift and serve.
- 12 programs – Soy milk, nut milk, smoothies, baby food, rice paste, soup. I used 6 regularly.
- Large 50.73oz capacity – Made enough for my family of 4 without refills.
- 4-hour keep warm – Milk stayed at perfect temperature for hours.
- Included accessories – Nut milk bag, 2 cleaning brushes, measuring cup, recipe guide.
What Could Be Better
The machine is tall (16.8″ height). It didn’t fit under my upper cabinets, so I had to store it on the counter.
The “auto-clean” works, but I still scrubbed the blades manually after soy milk (it leaves residue).
How I Clean It
- Run the auto-clean cycle immediately after making milk
- Detach the glass jar and rinse under warm water
- Use the sponge brush on the blades (takes 2 minutes)
- Wipe the heating element with a damp cloth
- Air dry
The detachable design makes this the easiest soymilk maker to clean, hands down.
2. AlfaBot N2 35oz Nut Milk Maker – Best Budget Pick
My Testing Results
This is the most affordable option I tested, and it surprised me. The build quality felt solid stainless steel interior with a food-grade plastic lid.
I ran the “Beans” program with soaked soybeans. In 20 minutes, it produced smooth soy milk with minimal pulp. The filter funnel did a good job straining out residue.
Performance
The 10 stainless steel blades are sharp and durable. I made 15 batches without noticing any dullness.
The 35oz capacity is smaller enough for 2-3 people. If you have a larger family, you’ll need to make multiple batches.
What worked:
- Almond milk: Creamy, no grittiness
- Soy milk: Smooth after straining
- Oat milk: Slightly thinner texture (expected with oats)
What didn’t:
- No keep warm function
- Jar isn’t detachable (harder to clean)
What I Like
- Affordable – Best price-to-performance ratio
- 5 modes – Nut, Beans, Yogurt, Juice, Grains
- Powerful motor – Handled hard nuts without overheating
- Delay start – Set it and forget it
- SUS 304 stainless steel body – Food-safe and durable
What Could Be Better
The jar doesn’t detach, so cleaning requires tilting the entire machine to rinse it out. This gets awkward.
No keep warm function means you need to drink or refrigerate milk immediately.
The lid gasket trapped moisture after cleaning. I had to dry it separately to avoid mildew.
How I Clean It
- Run auto-clean cycle right after use
- Fill halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap
- Run “Self-Clean” mode again
- Rinse thoroughly by tilting over the sink
- Wipe blades with the included brush
- Remove and dry the lid gasket separately
Takes about 5 minutes total.
3. KIDISLE 51oz Nut Milk Maker – Best for Quiet Operation
My Testing Results
The touch screen interface felt modern and responsive. I appreciated the clear icons for each program.
This machine is noticeably quieter than the others. At 70dB, it’s about as loud as a normal conversation. I ran it at 6 AM without waking anyone up.
The 8-hour keep warm feature is a game-changer. I made soy milk in the morning, and it was still warm at lunchtime.
Performance
The heating function goes up to 140°F, which is perfect for making warm soy milk or soup. I tested the soup mode with vegetables it blended and cooked everything in 28 minutes.
Testing results:
- Almond milk: 20 minutes, ultra-smooth
- Soy milk: 18 minutes, restaurant-quality
- Soup: 28 minutes, fully cooked and blended
- Noise: 70dB (quietest of the three)
The 12-hour delay start gave me flexibility. I prepped ingredients the night before and had fresh milk ready when I got home from work.
What I Like
- Whisper-quiet at 70dB – No early morning noise complaints
- 8-hour keep warm – Longest of any model tested
- 10 programs – Nut milk, oat milk, soy milk, smoothies, rice paste, soup, boiled water
- Touch screen – Easier to use than physical buttons
- 140°F heating – Makes hot drinks and soups
What Could Be Better
The jar isn’t detachable. Cleaning requires careful tilting.
The touch screen is sensitive. I accidentally started a program twice by brushing against it.
At 51oz capacity, it’s great for families, but the machine footprint is larger (8.3″D x 6.81″W x 12.56″H).
How I Clean It
- Press “Self-Clean” button immediately after use
- Let it run the cleaning cycle (5 minutes)
- Use the included brush to scrub blades and heating plate
- Rinse by pouring water in and out
- Wipe exterior with damp cloth
- Air dry with lid open
The self-clean function is the most effective of the three machines, but manual scrubbing is still needed.
Our Expertise: How We Tested These Soymilk Makers
I tested these machines over 30 days in my home kitchen. Here’s my process:
Materials tested: Almonds, soybeans, oats, cashews, hazelnuts
Metrics tracked:
- Blending time and smoothness
- Noise levels (measured with decibel meter)
- Cleaning difficulty (timed)
- Milk yield per batch
- Residue and pulp levels
Real-world scenarios:
- Overnight delay start for morning milk
- Keep warm function during busy days
- Back-to-back batches to test motor durability
I’m a registered dietitian who’s been making plant-based milk at home for 4 years. I’ve tested 12+ soymilk makers and reviewed hundreds of user experiences.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Soymilk Maker
1. Capacity (Most Important for Families)
Small (20-35oz): Good for 1-2 people Medium (35-45oz): Enough for 2-3 people Large (50oz+): Best for families of 4+
I recommend going larger than you think. Making multiple batches is time-consuming.
2. Auto-Clean Function (Saves 10+ Minutes)
Every model claims “auto-clean,” but effectiveness varies:
- Livatro: Reduces manual scrubbing by 70%
- AlfaBot: Helps, but you’ll still scrub blades
- KIDISLE: Most effective auto-clean tested
Look for models with removable blades or detachable jars for easiest cleaning.
3. Delay Start & Keep Warm
Delay start lets you prep the night before. Set it for 6 AM, wake up to fresh milk.
Keep warm matters if you’re busy. The KIDISLE’s 8-hour keep warm meant I could make milk once and drink it throughout the day.
4. Noise Level
Standard soymilk makers run at 80-85dB (blender volume).
If you’re noise-sensitive or live in an apartment, the KIDISLE at 70dB is noticeably quieter.
5. Detachable Jar (Cleaning Game-Changer)
The Livatro’s detachable glass jar made cleaning 5x easier. No awkward tilting, no spills.
If you hate cleaning, prioritize this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak nuts before using a soymilk maker?
No. All three machines have “no soak” programs. I tested raw almonds and soybeans both worked fine.
But: Soaking overnight makes milk creamier and reduces bitterness. I recommend soaking if you have time.
How long does homemade soymilk last?
In my testing: 3-5 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Store-bought milk lasts longer because of preservatives. Homemade milk is fresher but has a shorter shelf life.
Can I make hot soup with these machines?
Yes. The Livatro and KIDISLE have soup programs. I made butternut squash soup in the KIDISLE it blended and cooked everything in under 30 minutes.
The AlfaBot doesn’t have a dedicated soup mode.
Which machine is easiest to clean?
Livatro – The detachable glass jar wins. Lift it out, rinse, done.
The AlfaBot and KIDISLE require tilting the entire machine to rinse, which is awkward.
Is the noise level really different between models?
Yes. I measured with a decibel meter:
- Livatro: 82dB
- AlfaBot: 83dB
- KIDISLE: 70dB
The KIDISLE is significantly quieter. The difference is noticeable at 6 AM.
Can I use these for oat milk?
Absolutely. I made oat milk in all three machines. Results:
- Livatro: Creamiest texture
- AlfaBot: Slightly thinner
- KIDISLE: Smooth, no sliminess
Tip: Don’t over-blend oats. It makes milk slimy. Use the shortest program.
Do these machines overheat with back-to-back batches?
I tested this. The AlfaBot needed a 10-minute cooldown after 2 batches.
The Livatro and KIDISLE handled 3 back-to-back batches without overheating.
Final Verdict: Which Soymilk Maker Should You Buy?
Choose the Livatro if you want the easiest cleaning and largest capacity. The detachable glass jar is worth the extra cost.
Choose the AlfaBot N2 if you’re on a budget. It’s the cheapest option that still delivers smooth, creamy milk.
Choose the KIDISLE if you need quiet operation and long keep-warm times. Perfect for early mornings and busy schedules.