The cost of living crisis is pretty tough…tough as a nut, some might say
Luckily, there are some pretty epic nut milk makers out there that will squeeze out every last drop of plant milk from even the toughest of nuts and save you some money in the process.
As a devoted plant milk enthusiast who despises the mess and time-consuming process of using a nut milk bag, I’ve delved into the realm of top-notch nut milk makers…blimey, that was a bit of a mouthful!
Join me as I unveil my top picks and explore the essential factors to consider when selecting the best nut milk maker for your needs.
I’ve also answered a few FAQs and provided some nut milk recipes to reward you if you’ve made it through to the end of the article! And yes, all of the machines listed can make plant milk from soybeans, oats, peas and many other types of nuts, seeds, grains and legumes.
The crème de la crème of nut milk makers
Best overall nut milk maker:Â MioMat
Budget-friendly option:Â Vegan Milker
Most user-friendly…and really, really, really, ridiculously good looking:Â ChefWave
Most powerful and largest capacity:Â NutraMilk
Best single serve and heat control:Â ArcMira
Now we’re getting to the milky bit! Based on the essential factors to consider (discussed below), here is a list of my favourite nut milk makers:
1. Best overall nut milk maker
MioMat
At the time of writing, this was the highest-rated nut milk maker I could find. The MioMat can make milk from nuts, seeds, legumes and grains. What’s more, it doubles up as a blender and you can use it to make all sorts of other tasty plant-based dishes, including soup, porridge and smoothies!
The food-grade stainless steel interior ensures that no plastic touches your food and the machine even has a self-cleaning programme.
You can adjust heat and grinding times by choosing between 8 programmes to produce up to 1.2 litres of your desired product!
One of its only problems seems to be that it’s too effective and doesn’t leave much pulp, which some people like to use for cooking.
2. Budget-friendly option
Pros
- Simple
- Effective
- Budget-friendly
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Blender not included
Vegan milker by ChufoMix
This one is a good option if you already own a hand blender…otherwise, you’ll have to buy that separately and it kinda defeats the object of being budget-friendly.
But if you do own one, this handy nut milk maker is pretty cheap and effective. It also offers the ability to emulsify herbs and coffee grains, prepare tofu and make yoghurt!
The Vegan Milker comes with plenty of video instructions and a recipe book. You can also choose from a couple of different design options.
3. Most user friendly...and really, really, really, ridiculously good looking
ChefWave Milkmade Vegan Nut Milk Maker
This one is fancy schmancy and definitely an investment. Unless you consume unfathomable quantities, it’s doubtful that you’ll save much money by making homemade nut milk with this machine!
Nevertheless, the ChefWave Milkmade Vegan Nut Milk Maker is pretty awesome. It looks like a coffee machine and has a digital control system to help you choose between a variety of preset plant-based milk options and customise flavours.
You also don’t need to do any prep work, such as pre-soaking the nuts, and the cleaning is a breeze with the auto-clean function. What’s more, the ChefWave comes with a delay-start option, can make adjustable brew quantities (10 ounce or 20 ounce batch sizes) and comes with a one year warranty!
Top tip: Experiment with different nut quantities to find your desired consistency.
4. Most powerful and largest capacity
NutraMilk Nut Milk and butter maker
With a 500-watt motor, the NutraMilk by Brewista can milk even the toughest of nuts and produce all sorts of nut butters too! If you want to make smoothies and soups, you’ll have to buy different jugs and accessories though.
The stainless steel filter does a great job of emulsifying and filtering out fine particles resulting in smooth, creamy and rich nut milk. There are numerous programmes to choose from and the NutraMilk is dishwasher-safe – yay!
My favourite feature is the ability to make 2 litres of nut milk.
Oh, and the fact that you can easily dispense the filtered liquid straight into a glass by using the handy tap.
5. Best single serve and heat control
Arcmira Automatic Nut Milk Maker
The Arcmira is the rice cooker of nut milks! Not only can you programme it to start making nut milk up to 18 hours later, but you can also choose between three basic modes (room temperature, warm 140°F and hot 212°F) and whether you want to keep your milk warm for up to 6 hours.
Whilst the appliance itself is easy to clean, you’ll still have to squeeze your nut milk through the included bag, which is the messiest part of the nut milk-making process and one which many people want to avoid.
Nevertheless, the Arcmira can double up as a kettle and a smoothie/soup maker, so it’s still a nifty gadget to have in your vegan kitchen!
Bit small though, so probably best for individuals rather than families.
Want to make plant milk on the go? Check out my ultimate guide to oat milk powder, the ultimate companion for the adventurous vegan!
How to choose the best nut milk maker
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best nut milk maker:
1. Does it look pretty?
You may want to choose a nut milk maker that is aesthetically pleasing. Is there an option to get it in your favourite colour? Does it align with your preferences and complement your kitchen decor?
2. What’s its functionality?
A nut milk maker should do what it says on the tin but you’ll want to zoom in on features such as blending power, straining efficiency, and adjustable settings to ensure you get the right machine for the job.
3. How easy is it to use?
Unless you like having overly complex tech in your kitchen, I’d recommend opting for a user-friendly model with intuitive controls and clear instructions. Consider the ease of assembling, operating and cleaning the machine.
4. How much milk can it contain?
If you prefer making larger batches of nut milk, choose a model with a higher capacity.
5. Is it made from quality materials?
Check the construction and materials used in the nut milk maker. Look for BPA-free, food-grade, and durable components that ensure safe and long-lasting use.
6. Can it do anything else?
If you’re looking to consolidate your kitchen gadgets, explore nut milk makers that offer additional functions like blending, grinding, or the ability to create other plant-based products. Choose versatility based on your needs.
7. How much does it cost?
Set a budget range and compare the prices of various nut milk makers. Take into account the warranty provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have support in case of any issues.
Nut milk maker FAQs
Is homemade nut milk better?
Of course, this will depend on personal preferences and priorities. Nevertheless, homemade nut milk offers many benefits including a fresher taste, control over ingredients and sweetness, and can be more cost-effective!
On the other hand, shop-bought nut milk offers convenience and saves time. Fortunately, using a nut milk maker can offer the same advantages.
Take a look at some of the above machine suggestions to see if any of them are suitable for your needs!
What kinds of nut milks can I make?
The possibilities are endless!
Some popular nut milks include almond milk, cashew milk, hazelnut milk, macadamia milk and walnut milk. Additionally, there are seed-based milks like sunflower seed milk, hemp seed milk and flaxseed milk.
Many of the nut milk makers can also make coconut milk, oat milk, pea milk, soy milk or milk made from any nut, grain, seed or legume you can think of. What’s more, since you’re in control of the ingredients, you can mix and match all sorts of nuts and other delicious things to add to your very own hybrid nut milk product!
These plant-based milks offer different flavours, textures and nutritional profiles, providing options for individuals with specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
What is the healthiest nut milk to make?
Depending on your health goals, there are lots of different types of healthy nut milks!
For example, almond milk is low in calories, contains heart-healthy fats and is a good source of vitamin E and calcium. It also has a naturally mild and slightly sweet taste, making it a versatile choice for various recipes. Other nutritious options include cashew milk, which is creamy and rich in minerals and healthy fats, and walnut milk, which offers omega-3 fatty acids.
Hemp, pea and soy milk are great choices if you’re trying to increase your vegan protein intake!
Nut milk recipes
I’ve tried and tested some delicious plant milk recipes for you to try in your new nut milk maker!
But I encourage you to experiment with your own ingredients, the amazing thing about homemade nut milk is that you can do what you like with it, whether that’s by adding some cookies and cream vegan protein powder to the mix or including some oil to make barista-style milk that froths better.
Salted maple pecan milk
Ingredients:
1 cup raw pecans
4 cups water
2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
Pinch or two of sea salt
Instructions:
- Submerge and soak the pecans for 6-8 hours or overnight (skip this step if your nut milk machine is powerful enough)
- Drain and rinse the pecans
- Place the softened pecans and the rest of the ingredients in your nut milk maker or a high-powered blender
- Blend on high speed for a few minutes or follow the nut milk maker instructions
- Drink straight away if your nut milk machine has in-built filtration or strain through a nut milk bag (use your hands to squeeze the liquid out)
Barista-style oat and cashew milk
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup shredded coconut
4-5 cups water
1-2 Medjool dates (with stones removed)
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Submerge and soak the raw cashews for 6-8 hours or overnight (skip this step if your nut milk machine is powerful enough)
- Drain and rinse the cashew nuts
- Place the softened cashews and the rest of the ingredients in your nut milk maker or a high-powered blender (start with 4 cups of water and add more until you reach desired consistency)
- Blend on high speed for a few minutes or follow the nut milk maker instructions
- Drink straight away if your nut milk machine has in-built filtration or strain through a nut milk bag (use your hands to squeeze the liquid out)