If you're trying to use fewer store-bought cartons, the easiest place to start is the milk you pour into coffee, cereal, and smoothies.
How we choose
Homemade plant milk cuts packaging waste and lets you control what goes into the jug. The eight products below include automated milk makers with preset programs, compact machines that also make soup and congee, and simple reusable straining bags. Together they cover batches from a single glass to a family-size pitcher, so you can choose a workflow that fits your kitchen.
Our 8 Picks
Almond CowNut Milk Maker Machine, Plant-Based Milk Maker for Almond, Oat, Cashew, Soy Milk, Stainless Steel, No Straining Needed - Makes 5-6 Cups, 120V
What it is
A countertop plant-based milk maker that blends almonds, oats, cashews, or soy with water and separates the pulp automatically to make 5-6 cups of milk without heating.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for daily oat- or nut-milk drinkers who want a no-cook, no-strain routine. The machine separates pulp from milk automatically, so there is no separate nut-milk bag to rinse. It makes enough for a few days of coffee or cereal, and it accepts almonds, oats, cashews, and soy so you can rotate milks.
Caveat
It produces unheated milk, so those who like hot drinks will need to warm the milk separately.
ChefWaveMilkmade 6-in-1 Plant-Based Milk Maker (White) | No soaking required, auto-clean function, delay start, glass pitcher included, 10 oz and 20 oz batches
What it is
A 6-in-1 countertop milk maker with preset programs for almond, soy, cashew, oat, macadamia, and coconut milk in 10 oz or 20 oz batches.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to someone who wants preset control over milk type and batch size. Its six programs cover almond, soy, cashew, oat, macadamia, and coconut milk, and the 10oz and 20oz settings make it easy to make just a glass or a small pitcher. The brand states no soaking is required for basic preparation, and the included glass pitcher stores directly in the fridge.
Caveat
Its 20oz maximum batch is small for families, so larger households may need to run it twice.
Nut Milk Maker Machine, 59oz Soy Milk Maker with Detachable Design, 9 in 1 Homemade Almond, Oat, Plant Based Milk, Juice, Milkshake and Smoothie Maker, 24H Delay Start, Auto Clean (white)
What it is
An automatic nut milk maker with a detachable 59oz glass pitcher and 9 preset modes for soy, nut, oat, juice, milkshake, and smoothie drinks.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for households that want a family-size batch from a machine that is easier to store. The 59oz pitcher detaches from the base, so you can pour and refrigerate milk without lifting the whole appliance. Nine preset modes and a 24-hour delay start add flexibility for soy, nut, oat, juice, milkshake, and smoothie recipes.
Caveat
The 59oz glass pitcher takes up more storage space than compact 600ml machines.
JOYOUNGDJ06M-D23 Mini Automatic Soymilk Maker Congee Juicer Soup (Almond)
What it is
A compact automatic soy milk maker with a 600ml capacity that also prepares congee, soup, and juice.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to small kitchens and one- or two-person households where a full-size maker is overkill. The 600ml capacity keeps servings small, and the programs for soy milk, congee, soup, and juice replace a few countertop gadgets. Its compact footprint and touch panel make it a straightforward choice for tight shelves or dorms.
Caveat
The 600ml capacity makes about two servings per batch, so it is less useful for meal prep or guests.
TribestSB-132 Soyabella, Automatic Soy Milk Maker Machine with Tofu Kit Large, Silver, Large, Black/Stainless Steel
What it is
An automatic soy and nut milk maker with an included tofu kit.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for someone who wants one appliance for both plant milk and tofu. The included tofu kit extends the machine beyond beverages, and the stainless steel maker also handles raw nut and seed milks. Brand states raw almond or cashew milk takes about 30 seconds, while cooked soy milk takes about 15 minutes, so it suits both quick raw blends and longer cooked batches.
Caveat
The included tofu kit adds extra parts to wash and store compared with simpler milk makers.
Pro Quality Nut Milk Bag – Big XL Commercial Food Grade – Strong Durable Reusable Almond Milk Straining Bags & All Purpose Fine Mesh Nylon Cheesecloth Strainer– Juicing-Cheese–Recipes & Vids
What it is
A reusable XL nylon nut milk bag for straining homemade almond milk, juice, and other fine-mesh kitchen tasks.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to anyone who already owns a blender and wants the lowest-tech way to cut carton waste. The XL fine-mesh nylon bag strains out pulp while you squeeze out the milk, so it is a reusable alternative to cheesecloth. Triple-stitched seams and the XL size make it practical for regular batches, and the included recipe booklet helps new makers get started.
Caveat
It is a straining bag only, so you need a blender and a bowl or pitcher to make the milk.
Cotton Farm Nut Milk Bag & Cheese Cloth Bag (Ultra Dense), XL 14 × 14 Inch, 100% Unbleached Cotton Cheesecloth for Precise Food Straining, Washable & Reusable
What it is
A reusable XL unbleached cotton nut milk bag and cheesecloth strainer for filtering homemade plant milks and broths.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for eco-conscious makers who prefer a natural material over nylon. The 14x14 unbleached cotton weave strains smoothly while holding pulp, and the thick fabric keeps its shape during squeezing. It is washable and reusable, and the large size fits over most bowls and jars.
Caveat
The dense cotton weave may hold onto odors if it is not rinsed and completely dried after each use.
HuromH-AA Slow Juicer, White | High Yield | Quiet 150 Watt Motor | BPA Free | 500ml (16.9oz) Chamber | Slow Squeeze | Quick & Easy Assembly | Cold Press Masticating Juicer
What it is
A slow masticating juicer that can also process nuts and soybeans to make fresh plant milk and juice.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to households that want one countertop appliance for fresh juice and plant milk. The slow juicer handles fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and soybeans, so it can make almond or soy milk and then switch to juice. It has a 150W motor, a 500ml chamber, and fine and coarse strainers for adjusting pulp. Its low-speed squeezing action is a different route to homemade milk for people who also want juice.
Caveat
It is a premium purchase, and because it is also a juicer, it has more parts to rinse than a dedicated milk maker.
How to choose
How to choose the right plant-based milk makers and nut-milk bags that cut carton waste
Takeaway
Making plant milk at home doesn't require one particular appliance. An automated maker, a multi-use machine, or a simple straining bag can each reduce the number of cartons coming into your kitchen. Choose the format that fits your batch size, counter space, and budget, then start with the milk you use most often.
