1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your Severin JG 3520 Yogurt Maker. Please read these instructions carefully before first use and keep them for future reference. This appliance is designed for preparing delicious and healthy homemade yogurt with ease.
2. Important Safety Instructions
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- Do not immerse the main unit, cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
- Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
- Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to 'off', then remove plug from wall outlet.
- Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
- Ensure all food-contact parts are 100% BPA-free.
3. Product Overview and Components
The Severin JG 3520 Yogurt Maker consists of a main heating unit, a transparent lid, and 14 individual glass jars with lids. The design allows for easy monitoring of the fermentation process and convenient storage.
Image 3.1: The Severin JG 3520 Yogurt Maker includes the main heating unit, a transparent lid, and multiple glass jars with grey lids.
Image 3.2: This image highlights key features: a transparent lid with handle, BPA-free materials, a practical memo graduation on the unit, and an illuminated on/off button for easy operation.
4. Initial Setup
Before using your yogurt maker for the first time, follow these steps:
- Unpack: Carefully remove all packaging materials and ensure all components are present: the main unit, transparent lid, and 14 glass jars with lids.
- Clean: Wash the glass jars and their lids thoroughly with warm soapy water. Rinse them well and dry completely. Wipe the main unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water.
- Placement: Place the yogurt maker on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Ensure there is adequate ventilation around the unit.
Image 4.1: The yogurt maker is supplied with 14 glass jars, each with a 150 ml capacity, ready for use after initial cleaning.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Preparing Yogurt
Follow these steps to make homemade yogurt:
- Prepare Ingredients: You will need milk (dairy or non-dairy) and a yogurt starter culture (either a store-bought plain yogurt with live active cultures or a powdered starter). For best results, use whole milk.
- Heat Milk (Optional, but Recommended): For thicker yogurt, gently heat the milk to 85°C (185°F) to denature proteins, then let it cool down to 40-45°C (104-113°F). If using UHT milk, heating is not strictly necessary but can still improve texture.
- Add Starter: Once the milk has cooled to the correct temperature, stir in your yogurt starter. Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons of plain yogurt per liter of milk, or follow the instructions on your powdered starter. Mix thoroughly to ensure the starter is evenly distributed.
- Fill Jars: Pour the milk mixture into the clean glass jars. Do not overfill; leave a small gap at the top.
- Place Jars in Unit: Place the filled, uncovered jars into the yogurt maker unit.
- Cover: Place the transparent lid over the unit, ensuring it is properly seated.
- Start Fermentation: Plug in the yogurt maker and press the illuminated on/off button to start the fermentation process. The light will indicate that the unit is operating.
- Fermentation Time: Allow the yogurt to ferment for the recommended time (see section 5.2). The duration depends on the starter culture, milk type, and desired consistency and tartness.
- Cool Down: Once fermentation is complete, unplug the unit. Remove the jars, cover them with their individual lids, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before consuming. This stops the fermentation and allows the yogurt to thicken further.
Image 5.1: Freshly made yogurt can be enjoyed plain or with additions like fruit and nuts.
5.2. Fermentation Time Guidelines
The following table provides general guidelines for fermentation times. These may vary based on ambient temperature, milk type, and starter culture activity.
| Milk Type | Starter Type | Approximate Fermentation Time | Resulting Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | Plain Yogurt | 8-12 hours | Medium to Thick |
| Skim Milk | Plain Yogurt | 10-14 hours | Thinner |
| Powdered Starter | Any Milk | 6-10 hours | Varies by starter |
6. Care and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure the longevity and hygiene of your yogurt maker.
- Before Cleaning: Always unplug the appliance from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Main Unit: Wipe the exterior of the main unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scourers. Never immerse the main unit in water or other liquids.
- Glass Jars and Lids: The glass jars and their lids are dishwasher safe. Alternatively, they can be washed by hand with warm soapy water, rinsed thoroughly, and dried completely before storage or next use.
- Transparent Lid: Wash the transparent lid with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry.
- Storage: Store the clean and dry yogurt maker and its components in a cool, dry place.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your yogurt maker, refer to the following table for common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yogurt is too runny/liquid | Insufficient fermentation time; inactive starter culture; milk temperature too low or too high when adding starter; low-fat milk used. | Increase fermentation time; use fresh starter; ensure milk is 40-45°C (104-113°F) when adding starter; use whole milk or add milk powder for thicker consistency. |
| Yogurt is too thick/curdled | Over-fermentation; too much starter culture. | Reduce fermentation time; use less starter culture. |
| No fermentation/milk remains liquid | Yogurt maker not plugged in or turned on; faulty starter culture; milk too hot when adding starter (killed cultures). | Check power connection and ensure unit is on; use fresh starter; ensure milk is 40-45°C (104-113°F) when adding starter. |
| Yogurt tastes too sour | Over-fermentation. | Reduce fermentation time for future batches. |
8. Technical Specifications
- Model Number: JG 3520
- Color: White/Grey
- Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 23.8 x 23.8 x 12.6 cm
- Capacity: 14 x 150 ml jars (2.1 Liters total)
- Power: 13 Watts
- Material: Plastic (housing), Glass (jars)
- Item Weight: 2.65 Kilograms
- Features: Cable winder, Illuminated on/off switch, Non-slip rubber feet
- Manufacturer: SEVERIN
9. Warranty and Customer Support
Severin products are manufactured to high-quality standards and are subject to strict quality controls. In the unlikely event of a defect, please contact your retailer or the Severin customer service department for assistance. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For further information or support, please visit the official Severin website or contact their customer service directly. Contact details can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or in the product packaging.
