Plant-Based Milk Makers: The 7 Best Options in Canada

Not all plant-based milks are created equal, especially those you make yourself. A good plant-based milk maker allows you to avoid additives, reduce waste, and achieve a consistent texture with trusted ingredients.

We’ve selected seven of the best machines in Canada for making nut, seed, grain, and even coconut milk, right in your own home. Each has its advantages. Let's discover them.

Why buy a plant-based milk maker?

A plant-based milk maker is a small appliance that transforms ingredients like nuts, oats, seeds, or soy into fresh, ready-to-use plant-based milk.

Some machines blend and heat, others slow-press for a smoother result. But all allow you to avoid additives and the mess often associated with commercial plant-based milks. Just choose your ingredients, add water, and let the machine do the work.

Say goodbye to industrial products and their additives

If you’ve ever read the label of a carton of almond or oat milk, you know the usual suspects: oils, gums, stabilizers, preservatives. They help with preservation and texture, but bring nothing good to your health.

With a plant-based milk maker, you leave all that aside. You control the recipe. A handful of your chosen ingredients, water, maybe a date or a pinch of salt, and nothing else.

Eco-friendly and economical

Making your own plant-based milk at home also reduces packaging waste and saves money in the long run.

For example, a single batch of homemade almond milk costs significantly less than a liter bought in a store. And you can reuse the pulp in your recipes or compost it. If you’re looking to live more sustainably, it's a small change that has a big impact.

What can you do with a plant-based milk maker?

A good plant-based milk maker isn't limited to soy or almond milk. These appliances can process a wide variety of ingredients, giving you full control over texture, taste, and consistency.

Whether you prefer creamy milk for coffee or a seed-based blend for smoothies, here's what you can make:

Nut-based milks

Almond, cashew, hazelnut, walnut, macadamia… nut milks are among the most popular. Naturally creamy and rich in taste. Just soak the nuts, add water, and let the machine do the rest.

These homemade milks are perfect in cereals, baking, lattes, or even sauces. Many Canadians who buy bulk nuts from zero-waste stores will appreciate the reduced packaging and flexibility this offers.

Grain or legume-based milks

Oats, rice, soy, chickpeas… yes, it works too. These ingredients produce thicker milks with a natural sweetness.

Oat milk is particularly popular in Canadian kitchens for its neutral texture and sweetness suitable for coffee. And since oats are local, inexpensive, and available year-round, it's an obvious choice.

Soy milk, a little more demanding to prepare, remains a staple for its protein content and historical place in many plant-based diets.

Seed-based milks and coconut milk

Hemp, flax, chia, or sunflower seeds: they offer a unique nutritional profile, often richer in omega-3s. Easy to find all over Canada, whether in grocery stores, in bulk, or at the market, they blend very well with nuts or oats for a balanced result.

Coconut, although not locally grown, remains a classic: rich, naturally sweet, ideal for desserts, smoothies, or recipes where you want more texture.

Tip: Seed and coconut milks are more delicate. Slow and steady extraction produces a creamier milk, with less sediment or separation.

What to look for in a good plant-based milk maker in Canada

Choosing the right machine isn't about chasing the most tech-savvy features; it's about practicality and compatibility with your daily life.

In Canada, where there is growing emphasis on ingredient quality and reducing food waste, it's better to choose a simple, reliable, and durable machine.

Here are the criteria to prioritize:

• Ease of use and cleaning. Opt for a plant-based milk maker with few parts, and smooth surfaces that are easy to rinse. No complicated filters or long soaking times needed. You should want to use it regularly, without dreading cleaning every time.

• Integrated filtration or no need for filtering. Filtering milk through a bag or fine sieve is often messy and time-consuming. Some machines, like the Hurom H400, do the work for you, automatically separating the pulp from the milk during extraction. This small detail changes everything when you're short on time (or patience).

• Compact size. If you live in a condo or a small apartment, countertop space is precious. A narrow, vertical machine or one that is easy to store in a cupboard makes daily use much more practical; especially if you like to keep a clear kitchen.

• Compatibility with various ingredients. Some machines are very limited. Others can process nuts, grains, seeds, coconut, or soy. Versatile models like the Hurom H70 allow you to vary recipes without having to change appliances.

• Capacity and speed. Consider how much milk you actually need. Some machines are designed for individual portions, others for making several days' worth at a time. If you live with others or consume milk daily, a model capable of handling large volumes is better.

• Useful features. Preset modes, timers, or temperature settings are not essential, but can make the experience more enjoyable. In winter, making warm oat milk directly from the machine is a real bonus. But be careful: first and foremost, make sure the basics are there; good texture, taste, and reliability.

Our picks: the 7 best plant-based milk makers in Canada

Finding the right plant-based milk maker depends on what matters most to you: cleaning time, texture, noise, or capacity. Here are seven models that stand out in the Canadian market right now. Let's meet them:

1. Hurom H320 Slow Juicer: Ideal for ultra-fine nut milk

If you're looking for ultra-smooth, residue-free nut milk, this model is at the top of the list. The Hurom H320 uses patented Slow Squeeze technology to gently press ingredients and best preserve nutrients and flavors.

Its large hopper can accommodate whole nuts or even large pieces of fruits and vegetables, meaning less prep for you. The H320 has even been recognized by Good Housekeeping as one of the best kitchen appliances of 2024.

And as a bonus: you can also use it to make delicious juices!

Pros:

• Large, self-feeding hopper = less chopping.

• Smooth and creamy result, perfect for creamy milk.

• Cold extraction that preserves flavors and nutrients.

• Quiet motor.

• Versatile: juices, milks, sorbets, and more.

• 15-year warranty.

Cons:

• Takes up a bit more counter space than smaller models.

2. Hurom H400 Easy Clean Slow Juicer: Perfect for large quantities

Making plant-based milk becomes much simpler with the Hurom H400. No need for nut milk bags or external filters: the machine automatically separates the pulp during extraction, and rinses in seconds.

It also comes with all the necessary accessories to switch between milk, juice, and even homemade ice cream. If you like creamy oat or almond milk, without residue or hassle, this is an excellent choice.

Pros:

• Ultra-fast cleaning thanks to the Easy Clean design.

• Large hopper = perfect for preparing in advance.

• Smooth texture ideal for lattes or recipes.

• Fewer parts = faster setup and cleaning.

• All accessories included.

• 15-year warranty.

Cons:

• Slight residues possible if you are used to ultra-filtered industrial milk.

• Slightly bulkier than other compact models.

3. Almond Cow Fast Plant-Based Milk Maker

Almond Cow is one of the most popular brands online in the world of plant-based milk makers. It's designed for speed, with a simple one-button operation and no need for a nut milk bag.

You can use it with oats, nuts, or seeds, but the texture can be grainy, especially with harder ingredients like almonds. You sometimes need to run the cycle again for a smoother result.

Pros:

• Makes up to 5–6 cups of milk per cycle.

• One-button operation.

• Compatible with a wide variety of ingredients.

Cons:

• Grainy texture with some ingredients.

• Sometimes inconsistent filtration.

• May require multiple cycles for good consistency.

• Blade and filter quality sometimes criticized.

• Not ideal for hot or frothy milks.
  
  

4. Hurom H70 Easy Clean Slow Juicer: Versatility and Simplicity

Looking for a machine that does it all? The Hurom H70 is designed to handle almond milk as well as frozen desserts. Compact, quiet, ultra-easy to clean; no filters, no fuss.

For Canadians who value simplicity and versatility, it's an excellent ally. Whether you're making oat milk or a red fruit smoothie, it easily integrates into your routine without slowing you down.

Advantages:

• Self-feeding hopper = zero effort.

• No filters = quick rinse.

• Perfect for milks, juices, sorbets, etc.

• Quiet motor and BPA-free materials.

• Compact size suitable for small kitchens.

Disadvantages:

• Slightly higher price, but justified by quality.

5. Nutr nut milk machine

The Nutr is a small machine that blends and heats ingredients to produce individual portions of plant-based milk (approximately 1 cup). It offers hot and cold modes, a cleaning cycle, and some practical accessories.

It's appealing for its compact size and simplicity, but it's not widely available in Canadian markets. It often needs to be ordered from the United States.

Advantages:

• Hot and cold modes with customizable settings.

• Small footprint, ideal for small kitchens.

• Comes with accessories and cleaning function.

Disadvantages:

• Cleaning not always as easy as advertised.

• Very noisy during blending.

• Small capacity (approx. 250–380 ml).

• Inconsistent results depending on ingredients.

6. Alfabot nut milk machine

If you regularly make plant-based milk, the Alfabot machine might be suitable. It can make up to 1 liter per cycle and offers several preset modes for nuts, beans, and grains.

It is fast and efficient, but results vary depending on the ingredient used. Several users have reported texture issues with coconut or oat milk.

Advantages:

• 1-liter capacity.

• Several preset options.

• Comes with a filter and milk bag for better separation.

Disadvantages:

• Quite noisy.

• Oat milk sometimes slimy.

• Irregular texture depending on ingredients.

• Coconut milk can appear too diluted.

7. Shangren Electric soy milk machine

Finally, the Shangren Electric is an affordable option that offers good flexibility for its price. It's made of stainless steel, allows for adjustable portion sizes, and operates with a single button.

It can process soy, nuts, and grains, but it's still a relatively unknown brand in Canada, raising questions about long-term durability and customer support.

Advantages:

• Adjustable capacity (800 to 1500 ml).

• Stainless steel construction.

• One-click operation.

• Compact size.

Disadvantages:

• Little-known brand.

• Variable manufacturing quality according to reviews.

• Little after-sales service or documentation available.

• Sometimes less refined results, uneven texture.

Tips for getting the most out of your plant-based milk machine

Once you've found the right machine, the real fun begins: experimentation.

Whether you're making almond milk for the first time or trying a hemp-coconut blend, a few simple tips can help you achieve better results, save time, and reduce waste.

Soaking time matters

It may seem like an extra step, but soaking really makes a difference, especially when making milk from nuts or seeds. It softens the texture, facilitates blending, and helps reduce bitterness.

For most nuts, 6 to 8 hours are enough. Oats need less (about 30 minutes), and some grains like rice benefit from longer soaking. If you're in a hurry, warm water can speed up the process.

Customize your flavors

One of the best aspects of homemade milk is that you can prepare it exactly as you like it. Add a pinch of sea salt, a pitted date for sweetness, a touch of cinnamon, or even a little vanilla.

Want it thicker? Use fewer ingredients per cup of water. Prefer it lighter? Just add a little more water. It's much easier to adjust when you're not dealing with pre-established commercial formulas.

Use the pulp

Don't throw away what's left; most of the time, it's still full of fiber and nutrients. You can add it to baking, granola, or smoothie recipes, or even turn it into homemade compost if you enjoy gardening.

Practical tip: If you're curious to find creative ideas for reusing pulp, check out these guides on natural face masks and bio-compost.

Why choose a Hurom juicer rather than a dedicated plant-based milk machine

Dedicated plant-based milk machines are great if all you want to do is make milk. But if you're looking for better texture, more flexibility, and less cleaning, Hurom slow juicers offer an interesting alternative.

Here's why many people in Canada prefer them over a device solely dedicated to plant-based milk:

• A gentler extraction method. Instead of rotating blades or high-temperature blending cycles, Hurom's cold pressing system gently presses ingredients to extract a maximum. This results in a more stable, less foamy milk that separates less quickly. In addition, nutrients are better preserved.

• Less preparation, easier cleaning. No need to soak everything overnight, or to filter your milk afterwards: it comes out smooth directly from the machine. And since there are no sharp blades or heating functions, cleaning takes much less time. Just rinse, and that's it.

• One appliance, multiple uses. Hurom machines are not just juicers or milk makers. You can also use them to make sorbets, smoothies, and even nut butter. It's a smart option if you want fewer appliances on the counter, while keeping variety in your routine.

Prepare your homemade plant-based milk, more simply and efficiently

Having a plant-based milk machine at home means no longer relying solely on what you find in supermarkets. You choose your ingredients, avoid additives, and adjust flavors to your taste.

The best machine is the one that adapts to your lifestyle. Some people prefer a quick single-button serving, others prefer slow pressing for more control.

For those who value texture, versatility, and overall quality, Hurom offers a practical alternative to traditional machines, without limiting you to a single type of recipe.

If you're in Canada and want to reduce waste while using fresh, local ingredients, a versatile machine really makes sense. Hurom juicers are designed to make both juices and plant-based milk, allowing you to do more with a single appliance, without cluttering your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions about plant-based milk machines

Still not sure how these machines work or what's really worth buying? These quick answers should enlighten you.

How does a plant-based milk machine work?

Most dedicated plant-based milk machines blend your ingredients with water, then heat or press them to extract the milk. Once you've added your soaked nuts, flakes, or seeds, the machine does the rest; sometimes even the filtering.

Can you make plant-based milk with a powerful blender?

Yes, but it requires more effort. You have to soak the ingredients, blend them, then filter everything through a nut milk bag. It gets messy quickly. And the texture isn't always there.

A slow juicer designed to make milk gives much better, smoother, and easier results.

Are these machines really worth it?

If you drink plant-based milk often, absolutely. You save money, reduce packaging, and control what you consume.

And if you don't want to limit yourself to a single type of appliance, a slow juicer like those from Hurom offers you the same homemade milk... and much more: juices, smoothies, butters, etc.

How long does homemade plant-based milk keep?

Generally, between 3 and 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container, shake before use, and keep it well chilled. The absence of preservatives reduces its shelf life, but that's precisely what makes it better.

What is the easiest way to make plant-based milk at home?

Choose a machine that handles both blending and filtering. Just soak, add water, press a button, and it's ready.

Some slow juicers, like those from Hurom, make the process even easier, with a smoother result from the first press.