Don’t give up on the thrift stores – I found a Salton yoghurt maker w/glass jars for $5 and have used it weekly for the past 3 years w/no problems.  It’s plastic, but the containers are glass – that’s important. You don’t want the hot milk mixture coming into contact w/plastic. I’ve seen nearly identical ones online for less than $25 (the ones w/6 or 7 small jars) made by Koolatron, but don’t know how they’d hold up. Obviously, this old Salton just goes and goes, so I think it’s a good brand.  I vaguely remember them as far back as 25 years…

I have a yolife yogurt maker, which I received as a gift.  It works fine.  The jars are glass, but the best feature is an extra-tall dome lid which allows you to use your own mason jars or other containers.  So if (when) I break the original yogurt cups, the machine is just as functional.

However, if I were looking to buy a new one, I’d look for something like this, which is programmable:

http://www.pleasanthillgrain.c…..oofer.aspx

I just think it would earn its keep better, as a multi-purpose appliance. 

Have you tried freecycle?  Lots of kitchen appliances show up there.

Don’t worry about the plastic material, it’s sturdy enough to last for ever. I believe that electronic part will start malfunctioning before the plastic wears out.

I believe that Cuisinart is one of the best brands when it comes to yogurt makers.