I like this machine I purchased. It replaced an appliance I wasn't using so no impact on counter space. This last batch was a Greek one and it came out excellent.I've always made yogurt without a machine, same method and temps as mentioned above, except I don't simmer to reduce the milk. I think that method is quite common in Europe. I know that in India milk is often reduced by simmering for a variety of dishes and foods to slightly thicken and make richer. Similar in some ways to the way clotted cream is made by simmering full cream milk.
I have a couple of lidded glass jars I always use and I usually let them sit in a warm spot overnight sometimes a little longer to set the yogurt. A machine might be really handy.
How are you liking using this one?
I've got all kinds of leftover whey to bake with too so that's a plus with it being winter. No excuse to not bake bread! Might mix up a long ferment dough for some plain white bread like Morning Glory was mentioning.