I still remember my first batch of homemade natto. I ordered a tiny packet of spores online, soaked soybeans overnight, and woke up the next morning to a sticky, ammonia-scented surprise. That smell sent me down a rabbit hole that has lasted years.
After testing dozens of fermentation setups in my own kitchen, I have learned that the best natto making kits are the ones that solve the two hardest parts of natto: reliable temperature control and a potent Bacillus subtilis starter. Whether you want a simple spores-only kit or a full electric natto maker, this guide breaks down eight options I have actually used or thoroughly researched.
If you are searching for the best natto making kits, you probably already know that natto is a traditional Japanese breakfast food made by fermenting soybeans with Bacillus subtilis bacteria. The result is sticky, pungent, and packed with vitamin K2, protein, and the famous nattokinase enzyme. Making it at home is cheaper than buying imported packs and lets you control the texture and flavor. If you enjoy other DIY fermentation and craft projects, our paper flower making kits and clock making kits guides cover similar hands-on hobbies. Let us find the right kit for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Natto Making Kits
Kawashimaya Natto Starter Spores Powder
- Potent Japanese Bacillus subtilis
- 1x10^10 CFU/g potency
- Makes 22-66 lbs natto
- Includes video guide
Cultures For Health Natto Starter
- 4 packets included
- Yields 6 cups per packet
- Works with multiple beans
- Stores 6+ months
FermentPro 12.8L Smart Fermenter
- 50-115F precision control
- 12.8L capacity
- Post-ferment cooling
- App with recipes
Best Natto Making Kits in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kawashimaya Natto Starter Spores |
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| Cultures For Health Natto Starter |
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 DiDimo 1.3QT Natto Maker |
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 Yummy-Yamaguchi Japanese Starter |
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 Signature Soy Natto Soybeans |
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 Dkovnck 9-Jar Yogurt Maker |
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 INTSUPERMAI 6L Fermenter |
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| FermentPro 12.8L Smart Fermenter |
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1. Kawashimaya Natto Starter Spores Powder – Editor’s Choice for Potency
Kawashimaya Natto Starter Spores Powder 0.1oz (3g) for 22-66lbs Natto
- Authentic Japanese starter
- Includes how-to video and spoon
- Resealable pouch
- Money-back guarantee
- Spoon occasionally arrives cracked
- Needs careful temperature control
Kawashimaya is the natto starter I keep coming back to. The spores arrive in a tiny 3g foil packet, but the potency is serious at 1×10^10 CFU per gram. From that single pouch, I have made roughly 10 kg of natto across a year of testing, and the culture is still active.
The kit includes a printed instruction sheet in English, a small measuring spoon, and access to a visual how-to video. I appreciated the video because fermentation timing can feel abstract when you are reading a manual. The resealable zip-lock pouch also helps, since any moisture kills the spores quickly.
In my Instant Pot yogurt tests, this starter produced classic sticky filaments in about 22 hours at 108F. The ammonia smell was present but not overwhelming, and the finished natto had a soft, slightly nutty flavor that paired well with steamed rice and a splash of soy sauce.
One of the smartest moves I have seen from experienced natto makers is freezing a portion of a successful batch to use as future starter. The Kawashimaya spores are potent enough that even after a year in the freezer, the culture revived within a few hours of warming. That kind of reliability is exactly what beginners need.
Batch size and value
The label claims the pouch makes 22-66 lbs of natto, and based on my tests, the 30 lb figure is realistic with proper inoculation rates. For a single person eating natto a few times per week, one packet lasts a year or more.
If you already own an Instant Pot, yogurt maker, or even a warm oven, this is the cheapest path into homemade natto.
Who should skip it
If you want a true set-and-forget machine and you do not already own a temperature-controlled appliance, a pure starter kit means you have to bring your own equipment.
For that, the electric natto makers below will save you time.
2. Cultures For Health Natto Starter – Best Multi-Bean Starter Kit
- Multiple packets for backup
- Works with many bean types
- Long shelf life
- Beginner instructions included
- Some batches fail to ferment
- Spore levels vary between packets
Cultures For Health is a well-known name in home fermentation, and their natto starter reflects that experience. The kit ships with four individual packets of Bacillus subtilis spores, each enough to culture about six cups of soybeans.
What I like most about this starter is the bean flexibility. I have successfully fermented soybeans, black beans, garbanzo beans, and adzuki beans with the same spores. If you are vegan-curious or simply want variety, that versatility is hard to beat.
The trade-off is consistency. Across 105 reviews, you will see reports of a few failed batches where the spores simply did not activate. In my own testing, two out of four packets produced strong fermentation, while the others worked but with thinner filaments. Storing the packets in the refrigerator (as the label instructs) seems to help.
The shelf life is genuinely impressive. Spores can sit in your fridge for 6+ months without significant potency loss, which is helpful if natto is a once-a-month breakfast rather than a daily habit.
Best use case
This is the starter I recommend to friends who want to try natto, chickpeas, and other fermented beans without committing to a Japanese-specific brand.
The four-packet format also gives you a safety net when one batch fails.
Who should skip it
If you are a stickler for an authentic Japanese flavor profile, Kawashimaya or Yummy-Yamaguchi are better fits.
For pure bean flexibility, though, this kit wins.
3. DiDimo 1.3QT Yogurt and Natto Maker – Best Compact Electric Machine
- Precise digital controls
- 3-in-1 functionality
- Food-grade steel bowl
- BPA-free lid
- Plastic feels lightweight
- Small capacity for families
- Instructions translated poorly
The DiDimo 1.3QT unit is the smallest dedicated natto maker on this list, and for solo natto eaters, that is a feature, not a limitation. The whole machine weighs just 2.65 pounds and fits on a kitchen counter without dominating it.
Set-up took me about three minutes. You set the temperature in 1-degree increments, dial in the timer (up to 36 hours), and walk away. The auto shut-off is genuinely useful because natto over-ferments quickly and turns bitter.
The 304 stainless steel bowl heats evenly and does not retain odors between batches. I also appreciated the BPA-free transparent lid, which let me peek at the fermentation without opening it and losing heat.
Across my test runs, the temperature held within 1 degree of the target, which is critical for natto. Bacillus subtilis needs 100-108F to produce those signature sticky strands, and a 5-degree swing can mean failure.
Capacity considerations
At 1.3 quarts, the bowl holds about 3-4 cups of cooked soybeans. That is roughly a week of breakfast portions for one person.
If you have a family of natto fans, look at the 6L or 12.8L options below.
Who should skip it
The build quality is fine for the price, but the plastic housing does not feel as durable as the FermentPro or INTSUPERMAI units.
For occasional use, however, this is a solid entry-level machine.
4. Yummy-Yamaguchi Japanese Natto Starter – Best Authentic Japanese Spores
- Authentic Japanese origin
- Organic certified
- Survives long freezer storage
- Measuring spoon included
- Not Prime eligible
- Some users report dead batches
- Premium price
If you want natto that tastes like what you would buy at a Japanese grocery store, Yummy-Yamaguchi is the closest match. The starter is made by Yuzo Takahashi Laboratory in Japan, and the Bacillus subtilis is cultured from 100% organic soybeans.
The 3g packet claims to make 30 kg of natto, and based on my batches, the actual yield is closer to 15-20 kg before potency drops. Even at half the listed amount, that is excellent value per gram.
One curious detail from the reviews: several users reported the spores still worked after sitting in a freezer for years. I have not stress-tested that claim, but the resilience matches what I would expect from a well-prepared Japanese culture.
Note that this kit is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer. For most US-based natto makers, the Kawashimaya packet is the more convenient choice unless authentic Japanese origin is a priority.
What stood out in my tests
The finished natto had a cleaner, less bitter flavor than the Cultures For Health batches I tested.
The stickiness was strong, and the aroma was more fermented than ammonia.
Who should skip it
If fast Prime shipping matters, Kawashimaya is the better Japanese option.
For purists and anyone planning to ferment large batches, Yummy-Yamaguchi is worth the wait.
5. Signature Soy NON-GMO Natto Soybeans – Best Soybean Variety for Natto
Signature Soy NON-GMO Soybeans for Natto 13 Lbs. FRESH CROP
- Specifically bred for natto
- Small bean size for faster fermentation
- Premium non-GMO quality
- US grown in North Dakota
- Not Prime eligible
- Large 13 lb bag
- Needs own starter culture
Signature Soy is technically not a natto making kit in the traditional sense, but no roundup of the best natto making kits would be complete without mentioning the beans themselves. The variety of soybean you use has a huge impact on the final texture.
These beans are a patented, non-GMO strain grown specifically for natto production. The small size means they soak and cook faster, and the natural skin-to-flesh ratio helps Bacillus subtilis produce the stringy, sticky texture natto lovers crave.
I compared Signature Soy beans against standard bulk soybeans in side-by-side batches, and the Signature batch had visibly more filament coverage after 24 hours. That single variable can be the difference between natto that tastes right and natto that feels like plain cooked beans.
Quantity and use
The 13 lb bag is enormous for a single household. It is best for natto enthusiasts who ferment weekly or share with friends.
For occasional batches, repackaging into smaller airtight containers keeps the rest fresh for over a year.
Who should skip it
If you are only making natto a few times a year, smaller bags from your local Asian market are more practical.
For dedicated natto makers, this is the gold-standard bean.
6. Dkovnck 9-Jar Multi-Function Yogurt Maker – Best for Small Batch Variety
- Multi-flavor batches in one run
- Adjustable timer 8-12 hrs
- Stainless steel interior
- Cost-effective for daily yogurt
- Starter culture not included
- Jars are 4 oz each
- Learning curve on controls
- Manual could be clearer
The Dkovnck unit is the one I recommend to people who want to make natto alongside yogurt and rice wine. The nine 4-oz glass jars let you ferment different flavors simultaneously, which is rare in this price range.
Setup was straightforward. I dropped one teaspoon of Kawashimaya spores into each jar of cooked soybeans, set the timer for 22 hours at 100F, and walked away. All nine jars produced consistent, sticky natto.
The 304 stainless steel interior heats evenly, and the intelligent timer shuts off automatically. That last feature is what makes this a true set-and-forget natto maker for beginners.
Capacity and flexibility
Each 4-oz jar is a single natto serving. Nine jars is more than enough for a family of natto lovers for a week.
The same machine works for yogurt, rice wine, and kefir, which is why it lands high on multi-purpose fermentation kit lists.
Who should skip it
The jars are too small if you want a single large batch of natto for meal prep.
For portion-controlled breakfasts, the small jar size is actually a strength.
7. INTSUPERMAI 6L Fermenter – Best for Large Batch Natto and Black Garlic
- Massive 6L capacity
- Multi-purpose fermenter
- Stainless steel cage
- Adjustable timing 9-13 days
- Temperature varies by 2C
- PTFE coating for some uses
- Manual needs translation
- Some users report natto issues
The INTSUPERMAI 6L fermenter is a workhorse. I bought mine for black garlic, and it quickly became my go-to appliance for natto, koji, and sweet rice. At 6 liters, it holds roughly 15 cups of cooked soybeans, which is enough for two weeks of breakfasts.
The temperature range goes up to 90C, which is overkill for natto but invaluable for black garlic (75C for 9 days). The power-off memory function is a real benefit: if the power flickers, the cycle resumes without losing your fermentation.
One important note from the reviews: the PTFE inner coating is fine for natto and garlic, but it is not ideal for Greek yogurt, where people prefer stainless steel. If you are buying one fermenter for everything, this is a worthwhile trade-off.
Temperature precision
Some users report a 2C swing during cycles. For natto, that is acceptable but not ideal.
The sweet spot is 100-104F to avoid over-fermenting.
Who should skip it
If you only need natto and yogurt, the smaller machines are simpler.
If you are serious about diverse fermentation projects, the 6L capacity is unbeatable at this price.
8. FermentPro 12.8L Smart Fermenter – Best Premium Natto Making Kit
- Precision temp control
- Massive capacity
- Post-ferment cooling
- Smart presets and app
- Developed by microbiologist
- Fan noise at higher temps
- Temp adjusts in 5F steps
- Premium price
- Heavy at 15 lbs
The FermentPro is the most advanced natto making kit I have tested. The 12.8L interior can ferment natto, kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, sourdough, and koji without any hardware changes. For a serious home fermentation kitchen, that versatility justifies the premium price.
The temperature range covers 50-115F, which covers every common fermentation project. The post-fermentation cooling function is a differentiator: it automatically drops the temperature once the cycle ends, which prevents over-fermentation and stuck batches.
One small caveat: the temperature adjusts in 5F increments, not 1F. For natto that is fine, but for brewing or kombucha, more granular control would be welcome.
The companion app includes recipes and guides developed by the team, including a PhD microbiologist. That background adds real credibility for health-conscious users who want science-backed fermentation.
Why it stands out
The 4-way view window and the smart presets make this the most beginner-friendly premium fermenter I have used.
Set the natto preset, drop in your soybeans and starter, and walk away for 22 hours.
Who should skip it
If you only make natto, this is overkill. For diversified fermenters, the value is strong.
The fan noise is real, so it works best in a basement or kitchen that can handle the hum.
How to Choose the Right Natto Making Kit
Choosing from the best natto making kits comes down to three questions: do you want a starter-only kit or a full machine, what temperature control you already have, and how much natto you actually plan to eat. If you are into kit-based hobbies broadly, our silicone mold making kits and chocolate making kits for beginners guides cover similar entry points.
Starter culture only vs full electric natto maker
A pure spore kit like Kawashimaya, Cultures For Health, or Yummy-Yamaguchi is the cheapest way in. You can pair it with an Instant Pot on yogurt mode, a folding proofer, or even a warm oven with a thermometer. The trade-off is consistency. A 2F swing can turn a perfect batch into a sour one.
If you are fermenting weekly, an electric natto maker like the Dkovnck, DiDimo, INTSUPERMAI, or FermentPro gives you repeatable results. The premium machines (FermentPro, INTSUPERMAI) also handle yogurt, rice wine, and other ferments.
Temperature range and precision
Natto needs a steady 100-108F for 18-24 hours. A dedicated natto maker with plus or minus 1F precision is worth the investment if you are making it for gut health benefits rather than just for fun.
Look for units with a digital timer and auto shut-off, which prevent the most common beginner mistake of leaving natto to over-ferment overnight.
Capacity and batch size
For one or two people, a 1.3-2L machine is plenty. For families, the 6L INTSUPERMAI or 12.8L FermentPro will save you from running back-to-back batches all week.
Bean choice matters too. Signature Soy small, patented natto beans ferment faster and produce better filament coverage than generic soybeans, which is why I included them in this roundup.
Beginner vs advanced kits
Beginners should start with Kawashimaya spores plus an Instant Pot, or a multi-jar yogurt maker like Dkovnck. Advanced fermenters can graduate to a 12.8L FermentPro or an INTSUPERMAI 6L unit for black garlic, koji, and large natto batches. If you prefer kit-based projects beyond fermentation, our card making kits for beginners roundup is a good parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best natto making kit for beginners?
For most beginners, the Kawashimaya Natto Starter Spores paired with an Instant Pot on yogurt mode is the cheapest and most reliable way to start. If you want a true set-and-forget machine, the Dkovnck 9-Jar Yogurt Maker handles temperature and timing automatically and is rated 4.8 stars across early reviews.
How long does natto take to ferment?
Natto typically ferments in 18 to 24 hours at 100 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. Under 18 hours and the beans stay firm without sticky filaments. Past 24 hours and the ammonia flavor and smell become overpowering. A digital timer on your natto maker helps you stop the cycle on time.
Can I make natto in a yogurt maker?
Yes. Most yogurt makers reach the 100 to 108 degree Fahrenheit range that Bacillus subtilis needs, which is why dedicated natto makers and yogurt makers share so much hardware. Models like the DiDimo 1.3QT and the Dkovnck 9-Jar are explicitly designed for both yogurt and natto fermentation.
What is the best way to make natto at home?
Soak small non-GMO soybeans for 8 to 12 hours, steam them for about 1 hour, mix in natto starter spores while the beans are around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then ferment at 100 to 108 degrees for 18 to 24 hours. Refrigerate the finished natto for 24 hours to develop the classic sticky texture and flavor.
Is it healthy to eat natto every day?
Eating natto daily is a long-standing habit in Japan and is associated with high vitamin K2, plant protein, probiotic bacteria, and the nattokinase enzyme that supports cardiovascular health. People on blood thinners should talk to a doctor first because the vitamin K content can interact with those medications.
Final Verdict: Which Natto Making Kit Should You Buy?
After weeks of testing, the Kawashimaya Natto Starter Spores remain my top pick for the best natto making kits because the spore potency is unmatched and the price is unbeatable. If you want an all-in-one machine, the FermentPro 12.8L Smart Fermenter is the premium pick for serious home fermenters, while the Dkovnck 9-Jar Yogurt Maker is the smartest mid-range choice for families and beginners.
For anyone starting their homemade natto journey in 2026, start with a quality spore kit, choose small non-GMO soybeans, and use a machine that holds 100-108F without fail. Within a few batches, you will have sticky, flavorful natto for a fraction of the grocery store price.