Joyoung Soy Milk Maker & Brewing Machine Review: The Ultimate Chinese Kitchen Appliance

Introduction

Joyoung (九阳) is synonymous with soy milk makers in China. The company essentially created the category in 1994 and has sold over 100 million units since. Their lineup has evolved from single-function soy milk makers to multi-functional brewing machines that make soy milk, rice paste, juices, soups, and even clean themselves.

The most popular current models are the Joyoung DJ13U-D81S (¥399, flagship), the Joyoung D561 (¥599, multi-cooker), and the Joyoung DJ13B-D08 (¥199, budget). With 500,000+ reviews on JD.com combined and 97-99% positive rates, Joyoung dominates the soy milk maker category.

Specifications

Model	DJ13U-D81S	D561 (Multi)	DJ13B-D08	D120 (Pro)
Price	¥399	¥599	¥199	¥1,299
Capacity	1,000-1,300ml	800-1,700ml	800-1,000ml	1,000-1,500ml
Functions	Soy milk, rice paste, juice, soup, cleaning	12 functions + steam	Basic soy milk + rice paste	8 functions + smart app
Grinding	Precision 1200W	3-speed adjustable	1000W single	Variable speed 1500W
Filter	Fine mesh filter cup	Built-in filter	Standard filter	Self-cleaning filter
Smart Features	None	Timer, keep warm	None	App control + recipes
Material	304 stainless + Tritan	304 stainless	304 stainless	316L stainless
Cleaning	Automatic cleaning	Automatic cleaning	Manual	Self-cleaning + sterilization
Noise	~65dB	~70dB	~75dB	~60dB

Design and Build

DJ13U-D81S

The D81S is Joyoung’s current bestseller. It has a modern, compact design with a transparent Tritan upper body (BPA-free) showing the grinding chamber. The base is a 304 stainless steel heating element. The control panel uses touch capacitive buttons with 8 pre-set programs and a “rich flavor” setting.

The dedicated cleaning mode heats water and spins the blades to self-clean — a simple wipe-down after cleaning is usually enough. The detachable filter cup makes pulp separation easy.

D561 Multi-Function

The D561 is the do-everything model — 12 functions including soy milk, rice paste, soup, porridge, steaming, boiling, and slow cooking. It’s essentially a multi-cooker that excels at soy milk. The larger 1.7L capacity makes it suitable for families. The lid has a steam vent and pressure relief for safety.

Performance

The D81S makes smooth soy milk in 25 minutes (including 5 minutes of soaking). The beans are ground to a fine texture — no graininess in the finished product. The 1200W motor delivers consistent grinding power. The “rich flavor” mode extends the cooking time by 5 minutes for thicker, more aromatic soy milk.

Compared to store-bought soy milk, the Joyoung machines produce noticeably fresher, richer soy milk with no preservatives or additives. The flavor difference is significant — homemade soy milk has a nuttier, creamier taste.

The automatic cleaning function on the D81S uses 85°C water to sanitize the grinding chamber. For the D561, the cleaning is less thorough — some pulp residue remains in tight corners.

“D81S用了三年了，几乎每周打三次豆浆。打出来很细腻，不用过滤直接喝。自清洗功能很实用，打完加点水按清洗键就干净了。399的价格用了三年不亏。” — JD.com 沈** ★★★★★* “Used the D81S for three years — makes soy milk about three times a week. The result is very fine — drinkable without filtering. The self-cleaning function is practical — add water and press clean. ¥399 for three years is good value.”

“D561功能太多了，除了豆浆还能炖汤煮粥蒸东西。容量大，一家四口够用。但清洗比D81S麻烦，有些死角要手刷。建议买D81S就够用，D561适合需要多功能的人。” — 小红书 美食达人苏苏 *“The D561 has so many functions — besides soy milk, it can steam soup, porridge, and other dishes. Large capacity, enough for a family of four. But cleaning is more troublesome than the D81S — some blind spots need scrubbing. Recommend the D81S for soy milk only; D561 for multi-function users.”

What Chinese Users Say

Aggregated Ratings: 4.6/5 ★ (500,000+ reviews, 98% positive)

Quote 1 — 陈* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (DJ13U-D81S)** “打出来的豆浆真的很细腻，比外面卖的浓稠很多。无添加吃着放心。自清洁功能省了不少事。推荐买D81S，性价比最高，功能够用不花哨。” 💡 “The soy milk is genuinely smooth — much richer than store-bought. No additives, so it’s safe. Self-cleaning saves a lot of work. Recommend the D81S — best value, enough features without being gimmicky.”

Quote 2 — 林* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (D561)** “买给爸妈的，他们喜欢早上喝豆浆，中午用蒸笼蒸包子，晚上煮粥。一机多用不占厨房空间。就是操作面板触摸不太灵敏，老人用有点费劲。” 💡 “Bought for my parents. They make soy milk in the morning, steam buns at noon, and cook porridge at night. One machine for multiple uses saves kitchen space. But the touch panel isn’t very responsive — elderly users find it challenging.”

Quote 3 — 叶* ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (DJ13B-D08)** “199的入门款足够用了，豆浆打出来口感不错。没有自动清洗功能是唯一的遗憾，需要手洗刀头。预算有限的话入门款很值。” 💡 “The ¥199 entry model is sufficient — soy milk flavor is good. The only drawback is no self-cleaning — need to hand-wash the blades. For budget-conscious buyers, the entry model is great value.”

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Makes fresh, preservative-free soy milk in 25 minutes
2. Self-cleaning on mid-range and premium models
3. Large capacity up to 1.7L (D561)
4. 304/316L stainless steel for food safety
5. Automatic shutoff and keep-warm function
6. Multi-function models replace multiple appliances
7. Proven reliability — 100M+ units sold

Cons

1. Noisy during grinding phase (65-75dB)
2. Self-cleaning doesn’t fully replace hand washing
3. Touch controls can be unresponsive
4. Large footprint on counter
5. Only makes hot batches (no cold brew option)

vs Competitors

Feature	Joyoung D81S	Midea Soy Maker	Bear Soy Maker	Supor Soy Maker
Price	¥399	¥299	¥249	¥349
Motor	1,200W precision	900W	800W	1,000W
Self-Cleaning	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Filter	Fine mesh cup	Standard	Standard	Fine mesh
BPA Free	✅ Tritan	✅	❌ PP	✅
Brand Heritage	#1 (since 1994)	Strong	Growing	Strong

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-soaked beans vs dry beans?

The D81S works with dry beans directly — no pre-soaking needed. The machine heats water internally to optimal soaking temperature and grinds sequentially. For the budget D08 model, pre-soaking 6-8 hours is recommended for best results.

Q2: How long do Joyoung machines typically last?

Average lifespan is 5-8 years with regular use. The motor and heating element are the most common failure points. Joyoung offers 2-year warranty on all models. Replacement blades and cups are widely available at ¥29-¥59.

Q3: Can I make other nut milks (almond, cashew, oat)?

Yes. Any program that grinds and heats works for nut milks. The D81S’s soy milk program works for: almond milk, cashew milk, peanut milk, walnut milk, and oat milk. Nut milks require less cooking time — some users stop the machine early for raw nut milks.

Q4: How do I clean the machine properly?

After the automatic cleaning cycle (1 minute with hot water), disassemble the filter cup and rinse. Once a week, use the included cleaning brush on the heating element and blade assembly. Baking soda and vinegar cleaning is recommended every 2 months for hard water scale.

Q5: Is the soy milk comparable to Japanese brands?

Yes. Japanese soy milk makers (like the SoyaJoy G5 at ¥699) produce similar results. The Joyoung grinds more finely but the Japanese models are quieter. At half the price, Joyoung offers better value unless noise is your primary concern.

Who Should Buy / Who Should Skip

✅ Buy Joyoung: You drink soy milk regularly (2+ times per week). You want fresh, additive-free soy milk. You appreciate a specialized appliance that does one thing excellently.

❌ Skip: You rarely drink soy milk. You have limited counter space. Noise sensitivity (soy milk makers are loud during grinding). You prefer store-bought convenience.

Buying Advice

Best Value — DJ13U-D81S at ¥399: The sweet spot. Self-cleaning, fine grinding, proper capacity. The most popular model for a reason.

Budget Entry — DJ13B-D08 at ¥199: Excellent for first-time buyers. No self-cleaning but produces the same quality soy milk.

Multi-Function — D561 at ¥599: For those who want a multi-cooker that also makes excellent soy milk. Reduces appliance count.

Verdict

Joyoung remains the undisputed king of soy milk makers. The DJ13U-D81S offers the best balance of performance, features, and price — producing fresh, smooth soy milk in 25 minutes with minimal cleanup. For Chinese households or anyone wanting fresh plant-based milk, Joyoung is the no-brainer choice.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)

• Soy Milk Quality: 10/10
• Ease of Use: 8/10
• Cleaning: 8/10
• Build Quality: 9/10
• Value: 9/10