How to make a Cheese Press at Home!

Embarking on the cheesemaking journey is a rewarding endeavour, and for those who crave an extra touch of hands-on craftsmanship, creating your own cheese press adds an extra layer of artisanal charm. We'll guide you through how you can construct a simple yet effective cheese press using easy-to-find materials. Unleash your creativity and elevate your cheesemaking experience by crafting a personalized press that suits your kitchen and your unique culinary aspirations.

Step One Gathering Supplies:

Wooden Base and Topper: Select a sturdy wooden board as the base of your press. Ensure it's large enough to accommodate your cheese mold. You will need at least 15"X15" for the containers that come in our cheddar kit. 

Vertical Supports: Use at least 4 bolts, and wing nuts to help connect your Base to the topper. These screens need to be long enough to fit your mold. Ensure you use a bolt that is at least 15" long and thick enough to support your weight shifting. These will hold the weight and press the cheese. You can use any nut to accompany your bolts but wing nuts or butterfly screws make it easiest to hand tighten. 

Weights: You can use heavy books, water jugs, or anything with substantial mass. You will need 15-25lbs for pressing your cheddar cheese.

Design 

Step 1: Prepare. Drill holes in your base and topper in all 4 corners (Or more if you are adding extra bolts). Make sure you give at least 1" away from the edge to ensure even support when pressing. 

Step 2: Assemble. Test out the fit of your mold in your press as you add the bolts to attach the base and topper. Consider placing it into a sink or tray when pressing to reduce mess as the whey is released. 

Step 3: Add your weights! Once your base press is put together, make your cheese and add your weights to the top. Use the nuts to tighten the topper to the same height as the weights drop it to. As the pressing time continues you may find more room under the screw, tighten them as necessary. If you would like a drier cheddar press it for longer with more weight if you are looking for a creamier cheddar press it for less time with a lower weight. 

Congratulations! You've successfully crafted a simple cheddar press at home. Experiment with different weights and pressing times to achieve the desired texture and flavor in your homemade cheddar. Get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor as you savor the taste of cheese crafted with your own hands.