Need press & mold tips

[Plutarch_90]

I’ve been making soft cheese at home for a while and now I want to try making harder cheese like cheddar. I’m thinking about getting a real cheese press and some better molds.

I’m not sure how much weight I should use for firm cheese. and I wonder if plastic or metal molds change how the cheese feels. Also, does anyone have tips to help the cheese keep a nice shape and not come out uneven? Thanks a lot!

 

[littl3bun]

I’ve been making soft cheese at home for a while and now I want to try making harder cheese like cheddar. I’m thinking about getting a real cheese press and some better molds.

I’m not sure how much weight I should use for firm cheese. and I wonder if plastic or metal molds change how the cheese feels. Also, does anyone have tips to help the cheese keep a nice shape and not come out uneven? Thanks a lot!

For cheddar, you usually need about 20 to 50 pounds of weight, depending on how much cheese you're making and how long you press it. Metal molds hold the shape better, while plastic ones can bend a little. Are you pressing in a warm room or a cooler place? That can change how the cheese sets.

 

[SweetAndSour]

@Plutarch_90 The material of the mold mostly affects temperature. Stainless steel cools the cheese faster (which can slow knitting), while food grade plastic/polypropylene is usually preferred for home use because it’s durable, easy to clean, and holds temperature better