Dutch Style Cheese Press

Hubby encouraged me to splurge

I had considered buying this press for years, but didn't feel I could justify the price. Wish I had just bought it right away. The directions could be more thorough, but eventually I figured out how to work it. One tip: I slide a thin metal crochet hook through the press arm holes when I lift it up over the top cross brace to keep it out of the way when I flip the cheese. Otherwise, you need three arms to get that done. (This might not make sense until you actually use the press.) I ordered a stainless drain pan to go with this, not realizing that it came with one, but have found the extra pan very handy for flipping molds. I use a handled pail and add water to get the correct press weight...water weighs about 8 pounds to the gallon. This is much easier than trying to dangle dumb bell weights from the arm.

Dutch Style Cheese Press

After buying and using both types of presses I can honestly say that the dutch style is by far superior, don't get me wrong the spring type works and I used it for a year before ordering the Dutch style. My reasons for this are when using the spring type you must keep track of the pressure because as the cheese compresses it will lose pressure and must be adjusted several times to maintain correct pressure. But with the Dutch style you hang the weight and forget it, second reason is the locks on the spring type can slip if the rods are not kept clean with rubbing alcohol at least once a month if your like me and use your press several times a week. The only thing you need to do with the Dutch style is oil the wood from time to time, so I find the Dutch style much more user friendly. Just a side note, before I bought my press I looked at several different presses and even tho the price was higher I purchased mine from New England Cheesemaking Supply as the quality was far superior, you get what you pay for. Tim

Best tool I've ever bought!!!

It works flawless!! First thing I did after unpacking was to apply mineral oil to all of the wood surfaces! It seals the grains and makes it easy to clean! I've made 12 blocks of cheddar with it so far and 100% satisfied!