Essential Cheese Making Equipment and Ingredients for Beginners - Part 1

Walking into a cheese making supply store can feel overwhelming – shelves lined with specialized molds, presses that look like medieval torture devices, and ingredients with names that sound more like chemistry experiments than food. Here's the truth that might surprise you: the ancient art of cheese making began with nothing more than milk, a container, and something acidic. While modern equipment certainly makes the process easier and more consistent, you can create delicious homemade cheese with items you probably already own. In fact, I made my first batch of ricotta using a pasta pot, a wooden spoon, and a clean dish towel – the same basic tools our ancestors used thousands of years ago. This chapter will guide you through exactly what you need (and what you don't) to begin your cheese making journey without breaking the bank or cluttering your kitchen with unnecessary gadgets. ### Basic Equipment You Already Have in Your Kitchen The foundation of home cheese making lies in equipment so common that you've likely used it for dinner this week. Your largest pot – ideally holding at least a gallon – becomes your cheese vat. Stainless steel works best because it heats evenly and doesn't react with acids, but enamel-coated or non-reactive pots work well too. That heavy-bottomed soup pot gathering dust in your cabinet? Perfect for cheese making. The thick bottom prevents scorching, crucial when heating milk slowly and maintaining specific temperatures. Your colander transforms into a cheese draining system. While specialized cheese molds create picture-perfect wheels, a standard colander lined with cheesecloth produces equally delicious results. The holes allow whey to escape while supporting the delicate curds. For firmer cheeses, you can even use a colander as a makeshift press by placing a plate on top and adding weight. Long-handled spoons – wooden or stainless steel – become your stirring implements. Their length keeps your hands away from hot milk while allowing gentle stirring that won't break delicate curds. That slotted spoon you use for pasta? It's ideal for scooping curds from whey. A ladle helps transfer curds gently, preserving their structure for better texture in your finished cheese. Kitchen thermometers might be the most critical tool you already own. While specialized dairy thermometers exist, any accurate kitchen thermometer works. Digital instant-read thermometers offer precision, but even a simple candy thermometer suffices. Temperature control separates good cheese from great cheese, making this humble tool indispensable. A long knife – at least 8 inches – serves as your curd cutter. Professional cheese makers use curd harps with multiple wires, but a simple chef's knife, held vertically and drawn through the curd, creates perfectly adequate cuts. Some cheese makers even use a long offset spatula or a thin cake frosting knife with excellent results. Measuring cups and spoons maintain consistency between batches. While experienced cheese makers often work by feel, beginners benefit from precise measurements. Standard kitchen measuring tools work perfectly for adding salt, calcium chloride, or citric acid. For liquid rennet, a medicine dropper or small syringe (available at pharmacies) provides more accuracy than spoons. ### Must-Have Specialty Items That Won't Break the Bank While basic kitchen equipment handles most cheese making tasks, a few inexpensive specialty items significantly improve your results and expand your cheese making possibilities. These investments, typically under $50 total, transform frustrating experiences into consistent successes. Cheesecloth tops the list of essential purchases. Despite its name, the cheesecloth sold in hardware stores often proves too loosely woven for cheese making. Butter muslin, a tighter-weave cloth, works better for most cheeses. Alternatively, ultra-fine cheesecloth (90-grade) provides excellent drainage while retaining small curds. A yard of butter muslin costs about $5 and lasts through dozens of uses with proper care. Some cheese makers prefer reusable alternatives like nut milk bags or Greek yogurt strainers, which offer convenience and environmental benefits. Calcium chloride solves one of the most common beginner frustrations: weak curds from store-bought milk. Pasteurization damages calcium in milk, leading to soft, fragile curds that break apart during stirring. A small bottle of calcium chloride (about $5) restores proper curd formation. Just 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of milk makes a dramatic difference. Buy it in liquid form for easier measuring and longer shelf life. Cheese salt might seem like an unnecessary expense when you have table salt in your pantry, but the difference is significant. Cheese salt lacks iodine and anti-caking agents that can inhibit culture growth and create off-flavors. Flaked salt dissolves quickly on cheese surfaces, while fine-grain salt works well mixed into curds. A pound costs about $3 and lasts months for most home cheese makers. A dedicated cheese making notebook becomes invaluable as you progress. While not technically equipment, this $5 investment pays dividends. Record milk sources, temperatures, timing, and results. Note environmental factors like kitchen temperature and humidity. These records help troubleshoot problems and recreate successes. Many cheese makers consider their notebooks their most valuable tool. pH strips or a digital pH meter elevate your cheese making from guesswork to science. While not essential for basic cheeses, understanding pH helps diagnose problems and achieve consistency. Paper strips cost about $10 for 100 tests, while basic digital meters start around $20. As you advance to more complex cheeses, pH measurement becomes increasingly valuable. Disposable gloves protect both you and your cheese. When handling curds directly, especially for stretched cheeses like mozzarella, clean hands are essential. Powder-free nitrile or vinyl gloves prevent contamination while protecting your hands from hot curds. A box of 100 costs less than $10 and lasts months. ### Understanding Thermometers: Your Most Important Tool Temperature control makes or breaks cheese, making your thermometer the most critical tool in your arsenal. Understanding how to choose, use, and care for thermometers directly impacts your cheese making success. While any thermometer can work, certain features make cheese making easier and more consistent. Digital instant-read thermometers offer the best combination of accuracy, speed, and convenience. Look for models reading to 0.1°F precision with accuracy within ±1°F. Response time matters when making temperature-sensitive cheeses like mozzarella – aim for readings within 3-5 seconds. Waterproof models survive accidental submersion and allow thorough cleaning. Expect to spend $15-30 for a quality digital thermometer that will last years. Analog dial thermometers provide reliable service at lower cost. Choose models with clear markings every 2°F and a range from at least 0-220°F (0-104°C). The stem should be long enough to reach the center of your milk without touching the pot bottom. Dial thermometers work well clipped to pot sides for continuous monitoring. Calibrate monthly by checking ice water (32°F/0°C) and boiling water (212°F/100°C at sea level). Infrared thermometers seem convenient but often disappoint cheese makers. They measure surface temperature only, while cheese making requires knowing the temperature throughout the milk. Surface readings can vary by 10°F or more from internal temperature, especially during heating. Save infrared thermometers for checking cheese surface temperatures during aging. Proper thermometer use involves more than simply sticking it in milk. Always stir before reading to eliminate hot spots and cold zones. Position the sensing area (bulb on analog, tip on digital) in the milk's center, away from pot sides and bottom. For accurate readings in shallow milk, tilt the pot slightly to create depth. Wait for readings to stabilize – rushing leads to errors. Calibration ensures accuracy over time. Check your thermometer monthly using ice water and boiling water references. For ice water, fill a glass with crushed ice, add water to the top, stir, and wait 30 seconds. The reading should be 32°F (0°C). For boiling water, account for altitude – water boils at lower temperatures above sea level. Many digital thermometers allow calibration adjustment; analog models might need professional adjustment or replacement if significantly off. Clean thermometers between uses to prevent contamination. Wash with hot, soapy water, then sanitize with alcohol or bleach solution. Digital thermometer probes often harbor milk residue where they meet the handle – pay special attention to this junction. Store thermometers protected from damage but easily accessible. Many cheese makers dedicate a thermometer solely to dairy use. ### Pots and Heating: Choosing the Right Vessel Your choice of pot significantly impacts heat distribution, temperature control, and ultimately cheese quality. While any large pot can work, understanding how different materials and constructions affect cheese making helps you make informed decisions and achieve better results. Stainless steel remains the gold standard for cheese making vessels. Its non-reactive surface won't interact with acids or cultures, preserving intended flavors. Quality stainless steel pots feature thick, multi-layer bottoms (often called tri-ply or encapsulated bases) that distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots that scorch milk. The weight indicates quality – heavier pots generally offer better heat distribution. A good 8-quart stainless steel pot suitable for cheese making costs $40-80 and lasts decades. Enamel-coated cast iron or steel provides another excellent option. The enamel surface is non-reactive, while the heavy construction offers superb heat retention. This stability helps maintain temperatures during long, slow heating processes. However, enamel can chip if handled roughly, potentially exposing reactive metal underneath. Inspect enamel pots regularly and retire them from cheese making if chips appear near the cooking surface. Aluminum pots, while excellent heat conductors, react with acids in cheese making. This reaction can create metallic off-flavors and discoloration. Hard-anodized aluminum resists acid reactions better but still isn't ideal for cheese making. If aluminum is your only option, limit use to low-acid cheeses and upgrade when possible. Size matters more than you might expect. Milk foams and expands when heated, especially with added cultures or when approaching boiling. Choose pots holding at least 25% more than your milk volume – a gallon of milk needs at least a 5-quart pot. Larger pots also make stirring easier without sloshing. Many cheese makers find 8-12 quart pots ideal for 1-2 gallon batches. Double boiler setups prevent scorching and provide gentle, even heating. You can create one by placing a smaller pot inside a larger one partially filled with water. This method works especially well for temperature-sensitive cheeses or when your stove struggles with low heat. Some cheese makers use slow cookers or sous vide circulators for precise temperature control, though these require recipe adjustments. Pot shape affects functionality. Wider pots allow easier curd cutting and stirring but may require more frequent stirring to prevent edge scorching. Taller, narrower pots maintain temperature better and reduce evaporation but make curd handling more challenging. Many cheese makers prefer pots with straight rather than sloped sides for easier curd cutting. ### Draining and Molding: From Colanders to Cheese Molds The transformation from wet curds to finished cheese depends heavily on proper draining and molding. While specialized equipment exists for every cheese type, creative use of common kitchen items produces excellent results for beginners. Understanding drainage principles helps you improvise successfully. Colanders serve as the workhorse of cheese draining. Metal colanders offer durability and easy cleaning, while plastic versions work well if they're heat-resistant. Size should match your batch size – overcrowding prevents proper drainage. The hole pattern matters: larger holes work for firm curds, while fine-mesh strainers better suit delicate varieties. Footed colanders that sit above the sink bottom allow better whey flow. Cheesecloth lining technique significantly impacts results. Single layers work for large-curd cheeses, while ricotta might need two or three layers. Drape cloth with several inches overhanging the colander edge. This excess allows you to gather corners and hang the bundle for enhanced drainage. Pre-wet cheesecloth prevents curds from sticking and ensures even drainage from the start. Improvised cheese molds showcase creativity. Food-safe plastic containers with holes punched in the bottom and sides work wonderfully. Berry baskets, thoroughly cleaned, create attractive patterns on cheese surfaces. Small tomato cans (both ends removed) make perfect individual cheese molds. Even disposable plastic cups with drainage holes serve for fresh cheeses. The key is ensuring adequate drainage while maintaining desired shape. Commercial cheese molds offer consistency and convenience. Basic basket molds cost $5-15 and create traditional rounded shapes with attractive surface patterns. Harder cheeses benefit from straight-sided molds that work with cheese presses. When purchasing molds, consider your favorite cheese styles and buy accordingly. One or two versatile molds satisfy most beginners' needs. Drainage setup affects cheese moisture content. Elevating colanders or molds allows free whey flow – a cooling rack over a sheet pan works perfectly. Room temperature impacts drainage speed: warmer environments promote faster whey expulsion. Some cheeses benefit from weighted drainage, achieved by placing a plate atop the curds and adding cans or water-filled jars. Start with light weight and increase gradually to avoid over-pressing. Cheese cloth alternatives deserve consideration. Ultra-fine nylon mesh bags, marketed for nut milk, offer reusability and easy cleaning. Professional-grade polyester drain cloths resist harboring bacteria better than cotton. Some cheese makers swear by clean linen tea towels for certain applications. Experiment to find what works best for your cheese making style and hygiene preferences. ### Cultures and Rennet: Where to Buy and How to Store Cultures and rennet transform milk into cheese, making their quality and handling crucial for success. Understanding these ingredients helps you source quality products, store them properly, and troubleshoot when things go wrong. While local availability varies, online suppliers offer consistent quality and selection. Cheese cultures contain specific bacteria strains that acidify milk and develop flavor. Mesophilic cultures work at moderate temperatures (70-90°F) for cheeses like cheddar and gouda. Thermophilic cultures prefer higher temperatures (90-125°F) for Italian-style cheeses. Direct-set cultures come freeze-dried, requiring no preparation before use. Mother cultures need propagation but offer cost savings for frequent cheese makers. Beginners should start with direct-set cultures for consistency. Reputable suppliers make all the difference. Established companies like New England Cheesemaking Supply, The Cheesemaker, and Cultures for Health maintain proper cold storage and ship with appropriate insulation. Read reviews and check expiration dates upon arrival. Quality suppliers include detailed storage instructions and respond knowledgeably to questions. Expect to pay $5-10 for cultures making 25-50 gallons of milk. Rennet comes in three main forms, each with advantages. Animal rennet, derived from calf stomach lining, creates superior texture in aged cheeses. Vegetarian rennet, from certain molds, works well for most applications but may develop slight bitterness in long-aged cheeses. Microbial rennet offers consistency and vegetarian-friendly options. Liquid rennet measures more easily than tablets but has shorter shelf life. A small bottle costing $5-8 makes dozens of cheese batches. Storage dramatically impacts ingredient lifespan. Cultures require freezer storage in airtight containers with desiccants to prevent moisture damage. Properly stored cultures last 1-2 years past printed expiration dates. Never leave cultures at room temperature longer than necessary. Divide bulk purchases into smaller containers to minimize repeated temperature fluctuations. Rennet storage depends on type. Liquid rennet needs refrigeration and lasts about a year. Tablet rennet stores at room temperature for several years. Both forms lose strength over time – if cheese doesn't set properly with correct amounts, suspect old rennet. Test questionable rennet by adding a drop to a tablespoon of milk; it should coagulate within minutes if