Where do I get weights for a Dutch-style cheese press?
Many cheesemaking suppliers sell Dutch-style cheese presses, which are also among the easiest type to make yourself. These apply pressure using weights hung at the end of the arm, or further up. However, no retailer who sells the press that I've tried (out of 6 different ones) also sells weights for it.
I suspect that is because the weights are expected to be easily obtainable locally wherever you are, but for the life of me I can't figure out how. Where/how would you get appropriate weights for this kind of cheese press?
Best Answer
I'm not sure about weights specifically for this cheese press. However, as an avid fisherman I use weights designed to be hung off of various types of lines and/or clasps. While most are made of lead, you can get tungsten, stainless steel, and even rubber coated ones now. I have seen them up to 3lbs, mind you if you live near the ocean I am sure (almost certain) you could get larger.
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How do you make a Dutch cheese press at home?
Just take 1/2 the diameter of the circle, multiply it times itself, then multiply that by 3. So a 4-inch round would give you 2x2x3, or 12 square inches. For 5 pounds of pressure, you would need 60 pounds of weight. Obviously, a makeshift press is really only adequate for low-pressure situations.How to Make a Cheese Press / Dutch Style Cheese Press
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