Frequently Bought Together
Product Features
|
Product Details
Would you like to give feedback on images?
|
Product Description
This kit includes: A Recipe Booklet, Cheese Mold, Cheese Cloth, Calcium Chloride, 10 Starter Culture packages, Dairy Thermometer and Vegetable Rennet Tablets.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 55 people found the following review helpful
This kit provides the bare basics for making cheese. The few implements and ingredients are sufficient.
I agree with the first reviewer - the instructions and recipes are not very specific. While a foundation of information is provided - often in snippets throughout the photocopied pages - I found it lacked a cohesive how-to that prepared you before diving into the recipes.
I also found that I had to go to the Internet to find out if what I was seeing in the process was what I should be seeing.
I do disagree with the first reviewer's assertion that wax is required for making hard cheeses. Wax is required only if you plan to age the cheese longer than 3 or 4 weeks. Aging longer is preferable for the hard cheeses.
I'm 2 weeks into aging my first cheese - one with a three-week minimum aging period (gouda). So far, it looks and smells like cheese. I'm looking forward to it.
The instructions could have done a better job of describing sanitization practices. There is much direct handling required of the cheese product from start to finish. There's a definite difference between the standard of clean hands and the standard of sanitized implements (as is required for brewing beer).
No matter what you do, you'll find that your first few batches are somewhat hit and miss. The amount of enzyme and the need to use or not use the included calcium chloride is impacted by the milk you use. I had to toss my first batch. My second batch came together pretty well.
I agree with the first reviewer - the instructions and recipes are not very specific. While a foundation of information is provided - often in snippets throughout the photocopied pages - I found it lacked a cohesive how-to that prepared you before diving into the recipes.
I also found that I had to go to the Internet to find out if what I was seeing in the process was what I should be seeing.
I do disagree with the first reviewer's assertion that wax is required for making hard cheeses. Wax is required only if you plan to age the cheese longer than 3 or 4 weeks. Aging longer is preferable for the hard cheeses.
I'm 2 weeks into aging my first cheese - one with a three-week minimum aging period (gouda). So far, it looks and smells like cheese. I'm looking forward to it.
The instructions could have done a better job of describing sanitization practices. There is much direct handling required of the cheese product from start to finish. There's a definite difference between the standard of clean hands and the standard of sanitized implements (as is required for brewing beer).
No matter what you do, you'll find that your first few batches are somewhat hit and miss. The amount of enzyme and the need to use or not use the included calcium chloride is impacted by the milk you use. I had to toss my first batch. My second batch came together pretty well.
84 of 89 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
First, you need to understand that this kit does not contain all that you need for making hard cheeses. As it says in the introduction to the instruction booklet, if you are making hard cheese, you must also have cheese wax. I don't know why they would sell a kit that doesn't contain all the necessary items, but at least you are now warned.
Second, the instructions are not written clearly. You would be MUCH better off getting your instructions off the Internet, and save your money.
The items in the kit are of fine quality, however, and if you do not really need instructions for cheese making, then this might be fine for you.
Second, the instructions are not written clearly. You would be MUCH better off getting your instructions off the Internet, and save your money.
The items in the kit are of fine quality, however, and if you do not really need instructions for cheese making, then this might be fine for you.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
It contains the basics only, but it is enough to try cheesemaking without spending a lot of money. The website has plenty of photos and free information that supliments the included booklet. You will have to improvise a cheese press, but that is simple and information can be found on the internet about this.
If you are sure you want to go into cheese making, then skip this and spend the money to get the right equipment.
If you are sure you want to go into cheese making, then skip this and spend the money to get the right equipment.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
good entry level kit
This is a basic kit for the beginner. It has the essentials and contains enough materials to process several gallons of milk.
It was what I needed for my first attempt. Read more
It was what I needed for my first attempt. Read more
Published 25 days ago by John Gaug
Not for hard or piquant cheeses
I bought this starter kit to make romano, feta and possibly a manchego or sharp cheddar.
It advertises cheddar and parmesean and feta but does not come with capilase or... Read more
It advertises cheddar and parmesean and feta but does not come with capilase or... Read more
Published 2 months ago by CAK
cheesing for a reason
this kit was great just enough stuff to get you started. i just had to order wax. nothing wrong with this kit
Published 2 months ago by Scott Geiger
Not Worth the Price
This kit does provide the basics for making cheese. However, don't expect much in the way of quality. The equipment is flimsy, and the instructions are terrible. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Laura C. Hohman
Not Worthy of Gift Giving
I received my Basic Cheese Kit today and was taken aback at what I received.
The box was significantly damaged and I can not give this as a gift.
The box was significantly damaged and I can not give this as a gift.
Published 5 months ago by arianne
WTF??!!
Ok, so i recieved the kit, it was opened previously, taped shut, the rennets were missing... SO I cant make any Cheese, and my package was tampered with... NOT THRILLED!
Published 5 months ago by G Hardisty
Very simple kit
This kit is hardly worth the money spent. What you get can be bought separately online for less money, at a better quality and quantity. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Cheese Lover
Great Starter Kit
If you think you might like to learn to make your own cheese, this is the kit to purchase. However it will not include the cheese wax you will need to make the farm house cheddar. Read more
Published 15 months ago by becki
Packaging Change!
I bought this kit as a Christmas present but when it arrived, it didn't come in the cute box as pictured. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Christine Stamps
A bit overpriced
The kit contains most of what one would need to make a hard cheese, but as noted in the other reviews you must purchase wax and improvise some sort of press. Read more
Published on March 30, 2010 by Lisa
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Look for Similar Items by Category
|
