Making your own cheese is an exciting process! Once you’ve found a desired recipe and gathered cheese ingredients, it’s time to purchase the necessary cheese making supplies. You may already have some of these tools in your kitchen. If you don’t have something on this list, they’re easy to get. Here are 7 essential pieces of cheese making equipment.

1. Large Pot

You’ll need a big stock pot since a lot of cheese recipes require 2 gallons of milk and extra ingredients. Don’t skimp on the size since you’ll need some room for stirring. Get a pot made from unchipped enamel or stainless steel.

2. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Measuring utensils are crucial cheese tools. Get some made from glass, stainless steel, or sanitized plastic for easy cleaning. Depending on the amount of ingredients you’re using, you may only need a measuring spoon set.

3. Thermometer

You’ll need a reliable thermometer for accurate cheese making. A basic thermometer will do, but you may want one that clips to the side of your stock pot for convenience. Another option is a waterproof thermometer.

4. Cheesecloth

A necessary step in making cheese is draining it. For this, you’ll want a reusable cheese cloth.

5. Stirring Spoon

A spoon with a long handle is a vital cheese making utensil. You’ll use it for stirring cheese, scooping curds, and adding culture and rennet. Consider a bamboo, nylon, stainless steel, or plastic spoon.

6. Colander

You’ll need a colander to drain the cheese. This separates the whey from the curds. Use a colander made from a non-reactive material, such as plastic or enamel.

7. Big Bowl

A large bowl is helpful for catching whey and heating milk. A good size is 13-quarts.

You can start making cheese from home with these basic supplies. If you get into more complex processes and techniques, you may need to add additional tools to your arsenal.