Newbie, needs help with first moulds

[Shawhee]

Hi everyone. I'm trying to figure out which moulds would be best. I ordered a sturdy press and it should be here Wed! excited yes!!  I have been trying to find a mould or 2 to start with that will make a decent 5 to 7 in wheel for hard cheeses, mostly chedder, jack, etc, and maybe a gouda. I have been looking at Fromagex, and have been thinking about these? Any suggestions?

https://www.fromagex.com/int_en/tomme-mould-o-190mm-2.html

https://www.fromagex.com/int_en/gouda-mould-o-205mm-1.html

[Smidgen]

I'm also a noob at cheese making and I've been trying to decide on some new molds.  One thing I've noticed is that cheese volume can vary quite a bit depending on which type you're making.  For example, a 2-gallon batch of Asiago is going to be much smaller than a 2-gallon batch of Gouda or Havarti. 

If you're looking for 5-7" wheels of cheese those molds you listed are going to be too large.  25.4mm per inch is the conversion, so those molds come out at around 7.5" and 8".  I have never seen a Fromagex mold in person but they appear to be good quality.  I have considered their 140mm Tomme mold with rounded corners.  Its around 5.5" diameter and almost 5" tall, so it would be a very versatile mold for smaller batches:  https://www.fromagex.com/int_en/tomme-r-mould-o-140mm.html   

If you end up getting the Fromagex molds be sure and let us know how you like them.

[panamamike]

Hi Shawhee,

      I make 5 gal batches of cheese and I use the large hard mold from NEC most often. Depending on quantity of milk you are going to use and the type of cheese as Smidgen has stated will let you know what size mold you will need.

I have found that fromagex is a good place to order from if your order is large enough to support you spending $20 usda in shipping fees. Same amount on small and large orders.

NEC has two sizes of tome molds and the lg hard cheese mold for less money. No shipping fees if order is over $25 usd.

I hope this helps some and good luck!

[Shawhee]

I have always used NEC so I decided to go ahead and order the large mould from them as I needed to get all my cultures as well. I just got 1 mould for now, it should work for the ones I want to try out at first, then as I gain experience I will add to it. And it did end up cheaper using NEC than all of the other sites I was looking at. I have always been happy with the items from them, so if it is not broke.... LOL