I finally got my vat. I picked it up last week at a warehouse in the New Jersey harbor. It came from Holland where I had bought it used from the company which built it. It had come back to them as a trade in from a cheesemaker in Holland who had out grown it.
The capacity of the vat is 240 G/900 L. It was built by van http://www.vanzijllzuivelgereedschappen.nl/hoofdpagina.html (http://www.vanzijllzuivelgereedschappen.nl/hoofdpagina.html), (sorry, no English) a small company of cheese making equipment in the heart of Holland. They make vats, presses, draining tables etc. and they offer a full line of related cheese making equipment. Their vats, vat pasteurizers and presses are available in North America through Glengarry Cheesemaking Supply.
I won't be able to use it yet as I still have a lot of construction to do in the creamery. But I hope by this spring to be ready to put the vat to the test.
Gorgeous vat, Jos! Thanks for posting pics :)
That is one very nice vat. Congratulations.
Way out here in the Boonies of Brazil, the inspectors wouldn't let me have wood anything near the make process area. They are letting me have wooden shelves for drying and curing but in a separate room.
Sailor has his micro creamery going, looks like there could be a few starting up, I'm still a couple months away.
Very very nice...
I love the building too. Looks like you have the space to do it right. I am jealous.
Wowza, Oude! Looks like you are well on your way.
I really enjoy all the directions the members of this forum are going, yet the glue that binds us together is fondue...er, cheese, but that didn't rhyme!
Wow, look at that! I have vat envy.
It looks neat and simple. Does it also have heating/cooling feature? Do you mind if I ask how much you paid?
Thanks,
Tan
Yes, it can heat and cool. It has a water jacket, the water runs between the inner stainless vat and the outer wooden (teak) wall. It is basically the same as a triple walled stainless vat except that the outer wall is wood. It can't run on steam neither can it be set up as a pasteurizer. According to the manufacturer, vats with a wooden outer wall hold the temperature better because the wood insulates better. Including shipping, handling etc, I paid about 6800 USD.
That is nice congrats hon! Can't wait to see it running!
Can't wait to see the cheeses that come out of it!
Good job, Jos. Anxiously awaiting your cheeses!
Beautiful piece of equipment. Will love to watch your progress.
-Boofer-
Wow, that looks like a beauty!!
Do you have any more pictures ? If so, can you send them here : tony@arora.co.uk
Nice vat but Wisconsin would not allow the wood in the make room. I am surprised that New York does. Do you know if the also have vats, triple wall, of stainless?
I saw a vat like this at West Highland Dairy a few years ago. It really does look nice.
STW
Way behind the curve on this, Jos - but MAN, that is a beautiful vat. Congratulations - can't wait to hear more on this. Pics and posts, please!
The inspectors were over a few weeks ago to look at the creamery so far, but more importantly, to look at the vat. They approved it, phew...
Quote from: Oude Kaas on February 02, 2011, 12:19:52 AM
The inspectors were over a few weeks ago to look at the creamery so far, but more importantly, to look at the vat. They approved it, phew...
Huge hurdle, Jos, congrats! The "not fun" part of pleasing inspectors (man, opening our place in the U.P., the hoops I had to jump through ..... I feel your pain), so I'm offering my fraternal support to your exciting time ahead. Looking forward to hearing all you manifest.
Best,
Paul
Congratulations.
Any newer pictures?
Wayne, here (http://heinennellie.blogspot.com/search/label/creamery) is an update with more pictures.