Review: Nourishme Organics Bamboo Tofu & Cheese Press — Worth it for Home Tofu and Cheese Makers?
If you make tofu or fresh cheese at home, one of the constant frustrations is getting the texture right without resorting to wringing, plastic presses, or endless paper towels. Excess moisture ruins the bite and makes cooking results unpredictable. The Nourishme Organics Bamboo Tofu & Cheese Press promises an eco-friendly, plastic-free way to drain blocks evenly and consistently — a tempting solution for anyone who wants firmer tofu, denser ricotta, or grill-ready halloumi without single-use waste.
Specifications & Materials
| Internal Dimensions | 15 × 12 × 11 cm |
| Material | 100% sustainable bamboo (no plastics, BPA-free) |
| Suitable for | Tofu, halloumi, ricotta, paneer, quark, pressed feta, labneh, homemade mozzarella |
| Origin | Designed in Australia, made in China |
| Cleaning | Hand wash recommended, air dry |
| Plastic-free | Yes — no synthetic components |
Material & Quality
- The press is made entirely from bamboo — a renewable, attractive material that avoids the environmental and taste concerns that sometimes come with plastic presses.
- Build quality feels solid for a kitchen tool: edges are smooth, the slatted base drains well, and the top plate distributes pressure evenly across the block instead of pinching one side.
- Bamboo requires a little more care than plastic. Avoid long soaks, dry it thoroughly between uses, and treat with a small amount of food-safe oil if the surface appears dry over time.
- Because manufacturing is overseas, finish and tolerances can vary slightly from unit to unit — not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you expect perfectly identical parts every time.
Real-World Experience
I tested the press on store-bought silken and firm tofu, homemade ricotta, and a small batch of halloumi-style cheese. Across these uses, the press did exactly what it sets out to do: remove excess moisture without breaking or deforming the food.
Performance highlights
- Tofu: A 20–30 minute press produced reliably firm tofu for frying; 1–2 hours or overnight gave extra-firm texture suitable for skewers and grilling.
- Ricotta & labneh: The press made it easy to drain whey without trapping curds in paper towels — results were cleaner and less wasteful than towel-straining.
- Halloumi & paneer: The even pressure kept the shape intact, and the finished cheeses handled the grill well after pressing.
- Drainage: Slatted base and tight fit direct whey away efficiently. You do have to empty collected liquid between longer presses.
🎁 Unlock Coupons & Deals View all available discount codes“Firm-pressed tofu and homemade fresh cheeses are among the most versatile whole-food proteins you can add to a gut-health-focused diet. Pair with your favorite live-culture kefir or kimchi for a complete, microbiome-nourishing meal.” — Kriben
Pros
- Eco-friendly construction: Bamboo eliminates plastic contact and single-use towels, which is great for sustainable kitchens.
- Consistent results: The press delivers even pressure for repeatable textures across different recipes.
- Dual-purpose: Works for both tofu and multiple fresh cheeses, making it a versatile tool for home fermenters and plant-based cooks.
- Attractive design: Looks nicer on a countertop than a bulky plastic press; gift-worthy for food lovers.
Cons
- Size limits: Internal dimensions (15×12×11 cm) mean very large commercial tofu blocks need trimming or folding to fit.
- Care requirements: Bamboo must be hand-washed and fully air-dried. Long exposure to water or dishwasher use can warp or crack the wood.
- Pressure mechanism: The press relies on a simple clamping/weighted design rather than a mechanical screw; for some users this means adjusting weight or time for exact firmness.
- Variable finish: Occasional minor inconsistencies in finish or fit from unit to unit, likely due to overseas manufacturing tolerances.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Material | Drain Efficiency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nourishme Bamboo Press | Bamboo (plastic-free) | High — slatted base, even pressure | Sustainable kitchens, multi-cheese use, home tofu makers |
| Plastic screw-style tofu press | Plastic (often BPA-free) | Very high — adjustable screw pressure | Users who prioritize adjustable pressure and easy cleaning |
| Weighted cheese mold + cheesecloth | Stainless/Plastic mold or ceramic | Good — depends on weight and cloth | Traditional cheesemaking, larger batches |
Who This Is Best For
- Home cooks who make tofu and a range of fresh cheeses and want a single tool that handles both.
- Eco-conscious buyers who prefer natural materials and want to avoid plastic and single-use paper towels.
- Small-batch fermenters and people focused on gut-health recipes who value consistency in texture.
- Gift-givers looking for a stylish, functional kitchen item for vegetarians, vegans, or DIY foodies.
Final Verdict — Worth it?
The Nourishme Organics Bamboo Tofu & Cheese Press is worth considering if you value a plastic-free, attractive solution that delivers consistent, firm results for tofu and fresh cheese. It won’t replace a heavy-duty commercial press or a precision screw press for every situation, but for most home cooks it strikes a good balance between performance, sustainability, and versatility.
If you regularly press tofu or make small batches of ricotta, halloumi, or paneer, this press will save time and reduce waste compared with towel-straining. Just be mindful of the internal dimensions and the extra care bamboo requires.
Note: I often share discount codes and occasional special offers for kitchen tools in my store — check there if you’re shopping for this press to see current savings and bundle deals.