Product Review: Williams Sonoma Hold Everything Cheese Vault
The Williams Sonoma Hold Everything Cheese Vault is designed specifically for the purpose of storing cheese, with the aim of preserving its freshness and flavor. But how well does it actually perform in this role? Below, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of using this product for cheese storage.
Advantages of the Williams Sonoma Hold Everything Cheese Vault for Cheese Storage
1. Breathable Design for Optimal Freshness: One of the standout features of the Cheese Vault is its breathable design. Unlike airtight containers, the Cheese Vault is made from food-grade silicone that allows just the right amount of airflow. This helps maintain the natural moisture balance of the cheese, preventing it from drying out while also avoiding the build-up of excess moisture. This is particularly beneficial for softer cheeses like Brie and Camembert, which can become too moist in airtight containers.
2. Separates Multiple Cheeses Without Mixing Flavors: The Cheese Vault includes a removable divider that allows you to store two different types of cheese in the same container without their flavors mingling. This is a great feature for those who enjoy a variety of cheeses and want to keep them tasting fresh and distinct. The divider also helps to organize your cheese collection, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.
3. Reduces Plastic Waste: Unlike plastic wrap or bags, the Cheese Vault is a reusable storage solution. Made from durable silicone, it can be used again and again, reducing the need for disposable plastic. This makes it an environmentally friendly option for cheese lovers who are looking to minimize their environmental impact.
4. Easy to Clean and Maintain: The silicone material is easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. It doesn’t absorb odors or stains, which is particularly important when storing strong-smelling cheeses. This ensures that your Cheese Vault remains fresh and ready for the next use, without lingering smells or flavors from previous cheeses.
5. Compact and Space-Efficient: The Cheese Vault is compact and designed to fit neatly in your refrigerator. Its size makes it ideal for storing a variety of cheese types without taking up too much space. The silicone material is also flexible, allowing it to accommodate different shapes and sizes of cheese.
Disadvantages of the Williams Sonoma Hold Everything Cheese Vault for Cheese Storage
1. Limited Capacity: While the Cheese Vault is great for storing a couple of different cheeses, its capacity is somewhat limited. If you have a larger cheese collection or prefer to store larger blocks or wheels of cheese, you may find the vault’s size restrictive. This could require you to cut down larger pieces of cheese to fit, which may expose more surface area to air when the vault is opened, potentially shortening the cheese’s shelf life.
2. Lack of True Airtight Seal: The breathable design, while beneficial for many types of cheese, may not be ideal for all. Harder cheeses like Parmesan or Cheddar that typically benefit from an airtight environment to prevent drying out may not fare as well in the Cheese Vault. If you frequently store these types of cheeses, you might find that they dry out faster than they would in an airtight container.
3. Divider May Be Inconvenient for Larger Pieces: The removable divider is a handy feature, but it can be a bit inconvenient when storing larger pieces of cheese. If your cheese is too large to fit on one side of the divider, you’ll have to remove it, which means you lose the benefit of keeping flavors separate. This limits the flexibility of the Cheese Vault in accommodating various cheese sizes and shapes.
4. Price Point: The Williams Sonoma Hold Everything Cheese Vault is priced higher than some other cheese storage solutions. While it offers unique features and benefits, the cost may be a consideration for those looking for a more budget-friendly option. If you’re only storing cheese occasionally, the investment might seem steep compared to simpler alternatives.
5. Learning Curve: Using the Cheese Vault effectively may require a bit of a learning curve. Understanding which cheeses benefit most from the breathable design and how to properly use the divider can take some trial and error. This might not be ideal for those who prefer a more straightforward storage solution.
Final Thoughts
The Williams Sonoma Hold Everything Cheese Vault offers several distinct advantages for cheese storage, particularly its breathable design, reusable materials, and the ability to store multiple cheeses without flavor transfer. These features make it an attractive option for cheese enthusiasts who value both functionality and environmental sustainability. However, the limited capacity, lack of a true airtight seal, and higher price point are factors that may make it less suitable for some users.
For those who frequently store a variety of cheeses and are looking for a specialized, eco-friendly storage solution, the Cheese Vault is worth considering. However, if you prefer to store larger quantities of cheese or need an airtight environment for harder varieties, you may want to explore other options that better suit those needs.
Retail price as of date of blog post: $34.95
*This review is our independent opinion and is not sponsored or paid. We do not receive compensation for any links included in this post.