Cider Press Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I reserve? Who can use the press?
A: Reservations are taken from members of SFPC only. Members must reserve the use of the press by FILLING OUT THIS FORM. The form will ask you to enter the dates you would like to rent the press, as well as your contact information. Once we have received your request, we email you to with confirmation of availability for the dates you’ve requested and the total amount of the rental fee – based on the number of days you wish to rent the press. You will ve asked to send an e-transfer within 48 hours to secure your rental dates! After that, you will be provided with further details on pickup, rules of use and cleaning, and drop off of the cider press in preparation for your upcoming rental. A waiver must be signed/dated and brought with you when you pick up the press.
–> Download and print the Skookum Cider Press UserGuide + Rental Agreement and Waiver Form.
Q: What are the cider press rental costs /how much time can I use it for? Can I cancel?
A: While we would like to rent the press by the hour, we do not have the staffing requirements to make this feasible. Therefore, a flat $35 rental fee will apply for each 24-hour period. The press must be returned by 11:00 AM on a given day or we reserve the right to charge for another day of use. If you are moving the press to another location, there is also a $50 deposit that will be reimbursed to you upon safe return of the press. A simple invoice from Skookum will be sent to you once you have booked your rental dates, and payment can be made via e-transfer to payment@skookumfood.ca. Deposit payments will be returned via e-transfer back to you.
Q: Is the Maximizer grinder hard to use?
A: Not at all! The grinder, with its stainless steel blades and the 18-lb. cast iron flywheel, does the work.
Q: What happens to the seeds, stems, and skins during pressing?
A: The seeds and stems of most fruits are small enough to pass through the grinder without being crushed, so they cannot alter the flavor of the juice. The cheesecloth or nylon pressing bag during the pressing process traps all particles.
Q: How fast can I make apple cider?
A: Our grinder will grind a whole box of apples (40 lbs.) into a slurry in less than 5 minutes! It takes less than 10 minutes more to press the slurry into cider. One box of apples makes 2 to 3 gallons of cider. You can reasonably expect to make 25 to 30 gallons per hour because you can grind and press at the same time.
Q: Is the press portable?
A: Yes. Although our presses weigh quite a bit. We recommend having 2 adults or at least one very strong adult to move the press safely.
Q: How many apples does the press tub hold?
A: The tub has a 36L pulp capacity. One bushel of apples is approximately 8 gallons of pulp, which will press 10 to 12 L. juice.
Q: Do your apples have Apple Scab?
A: Apple scab is a disease of apple trees caused by the ascomycete fungus Venturia inaequalis and manifests as dull black or grey-brown lesions on the surface of tree leaves, buds or fruits.
ATTENTION: There is no problem pressing fruit with scab for cider. Do NOT press fruit with active rot lesions or any sign of blue mold.
Excellent online resource on fruit cider here.