If you are from Wisconsin, cheese isn't just a dietary staple, it's a way of life. Less surprising then, that I, an author of the 'Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook', possess a refrigerator perpetually stocked with a variety of cheese. As a resident of a charming but compact 1920s bungalow, the notion of form-meets-function informs my choice of kitchen tools. Based on my experience, here's my advice for fellow cheese aficionados.

For as little as just $12, you can snap up various useful cheese tools starting from a budget-friendly, razor sharp knife. This tool is equally effective at slicing through hearty aged cheddar and buttery Saint-André triple crème. Such versatile cheese tools make excellent gifts for self-proclaimed cheese enthusiasts.

Long-handle cheese knives are ideal for harder cheeses, providing a solid grip to tackle substantial blocks. Yet, these are also surprisingly adept at cutting soft cheeses like Camembert. This particular tool comes from the same makers behind the innovative 1971 Gourmet Cheese Slicer, a wire-based cutter integrated into a wooden board. For only $12, this is an appliance every cheese lover should have.

In today’s environmentally-conscious world, kitchen accessories like beeswax food wrap are ubiquitous. Great for not only rewrapping and storing food in the refrigerator but also particularly effective with cheese. Just cut the wrap to size, warm it slightly in your hands, and secure it around the food. This eco-friendly alternative to plastic cling wrap is reusable, perfect for those looking for sustainable options.

Cheese tools don't have to be cumbersome. I personally love having a handy, lightweight set of spreaders for outdoor excursions or picnic dates. A particular set, inspired by a line of French-made knives from the 19th century, offers four utensil for a very reasonable price.

In smaller kitchens, functionality is important. Double-duty items, like a two-in-one cheese board which can accommodate both soft and hard cheeses, are invaluable. This stylish piece, exclusively available at Williams Sonoma, crafted from Italian olivewood, may be the only cheese board you'll require.

The debate over the correct way to store cheeses may be ever-present, but for quick consumers like myself, it's not a main concern. However, cheese connoisseurs and chefs vouch for dishwasher-safe cheese vaults made from food-grade silicone that allow preservation of flavor while controlling excess moisture. The ability to mark the cheese variety and its opening date on the vault exterior makes it a favorite among cheese aficionados.

Space-saving short-handle cheese tools are a blessing in small areas, where a loaded cheese board, cups, and snack plates fill the table rapidly. Thus, a simple three-piece set of two-prong, soft-cheese and hard-cheese knives can aptly handle every cheese type.

Consider supplementing your cheese toolkit with a stylish set of four spreaders, ideal for spreading soft cheeses onto baguettes or crackers. They untangle the mess created by the wrong utensils and upgrade your cheese board, proving to be practical and chic at the same time.

Finally, in the warmer months, outdoor cheese-tasting parties are a real treat. However, you'd want to avoid having your hard cheeses turn into rubbery curds due to heat. Therefore, consider sheets like those made of Himalayan-green marble, which keep the cheeses cool for significantly longer than traditional wooden alternatives. Priced at $38, it is truly a worthy investment for every cheese lover.