Why These 2 Hot Chocolate Makers Are Worth It
The decadent cocoa these devices make — with real chocolate — is for the true fans.
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Maybe you don't, strictly speaking, need a hot chocolate maker. But if you're a dedicated cocoa fan, you will significantly up your game with one of our recommendations. We've tested hot chocolate makers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, and I've used several models at home for months.
A hot chocolate maker is a simple device that heats milk (or water or a combo) while whisking it — effectively, a milk frother — so that it can melt and incorporate shaved chocolate or chocolate chips. Some also work with powders or syrups. Our experts tested several models and found two great options that can also froth milk and nondairy beverages for coffee drinks.
When we test hot chocolate makers — and other beverage appliances like coffee makers, espresso machines and heated mugs — we consider performance, noise level as well as ease of use and cleaning. We follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding powdered mixes, chocolate flakes or chocolate chips and then taste to evaluate the texture.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Creates silky hot chocolate from shaved chocolate
Cons
- Pricey
The Velvetiser is a showcase for UK-based luxury chocolate maker Hotel Chocolat. The stylish carafe heats milk (or water or a combo) while simultaneously blending it with the brand's high-end specialty hot chocolate flakes. The flakes come in dark, milk and white chocolate as well as multiple flavors like Salted Caramel, Mint and Orange, plus a Nutmilk variety made with hazelnuts, two Saint Lucian Growers options and four latte blends that incorporate coffee.
The flakes are easy to use and melt completely. One tester noted they got perfect cocoa even when they used a different brand of chocolate. (But note that the device is intended for Hotel Chocolat's shavings and not recommended for use with powders.)
Our testers appreciated that the Velvetiser was simple to use — there's only one button to press, and the machine turns off automatically when your drink is ready — and that it worked quickly (about three minutes). But they did wish the carafe was dishwasher safe, and some disliked that it made only one serving at a time.
One GH analyst has been using the Velvetiser for about six months as a milk frother as well, so it has earned the counter space.
Pros
- Works with chocolate chips, chunks, flakes, powders and syrups
- Performed well in testing
- Also offers three milk-frothing settings
Cons
- Milk must heat before solid chocolate is added, so prep time is lengthy
Capresso's Froth Select model is a versatile option: It can make hot chocolate, and it also offers settings for cold frothed milk, hot frothed milk and simply heated milk. When you choose the "choc" setting and press the center button, the device heats the milk; once it blinks and beeps, the milk is warm and you can add chocolate. We tested the machine with chocolate chips and found the resulting cocoa truly decadent. According to the manufacturer, you can also use chocolate chunks, chocolate flakes, chocolate syrup as well as cocoa powder or hot cocoa mix.
The caveat here is that it takes about eight minutes to produce your cocoa — two minutes to heat your milk, after which you can add the chocolate chips, and another six to incorporate the chocolate. Plus, the frother makes a slight rattling noise when it operates. One advantage is that this model can accommodate 16 ounces of milk. Because the cocoa was so rich, we felt it was enough for three satisfying servings (but it can, of course, be one large serving for the true hot chocolate lover). The removable stainless steel carafe is dishwasher safe, and it was easy to rinse and clean by hand.
How we chose the best hot chocolate makers
When testing hot chocolate makers, we used whole milk and followed the manufacturer's instructions. We noted how long the device needed to prepare the hot chocolate and tasted each to evaluate the flavor and texture.
We also checked the carafe after pouring to note how much — if any — chocolate was left behind. We also assessed the ease of cleaning each model.
What to consider when shopping for a hot chocolate maker
✔️ Size: Both capacity and footprint are important factors. Consider how many cups of cocoa you and your guests or family will want. Our picks make one to three servings at a time, but there are options on the market that can make up to 32 ounces. If you plan to leave your hot chocolate maker out, assess the counter space you have (or check the cabinet or pantry space for storage).
✔️ Versatility: Some models work only with powdered hot chocolate mixes or syrups; others are capable of melting and incorporating chocolate chips or chocolate flakes. Our recommendations can also froth milk for coffee drinks, which makes the device more than a single-taster.
✔️ Cleanability: Both milk and chocolate contain fats and sugars that can leave a residue. Look for models that are dishwasher safe or at least have smooth surfaces (nooks and crannies can collect gunk) for easy cleaning by hand.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Sarah Gregory is a deputy editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She led the testing for hot chocolate makers, milk frothers and heated mugs. She also sipped dozens of cups of cocoa while testing the Ember Mug 2 for a year.
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