Forum Activity for @Sarah Hart

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

A coupla years ago I got a guitar (the plastic base one) and it is okay. I sure wish I would have read this before and held out for the Dedy! But the one I have works okay, except that several of the strings are broken from early on and the replacement wire bought through places like chefrubber is very expensive. From what I can figure out, it is some kind of stainless steel wire. Can anyone tell me if it is something special, or where I might be able to find such wire? I read the word "Inox wire" related to it, does that mean anything to anyone?

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Edward:Please post a photo of your home-made cutting wheel for us to admire!:: Clay

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I'd really like to get a guitar, as I do 4 slabbed varieities, but for the moment, I've found a cheaper alternative.In some of the kitchens I've worked, I've been spoiled by the Matfer cutting wheels. This is a device consisting of aprox. 30 s/s discs (sharp), threaded on a rod, with spacers between the discs and rolling pin style handles. The price for this was at last checking around $300, and I'm a cheap guy.What I found at the local dollar store was cheap pizza wheels so I bough a dozen and drilled out the rivet, made some 7/8" spacers from 1" plastic pipe, threaded the assembly onto a length of 3/8" threaded redi-rod, and made some handles for it.It works quite well for slabbed ganaches, and while it won't cut through slabbed cast caramel, it does mark them nicely. If I can find more pizza wheels I'll make some more in different sizes....

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I got a double guitar from savy goiseau it's a nice one,very practical versus the single one,the quality is great very solid all metal.

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

This is strange - I noticed Alana saying something similar when she purchased a book from a Canadian store. When I purchase from the US, my credit card charges me the exchange (which is padded a little to their advantage), but there is no added fee like this.

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

And then, I noticed a 3% "Foreign Transaction Fee" from Chase. :-(

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

One of the challenges that many chocolatiers face is scaling up production. Maybe you started by hand and you're looking to grow but you're really not big enough yet to shell out $3000 or so (including shipping, etc) to purchase a guitar.On another thread I posted a link to a two-part silicon truffle mold. You put the two parts together, pipe in the center (e.g., ganache) scrape off the excess and let harden. Remove the centers and dip/enrobe.The same company offers a set of four molds to make centers in four other shapes. For some people this might be a comparatively inexpensive way to bridge the gap between cutting by hand and purchasing a guitar.

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

No, no issues have surfaced so far. They offered me two shipping options:They are 2 box, the delivery charges by Mail are :1) Expedited = 170,60 $ us Delay : 10 to 15 daysOR 2) Express = 247,50 $ us Delay : 5 days (working days)I chose the cheaper option and it came, via USPS - Canada Post, as scheduled.

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

John DePaula - I seem to remember that you are located in the US. Were there any issues with D&R shipping from Canada?

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

My guitar is also a Dedy and was bought in 2004 from Kerekes for a little under $2,400, with 15 mm, 22.5, and 30 mm arms.

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

No, this is my first guitar. Mine has an all metal base but it's surprisingly light.The cutter from D&R arrived pretty much when they said it would: 10-15 days after ordering (I chose the cheaper delivery option). The two boxes arrived at different times but no big deal.

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Thank you for the all the helpful tips - do you know who the manufacturer is of your guitar? Is it very heavy?

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Thanks - I have been eyeing that one as well - did you have any troubles with the company in terms of how long it took to ship to you? I've ordered framing bars recently and it took about a month to 6 weeks.Also, I've seen your name pop up in another chocolate site - did you use to have a plastic base guitar cutter? If so, any thoughts?

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I just purchased a single Dedy guitar cutter from Design & Realization in Canada. From the pix online, it certainly looked like the Dedy, one that Kerry has recommended for some time. I verified with D&R that it is, in fact, a Dedy and it appears to be of absolutely excellent construction. The frames just arrived in a separate box, so I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. It's a beauty!

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

My guitar is a single with a metal base and three arms and I absolutely love it, especially considering the alternative of using a knife to cut ganache into perfect squares. I've had it for about four years and the only things I need to replace every once in awhile have been a couple of strings. I wipe the strings and base between each use with a paper towel, and once a week or so I clean it with soap and water. I've found that Dawn works best as it cuts through the fat in the chocolate. I did not buy the stand for it and keep the guitar on a full size sheet pan lined with parchment paper, which makes for easy clean up.

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Thanks, is it the plastic base? Did you purchase the single or double? How long have you had it for and have you had any troubles with it in terms of maintenance or clean-up?

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

http://www.bakedeco.com is where I bought mine. The company also goes by the name of Kerekes and is based in Brooklyn, NY.

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I have a Dedy - an aluminum and stainless guitar from Germany. I have looked at the plastic based units - but the nicks you see in the plastic on the edges where the wires pass between the slots seem to me a spot where the wires might get caught and break. That being said - the plastic based units are still very substantial and should work well for many years.In the US Tomric ( www.tomric.com ) carries both the plastic and the Dedy (needs to be ordered) and in Canada Design and Realization carries the Dedy. ( www.dr.ca )

Guitar

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Does anyone have experience with the use of a guitar for cutting? In particular , any feedback about manufacturer, where to purchase, new vs. used, plastic base vs. metal. Comments about the pavoni brand would be helpful as well. Thanks-
updated by @Elaine Hsieh: 04/11/25 09:27:36

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

Please check out my web site www.chocolatedude.net . I build a chocolate tempering machine at a reasonable price. Check out my web site and see if it will meet your needs.

Jim

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

I am a hobbyist contemplating home based on line shop. My focus is Truffles of which I have developed many of my own unique recipes. I am exploring the need for a tempering machine and where to buy good quality chocolate wholesale. I appreciate this forum to learn and grow my knowledge. I use a combination of milk, white and dark/bittersweet chocolate.

updated by @Deborah K Mestas: 09/12/15 14:12:29

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

i second that. i actually went on a factory tour of LCC and they stated they don't make their own chocolate and get it from Callebaut.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

I know this post is quite old by now but which machine did you finish buying...

I also have the cacao liquid that comes right out the melanger...

I am thinking about buying a tempering machine but not sure still which one..

I will really appreciate your comments

I hope you can help me

Javier - Chaqchao PERU

updated by @Chaqchao: 01/23/15 15:06:59

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

I know this post is quite old by now but which machine did you finish buying...

I also have the cacao liquid that comes right out the melanger...

I am thinking about buying a tempering machine but not sure still which one..

I hope you can help me

Javier - Chaqchao PERU

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

Hello Jeff, I'm interested in theHIlliard's Little Dipper and Mol'D'Art melters, could You tell me where can I buy these equipment?

The problem I see with the Hilliard's Little Dipper is if You want tochange from dark to white chocolate, for instance, it would be time consuming asyou have to dismantle and unscrew to remove the bowl and other components.

I'm considering as well the Matfer CHOCO 22T (20 kg capacity) but I don't know any seller.

Thanks for any help.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

A few months ago I bought a used ACMC Tempering Machine for only $500. I like my Rev 2, which I paid almost as much for, but I needed a larger capacity.

I love my ACMC. It's not totally automatic but it's close enough.
There's an extra slot next to where the main thermometer goes and I slide in probe thermometer in to alert me when the chocolate reaches a certain temp. I hear they're super easy to fix. The only drawback is they use 100W light bulbs that are supposed to be discontinued due to some law. Companies like GE are now producing 95W light bulbs and I've read about people using ceramic heater bulbs.

I would love one of the bigger Chocovisions machines but it's 3x the price and they seem to have lots of issues. For the money, a used ACMC is the way to go. They're often on Ebay for around $500.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

Hi Brad,

I was wondering how your modified Pavoni's have held up. We got ours a little over a year ago and it worked great until a few months ago when it started acting up. Pavoni convinced us to order a new probe, which has not fixed the problem. I've already wasted over a hundred hours unsuccessfully tempering with this goat, and don't want to waste any more of my scant resources on the machine if the problem will just recur. I know you added a heat shield and fan to one this summer; is it still going strong? What did the control boards do when they failed? Ours seems to work, but doesn't move through the cycles properly.

Thanks,

Eli

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

My first machine was a Rev2: after a little over a year of pretty heavy use the temperature gauge started malfunctioning. ChocoVision sent us a free baffle, but unfortunately this was not the problem. The capacity of the machine was so small and it was so loud that, in retrospect, I think I would have preferred to have started with a melting tank style machine.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

Thanks.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

thanks! i will give it a try!

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

You still put the seed behind the baffle. It's a little harder and messier to remove any unmelted seed at the end, but it's not too bad.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

okay - sorry to be so dense, but if melted chocolate is on both sides of baffle, how do you temper it - where do you add seed?

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

I got the Revolation one and don't like it at all. I should have understood the capacity better, that's my fault. The parts I'm frustrated with are that is has a small transparent piece that's very easy to lose. It has a bar going across the top with two tiny pins that connect into the machine. They bend all the time and I suspect they will break soon. Beyond that, it's just flimsy. Thinking about the components of this machine, I'd have expected it to cost around $60 dollars.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

You use it just like the normal baffle. It lets melted chocolate flow through to both sides, so it can hold almost double the chocolate.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

how does the holey baffle work. i received one with m Delta machine, but am not sure how it works. thanks

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

I use the holey baffle with my X3210. It takes the capacity from about 10 lbs to 15 or 16 lbs. Due to comments I've read here and elsewhere about the possibility of broken baffles, I always melt most or all of the chocolate in a separate melter and then add it to the tempering machine. My understanding is that when the baffles break, it's due to the unmelted chocolate pressing against the back of the baffle.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

I have 4 Pavoni's and have had to re-engineer ALL of them in order to stop burning out the control boards. The control boardis in the same compartment as the heat lamps and cooling fans, and is subject to extreme heat fluctuations, and eventually fails.

If you only use the machine once in a blue moon, It's pre programmed tempering cycles are handy. However we use the machines daily for 8-10 hours in our shop and the motors have failed on all of them, as well as the control boards.

Personally I wish Savage would make a smaller tempering machine. Their stuff is bomb proof.

Cheers

Brad

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

I started out with a rev 1 and it was noisy and the metal pegs on the baffle broke and had to be replaced twice. Then it just didn't heat anymore.

My husband talked with Ian at Chocolvision, sent my rev 1 in to be service and it was basically totally rebuilt except for the outer plastic casing. At that time, they had a Rev3210 that had been sent in for exchange. My husband paid for the repair, & got 3 bowls and 2 lids, all for about $900 or so. I am EXTREMELY happy with this machine! It is definitely a world apart from the little noisy REV1. Please do not write off Chocovision machines. You should call and talk to Ian about your machine and I imagine he would give you great service as he did for us.

Really, the 3210 has made my life so much easier, no problems and every time I use it I am just so thankful that I own that machine. I can obviously get a beautiful temper with high quality chocolate (I use El Rey) but I have also been able to temper the pound plus bars from Trader Joes and use it for molding.

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

Hi Krista,

I think the only options at $1500 or less are for mol d'art type tempering machines that don't stir the chocolate for you. I know that you're not interested in chocovision, but I think there's a big difference in quality between the smaller models and the larger, professional models. I've had no problems with my X3210 and would recommend it as probably the best option in the price range you're looking.

Ben

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

I have tried 3, yes 3 of the chocovision rev1 machines and so far they have caused me more headache then I care to relive. I contacted chocovision and after troubleshooting they sent me new baffles which seemed to work mediocrely for about 3-4 batches each. Contacted chocovision again, they sent out more baffles but if I want the machines looked overand serviced I have to pay to send the junk back and pay to have them fixed! They were possibly the worst kitchen appliance investment I've ever made!
Needless to say I am not interested in any chocovision models but would love advice on an inexpensive (1500 or less) tempering unit. Doesn't need to be fancy just get the job done. Thanks

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

hi every bodym

has anyone heard or used a pavoni mini temper? i don't live in the State and it is not eassy for me to buy a chocovision or a hilliard but we have here a sale representant of Pavoni so i am asking is it any good? I have a tiny chocolate shop and i do everything by hand, it's becoming a little difficult i would appreciate your input.

Thank you

updated by @corinne mendelson: 09/07/15 21:36:18

chocolate tempering machines

Posted in: Opinion

Kia ora Debra,

We are in Aotearoa (New Zealand)making Raw Chocolate and we also do not buy seed chocolate. I am interested to find how you got on with your search for a tempering machine. They are expensive to import over here and want to make sure we are getting the best machine for the job, would appriate your findings if you had any.....

Nga mihi

Pixie