Equipment advise
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Priceless advice, thank you! . . . although I look on their site just now and the price is $2099:(
How long ago did you get yours?
Forum Activity for @Mattias Blom
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Equipment advise
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Having experience with the smaller Chocovision Rev 2, I can say that having the chocolate stirred and kept at a certain temp automatically is a great convenience. Of course, it is necessary to adjust the temp as time goes on; otherwise the chocolate just keeps getting thicker. The reason I have been considering the purchase of a melter, however, is the big disadvantage of any machine with a round bowl: it is almost impossible to empty the contents of a mold back into the tempering machine without making a serious mess. I am forced to empty molds onto parchment--which also causes a mess and takes counter space. I saw a video of someone dumping molds into a Delta or an X3210, and the machine was just about covered in chocolate. If only someone could invent a reasonably priced melter with an agitator of some sort....
Equipment advise
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
What Ben said... I have a Revolation X3210 which is almost indistinguishable from the more expensive Delta... I got mine, brand new, from Sarah's Sweet Fountains for a very reasonable $1,585 . It works great .
Equipment advise
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Yep, with just melter, you're going to have to keep stirring it manually. One of the Chocovisions would do that for you, as well as temper the chocolate, too.
Equipment advise
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
The Delta was my first pic, but then I thought about just having a melter that would keep it at specific temperature, the issue would be that I still would have to agitate the chocolate with the melter I am guessing? It would defeat the purpose if that is the case. Currently I can get the chocolate to 88f and keep it in temp. then do what I need to do fine, but I am tired of the stirring and the time it takes, with pouring into molds I can keep stirring while doing it, but with truffles and enrobing it gets too messy.
Equipment advise
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
At that size, you probably want to take a look at a Chocovision X3210 or Delta with a holey baffle. With the holey baffle, you can do up to 17 lbs.
Equipment advise
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hello,
I am curious about opinions when it comes to temperers/melters.
My need is melting/agitating to a specific temperature and then keep it there until/during molding/enrobing.
A melter not agitating the chocolate will make it set unwillingly no? I am trying to get something that will relieve me from stirring my tempered chocolate while I am molding/enrobing. the size for each batch would be under 12lb.
Thank you.
updated by @Mattias Blom: 04/11/25 09:27:36
How to keep chocolate from melting.
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hi Ben, thank you so much for the information. I will read 'em all 
How to keep chocolate from melting.
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hi Miguel. There's several discussions here on the Chocolate Life that may be of help to you. Here are a couple of them:
http://www.thechocolatelife.com/forum/topics/selling-at-farmers-markets-in
http://www.thechocolatelife.com/group/startupcentral/forum/topics/chocolate-in-the-summertime
http://www.thechocolatelife.com/forum/topics/outdoor-market
Try searching for 'summer market' or 'outdoor market' or similar.
Hope this helps!
-Ben
How to keep chocolate from melting.
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hello, at the beggining of January I stated my interest in creating chocolate at home, I was given a lot of information and advice from some great members in this website. I've been able to make some improvements to the point that I can make acceptable chocolate and people likes it.
I will be participating in a small fair for Valentine's day, however I'm really concerned about the chocolate temperature and preventing it melts, because the fair is outdoors.
Do you guys know of any cheap, effective way to keep chocolate cool without causing too much humidity?
updated by @Miguel Pujols: 04/11/25 09:27:36
Airbrush Colours from Chocolate World
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hi all, I ordered some Airbrush colours from chocolate world (see link below) thinking they were coloured cocoa butter but they are not. The product is in liquid form, no need to temper and can be sprayed straight away on any mould. It dries quickly and are so easy to use.
First off I'm interested to know if anyone is using the product and secondly even though it is labelled food safe, the product contains ethanol - should I be concerned?
FYI I have attached an image of a sprayed chocolate using this product.
Thanks for your help.
http://www.chocolateworld.be/fotos/COL3803AF.jpg
updated by @Murielle Osborne: 04/11/25 09:27:36
bean to bar line
Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE
Stephen:
Is that 100-200kg per hour? 100-200kg per day? 100-200kg per week? And this is for installation in Uganda?
bean to bar line
Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE
Hello Friends, Happy new year. I have not contributed a post this year.
Am looking for a new or used bean to bar production line ( 100kg-200kg) please send me a quote and pictures to steve@pinkfoodsindustries.com
Regards,
Stephen Sembuya
updated by @stephen sembuya: 04/07/25 13:00:14
Early February 2014 Member Update - Chocoa Fair, Conference, and Festival
Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)
Oh would like I to be able to go just to learn and understand more and this will be a future goal
Yes I am putting it out there
Early February 2014 Member Update - Chocoa Fair, Conference, and Festival
Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)
This is an archive copy of the email newsletter for those who do not get the newsletters. For comments and questions, contact the organizers directly or post on the Event Listing on TheChocolateLife .
Hello from the depths of Winter here in the New York area:
I am excited to be able to share with ChocolateLife members some advance program details for the upcoming Chocoa Trade Fair, Conference, and Festival in Amsterdam at the end of March, 2014. News that warms me up - and that I hope will warm you up, as well.
Chocoa was founded in 2013 to promote sustainable cacao and chocolate. They have set the goal that all chocolate in the country will be sustainable by the year 2025. But the cacao and chocolate trade is larger than any one country , even though Holland plays a central role as a major producer of semi-finished and finished products as well as serving as one of the largest ports of entry for cocoa beans from around the world.
That's why, for Chocoa 2014, we have organized programs for the international community during the first Chocoa Trade Fair and Conference (to be held March 27-28). One of the features of the Trade Fair that I am especially excited about is the focus on connecting chocolate makers - especially craft producers - directly with growers, and vice versa.
We are looking for your support and participation:
IF you are a chocolate maker who is looking to connect directly with growers , then Chocoa 2014 provides you the opportunity to meet one-on-one (with translation support)with growers. You will be able tosample beans and ask questions of the farmers about their trees, farms, post-harvest processing practices and more. Over the course of the Trade Fair you can meet many growers from many different parts of the world. While you may not wish to conduct business or place orders during Chocoa, you will have made connections that will guide your trips to origin making them more productive and fruitful.
IF you are a grower (or broker working with small farms) who is looking to connect directly with chocolate makers and other processors of cocoa , then Chocoa 2014 provides you the opportunity to meet one-on-one with chocolate makers from around the world. You will be able to share your beans, cocoa liquor, and your story with them and get them to come and visit the farm and factory so they can gain the first-hand knowledge they seek about their sources.
IF you are a chocolate maker or grower looking to connect with importers, distributor, brokers, and agents ,then Chocoa 2014 provides you the opportunity to meet one-on-one with key contacts from around the world.
If you are a company that provides products or services to chocolate makers or growers , then you can have a stand and have a presence at the Fair as well. Chocoa is actively looking for Sponsors to help support all of the events being organized for Chocoa this year. Sponsors will be able to raise their profile to a targeted professional audience not just at the Trade Fair, but also the Conference for professionals, the Festival that is open to the public and to the participants of an exclusive master class for chefs. Sponsorship rates are very reasonable for the value and exposure provided.
For chocolate makers, growers, and sponsors alike, the Chocoa Conference program offers the opportunity to meet and learn from stakeholders involved in all aspects of the cacao to chocolate supply chain. There will be representatives of banks, logistical firms, and more to help you meet the challenges you face growing your business, especially with respect to securing your cocoa bean supply. The Chocoa Festival provides the occasion to share your work and your passion with thousands of chocolate lovers from around Holland and Europe.
If you are a chocolate maker, grower, or a potential sponsor interested in participating in Chocoa 2014 , contact the organizers at tradefair@chocoa.nl for more information as well as to ask for registration forms. The organizers are working with Dutch government and private organizations to provide assistance to get Visas (where necessary) and expedite the shipping and customs clearance of bean samples to make participating in Chocoa 2014 as easy as possible.
I hope to see many of you in Amsterdam at the end of March,
:: Clay
updated by @Clay Gordon: 12/13/24 12:16:07
chocolate topping formulas for soft serve ice cream
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
I've had good luck by just mixing a little vegetable oil into the melted chocolate. I've used this for a stracciatella gelato. Try playing with that.
chocolate topping formulas for soft serve ice cream
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Does anyone have an idea on how to make chocolate toppings for soft serve ice cream? We would like to include a chocolate dip on our menu, and perhaps maple, caramel, vanilla, etc., but we don't want the hard waxy shell from the paraffin wax. The chocolate/chocolate compound needs to go on the ice cream between 70-75 degrees (we want to use real chocolate, but can't figure out how), leave a thin coat and firm up enough for a coating, but not a hard shell.
I've got thoughts running around in my head of how this can be accomplished, but I keep coming up with glitches. We don't want to have to buy it.
Thanks!
updated by @Nicole5: 04/11/25 09:27:36
I melted my Santha...questions ensue
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
No slack. Link belt should be tight.
I melted my Santha...questions ensue
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
So I reattached the stem to the bowl, its a wee bit of a wobble, but its not like it didnt have one before...
I ended up using a poly-urethane adhesive used in the construction industry, called PL Premium.
I first tried it on a rock and piece of scarp steel. Be darned if I had to chisel it off.
Next i let a small blob cure for 14 days... then heated it in some hot water and chewed it..... I wanted to know if it had flavor or off gassing.....
Seemed not to,,, so I glued the stem/stalk back in, waited 14 days, and gave it a few cleanes with some sugar and a cycle in the oven.
All seems ok.
But now Im trying to figure out the tension with the Link-V belt.... the crappy belt I got from the auto store self destructed before one batch was out. <12hours. I think it was a) too wide 1/2" vs 3/8", b) too short (33") and it was tight!!!!
Before I put the Santha back together, can some one tell me how much slack should be on the the Link V belt?
At the area between the pulleys, how many inches slack should I see?
Cheers
Alan
I melted my Santha...questions ensue
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Alan -
There is a distributor for Santha in the USA now - they are in California in the SF Bay area. (Even though their site is named SanthaUSA,com you're dealing with the company in India.) They are offering spare parts and technical support over the phone.
The site is called HotDishes and they sell a range of products including the Santhas. Their Customer Service page.
:: Clay
I melted my Santha...questions ensue
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Adam,
Thanks for the pic.
I guess I need to know at this point, what kind of adhesive to use for reattaching the stalk to the bowl. I think Im partial to a latex (think liquid nails type). Thoughts anyone?
It does seem the stalk is adhered to the bowl/stone top and bottom, and I melted the bottom...we'll see if I can "git'er dun".
Cheers
Alan
I melted my Santha...questions ensue
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Here you are. Hope this helps. 
I melted my Santha...questions ensue
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
A few weeks ago I was asking about alternatives to the Champion juicer. One of the suggestions that was given was to preheat the bowl/rollers.....
Well in a plan that wasnt quite as well thought out, I left the bowl ontop of a coffee pot warmer for far too long. It melted the base of the main stalk that is in the middle of the bowl. Not a big deal I can gently carve the melted plastic away. It still fits onto the melangeur.
But the stalk stem, what ever its called has come out. Any idea what kind of adhesive its set with? Could someone take a pic of the bottom of their bowl and show me a pic, so I know just how much I melted? Im hoping theres a chance its only the adhesive that bubbled out and smells like a$$, it doesnt smell like a plastic to me, but when its been on the heat for x hours.....you never know.
On a side note, I was looking at the Santha USA site. It looks like the center stalk is now steel, vs the plastic mine has. Any idea when that change happened? I got mine in may and it was sold as a Model 11 (part #9 drum with base , http://www.santhausa.com/MelangerPartsAccessories.htm )
Cheers All!
updated by @Alan Caldwell: 04/11/25 09:27:36
FOR SALE: Northern California Chocolate Business with Nationwide Retail Program
Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)
Hello Amber,
I was wondering if you are still selling your chocolate business and how much you are asking. You can email me directly at jperl83294@aol.com
Best Regards,
John
FOR SALE: Northern California Chocolate Business with Nationwide Retail Program
Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)
Hello Chocolate Life Members!
I am a chocolate maker in California and have been in business for three years. I am beginning to put together plans to sell my business this spring, once we make it through the valentines rush (we just had baby #4 and I'm sure you can guess that now things are starting to get a little busy around here!)
We have a nationwide wholesale program and corporate gifting program, as well as solid website sales with a good FB and IG crowd following us, and a great portfolio of major media hits.
Our product list is solid as is but I've always thought it needs a good truffle line from someone creative.
We are hoping to start looking at any interest or offers come March or April, but I am more than happy to chat about any interest or questions before then. We are somewhat flexible with the details of selling, we just want to make it work out!
Also, if anyone has sold a business in the past and has any words of advice, I would absolutely love any!
Thank you!!
Amber
updated by @Amber Fawson: 12/13/24 12:16:07
Tomric 3d molds / moulds
Posted in: Opinion
I use a bunch of high quality poly molds. Some of them are carried by Tomric, you can see many in my photos and on my website. If you work them right they are well worth it, some require a great deal of finesse and a bit of a learning curve.
Tomric 3d molds / moulds
Posted in: Opinion
I am considering upgrading this Easter from my more difficult thin clear plastic 3d egg and bunny molds to a high quality polycarbonate. I'm told magnetic molds are so much easier and provide a major difference in "cleaner" results since they don't seep out like cheap clipped ones.I'm wondering if these molds are really worth the high cost? $200 for just 3-5 cavities is a lot. Also, if I select their solid magnetic molds could they these not be used hollow items too? Usually they just have an opening in the bottom but I'm wondering if these do not since their hollow ones are $100 more!Does anyone use these Tomric molds and have any feedback? Or anyone have advice on ones they love?
updated by @Shannon Campbell: 04/10/15 18:39:32
Is probably something so simple...Cluster Problems
Posted in: Tasting Notes
PHL, I just warmed the glass bowl in a commercial microwave for about 10-20 sec and warmed the nuts in the microwave (checked on it and stirred to make sure nothing burned). They came out amazing! So the issue was the bowls and nuts were too cold.
Is probably something so simple...Cluster Problems
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Thank you Clay! The room was low 60s, the pans were stainless steel, and the nuts were about room temperature. I warmed the nuts very slightly, used glass bowls that we also warmed, and the difference was NIGHT and DAY! Thank you! I knew it would be something silly that we just overlooked.
Is probably something so simple...Cluster Problems
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Maggie -
I think that Jim and Pam may both be partly right.
The questions I have are:
1) How cold is the room you're working in?
2) What are the pans made of?
3) How big are the pans?
4) Are the nuts at room temperature (or colder)?
It's easy to over-temper in a Chocovision machine, just as it's easy to under-temper. A machine like that is no replacement for actually knowing how to hand-temper and how to tell if your chocolate is in temper. The default temperatures may not be the best ones for your chocolate.
If the room is cold and you're using stainless steel bowls and they are big bowls and you're dumping cold nuts into the chocolate -- well that would cause it to set up very quickly - especially if you are setting the bowls down on a stainless steel or marble table. Just suck the heat right out of it!
The bowls should be at the same temperature as the chocolate in the temperer, or as close to it as you can manage. You can use a heating pad under a marble slab (or between two sheet pans - this is best!) to create a warm surface to work on.
The nuts should also be as close to the temperature of the chocolate as possible. If you have a small bread proofer that would work, as would an incubator or an oven with just the light on. I would be careful about microwaving as the heating could be uneven and you don't want fat to migrate to the surface of the nuts.
Is probably something so simple...Cluster Problems
Posted in: Tasting Notes
warm nuts in microwave a little
Is probably something so simple...Cluster Problems
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Hi Jim! Thank you for your reply! Even if we are using the Chocovision Rev X it can still be over tempered?
Is probably something so simple...Cluster Problems
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Your chocolate may be over tempered.
Is probably something so simple...Cluster Problems
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Hi All!
I know this is probably going to be the easiest fix..and most likely something silly we are doing wrong. But, when we try to make Milk or Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters or Peanut Clusters...the chocolate is hardening SO fast after we ladle in our bowl that we are basically ruining the majority. I told the girls to now use as much, and do much smaller batches (annoying, but zero waste). Is that the secret? Please help!
**I am using all Peter's Chocolate...toasted coconut...and VA EXLARGE roasted peanuts .
updated by @Maggie Calpin: 04/09/15 15:09:33
Easter Bunny Molds
Posted in: Tasting Notes
Just wanted to let everyone know that I have some Easter Bunny molds I'm trying to move on eBay at a discounted price:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331121031749?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
I found the molds are bigger than I'd prefer (they end up about 130 grams per bunny).
Anybody have a lead on a source for smaller bunny molds? I'm looking for something that would make a 50g or so bunny.
updated by @Robby Booth: 04/09/15 09:57:33
10 - 15 lb Chocolate Making Machine
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
I have the smaller model.
10 - 15 lb Chocolate Making Machine
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Regarding the Premier Grinder, are you referring to the 1.5 or 2 liter (tilting) model? I just did a 5 lb. test batch on the 2 liter model and it worked like a champ. It certainly could handle more and I'll find out how much in the next few days.
10 - 15 lb Chocolate Making Machine
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Thank you gentlemen. Which machine would you say works better as well as produces a great product? I now conch for three days with my CocoaTown and love the results. I just think the quality of the machine is bad. www.noirdebene.com
10 - 15 lb Chocolate Making Machine
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Journey -
There is a US distributor for the Santhas (in the San Francisco area). They offer the same price as on the Santha web site but their prices include shipping. Also, parts are available through them - not from India - and they offer technical support on the phone.
The belt upgrade that Ben mentions is a good idea and not that expensive to implement. LMK and I can put you in touch.
10 - 15 lb Chocolate Making Machine
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Hi Journey. The only thing that I know of between the 10lb models (CocoaTown or Santha) and the 40+ lb models is the Santha 20. If you're just looking at another smaller machine, there's also the Premiere Wonder Grinder, but it's smaller. I use it for small test batches. Others somehow use it for 8 lbs or more, but the chocolate has spilled through the center shaft every time I've gone over 4 or 5 lbs.
Regarding the belts, I'm surprised yours last 5 months! When I used the provided belts in either a CocoaTown or a Santha, they always broke within a month. The last one (on my Santha 40) broke after 3 batches. Basically, the provided belts are terrible. I believe it was Brad Churchill who first made the suggestion on this and the Chocolate Alchemy forum to replace the original belts with a PowerTwist fiberglass link belt. I've done that on all of my machines and have never had a belt break or need adjusting. I believe the smaller machines use 3/8" belts, while the larger machines use 5/8".
10 - 15 lb Chocolate Making Machine
Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques
Question : Is there a new , better improved chocolate making machine besides the 10 lb. one CocoaTown offers? I'm interested in purchasing my third small machine. The Cocoa Town belt needs to be replaced every 5 months give or take and the inside piece to the drum needs frequent epoxy. I do what's necessary but would like to know if there is a better small machine.Your guidance and support is appreciated! www.noirdebene.com
updated by @Journey Shannon: 04/11/25 09:27:36