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Post by chocolo on May 3, 2017 7:28:04 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I'm still very new to the chocolate making process and i'd like to buy a melanger/grinder. I read the article by the Chocolate Alchemist and he recommends the Spectra 11, however, it is a lot more expensive to buy in the UK (around £550) and that is above my budget sadly. Can anyone recommend a home worktop machine please? It seems that most come in a 2L size. I am just a home chocolate maker at the moment but I would like to create a little side business potentially so Im guessing that 2L would be a large enough capacity for me? I've found a few wet grinders which seem to be fairly good, such as this one: www.amazon.co.uk/Ultra-Perfect-Plus-Wet-Grinder/dp/B014W5B8B8/ref=pd_sbs_201_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FVZHMPCXRFW5SW8474JS. I suppose I just want a nudge in the right direction! Many thanks for all your help, Lois
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Post by joetlnf on May 3, 2017 10:55:40 GMT -5
I use the Premier Chocolate Refiner, which is an upgraded version of their wet grinder. It works very well, and if you're just getting started then it should be able to produce enough chocolate for you.
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Post by chocolo on May 4, 2017 7:21:34 GMT -5
Hi joetlnf, Many thanks for your reply! I shall look into that. How much chocolate do you typically make at a time in the premier chocolate refiner?
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Post by joetlnf on May 4, 2017 10:15:29 GMT -5
It can supposedly make up to 8lbs in a batch, though I've never run it at full capacity. My typical batches are 3-5lbs, of which 0.1-0.2 lbs is lost in the refiner through evaporation or my inability to fully scrape out the chocolate.
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Post by chocolo on May 4, 2017 11:05:30 GMT -5
Ah great, so that's plenty. I'll have to see what the availability is like in the UK.
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Post by chocolo on May 8, 2017 15:00:05 GMT -5
What would you recommend between the 110V and 230V?
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Post by finnscacao on Sept 21, 2017 15:25:22 GMT -5
Hi, I'm 16 and live in the UK. I have been making chocolate from bean for 3 years now. I started by buying a Premier Tilting Wet Stone 2L grinder from Amazon.co.uk. I got it for around £160, which I think is pretty good. It is still working three years later and I have had no issues with it not working ever. It refines chocolate very well to a micron size that is not detectable and with the screw on high tension, has done a very good job conching as the chocolate can reach temperatures of 50C. I believe even the owner of WilliesCacao from the UK uses one of these in his kitchen (not his factory) as he has left a review for it.
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Post by chrisg on Dec 8, 2017 15:26:50 GMT -5
Another Premier fan here.
I've used mine every two to three weeks or so for nearly two years making 1 or 2 KG batches. It is a tough little machine but it runs better when the butter and beans are warmed first, don't go too far, you are not trying to fry the beans or melt your plastic bits, just gently warmed through. I have tried more than 2Kg but it really does get full and seems to struggle at 2.5Kg.
Stick to 2Kg starting with a gently warmed bean and butter mix and you'll be fine.
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