|
Post by chocobog on Jan 14, 2012 11:17:23 GMT -5
I got a stock Ultra Grind+ wet grinder and I did the basic mods to it to get it ready for chocolate use. I had a wooden stand with stainless steel, ventilation lines on the top like CocoaTown's and a 12V 1.5a fan in the bottom to exhaust air.
I had it running fine for about 6 hours yesterday. Taking IR temp readings on the case I couldn't see temps above 130F at any point but the engine did have a particular smell. Not like burning out, but a working out smell.
Remember that this is time the machine is used.
My first batch of Gianduja was completed yesterday. 10% cacao butter, 40% milk chocolate and 50% ground hazelnuts. The total grinding time for the nuts was about 3.5 hours.
The texture is incredible, as good as any commercial Gianduja I've had. Now the problem is there is a slight motor taste in the chocolate and when I removed the rollers I saw a tiny streak of black grease in the chocolate. Very little but noticeable.
My guess on the grease is that it is part of the grease in the rollers as they come from the factory. I sure hope it is not toxic and it will go out.
For the motor taste on the first batch I am not that sure.
My second batch had less grinding time and more dark chocolate. The gianduja was perfectly fine and I couldn't taste any strange smell.
Could the smell from the motor get into the chocolate during the grinding/mixing time? Has anyone noticed this in their chocolate in the first times the motor is used?
Any input is highly appreciated.
All the best,
Felipe
|
|
|
Post by chocobog on Jan 20, 2012 14:48:02 GMT -5
I have been using the machine for several hours and it seems to be doing fine.
I've since made another batch of milky gianduja and moved up to my first batch of real 68% chocolate from Ecuadorean beans which turned out amazing.
Felipe
|
|
|
Post by Freddo on Jan 28, 2013 19:20:58 GMT -5
Hi Chocobog
I have an Ultra Grind arriving in the post. Can you please tell me where to find information on modifications I should do to the machine, and how I can break it in without ruining a batch of beans?
Rgds
Freddo
|
|