fred
Novice
Posts: 144
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Post by fred on Mar 10, 2020 22:31:28 GMT -5
I really have two questions and maybe Chip and Ben can chime in with some insight
The premier refiner/grinder has been a great home microbatch machine! The one thing I worry a little bit about is that the epoxy seal may "lift" off the stone over time with the cacao grit constantly attacking it. The good news is that this appears to be a slow process at my rate of use (1-2 times a month for a max of 48 hours a time), but I think it is probably inevitable that the epoxy will detach from the stone. So here's my question : is this a simple user fixable thing (i.e. scrape off old epoxy and re-seal with new epoxy?) or is this when you buy a new bowl from Premier? Chances are I'm looking in the wrong direction and something else will go first (like the belt or some other seal), but I just thought I'd ask.
This leads me to another question, Ben do you have any thoughts on emerging new refining/conching machines or "technologies" for the home microbatch chocolate maker? It seems like there is a niche there, but I don't know if there are (yet) enough people like me excited enough to make it a thing?
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Post by Chip on Mar 11, 2020 9:28:40 GMT -5
fred , I have been using my Premiers for 3 years now, a LOT. I have absolutely no lifting or degradation of the epoxy. However, to answer your question directly, the part is user changeable and DCM online carries all the supplies and has YouTube video instructions.
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Post by Ben on Mar 11, 2020 12:07:53 GMT -5
Yep, I wouldn't worry too much about the epoxy. I've been using my premiers for years and have had no problem with this. The only new home machinery I'm aware of is the Cocoterra. I saw one last weekend from 10' away at the Craft Chocolate Experience in San Francisco, but didn't see it up close or taste the chocolate. www.cocoterra.com/
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fred
Novice
Posts: 144
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Post by fred on Mar 11, 2020 16:46:23 GMT -5
Chip Ben - thank you guys! Ben - very intrigued by Cocoterra. The FAQ says the machine does everything including tempering and molding. They also say the whole process is complete in 2 hours. What not clear is if you can run it for longer if you want to...
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Post by mchoc on May 10, 2020 21:55:28 GMT -5
IS there a big difference between the Premier Wonder (blue) and Premier Chocolate refiner (red)? Ive seen a lot of small batch chocolate makers on Instagram using the Wonder grinders.
But Premier states: "Please purchase Premier Chocolate refiner for chocolate refining and nut butter grinding. This product is not designed for commercial use in restaurants and commercial canteens. Please note the manufacturer's warranty will not cover for chocolate refining and nut butter grinding and for commercial use since this product is not designed for it."
The Wonder is cheaper than the Chocolate refiner too. Anyone think it would work well for small, non-commercial use?
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Post by Ben on May 12, 2020 7:30:52 GMT -5
I think I bought all of my wonder grinders before they came out with the red ones. I've used them for several years with no real problems, although I have updated the belts on them to the fiberglass link belts.
That being said, if I were to buy a new one, I'd buy the red one. I think the upgrades (link belt, better bearings, and especially the safety shut off switch) are worthwhile.
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