You’ve seen it in the shops or in TV ads around Christmas and may be wondering whether the Velvetiser hot chocolate maker is really worth the money. I’ll let you into a secret – if you enjoy quality hot chocolate, it absolutely is worth it!
My Introduction to the Velvetiser
I was introduced to the Velvetiser by a couple I know who like nice things and are partial to a hot chocolate.
They had the copper version, which looked great in their kitchen, and I was pretty much sold on the idea at that point.
But, and there is a but, the Velvetiser isn’t cheap.
At around £100, it’s quite an investment for something that basically just makes a hot chocolate. Each time I walked by a Hotel Chocolat store, I’d peek in and have a look. I dropped what were obviously too subtle hints around birthdays and Christmases and didn’t get my much coveted chocolatey tech.
In the end, I was gifted the Velvetiser and a whole host of chocolate sachets, when my colleagues very generously bought me it as a farewell present when I left my job. Surely the best leaving present ever!
That was more than two years ago and I’ve used it pretty much every day since.
What is a Velvetiser?
The Velvetiser is a sleek and convenient machine that produces a delicious cup of hot chocolate. With a nonstick coating and removable whisk, you can make a creamy, perfectly frothy warming chocolate drink.
The machine is easy to clean, stylish and does not take up much counter space, although it is not dishwasher safe. It is also easy to store but I prefer to keep mine on display all time – after all, it’s a lovely looking thing, so why wouldn’t you?
This hot chocolate maker is a great luxury, and worth the investment, in my opinion.
Barista-quality hot chocolate at home
The Velvetiser is one of the easiest ways to make a high-quality, barista-quality hot chocolate at home. It froths milk, melts the chocolate, and produces a rich, creamy drink in just two and a half minutes. The Velvetiser is ideal for making a quick and delicious morning boost or a warm drink in the evening.
It is simple to use right out of the box, and it is capable of creating a perfect cup of hot chocolate at the perfect temperature for drinking right away – although I’d certainly recommend pre-warming your cup or mug when the chiller months roll around. The machine is at its best when using real chocolate that is grated and heated to an exact temperature, before whisking it into the milk and folding it in.
The result is a creamy, silky drink with the perfect sipping temperature. As I’ve already said, whilst it’s not particularly cheap at just under £100, I’ve used mine pretty much everyday for the past two years and have no complaints whatsoever.
What comes in the box?
The basic Velvetiser kit comes with a choice of Velvetiser colour and two free ceramic pod cups but I’d recommend opting for one of the starter kits, where you can choose from a number of different Hotel Chocolat hot chocolate sachets and pouches.
The Starter Kits give you the choice to try out different flavours and, as part of the starter kit, the chocolate is cheaper than buying it separately.
The Velvetiser is currently available in copper, charcoal, white and platinum but they do occasionally release limited edition colours as well.
It is a great gift for the chocolate lover in your life and it is an excellent alternative to a fancy box of chocolates which, let’s face it, won’t hang around for long.
Do you have to use Hotel Chocolate sachets?
Without doubt, the grated chocolate that Hotel Chocolat produce for the Velvestier really do make a great hot chocolate each time but again, they aren’t cheap.
You can pick up some good deals on the pouches in particular but there are other options available which do a pretty good job. And there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t use cocoa powder or hot chocolate mixes as well. It really brings the price per cup down and I like to experiment with my own blends to achieve the taste that works for me – and my pocket.
Can the Velvetiser be used for coffee?
I’m not a coffee drinker and I use my Velvetiser exclusively for hot chocolate but I appreciate that I may be in the minority when it comes to coffee.
If you are a coffee drinker though, the Velvetiser can also make frothy milk for your espresso, cappuccino or latte. Whilst it’s not a replacement for a good coffee maker, it can certainly add a new dimension to your coffee drinking at home.
Based on the success of the Velvetiser, Hotel Chocolat have also recently brought out the Podster Coffee System but I’m not in a position to comment on that other than to say that if it brings as much joy to coffee drinkers as the Velvetiser has to this particular hot chocolate drinker, then it’l be worth it.
So, is it worth Velvetising your world?
As I’ve already said a couple of times, I’ve used mine pretty much everyday for the past couple of years – sometimes more than once a day – so, for me, I’d definitely say it is worth the cost. Especially if you can get it as gift!
It looks great, produces great hot chocolate and I couldn’t be happier with it.
Velvetiser FAQs
What is a Velvetiser?
A Velvetiser is a stylish machine designed to make creamy, frothy hot chocolate. It’s easy to use, clean, and store, making it a convenient appliance for a luxury experience at home.
How does the Velvetiser work?
The Velvetiser froths milk and melts chocolate, creating a rich, creamy hot chocolate in just two and a half minutes. It works best with grated real chocolate, heated to a specific temperature, then whisked into the milk.
What comes in the Velvetiser kit?
The basic Velvetiser kit comes with the machine in a coluor of your choice and two free ceramic pod cups. However, it’s recommended to get one of the starter kits which also include different Hotel Chocolat hot chocolate sachets and pouches.
Is it necessary to use Hotel Chocolat sachets with the Velvetiser?
In my experience, no, it’s not necessary. While the grated chocolate from Hotel Chocolat does make an excellent hot chocolate, other options work well too. You can use cocoa powder or other hot chocolate mixes, and even experiment with your own blends.
Can the Velvetiser be used to make coffee?
While the Velvetiser isn’t a replacement for a coffee maker, it can make frothy milk for espressos, cappuccinos, or lattes, adding a new dimension to home coffee drinking.
