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What is a Hot Chocolate Maker?

B. Miller
B. Miller

A hot chocolate maker is a small kitchen appliance used for making homemade hot chocolate quickly and easily. The most basic designs of hot chocolate makers allow the user to simply add milk and shaved chocolate, cocoa powder, or chocolate syrup, and the machine will do the rest. A hot chocolate maker also allows the addition of extra flavorings, such as hazelnut, for different hot chocolate recipes.

Some hot chocolate makers have additional attachments or capabilities. Often, a frother attachment is included, for frothing milk for chai tea, cappuccinos, or lattes. A cool mixing feature is common as well, which allows the user to mix cool drinks such as iced coffee. Though a hot chocolate maker may seem like an additional, unnecessary kitchen gadget when hot chocolate can just be made in the microwave or on the stovetop, many people enjoy these hot chocolate makers and find them to be a good purchase.

A hot chocolate maker can be used to make homemade hot chocolate.
A hot chocolate maker can be used to make homemade hot chocolate.

A hot chocolate maker is capable of making smooth, creamy, cafe-style hot chocolate that is difficult to make at home. It is particularly difficult to make smooth hot chocolate when using cocoa powder because it requires constant stirring. This kitchen gadget is also able to make very rich hot chocolate from just the use of chocolate shavings.

Most hot chocolate makers come with a recipe booklet as well, to get creative with hot chocolate. A hot chocolate maker is generally designed to be easy to clean, with a removable plastic pitcher. Some even come with matching mugs as well. A timer is a common feature, to let the user know when the hot chocolate is ready, as well as an auto-shut off. Some hot chocolate makers will also whistle when they need more milk or water added.

Hot chocolate maker machines make hot chocolate using milk and cocoa powder.
Hot chocolate maker machines make hot chocolate using milk and cocoa powder.

Other types of hot beverage makers may be able to make hot chocolate as well. Some beverage makers use pods or small single-use cups to make a chosen drink, and the different pods may be able to make coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. This type of gadget may be more versatile for everyday use, but it will probably not perform as well at each individual task as a designated coffee or hot chocolate maker.

To make a healthier cup of hot chocolate, it might be a good idea to use reduced-fat milk. When used with rich dark chocolate, it will be difficult to tell the difference. Mixing milk and water can also make a cup of hot chocolate lower in fat.

Discussion Comments

Chmander

@Euroxati - There are actually two suggestions I have for you. First and foremost, instead of using hot chocolate mix, it would be a much better idea to use the natural kind, such as that of a chocolate bar. That would give you drink much more flavor and consistency. Second of all, do you use water or milk as the base? Personally, I find that milk gives it a much more refreshing taste. While it all comes down to personal preference, hopefully these recommendations will help to improve your experience with hot chocolate. It's a great drink for the Holidays, and with a couple of adjustments, it can appeal to just about anyone.

Euroxati

I've always enjoyed hot chocolate, especially around the Holidays. Over time though, I feel like the novelty is starting to wear thing. Maybe it's simply because of the grocery store I go to, but for the most part, I feel that the brand of mix I buy isn't too good, the quality is very cheap, and generally speaking, it doesn't give my drink much flavor. Perhaps there are some better alternatives available. Does anyone have some suggestions?

Hazali

Even though I've never used a hot chocolate maker before, from reading this article, it definitely seem a lot more beneficial than making your own hot chocolate. This is especially emphasized by the fact that more than often, when you create a drink or use a smoothie maker, using natural ingredients is a lot easier. Just for an example, but if someone tried to make orange juice by squeezing it out of an orange, it wouldn't work that way. However, if one was to use a juicer, it definitely could. Overall, it's all about perspective, and what ingredients are involved.

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    • A hot chocolate maker can be used to make homemade hot chocolate.
      By: haveseen
      A hot chocolate maker can be used to make homemade hot chocolate.
    • Hot chocolate maker machines make hot chocolate using milk and cocoa powder.
      By: bit24
      Hot chocolate maker machines make hot chocolate using milk and cocoa powder.