Hot chocolate enthusiasts, rejoice! Today, I’m reviewing the Velvetiser by Hotel Chocolat, a hot chocolate maker priced at a steep $150 (though I snagged the starter pack for $89.98). This sleek, copper-colored gadget promises to transform your milk and chocolate flakes into “liquid velvet.” But does it justify the price tag? Let’s find out.
Where to Purchase
You can purchase the Velvetiser from the official website for $150 as of this writing. The self-stirring mug featured in this review can be found on Amazon for around $10-$15.
Unboxing and Setup
Right out of the box, the Velvetiser impresses with its elegant design and thoughtful presentation. Included in the starter pack were the Velvetiser itself, two sturdy mugs, and four 10-packs of chocolate flakes in flavors of my choosing. Instructions were straightforward, and setup was as simple as placing the magnetic whisk, adding milk to the fill line, and dropping in chocolate flakes before hitting the start button.
Hotel Chocolat claims the Velvetiser can create barista-quality European-style hot chocolate in just 2.5 minutes. Bold promise, right? I had to test it with their own chocolate and, later, with some more unconventional options (yes, including cheap cocoa powder).
The Chocolate Experience
For my first test, I chose the Classic 70% flavor. The Velvetiser heated and frothed the mixture to a silky consistency at a perfect 145°F. The result was a rich, bold, and well-balanced hot chocolate that was far superior to any store-bought mix I’ve had.
Next up was the Peanut Butter flavor. It delivered a complex blend of savory peanut butter, caramel, and chocolate that tasted as authentic as it smelled. No artificial aftertaste here.
The Mint variety came third, offering a refreshing peppermint flavor that complemented the rich chocolate base beautifully. For this round, I experimented with oat milk, and it performed just as well as whole milk, producing a smooth, creamy drink.
Finally, the Black Forest Gateau flavor stole the show. Its cherry and chocolate combination was perfectly balanced and reminiscent of an indulgent slice of cake. Even with 2% milk, the drink was rich and satisfying, making this my favorite of the bunch.
David vs. Goliath: A Quirky Comparison
For a bit of fun, I pitted the Velvetiser against a much humbler competitor: a self-stirring mug. While the self-stirring mug mixed warm milk and chocolate flakes decently, the results were no match for the Velvetiser’s smooth texture, rich froth, and superior blending. Goliath won this round hands down.
Breaking the Rules: Using Cheap Cocoa
Hotel Chocolat warns that using non-proprietary chocolate flakes may void the warranty. Naturally, I had to test this claim. I used a basic hot chocolate mix and ran the Velvetiser as usual. The result was surprisingly frothy and flavorful, proving the machine can handle alternatives just fine, though perhaps not with the same depth of flavor as their premium flakes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to use with straightforward instructions.
- Consistent heating and frothing.
- Elegant design that looks great on the countertop.
- Excellent flavor quality from the included chocolate flakes.
Cons:
- High cost: $150 for the unit and $25 for a 10-pack of flakes adds up quickly.
- Limited warranty tied to using their proprietary chocolate.
- Slightly challenging to see the fill line inside the jug.
Final Verdict
The Velvetiser delivers on its promises, producing consistently excellent hot chocolate that feels like a luxurious treat. However, the price point makes it more suitable for true hot chocolate aficionados who want their drinks elevated to another level.
If you’re content with an occasional basic cup of cocoa, this might be overkill. But if you’re seeking a premium hot chocolate experience, the Velvetiser might be worth the splurge. Have you tried the Velvetiser or a similar product? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Video Review
You can see my full review in the video below.