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Original poster

Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser

108 replies

Gleps · 04/02/2021 16:52

I recently got one of these as a gift for my birthday from DH. Very thoughtful and generous gift but it actually makes awful hot chocolate. Watery and lukewarm. It definitely doesn’t come out as thick and rich as it looks in the pictures (unless I’m doing something wrong).

So, would I be unreasonable to try and return it even though I’ve used it a handful of times?

OP posts:
FelicityBeedle · 04/02/2021 16:54

We have one and I honestly think you might be using it wrong. Are you using the right amount of milk? Although I will admit it does turn off just above drinking temp but that suits me

Trying81 · 04/02/2021 16:54

What milk are you using? Are you using their sachets?

We bought one recently and the hot chocolate is amazing

cortex10 · 04/02/2021 16:59

We always fill the cups with boiling water to make sure they are pre-warmed. Helps the chocolate keep hot longer.

mogtheexcellent · 04/02/2021 17:08

What milk are you using?

Original poster
Gleps · 04/02/2021 17:08

I’m using standard semi-skimmed milk, and filling up to the line it says. No I’m not using sachets, DH got me a tub of their chocolate for it. I’ve actually just gone to check, the tub doesn’t say anything about the velvetiser. Is that the problem?

Good idea with the boiling water, I’ll give that a try!

OP posts:
Flyonthewall01 · 04/02/2021 17:08

I got one for Christmas and it makes the best hot chocolates. It comes out a perfect drinking temperature rather than having to wait for it to not burn your face off. You must must be doing something wrong

DorotheaDiamond · 04/02/2021 17:10

We do it with grated chocolate (buy in bulk from catering suppliers... much cheaper) and it comes out fine! But I think would be better with full fat milk not semi.

ZackaryQuack · 04/02/2021 17:13

I suggest trying the boiled water in the cups as above and as Doro has said, full fat rather than semi makes it smoother.
I actually find their chocolate too rich, so tend to grate a dairy milk bar instead.
I've also taken to running it a second time before putting it into the cup to heat the milk up more.

TeenMinusTests · 04/02/2021 17:17

I got one for Christmas and I (and DD) love it.
Even with skimmed milk it is like a hug in a mug. Brew
Comes out at just the right temperature to get on and drink it.

MustardMitt · 04/02/2021 17:23

It needs to use the proper chocolate flakes not chocolate powder. Unsure if that’s what you mean with what you have b

ConnieCaterpillar · 04/02/2021 17:26

We use semi skimmed with ours and hotel chocolat as a treat but found the twining hot chocolate tub much nicer! Always comes out thick and frothy, is it frothing up for you? Best thing we have ever bought

SummaLuvin · 04/02/2021 17:26

I have had one for 18 months and love it.

I have never used anything other than their grated/flaked chocolate sachets. I usually have semi skimmed milk in which still makes a delicious drink, but of course full-fat is best for super creamy. I have never once found it thin and watery, though I find their white chocolate not quite as thick and decadent as milk/dark.

I'm not one of those people who drinks tea straight from the kettle so the temperature is fine for me, but I do drink it straight away.

PurBal · 04/02/2021 17:28

We love it! The tub should be fine but you do need to use a fair bit (I think the sachets are 35g)

yellowgecko · 04/02/2021 17:30

You need the sachets or proper flaked chocolate. It's a hit in our house!

Fieldofyellowflowers · 04/02/2021 17:32

I tried a sample from one of these velvetisers when I was in a hotel chocolat shop. It was quite nice. I think you have to use the proper sachets of grated chocolate though, not powder varieties.

tunnocksreturns2019 · 04/02/2021 17:33

Yes are you using powder? I really love mine

Abraxan · 04/02/2021 17:34

Dd has one and has taken it away with her to university.
She loves it.
Everyone who has had chocolate from it have loved them. We generally only ever have skimmed milk in and it works perfectly fine with that.

unbotheredbutbewildered · 04/02/2021 17:34

I've got one and it comes out scalding hot - we also heat the cups with boiled water beforehand. It's a bit sweet (I use the sachets) so one hot chocolate usually does two people.

However, using something and then returning it is grim - especially in the current environment.

hammeringinmyhead · 04/02/2021 17:36

You can use their tubs, but it needs 6 heaped spoonfuls. Which looks like loads. It's also better with whole or plant milk (oat is lovely).

bloodyhairy · 04/02/2021 17:37

I don't have one, but have honestly never heard a bad thing about them!

bloodyhairy · 04/02/2021 17:37

Until now Grin

seven201 · 04/02/2021 17:38

I have one and was so excited but then underwhelmed. Sometimes it's hardly frothy at all and mainly just like it's been heated in a microwave or on the hob. I use the proper hc flakes and semi skimmed. I also find I have to make two loads to fill a normal sized mug. Occasionally I do get a bit of froth on top. I still use it but when it does I won't be replacing it.

AnathemaPulsifer · 04/02/2021 17:39

If you’re following the instructions and it’s not coming out right, the machine might be faulty. Take it back.

nocoolnamesleft · 04/02/2021 17:42

Odd. I'm using a velvetiser with semi milk and scoops from a HC tub, and it's gorgeous. How many teaspoons are you using? I'm using 5 heaped teaspoons.

JohnMiddleNameRedactedSwanson · 04/02/2021 17:43

I find them incredibly overrated and the chocolate tepid BUT I think powder probably doesn’t give it the best chance.