Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser

[Coffeewinecake]

Are they worth it?
It’s coming to that time of year (although it’s hot and sunny at the moment!) and was thinking of getting as a joint Xmas gift for DCs.
I spoke to someone at Hotel Chocolat but I still don’t really understand what they do (the velvetiser, not the shop assistant). Are they just a glorified milk frother that take up extra space and cost a lot more?
TIA

I used mine once and didn't really think it was all that. I was expecting it to rock my world based on how everyone raves about it.

Following though in case there's any tips that I can try. Maybe I'll dust it back off!

I have got a nespresso aerocinno which does the same thing. The hot chocolate is delicious but has got really expensive. Make sure you know what you're getting yourself in to!

They melt real chocolate into milk in 2 mins. I guess you could do the same in a pan but it's quicker and tidier. The chocolate sachets are really expensive for what they are though.

It's very much used here with my dc. It makes such a smooth cup of hot chocolate, that I just can't explain. Also the flavours are really amazing. They are expensive but you can buy them in packs and sometimes there are offers. Maybe Try it out at the store and decide.

A lot of people don’t think they’re worth it, from what I’ve read on here previously. However, for us, it’s one of the most used appliances we’ve ever had. I first bought one in 2020 and recently bought a new one as the old one was becoming worn inside. We’ve used it so much and still do - my 13 year old loves the salted caramel the best. I like the mint and 70% cocoa. The only down side is that the hot chocolate itself is expensive- I’ve yet to find a cheaper, just as nice equivalent, though.

I don't use it loads but i do love it. The chocolate taste grown up, not overly sweet and sickly, very comforting. The chocolate and caramel latte sachets are also delicious.
My husband loves the 70% dark chocolate, i love the white and vanilla, salted caramel, mint and orange.
You've reminded me i must go shopping for more 😀
If you have an outlet store nearby they usually have the machines cheaper as they are refurbished ones

I’ve had one for a couple of years. I do use it fairly regularly but I wouldn’t buy it again.

I don’t find the drink hot enough unless I pre-heat the cup by filling it with boiling water.

I stopped buying the official HC sachets and use Whittard’s hot choc tubs now. I know it says not to use other brands but I’ve yet to damage my Velvetiser!

On the plus side it’s really easy to clean by running it with water and a bit of washing up liquid.

My 10 year old got one for his birthday this year at his request. We did have a cheaper version first and personally there is a difference. For me I like the fact that he can do it himself. There is no boiling milk over the hob etc. He enjoys doing it and going to pick out flavours. I see they have latte selection out now also which I’d probably give a go!

Could you explain more about it being a joint gift for the children? How old are they, do you all live together etc?

I think it’s a good item for the household in general. If I was gifting it to someone, I’m thinking of someone who has just moved in and needs bits for the house? Otherwise it wouldn’t be my go-to gift for someone I live with.

I have had mine for almost 3 years and the novelty has worn off. Sometimes it doesn’t work and I have to faff around with reinserting the whisk etc so it’s sort of lost its charm as a “gift” and is more just a general household appliance like a kettle.

The white chocolate is lovely. However the refills can be expensive. Some of the flavours are just not nice - I tried the latte box which is vile - waste of money. Also the coconut caramel wasn’t particularly pleasant.

I don’t regret owning it. I have a limited edition one which looks nice and it’s fun to set up a hot chocolate station with syrups, marshmallows etc. but ultimately I don’t use it much anymore!

@Cliffwheat00 we cross posted…don’t try the latte selection! It was really disappointing.

I got one. To be honest I don't get the hype either. It does work well to make a single small cup of chocolate and is easy to clean.

But I've tried various of the HC flavours and the only one I like is the classic 70% dark. To me, the rest are over sweet and taste mostly of sugar rather than chocolate.

However, I bought two boxes of the 70% dark earlier this year, and even they didn't taste great. They had a sort of tobacco like flavour.

I don't know if the quality has declined or if there is something wrong with my velvetiser (overheating the chocolate perhaps). So it's rarely used.

I need to try a different brand of quality chocolate I think to see if it's any better.

I've got one at it is really good! However I also have the smeg milk frother which has a hot chocolate setting and the Nespresso one - out of the three I think the smeg is the best.

The velvetiser kept getting stuck and doesn't make as much, whereas the smeg can make a double portion which is so much easier.

I have one, but don't use it a lot. I find it doesn't heat the milk enough for me.

I’ve got one, don’t bother with the HC pouches I just chop up my own chocolate. I do use it probably once a week and find it to be worth it.

You dont have to use the Hotel Chocolat hot chocolate! We use bog standard Cadburys often and it still makes a really nice smooth hot chocolate.

Also to add - seeing that you’re considering it as a joint gift for DCs - it only holds enough milk to make one drink at a time.

You may not have this issue but I know me and my sister would have endlessly squabbled about who got the first one 😆

Yes, an issue with it is the size. You can only make one small cup at a time. It takes around 2 minutes per drink.

I have a Starbucks mug which must be oversized, as the standard velvetiser capacity doesn’t fill it! So it’s a bit awkward sometimes, I may need to make a 2nd round for the same cup and definitely if multiple people want one. I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal and it’s not…but it can be a bit finicky. If it had the capacity for 2 drinks, it would be perfect.

It didn’t get hot enough for me, I prefer the results when using a saucepan and a whisk.

Mine gets used daily, Year round (on hot days I make iced chocolate). I do throw Aldi chocolate in the food processor sometimes, but the hotel chocolat pouches are best.

It takes cold milk and real chocolate (flakes) and turns it into a very lovely smooth hot chocolate.

DS (skinny pre teen) has whole milk with heaps of salted caramel. I usually have 70% dark chocolate with oat milk.

Got one for my birthday last year and it’s absolutely brilliant!
DC love it (age 13 and 9). We use it every evening for them to have warm
milk before bed (just don’t add any chocolate so not regular sweet drinks). It’s milky, warm, frothy and so much better than regular hot milk or hot chocolate. The sachets are expensive (to us), so we only use half or 1/3 of the packet each time. Couldn’t live without ours now.

We have one and love it use it most nights in the winter

Mine is used. Dd uses it for coffee, neither dc are that interested in the hotel chocolate flavours so don’t bother with them and just use whatever they fancy/is in the house instead. has been a good buy.

Worth it if you like hot chocolate, you don't have to use the special chocolate, I have made with cocoa, and powdered hot chocolate, and half and half water/milk. It's easy to clean and less hassle than heating up milk in a saucepan or microwave.

The LavaZa one is better. Much better.

I've got one

I occasionally use it for hot chocolate, but use it most days with just milk to make a cappuccino/ latte type coffee

I'm glad we have one but not sure I would recommend it for the price it is. Mine was a birthday present