There is a dedicated machine to make hot chocolate. The Secura Detachable Milk Frother, 17oz Electric Milk Steamer heats and stirs milk, coca powder, sugar and other hot chocolate ingredients to create creamy, delicious hot chocolate. Creating up to 17oz/250 milliliters of milk foam or 500 mils (16.9 Oz) of hot milk for hot chocolate, in one batch, the automatic Secura machine produces enough hot chocolate for the family.
Before looking into the specifications of the best hot chocolate machine we will cover how hot chocolate is made and how a hot chocolate machine makes hot chocolate.
How is Hot Chocolate Made and Where Did it Come From?
A common ingredient in the best hot chocolate drinks down the ages has been hot milk. Of course hot milk would be nothing to do with the classic recipe with out the availability of cocoa powder and chocolate itself. While most of the world has only enjoyed the luxury of cocoa for the last 500 years or so, the Aztecs and Mayans cultivated the crop for a staggering several thousand years.
Cocoa and hot water were drunken during revered ceremonies. Invading Spanish conquistadors added sugar and spices to the local drink and took it back to Europe. At first it was a Royal and high society drink in Spain, France and Britain. Chocolate houses soon became established but it wasn’t until 1850 with the advent of solid chocolate and the mixing of cocoa butter and cocoa powder that hot chocolate drinks became affordable to the masses.
Nowadays, hot chocolate can be made in less than 6 minutes using a machine designed to whip up the delicious hot chocolate beverage.
Hot Chocolate Drink Ingredients
- 4 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped hard chocolate
- (optional) ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
To make hot chocolate at home, the traditional method is to heat a saucepan of milk, add cocoa powder and stir. Then chocolate bar flakes and sugar are added for that hot chocolate taste we love so much. Fancy nuances like vanilla extract and a final twirl of whipped cream can also be added for a decadent taste.
The great benefit of an automatic hot chocolate machine like the Secura is that you can pour all the ingredients into the steaming jug, press the button for hot chocolate and it will cook up a superior hot chocolate beverage with more creamy density and taste.
As the machine to make hot chocolate heats the contents, it also froths up the milk, cocoa and chocolate so the final result is a superb, bistro style hot chocolate.
What Else can I use a Milk Frother for?
Apart from frothing milk for use in the ubiquitous cappuccino, milk frothers can froth almond, skimmed or whole milk for lattes, mochaccinos, hot chocolate and matcha latte drinks. Milk frothers can also whip cream and eggs for scrambled egg recipes. Notwithstanding that more powerful milk frothers can perform all the tasks of a regular kitchen whisk.
Review of The Machine That makes Hot Chocoloate: Secura Detachable Milk Frother, 17oz
The specifications of the Secura milk frother and hot chocolate maker are impressive but read until the end to see if this hot chocolate machine really is hot stuff or if hot chocolate could speak would let out a whimper rather than a triumphant crescendo.
The stainless steel jug where we pour in the milk says good quality and the fact it’s dish washer proof is a great feature for regular users. The jug is also scratch resistant with a stay cool handle which will help prevent scalding.
The versatile machine to make hot chocolate, comes with a heating disk and frother whisk (which can be stored in a useful magnetic compartment under the base). 120V guarantees a speedy heating feature so you won’t be sitting around for long while the large capacity jug of milk heats. However, after about two months I noticed a dark stain on the inside of the frothing attachment which means it needed descaling, A simple descale spray removed it.
Simply press the main button at the base twice to start the hot chocolate mode which will start up the motor with a soft whirring sound. It will take about 5 minutes to steam a full jug of hot chocolate.
While the motor whirs it is not noisy enough to wake the family. It should be noted the 7oz/250 milliliters capacity is far larger than many other household milk frother machines (which are not so apt at making hot chocolate).
A further benefit of opting for the Secura Detachable Milk Frother is that it possesses a very small foot print on your kitchen counter top at only 9.02 x 6.57 x 6.54 inches. With its chrome looking finish and stylish black base, the clever device will look good in the most stylish kitchen.
Tips for Making Hot Chocolate With The Secura Detachable Milk Frother
The final result is a creamy hot chocolate beverage which is creamier than simply boiling a pan of hot milk and adding the ingredients. Why not add some extra treats to the recipe? Stop the mixing with 30 seconds to go and add a sprinkle of cinnamon powder and when the machine stops a handful of mini marshmallows added to the whipped top will provide a silky, delicious taste to the wonderful hot chocolate drink.
- For a simple recipe simply try adding cold chocolate milk and get frothy, delicious hot chocolate every time.
PROS
- Washing is a breeze, dish washer friendly
- Affordable price
- User friendly Operation Buttons
- Stainless Steel
- Lots of froth in the hot chocolate
CONS
- The min/max markings appear slightly faint
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In Short
Easier than dipping a handheld milk frother into a jug or mug, the Secura offers an easier way to prepare hot milk/hot foam for hot chocolate and will also nicely froth up cold milk for cold chocolate or coffee beverages. Of dense creamy texture, the challenge of whipping up milk froth or steamed milk for hot chocolate is now an easy process.
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- Try: Best Budget Espresso Machines With 20 BARS
I like whipped cream on mine. ))