The Ultimate Guide to Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making Equipment

Are you looking to make bean to bar chocolate at home or start a small chocolate making business? To produce mouth-watering chocolate that stands out in today’s competitive market, having the right equipment is essential. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the most essential equipment for making small-scale bean to bar chocolate. From chocolate melters to tempering machines and molds, we’ll cover all the tools and accessories you need to create high-quality, professionally-made chocolate bars.

Whether you’re a hobbyist, family, or small-scale business, this guide is perfect for you. By using the equipment recommended on our Chocolate Making Equipment page, you’ll be able to take your chocolate-making skills to the next level and impress your customers or loved ones with delicious, eye-catching chocolate creations.

Essential Chocolate Making Equipment

I. Chocolate Grinders (Melangers)

Chocolate grinders, also known as melangers, are essential equipment for anyone interested in making high-quality bean-to-bar chocolate.

One of the main benefits of using a chocolate grinder is that it produces a much smoother texture than other methods, such as using a food processor or blender. The slow grinding process also allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a richer and more complex taste. Additionally, a chocolate grinder is a versatile piece of equipment that can also be used to make nut butters, tahini, and other delicious treats.

By purchasing through our affiliate links, you’ll not only be supporting our blog, but you’ll also be getting a great product that will take your chocolate-making to the next level.

II. Tempering Machines

A tempering machine is a specialized piece of equipment designed to temper chocolate quickly and efficiently. Tempering is the process of melting chocolate to a specific temperature, then cooling and reheating it to a precise temperature range to create stable, evenly distributed cocoa butter crystals in the chocolate. This process is essential for producing high-quality chocolate with a smooth, glossy finish and a satisfying snap.

While it’s possible to temper chocolate by hand, it can be time-consuming and challenging to achieve consistent results. A tempering machine takes the guesswork out of the process and ensures that your chocolate is tempered to perfection every time. This can be especially important for small bean-to-bar businesses that need to produce consistent, professional-looking chocolate bars.

Using a tempering machine offers several benefits, including:

• Consistent tempering: With a tempering machine, you can achieve precise temperature control and ensure that your chocolate is tempered to the exact specifications required for your recipe.
• Saves time: Tempering chocolate by hand can be a time-consuming process, but a tempering machine can temper large batches of chocolate quickly and efficiently.
• Easy to use: Many tempering machines are designed with user-friendly controls and intuitive interfaces, making them accessible even for novice chocolatiers.

When choosing a tempering machine, consider the size of your operation, your budget, and the features you need. Some machines come with multiple tanks for tempering different types of chocolate simultaneously, while others may offer additional features like automatic temperature control or programmable settings. Look for a model that fits your needs and budget.

While there are many tempering machines on the market, we recommend the ChocoVision Revolation 2B for small businesses or home chocolatiers. It’s a compact, affordable machine that’s easy to use and produces consistent results. For larger-scale operations, the ChocoVision Delta is a popular choice with multiple tanks and programmable settings. You can find these and other recommended tempering machines on Amazon:

III. Chocolate Melters

Chocolate melters are specialized machines designed for melting chocolate. They are an essential tool for any chocolate maker, as they ensure even and consistent melting without the risk of burning the chocolate. Chocolate melters come in a range of sizes, from small countertop models for home use to larger machines for commercial production.

Using a chocolate melter provides precise temperature control, which is crucial for producing high-quality chocolate. By melting chocolate at the right temperature, you can achieve a smooth and glossy finish, as well as enhance the flavor of the chocolate.

When selecting a chocolate melter, consider the size of your operation, your budget, and the features you require. Some chocolate melters come with temperature controls, timers, and other helpful features. Choose a model that meets your needs and budget.

If you’re looking for a chocolate melter for your chocolate business, we recommend the ChocoVision Revolation 3 Chocolate Tempering Machine. It’s a popular choice among chocolate makers, praised for its ease of use and consistent performance. For hobbyist chocolate makers, the inexpensive ChocoMaker Inc. Candy Melter on Amazon is a great option.

IV. Molds

Molds are an essential tool for any chocolate maker. They are used to give chocolate bars, truffles, and other chocolate treats their shape and size. A quality chocolate mold can make all the difference, especially when it comes to the final result. It’s the mold that gives the chocolate bar that shiny sheen and is crucial if you want professional-looking chocolate bars.

There are many different types of chocolate molds available, including silicone, polycarbonate, and metal. Silicone molds are flexible and easy to use, making them a popular choice for home chocolate makers. Polycarbonate molds are more durable and long-lasting, making them ideal for commercial use. Metal molds are also durable and often used for making larger chocolate pieces, such as hollow chocolate figures.

When choosing a chocolate mold, consider the size and shape you need, the material it’s made from, and its durability. Look for a mold that fits your needs and budget.

We’ve included some links below for your convenience, but feel free to shop around and find the best deals for your business.

V. Thermometers

An accurate thermometer ensures that your chocolate is tempered properly, resulting in a glossy finish and a snap when you break a piece.

There are different types of thermometers available for chocolate making, such as digital and infrared thermometers. A digital thermometer is great for measuring the temperature of liquids, while an infrared thermometer can quickly and accurately measure the temperature of the chocolate without having to touch it. It’s important to choose a thermometer that is reliable and accurate to ensure consistent results.

In addition to helping you achieve consistent tempering and roasting temperatures, a thermometer can also prevent overheating, which can result in burnt or gritty chocolate. By keeping track of the temperature throughout the process, you can avoid this and ensure that your chocolate has a smooth texture and delicious flavour.

When choosing a thermometer, consider the temperature range it can measure, its accuracy, and ease of use. A thermometer with a wide temperature range is ideal for bean-to-bar chocolate makers, as the roasting process requires temperatures higher than 100°C. It’s also important to choose a thermometer that is easy to read and can be calibrated if necessary.

If you’re in the market for a thermometer, we recommend checking out the ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant-Read Thermometer or the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Non-Contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer. Both are reliable and accurate options for chocolate making.

Here are the Amazon affiliate links to the recommended thermometers:

Lightbeam Digital Candy Spatula Thermometer

Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080

VI. Cocoa Bean Roasters

Roasting is an important step in the bean-to-bar chocolate making process that brings out the unique flavors and aromas of cocoa beans. A cocoa bean roaster is a specialized piece of equipment that can help you achieve consistent results.

The benefits of using a cocoa bean roaster include precise temperature control, even roasting, and the ability to adjust the roast profile to your desired flavor profile. Roasting your own beans can also be a cost-effective way to source high-quality cocoa, and can add value to your finished chocolate products.

There are several types of cocoa bean roasters available on the market, including drum roasters, fluid bed roasters, and hot air roasters. Each has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Amazon offers a variety of cocoa bean roasters at different price points, including the Behmor 1600 Plus Drum Coffee Roaster, which can also be used for cocoa beans, and the HotTop KN-8828B-2K+ Digital Coffee Roaster with Advanced Definition Roasting. As always, make sure to read product descriptions and reviews before making a purchase.

VII. Spatulas and Scrapers

When choosing a spatula or scraper, consider the material, size and shape. Silicone spatulas are heat-resistant and easy to clean, while metal scrapers are durable and long-lasting. A small offset spatula is useful for reaching tight spaces, while a larger spatula or scraper is great for transferring large quantities of chocolate.

We recommend the following spatulas and scrapers for bean to bar chocolate making:

• Silicone Spatula Set
• Stainless Steel Scraper
• Offset Spatula

These tools will help you achieve a smooth and consistent texture in your chocolate making process, while also making clean-up easy.

VIII. Packaging Supplies

Packaging supplies are an important part of the chocolate making process. Proper packaging protects chocolate from moisture, air, and light, preserving its flavour and texture for longer. Moreover, well-designed packaging can enhance the presentation of chocolate bars and make them more appealing to customers.

Using proper packaging has several benefits, including protecting chocolate from environmental factors that can affect its taste and texture. In addition, professional-looking packaging can help small bean-to-bar businesses stand out and create a distinctive brand identity.

There are many types of packaging supplies available, including foil wrappers, paper sleeves, cardboard boxes, and plastic bags. Each type of packaging has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one depends on several factors such as the type of chocolate, the desired presentation, and the intended use.

Here are some recommended packaging supplies that you can use for your bean-to-bar chocolate business:

• Foil wrappers: Foil wrappers are an excellent choice for wrapping chocolate bars, providing a protective barrier against moisture, air, and light. They come in a variety of colours and sizes, making it easy to find the right one for your chocolate bars.
• Paper sleeves: Paper sleeves are a great option for displaying chocolate bars, especially for gift sets and special occasions. They come in various designs and colours, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your packaging.
• Cardboard boxes: Cardboard boxes are ideal for packaging chocolate bars in bulk or for shipping them to customers. They offer sturdy protection and can be customised with your branding and logo.
• Plastic bags: Plastic bags are a cost-effective option for packaging smaller chocolate pieces or for offering samples to customers. They come in various sizes and can be sealed for freshness.

Here are some Amazon affiliate links to recommended packaging supplies:

• Foil wrappers
• Paper sleeves
• Cardboard boxes
• Plastic bags

Remember to choose packaging supplies that best suit your needs and budget while also maintaining the quality and presentation of your chocolate.

IX. Other Useful Equipment

Aside from the essential equipment mentioned earlier, there are other useful pieces of equipment that can make the chocolate-making process easier and more efficient. These items may not be essential, but they can greatly benefit the chocolate-making process.

• Digital Scales – crucial for accurate measurements of ingredients in chocolate making.
• Vibrating Table – helps remove air bubbles from the chocolate mold for a smoother finish.
• Chocolate Spray Gun – allows for precise and even coating of chocolate on various items.
• Cocoa Bean Cracker and Winnower – speeds up the process of separating cocoa nibs from the shell after roasting.
• Bean Cooler – quickly cools roasted cocoa beans, preventing over-roasting and preserving the desired flavor profile.
• Refractometer – measures the amount of sugar in liquid, allowing you to adjust your recipe for the perfect sweetness level.

Including these pieces of equipment in your chocolate-making arsenal can help streamline the process and produce consistent and high-quality results.

Equip Yourself for Chocolate-Making Success

Making chocolate at home or starting a small chocolate-making business requires a few essential pieces of equipment. These include a cocoa bean roaster, grinder, and melanger, as well as molds, spatulas, and packaging supplies.

Investing in the right equipment can greatly benefit the chocolate-making process, resulting in consistent and high-quality chocolate products. Remember that accuracy and precision are key, and having a digital scale and refractometer can help ensure the perfect sweetness level.

Aside from the essential equipment mentioned earlier, there are other useful pieces of equipment that can make the chocolate-making process easier and more efficient. These items include a vibrating table, chocolate spray gun, cocoa bean cracker and winnower, and bean cooler.

We encourage readers to invest in the right equipment for their chocolate-making endeavors. By doing so, they can streamline the process and produce consistent and high-quality results.

For more information on recommended chocolate-making equipment, please visit our Chocolate Making Equipment page. Happy chocolate-making!

Attribution

Spatula: Photo by Sunny Chiu on Unsplash

Packaging: Image by Freepik

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This helps to support this blog.