[annie]

The restaurant where I work has a new pastry chef, and he's on a quest to get a small machine for tempering chocolate, price about $500.

Andy thoughts on the Sinsation versus the Revolation (?sp)? Any other machines out there in that price range?

I do love playing with chocolate!

Thank you, Ann

[W.DeBord]

I think the main problem is that the smaller machines don't temper enough lbs. Then if you going into making chocolates... in no time you'll out grow these small machines. I'd say buy a good thermoter and save up your money for a large machine.

Personally I find that too frustrating and not worth going that route. But I guess it all depends upon what your doing....I temper with-out a machine and use the cooler to quick set it. Even saw J Torres using that method.

[annie]

If it were just for myself - I thnk you advice is right on the money (literally? )

The restaurant only needs small bits of chocolate - to construct piped Eiffel towers (don't ask - they're French!) to decorate one of the cakes, and little chocolate chairs - maybe coat some truffles. The chef has been just melting and seeding chocolate - without a thermometer at all, and the experience of a couple of days long course in chocolate. When the evening plater ran out of chairs, and panicked that she hadn't ever tempered chocolate - one look (and snap) of the leftover pieces - and I could tell her "Don't worry - we can melt chocolate ourselves"

So, we have little money for equipment, and little need for a larger amount.

I'd like to start making chocolates at home, for gifts and eventually maybe for sale. I got me a great thermometer, and I'm ordering some European molds, but I could really fantasize
over a machine that would take a whole block of chocolate.........

[JenL13]

I would also be *very* interested in hearing opinions on the Sinsation vs. the Revolation, or other comparable machines.

I definitely need to purchase a machine - I like not having to constantly monitor the temp while dipping or molding, but was thinking the 1.5 lb limit on these machines was a bit small. I still need a machine to be somewhat portable/lightweight, though - not to mention affordable! Is there a machine that does maybe 5lbs at a time? That comes in under $1k? That would be the ideal for me I think...

Thanks!

[Isa]

We've had some discussions on chocolate tempering machines. Check it out:


Chocolate Tempering Machines

Tempering Machines

[chocolatier]

I use the Revolution 1 tempering unit and love it. I'm working with a company that does Tasting Parties and have had great success with the machine so far. The chocolate turns out great with no problems. I can purchase the units for $200.00 on my party orders, that's over 50% off the regular price. I recommend the machine to anyone that wants to make smaller amounts of dipped candy. Takes about 30 minutes to temper 1 1/2 lbs. That covered several dozen coconut/almond balls.