Hot chocolate is perfect as a delicious winter warmer. Whether you like to indulge in a mug or two while snuggled up on the sofa or prefer to carry in a flask as a treat for your outdoor walk, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. While instant, homemade hot chocolate does its best, nothing compares to the sumptuously smooth cups of milky goodness that you can enjoy at your local coffee shop.
If you want to make your own barista style cup of smooth hot chocolate at home, try one of these hot chocolate makers that’ll elevate your cup of cocoa to the next level. There are different types you can try depending on your usage and budget, so we’ve listed our top picks that you can buy today.
This list includes:
• The Velvetiser
• Hot chocolate cafetieres
• Milk frothers
• Capsule/pod machines
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
The Velvetiser - the ultimate luxury hot chocolate maker
Hotel Chocolat’s hot chocolate maker aptly named ‘The Velvetiser’ is the perfect, luxury kitchen accessory for hot chocolate lovers. The machine can only be used with Hotel Chocolat’s real chocolate flakes but with over 16 flavours available, and latte options too, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Try flavours like classic chocolate, chilli, vanilla white, mint, hazelnut praline and orange and order refills on subscription so you never run out when you need it most.
In two and a half minutes your Velvetiser will makes a super smooth hot chocolate with just the press of a button – a great alternative to vigorously stirring or slaving over a hob. To make your ideal hot chocolate, you simply need to add your chocolate flakes and pour in your liquid. This machine works with dairy milk, plant-based alternatives, water and with hot or cold recipes so you can make it just the way you like it.
Its super chic design comes in three available colours, copper, charcoal and white, so it won’t look out of place on your counter-top. It’s important to note that this machine can’t be washed in the dishwasher but with a non-stick coating and removable whisk, it should be really easy to clean.
With specialty chocolate and a higher price tag, this does makes this quite an expensive option but if you’re obsessed with hot chocolate, this'll be your new favourite kitchen gadget for making decadent drinks to share with friends.
Also included:
• 2 ceramic podcups worth £20 • 10 single serve hot chocolate pouches
• 1 year full parts and labour guarantee
Hot chocolate cafetieres - smooth hot chocolate with a little bit of work
Much like the stylish French press you'd use to effortlessly make fresh coffee, the hot chocolate cafetiere works in a similar fashion just with a little more elbow grease. Simply pour in your milk or water and chocolate flakes, powder or buttons of choice, and use the press frother to create a luxurious treat of rich and uber-bubbly hot chocolate.
You'll need to pre-heat your water and/or milk in a kettle, on the hob or in the microwave before combining to make your hot chocolate to the right temperature.
Make hot chocolate for 2-4 people at once in this aluminium pot. You can pour in your warmed milk or water, or heat directly on the stove (excluding induction hobs). This pot is not recommended for dishwasher use but it has a non-stick inner coating which should make for easy cleaning. With a soft touch handle and a protective silicone mat included, you can make your hot chocolate as hot as you like without risking your hands or surfaces.
This 1 litre heat-resistant glass jug is great for making hot chocolate or milkshake for family and friends. The specially designed mechanism uses propellers attached to a central rod to really mix and froth your hot chocolate. It's a manual process with the pre-heating of liquid and frothing of the mixture, but a fun and rewarding activity for a deliciously rich drink.
Milk frothers - the most cost effective option for luxury hot chocolate
Milk frothers are the cheapest and an easy way to make quality hot chocolate at home. You'd have seen these behind the counter at your local coffee shop; the slim nozzles attached to the industrial coffee machines that blow a loud, hot air into a jug. Having worked with one of these myself, I can definitely say that the at-home alternatives here are a million time easier to use.
The electric gadget will froth the milk into an airy foam quickly and efficiently, taking the guess work out of how long to froth for. Some will heat the liquid up too making it a simple and effortless process. Simply pour the liquid in with your chocolate when you're done and it'll melt smoothly in with the mix. Finish with a swirl of a spoon and you've got a creamy hot chocolate ready to go.
Capsule machines - for hot chocolate and more at the push of a button
There are some amazing coffee machines that make delicious brews you can make at home. But why not go for a capsule pod machine that not only gives you the caffeine, but the chocolatey goodness too! We've picked two machines that have yummy hot chocolate blends as a part of their collection.
The Tassimo by Bosch machines serve up the nation's favourite chocolate in its silkiest form. The Cadbury hot chocolate pods give you a smooth hot chocolate drink with the Cadbury taste, topped with an indulgent froth. If you prefer a milkier chocolate still, try their Milka hot chocolate pods - the perfect treat for kids - or the Bailey's hot chocolate pods as the perfect treat for adults. With Oreo hot chocolate pods too, this is a great hot chocolate maker for fun and variety.
The pods are available to buy in your local supermarket or online.
www.argos.co.uk
The Nescafé Dolce Gusto range serves hot chocolate in their Chococino pods - wonderful rich and smooth hot chocolate that is an absolute treat. I've been a lover of these for years and always enjoy a luxurious cup or two when visiting family. The range also has Mocha pods for a coffee/chocolate blend and Nesquik hot chocolate pods for that ultimate nostalgic taste of childhood.
The pods are available to buy in your local supermarket or online.
