A budget-friendly hot chocolate maker from Salter, priced at £35, has been tested against the premium Hotel Chocolat velvetiser, which costs £120. The Salter chocolatier electric hot chocolate maker aims to deliver a similar indulgent drink at a fraction of the price, and also doubles as a milk frother for coffee.
In a side-by-side test using milk chocolate flakes and dairy milk, the Salter machine produced a smooth, well-blended hot chocolate at a perfect drinking temperature. However, it lacked the frothy top that the velvetiser is known for. The Salter took around five-and-a-half minutes to prepare a drink, compared to the velvetiser's two-and-a-half minutes.
The Salter model is compact and matte black, with a chrome handle border. Its instruction manual lacks diagrams, but operation is straightforward after a few uses. Cleaning is easy, with a removable whisk and smooth interior. Unlike the velvetiser, it does not come with cups or chocolate sachets, but its lower price and multifunctionality are seen as advantages.
The Hotel Chocolat velvetiser impressed with its modern design, choice of colours, and solid ash handle. It produced a frothier hot chocolate and felt more premium overall. However, the Salter chocolatier offers good value for those who want a decent hot chocolate without the high cost, especially if they also want a milk frother for coffee.
