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

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.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

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.

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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.

These machines use heavy granite wheels to grind and refine chocolate and other ingredients to a smooth, silky texture. By grinding the ingredients slowly and carefully, a melanger enhances the flavor and aroma of the chocolate while also improving its texture.

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.

When choosing a chocolate grinder, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you need to decide on the size and scale of the machine based on your production needs. For small businesses or home use, a 2-liter capacity grinder like the Premier 2L Tilting Wet Stone Grinder is an excellent choice. You should also look for a machine with adjustable grinding settings, a durable motor, and easy-to-clean parts.

If you’re ready to invest in a chocolate grinder, check out our recommended products on Amazon.

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.

Although it is possible to melt chocolate using a microwave or double boiler, a chocolate melter is a valuable investment if you plan on making chocolate regularly. It can save you time and effort, and assist you in producing better-quality chocolate.

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

Chocolate molds are an essential tool for any chocolate maker. They are used to give chocolate its final shape, whether it’s a bar, a truffle, or a molded chocolate piece. A quality chocolate mold can make all the difference in the final product, especially when it comes to achieving a professional look.

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 various benefits to using chocolate molds. Firstly, they allow you to create professional-looking shapes consistently. This is particularly important if you plan on selling your chocolate products or giving them as gifts. Secondly, they help you to control the size of your chocolate pieces, which is vital for ensuring consistent quality.

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

A reliable thermometer is a crucial tool for anyone serious about making high-quality bean-to-bar chocolate. It allows you to accurately measure temperatures at different stages of the chocolate-making process, such as roasting the beans and tempering the chocolate.

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 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

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.

When shopping for a cocoa bean roaster, consider factors such as batch size, roasting time, temperature range, and ease of use. Look for a roaster with a durable construction, and check customer reviews to see what other chocolate makers have to say about their experiences.

Amazon offers a variety of cocoa bean roasters at different price points, including the Behmor Plus Drum Coffee Roaster, which can also be used for cocoa beans, and the HotTop KN-B-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

Spatulas and scrapers are essential tools for bean to bar chocolate making. They are used to mix, fold and scrape the chocolate during the tempering process, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture. These tools are also used for transferring chocolate from one container to another, and for cleaning the work surface.

Using a high-quality spatula or scraper can make a huge difference in the final product. Not only do they help achieve a smooth texture, but they also make clean-up easier. A good quality scraper will prevent waste and save time.

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:

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!

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.

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An Illustrated Guide to Customized Candy Molds

There are multitudinous candy molds in the global market, but most of them can be divided into sweet candy molds and chocolate molds.

Huafeng Mold are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Candy molds VS chocolate molds

In this guide, we will talk about sweet candy molds, the materials of a candy mold, the candy mold applications, how to use a candy mold, its clean, and storage tips, etc.

Candy molds samples

Chapter 1. What is a candy mold?

A candy mold is a tool that can form the candy in shapes. A good candy mold manufacturer can make the customized candy mold that designs as per your special ideas, then you can make the only candy shape in the world.

For Aluminum candy molds, the melting point at 750℃ (°F), the silicone candy mole melting point at 200℃ (392°F), so no need to worry the hot candy mixture will break the mold. when you are making candies manually, you just need to fill the cavities carefully, then you can get the shaped candies after cooling.

Fishtail lollipop VS lips lollipop candy mold

For the candy depositing line,  it will be filling the mold cavities automatically, then automatic de-molding, you can get a huge quantity of shaped candies after the cooling tunnel. 

Candy depositor drops on the candy molds automatically

Chapter 2. How to use the candy molds?

The candy mold you can use for homemade candies, or commercial candy production line for candy factories. the candy molds you can use for one shape or multi-shapes, but each candy weight must be the same in gram.

Chapter 3. Two Categories for the Candy mold Material

From the mold material, We can divide the molds into two categories:

• Aluminum candy molds also called Metal candy molds.
• Silicone rubber candy molds also called silicone molds.

Aluminum candy molds VS Silicone rubber candy molds

Chapter 4. Two categories for the candy mold configuration

Even the silicone rubber candy mold has a frame inside but only can make as Flat shapes (2D molds). But the aluminum candy molds can be making as Flat molds and 3D molds.

2D candy mold only has patterns on one side, the other side is flat.

3D candy mold can make ball-shaped candy, or both sides of candies have patterns.

2D VS 3D candy mold configuration

Chapter 5. Candy molds applications

The candy molds you can use for making:

• Hard candy
• Toffee candy | Soft candy
• Gummy candy | Gummies
• Lollipop candy

Candy mold applications

Chapter 6. How do choose the right candy molds suits you?

First, you should make sure which type of candy you want to make, the weight of each candy. For making gummy candy and toffee candy, you can choose silicone mold or metal mold. The metal mold push candy by mold pin, based on the candy shape and size, the mold pin will choose matched diameter.

The silicone molds are more suitable for big candy and simple shapes candy. but not suitable for making hard candies, if using a silicone mold to making hard candy, there will be some bubbles on the candy surface.

Chapter 7. 4 tips when you update your existing molds.

If you want to upgrade your existing candy shapes, change over the whole set of molds will be your primary choice, it’s the most simple and economic way, XX tips you should concern when you choose the new molds.

Tips 1: The mold frame size. here’s an example:

Candy mold drawing sample

Now the upper sample the candy mold frame size: 320*74mm. two cavities diameter 28.6mm. when you upgrade your molds, the size shall be the same.

Tips 2: The mold cavities

Like upper heart shape mold drawing, 20cavities on the mold. the easiest way to upgrade the new molds with 20cavities too.

When the depositor working, the depositing plates and the mold cavities are matched. unless you need to upgrade the depositor spares too.

The candy depositor matched the candy molds

Tips 3: Each candy weight in gram

The depositing strokes have different diameters, your candy depositor machine supplier will give you matched one. But when you upgrade your molds to different weight of candies, you should also consider the weights of each candy.

We can roughly give you the weight range, details need to check with your depositor supplier.

• Bellow 2grams
• 2~7grams
• Above 7grams

For example, your existing mold making 4g candy, if you want to make 3g, 5g candy,
nothing needs to change on the depositor machine. Change the molds will be fine.

Tips 4. Candy mold materials

If you are using metal candy mold, when you upgrade the molds, you need to choose the metal molds too. If you are using silicone molds, you need to choose new silicon molds too. WHY?

The automatic demolding system for metal candy molds and silicone molds is different.

Chapter 8. Two types of metal candy mold connections with the candy depositing lines.

For commercial candy depositing lines, there is two way to connect the molds with the candy production line.

1. Mold-clamps connection
   
2. mold-buckle
   

If you are ordering a new candy depositing line, then the buckle one is highly recommended, it will be better for change over the molds, save your manpower, easy operating.

If you want to update your existing mold, then follow your old mold design.

Chapter 9. What are the advantages of metal candy molds?

• Faster cooling molding
  The material of metal candy mold is aluminum alloy, when the candy syrup contacted with the mold, will be faster cooling than the plastic molds, silicone molds.
• Easy demolding
  The surface of the metal mold is Teflon coating(food standard), easy for demolding.
• Perfect candy appearance
  If your candy design with a complex pattern, then a metal candy mold can make its preciseness appearance, with no bubble, smooth and shining pattern on the surface of the candy.
• Durable and long-lasting
  For common use, the mold itself won’t be broken, the aluminum candy mold melting point at 750℃ (°F), you can use it for years.
• Lower investment for the opening mother mold
  A good mold manufacturer can design the mold as per your ideas, and it’s easy for opening a new mother mold tool, with less than $500 for the new mother mold opening fee.
• Lower re-investment for updating candy shapes
  If you want to upgrade your existing candy shapes to the latest one, only re-investment for another set of molds. For example, your existing mold has 20cavities, each candy weight 4g, you want to upgrade to new shapes with 20cavites and 5gram, then candy depositing line no need any change(if the mold cavities arrangement is the same, the weight of each candy does not have a big difference).

Chapter 10. What’s the metal candy molds manufacturing process?

An excellent candy mold manufacturing process is complicated, each candy mold will go through 13steps. With a secret receipt of Teflon coating, designed especially for candies, that’s why the mold you can use for years.

Metal candy mold manufacturing process

The candy mold manufacturering process video

Chapter 11. How’s the unqualified mold affect your candy products?

Un-qualified candy mold including, rough workmanship, cheating on materials, candy contacted parts without Teflon coating.

When this USA customer cleaning the molds and blowing them, black residue came out, from the ejection pin(pusher pin), which affected the final gummy bears’ flavor and appearance.

WHY did this happen? the copper pusher pin without Teflon coating, so after clean with water and get oxidation reaction. how to avoid this?

• The candy contacted pusher pin must be half Teflon coating.
• All mold, including push pins with Teflon coating.

Chapter 12. What’s the candies’ appearance after demolding?

No matter homemade candy by manual or commercial candy production line, the candy mold will be the same appearance after demolding. bellow is a testing video by manual, we can see the final products when it’s cooled after demolding.

Homemade candy, the candy mold filling test

Homemade candy, the candy mold demolding test

Chapter 13. How to clean and store your candy molds?

The candy molds need to be cleaned regularly. You can use hot water to clean them all and blow drying or put them in th sun, let the water gone to avoid any oxidation, and easy for your next use.

Chapter 14. Storage conditions for the candy molds.

The cleaned candy molds shall be stored in the right place. The candy molds should be stored in aeration-drying, cleaned place, and protected from dust.

Chapter 15. FAQ (Frequently asked questions) guide for the candy molds.

Question 1: My candy depositing line using aluminum alloy made candy molds, Can I change them over to the silicon molds?
Answer 1: The demolding system for metal candy and silicone candy is different, you can not change the mold materials. You can change the shapes and weight, but not the mold material category.

Questions 2: What’s the approximate weight of a single candy mold?
Answer 2: Each candy mold have different shapes and cavities, so the weight of the candy mold is not fixed, but here’s an average weight for your reference:

• Flat metal mold(2D mold): 0.75kg/pcs
• 3D metal mold: 1.2kg/pcs
• Silicone mold: 0.6kg/pcs

Question 3: My candy depositing line using aluminum alloy made candy flat molds(2D molds), Can I change them over to aluminum alloy 3D candy molds?
Answer 3: Yes, you can. Details need to check with your candy depositor supplier.

Question 4: I’m a green hand in the confectionery industry, I want to make all kinds of shapes of candy, but I do not have sufficient funds, is there any solution?
Answer 4: Yes, You can consider multi-shaped candy molds, each cavity has the same weight, you can get different shapes of candy at the same time. when you have the plan to order an automatic candy depositing line, the molds can be used too.

Questions 5: How many colors of the Teflon coating candy molds?
Answer 5: The colors of Teflon coating have 2 options:
Golden color Teflon coating mold
Black color Teflon coating mold

They are the same functions.

Golden color VS Black color teflon coating mold

Question 6: What should pay attention to before shaping the candies by the candy molds?
Answer 6: For better demolding and get smoothly, the shining appearance of the candy, before dropping the mixture into the mold cavities, A thin layer of edible oil is needed.

Question 7: What’s the MOQ for one set of the candy mold?
Answer 7: MOQ 100pcs for one design of the candy mold.

Chapter 17. What is the cost to import the candy molds from China?

For the molds no need to open new mother mold, you only need to pay each mold cost, the average cost $10-35/pcs. If need to design & open new mother molds, then need mother mold opening fee. it depends on detail design and mold size.

Chapter 18. Why trust iSweetech candy molds?

• iSweetech is a Professional Manufacturer of confectionery machines since , which can give you an ideal solution to cater to your demands.
• iSweetech has rich experience and skilled engineers in the confectionery industry, which have served 90+countries customers around the World.
• The candy molds SGS certificates for metal molds & Silicone molds will be supplied for you.

The candy molds SGS certificates

For more Industrial Chocolate Molds(ru,fr,fi)information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.