Customer Reviews:
 Works better than I expected! October 13, 2008
Due to my wife's love of hot chocolate we decided to try this kitchen gadget out. I initially thought this was for mixing cocoa powders, but this is to be used with hot milk and *bars of chocolate*.
The first test the wife and I shopped for some expensive chocolate at the store, yummy. The glass pitcher can heat the milk in the microwave, which makes it easy to use. Once heated to a high temp, you pull it out and put in the desired chocolate, attach the top mixing handle and start pumping up and down. I wouldn't do it too hastily as the milk is hot. It didn't take very long, or require much energy, to get a nice frothy, *silky* cup of hot chocolate. Using a bar of chocolate makes for a wonderful cup of hot cocoa! The wife loved it, due to the taste of the chocolate, but also the texture that the Chocolatiere is able to produce.
I also use this for cocoa, chai, and protein powders--it worked out very well and quickly got out any nasty lumps. I also tried this out as a milk frother for my Nespresso and it worked very well in this fashion as well. Heated it in the microwave, a few pulls, and then mixed with the espresso made for a yummy Latte!
This unit is also very easy to clean in the sink or in the dishwasher. I highly recommend this for the occasional cup of hot cocoa or the dedicated addict!
Whether you use cocoa powder or pieces of chocolate, there's nothing better than homemade. September 18, 2008
I've made homemade hot chocolate before, and there's no beating it--except to add the convenience and cleanliness of the task provided by this product.
Try the instructions on the box or just mix up some cocoa powder, sugar, and a bit of salt and stir it into heated milk. Either way, doing it in this hot chocolate maker is easier and better than doing it in a sauce pot or kettle by far because the heat is even and it does a better job of staying mixed.
This also has the benefit that you can make a lot of hot chocolate all at once and stir it up before each pour, so when you want another one you don't have to heat up more milk.
As for frothing, you could do that with a wisk, and this is easier, but I don't get the appeal. I suppose it adds to the presentation.
Of course, it's also good for serving or mixing other hot and cold drinks.
 Great for frothing chocolate and making a mocha September 2, 2008
I am usually not a single purpose small kitchen appliance purchaser --- as they take up a lot of room and serve a single purpose and therefore, infrequently used. However, this item is versatile from making hot chocolate to frothing milk/mocha for a faux latte or mocha. The versatility of the pitcher to be microwavable makes it an all-in one small applicance of great versatility. Worth a try for those who love hot chocolate and frothed milk-related drinks.
 For Hot Chocolate Lovers Only August 31, 2008
If your idea of hot chocolate involves brown powder and boiling water, don't even bother. This product is intended for connoisseurs willing to go through Hot Chocolate: 50 Heavenly Cups of Comfort or Hot Chocolate trying every recipe, using Ghirardelli 70% Cacoa Extra Bittersweet Baking Bar, 4 Oz and Tuscan Whole Milk, 1 Gallon, 128 fl oz, recipient of the most praiseworthy (not to mention the strangest) reviews in Amazon history.
The product definitely works as described but as other chocolate lovers have pointed out, seems singularly unnecessary. Its only advantages are look and fun: it is a nice looking server with an irresistibly fun way to froth.
Defects? The top is too loose to froth without holding it down from on top; pull up on the handle while holding the pitcher by the side, and you will get a face full. Less forgivably, there is no booklet of several hot chocolate recipes included to try. Of course hot chocolate connoisseurs will already have plenty, but newbies are left to struggle on their own, a surprisingly stupid lapse.
Bottom line? Mine is going back in the box.
Very cool device... August 22, 2008
At first I thought this was a bit overboard, but thought.."ok, I will give it a try". There are a few reasons why I give this device 5 stars. First, it is really cool looking. The pictures don't really do it justice. Also, the hot chocolate that comes out of it is actually better than a spoon mixed cup...maybe this is related to my first point, but it does froth it which is nice. Finally, the kids love this device. They are so excited to see it come out and it makes a normal hot chocolate into more of an event. Love the device and would recommend.
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