Whip up Parisian cafe–worthy hot chocolate at home this holiday season with the new Velvetiser from Hotel Chocolat. Our executive culinary director put it to the test to see if it delivers.
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For me, once Halloween ends, it’s officially Christmastime. Bring on the snowflakes, red-and-green plaid, pine-scented candles, and of course, hot chocolate. But sometimes instant, store-bought cocoa just doesn’t scratch the cold-weather itch.
Enter the Velvetiser hot chocolate maker from Hotel Chocolat. It whips (literally) up smooth, creamy hot chocolate in minutes—faster than you can say jingle bells.
Our executive culinary director put the all-new Velvetiser to the test to see if it could really make Christmas wishes come true. Here’s what happened.
The perfect countertop hot chocolate maker to warm you up this holiday season
The Velvetiser is a compact kitchen gadget that makes hot or cold European-style drinking chocolate in about two minutes with just the press of a button. Add chocolate flakes and your favorite milk, and you’re ready to cozy up with a warm mug of cocoa on a chilly winter afternoon.
Wondering how it differs from a regular milk frother? The Velvetiser is designed specifically for hot chocolate, using a petal whisk to blend and heat chocolate flakes to the perfect temperature. A milk frother, by contrast, is built to foam milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Our Executive Culinary Director, Sarah Farmer, tested the Velvetiser. Here’s her expert opinion on the new hot chocolate machine.
Sarah says the Velvetiser’s one-button design couldn’t be easier to operate. Just add milk (dairy or plant-based) and chocolate—flakes for hot drinks or powder for cold—pop on the lid, hit your setting, and in about 2½ minutes you’re sipping chocolatey goodness.
“‘Velvety’ is exactly the right word. It’s thick, frothy, creamy and silky-smooth,” Sarah says. “I tested the machine with both whole milk and 2% milk (the brand’s recommended option for optimal performance), and both produced equally impressive results.”
The Velvetiser’s clever design whips up milk that’s thick and smooth—no graininess, no leftover chocolate. Its petal-shaped whisk and ridged pitcher create a gentle vortex for that signature velvety texture.
The temperature of the hot chocolate hits the sweet spot, too. It’s warm, not scalding, and ready to sip right away.
One thing Sarah does caution against is using standard store-bought hot chocolate mixes in the Velvetiser. The brand also advises against this, noting that it can affect performance. So, it’s probably best to stick with Velvetiser’s own chocolate packets to keep the results consistent and high-quality.
Hotel Chocolat offers an impressive lineup of nearly 30 hot and cold chocolate flavors, ranging from cozy classics to creative limited-edition blends.
“The quality of the drinking chocolate selections I tried (which were many!) really stood out,” Sarah says.
“They’re well-balanced, smooth and rich, with no hint of artificial flavor or cloying sweetness you sometimes get from store-bought mixes.”
Sarah’s favorite flavors were Mint, with its cool, refreshing lift against the dark chocolate, and the Black Forest Gateau, which layers subtle cherry notes into a lush, dessert-like sip. “The flavors taste natural, grown-up and top quality,” she says.
The Velvetiser runs quietly and finishes its cycle without any alert—no beep, buzz or chime. Each batch yields one 10-ounce serving, and you can make cup after cup with just a quick rinse of the pitcher and whisk between rounds.
Sarah tested the Pebble finish, which she says looks sleek and modern. “The machine feels sturdy and well-made—substantial enough to feel premium without being heavy and cumbersome,” she says.
“The cord length is standard and didn’t pose any issues,” she adds. “I typically keep my countertops clear and store small appliances between uses, but this one earns a permanent winter spot.”
A quick rinse with cool water keeps the nonstick surface slick, the whisk mechanism snug and cleanup truly effortless—no need for detergents or scrubbing.
Sure, $179 is a splurge for hot chocolate, but for Taste of Home’s Test Kitchen Lead, it’s a worthy indulgence and a perfect Christmas gift for any cocoa lover.
It’s safe to say our expert culinary tester fell hard for the Velvetiser—so much so that it’s earned a permanent spot on her kitchen counter. “I love hunkering down with a mug of hot chocolate, and this beautifully designed machine introduced me to a new bougie way to enjoy it. The brand promises a rich, luxurious, velvety drinking chocolate experience—and they weren’t exaggerating.”
Between its effortless operation, silky texture and exceptional flavor, Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser is an everyday luxury worth the splurge. For anyone who loves slowing down with something warm and comforting, this one’s a keeper—and a gift guaranteed to impress.
Bring cafe-style European drinking chocolate to your kitchen this winter with the Velvetiser
Treat yourself or a chocolate-loving friend to the Velvetiser, available as a set on Amazon or the brand’s website for $179. The bundle includes the sleek hot chocolate maker, a 10-serving taster box of hot and cold mixes, plus a matching mug and glass.
A splurge? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely—especially for creamy, dreamy hot chocolate all winter long.
