A hot chocolate maker is the countertop new must-have. and we think we know why. Just as lockdown had us all craving barista-style coffees and creating our own coffee stations to get our smooth caffeine fix, more and more of us are looking for that creamy and flavoursome professional finish when it comes to hot chocolate, too. Instant hot chocolate is all too often grainy and watered-down in the best hot chocolate makers can whip up a beverage comparable with anything you'd enjoy in your favourite café.
The trend seems to have been inspired in part by the fandom which has sprung up around Hotel Chocolat's much-hyped Velvetiser, which promises barista-style frothy hot chocolates at the touch of the button. We've already shared our tried and tested review of the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser - now read on to discover some of the other hot chocolate makers on the market, including affordable alternatives to the Velvetiser, such as Salter's Chocolatier.
The best hot chocolate makers on the market in 2024
Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser
No round-up of the best hot chocolate makers would be complete without the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser , which kicked off the craze with its promise of a velvety-smooth hot chocolate at the touch of a button.
Available in grey, white or copper (pictured), the Velvetiser comes with ten sachets of real chocolate in a variety of indulgent flavours, including orange, hazelnut praline and salted caramel, as well as two ceramics cups to enjoy them in. There are several appliances on the market that promise creamy, frothy hot chocolate - but we have to admit, none of them look quite as glamorous on the kitchen counter as the Velvetiser!
Is the Velvetiser worth the hype? We put it to the test...
Seeing as this is the hot chocolate maker that took the internet by storm, we had to put it to the test! YourHomeStyle's Alice Tuffery put this machine through its paces - read Alice's full review of the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser to find out what she made of the much-hyped machine's performance.
The Chocolatier
With a capacity of 240ml for mixing your favourite chocolate flakes and choice of milk, The Chocolatier can achieve barista-grade drinks in the comfort of your home in under five minutes. It boasts a cordless design, a touch control panel and is non-stick for easy cleaning. The frothing function allows you to make frappés and top your drinks with a delicious foam for that indulgent finish, too. Plus, the Chocolatier comes with a one-year warranty offered for peace of mind.
Lakeland hot chocolate maker
If you’re a barista wannabe then this handy gadget can help you level up everything from your macchiatos to iced coffees, and not forgetting the hot chocolates! The one-touch control panel allows for easy use, while the transparent lid lets you make sure the chocolate flakes are mixed to perfection
The double-walled stainless steel design has a capacity of 250ml for a delicious comforting treat. The three-year guarantee is a reassuring addition too.
Progress Chocoluxe hot chocolate maker
In under five minutes the Chocoluxe can make smooth and luxurious hot chocolate. The easy-to-use buttons make selecting hot, cold, milk steamer or frothing a breeze, and the sturdy handle makes pouring comfortable whether you’re left or right-handed. A great, affordable solution with a three-year guarantee so that you can buy with confidence.
Bodum Chocolatiere chocolate jug
This manual hot chocolate maker is made from heat resistant glass that can be popped into the microwave to get the milk to the ideal temperature. Pumping the plunger will then gently blend the chocolate pieces, flakes or powder and milk, while creating a creamy froth. It’s a great space saver as it can be neatly stored or used for decanting other drinks whenever needed. Plus, with a generous 1L capacity, this is one of the best hot chocolate makers for families!
Best of the rest - milk frothers
Dualit milk frother
Hotel Chocolat's Velvetiser is manufactured by British brand Dualit - and their own-brand milk frother makes for a savvy cut-price alternative to the Velvetiser! This gadget can be used with or without its internal whisk attachment depending on whether you want to froth your milk as it warms up. Once your milk is hot and frothy - which should only take around 70 seconds - simply pour, combine with your hot chocolate powder of choice and stir. There is also a cold froth setting, handy for giving milkshakes that professional whipped-up finish!
The only downside, of course, is that it doesn't have that iconic Velvetiser finish - but if you're more concerned with substance than style, the Dualit milk frother is a brilliant dupe!
Lavazza A Modo Mio Milk Easy Frother
Best for travel
Lavazza is one of Italy's leading coffee brands, and their blends are sold all over the world - but did you know they also sell a range of accessories, like this electric milk frother?
Although intended as a device for frothing and warming milk to create the perfect cappuccino, the A Modo Mio works just as well for making hot chocolate - you can add chocolate flakes and use the multifunctional control button to warm and/or froth your beverage, or simply pour your heated, frothy milk over your favourite chocolate powder.
Due to its compact size and handleless design, this is a great choice for packing in your suitcase if you want to enjoy frothy cappuccinos or creamy cocoa on your travels.
Ocooko Electric Milk Frother
Best for functions
Unlike some of the other devices on our list, Ocooko's portable 4-in-1 frother actually has a separate setting designed specifically for preparing hot chocolate, as well as settings for hot froth, cold froth and heating only. Each programme takes around two minutes to complete.
We love the ergonomic design, with an easy-grip-handle and a light-up control button to select your desired setting. The jug can froth up to 160ml of milk, and heats up to 350ml.
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MOSUO Milk Frother
Best on a budget
We've shared a few of our favourite electric milk frothers for making café-level hot chocolate, but if those are out of your budget, don't despair! A handheld milk frother is the ultimate budget-friendly option for whipping up a foamy hot chocolate. Just add your preferred chocolate powder or flakes to hot milk, then use this MOSUO USB-charged milk frother to combine and froth.
This multifunctional handheld tool is also well worth its salt in the kitchen even if hot chocolates are an occasional treat, as it comes with a special head design for whisking eggs.
Prefer coffee? Then read our top tips to create the ultimate at home coffee station.
