If I had to share just one lockdown luxury it would have to be hot chocolate. There really is something not only nostalgic about rich chocolatey drinks but comforting as well, like a hug in a mug. I’ve tried literally ever at-home chocolate powder and flakes on the market, the ones that mix with warm milk on the hob and with water for a quick fix. There are some good ones, but nothing compares to my Knoopifier Hot Chocolate Machine as I can make artisan, cafe-ready hot chocolate in just under two minutes.
The Knoopifier is by Jens Knoop, the founder of my favourite hot chocolate place in Rye, and I love that this machine has been designed not only to make the perfect hot chocolate but to also make it easy to do, as well as being easy to clean, with the jug of the machine being dishwasher safe.
While it might not be aesthetically pleasing to all kitchens with its polished stainless steel design, and it might be a little bulky, this machine really does take the stress out of mixing hot chocolate. Plus it isn’t just hot chocolate it can make, it also heats and froths milk for coffee, and mixes chocolate milkshakes, all at the touch of a button.
Unlike other chocolate machines on the market, the Knoopifier can make two decent sized cups of chocolate – each delicious and creamy with an incredible thick foam on top, and it comes in at around £100. It sounds like a hefty investment but if you compare it to a coffee maker I think it is quite reasonable, plus it does more than just hot chocolate.
Knoopifier Hot Chocolate Machine
The Knoopifer is simple to use, you simply add your preferred milk, your choice of Knoopifier buttons for the best taste, and if you want you can add a little extra flavour, with fruit, root, herb or spice. You then press the button four times and wait for it to bleep when it’s done. It really is as easy as that. Just note the fan keeps running for a few minutes after the machine stops, this is normal.
You can buy the Knoopifier from Knoops for £99.95 and the Knoopifer chocolate buttons are available in six flavours, 28% white chocolate, 34% Milk, 47% Ruby, 54% Dark and 70% Extra Dark and 96% Extra Dark.
My favourites have to be the 34% Milk with its luxurious, milky taste, which is also great when combined with 47% Ruby with its distinctive pinky hue and delightful fruity tang. I’m also quite partial to the 54% and its dark mellow, smooth chocolate taste. The only one I haven’t tried yet is the white, which is next on my list to buy.
Each pouch contains 210g, approx. 6 servings, and costs £5.95, but you can buy 3 for £15 – so what I would say is just buy in bulk.
Experiment with your hot chocolate
There is something luxurious and comforting about being able to make your own artisan hot chocolate at home, especially when the weather outside is dreadful, and I love that this machine really allows you to experiment and try new things.
Knoops have a great recipe section on their website to get you started. Three of my favourite combinations are:
- 54% Dark and fresh orange
- 34% Milk + lime + sea salt
- 70% Dark + vanilla + cinnamon
Also try mixing up which milk you use – cows, oat, almond, soya or coconut – all make perfect bases for hot chocolate.
You don’t need a Knoopifier to enjoy great hot chocolate
Love chocolate but don’t want to invest in a machine just yet? Well, Knoops also sells a range of chocolate flakes, which you mix with the milk of your choice in a pan. What’s great about the flakes is there are more options, 28% white chocolate, 34% Milk, 43% Milk – Venezuela, 47% Ruby, 54% Dark, 65% Dark – Colombia, 70% Extra Dark, 72% Extra Dark – Peru, 80% Extra Dark and 100% Extra Dark – Madagascar.
The flakes range feels more like what you see when you go into a Knoops cafe and there are more vegan options. Prices range from £8.95 to £9.95 for 250g.
No matter whether you go for buttons or flakes – the best thing to finish your hot chocolate off with is a Knoops Marshmallow. I fell in love with these at the Rye cafe and I’m so glad you can buy them online – £6.95 for five large, pillowy-soft marshmallows. Place on top of your drink, or serve on the side and dunk and nibble between sips (my preferred choice).
How do you like your chocolate?
