Is there a simpler way to chop up a 10lb. block of chocolate other than using a chocolate chipper and a small hammer?

updated by @esther-l-greenberger2: 04/09/15 12:18:17

No

Forget the chipper and use a large hammer!

I have a chipper that I bought 30 years ago and it works a lot better than the current ones.

It's extremely sharp !

My business partner got ahold of some new versions and sharpened them up. Worked better, but it's never much fun.Now we only use blocks when we can't get Pistoles.

I know a Pastry Chef that would just smash the blocks onto the floor and then bang the large chunks onto the side of the workbench.

Thanks for the response. I also bang the block on the cement after I put it into two large plastic bags. Thanks for the idea of sharpening the chipper. I'll try that.

Thanks for the suggestion.

thanks too it could not been simpler!

how about a paper guillotine? Sharpen it to a finer point. Maybe weld some spikes onto the blade.

This is a chocolate cutter that's made by chocovision. I don't really use it anymore as I bulk melt from 1800# cases now so if you are interested make me an offer.

I use a chisel from the hardware store and a large rubber mallet. I found it works much better than the chocolate chipper -- it's sharper.

I buy callets for dark chocolate and just use a chipper for the milk chocolate.

Thanks for the great suggestion. By the way, since I have been using a hammer on my chipper, the wooden handle began to split so I taped it up very well to preserve it as long as possible.

the chisel has a hard plastic handle -- much more durable!

I second the chisel. It's way better than the chipper.

Thanks, I'm going to buy a chisel.

We put the block into a large bag then whack it against the counter. It is pretty effective. You end up with chunks but they fit down into the tempering bowl just fine.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area