This is fantastic! I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate your advice on this. I'm going to go for the proofing cabinet for the ability to pre-melt several batches and have the built in temperature control... also being able to prep several batches one on top of the other will be helpful to conserve space in a small kitchen 
Thanks again Michael and Clay!
Thank you for this idea of the proof box Michael! This seems like the ultimate situation both in terms of bang for your buck and ability to accomodate growth in production size (business is off to a great start so far, so this will come in handy!) I'm a total novice in the food production business, though, so just want to make sure you're referring to an item like this one right? -- http://www.webstaurantstore.com/win-holt-nhpl-1836-heater-proofer-mobile-cabinet-clear-door-120v/962NHPL1836.html
Thanks for helping me with the search Clay! I would be hopelessly lost without you!
I thought I hit the gold mine today when I found this warmer with a built-in thermometer (though I would still probably need several of them with 4" deep pans to melt the 30 lbs of chocolate that would be going into the Revolation 3Z)
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/12-x-20-electric-food-warmer-with-thermostat-120v-1200w/324TAH1HFSS.html
But then I spoke with someone from webstaurantstore and he said that ALL the food warmers they sell require water...
Any thoughts on this or where I might look for one that does not require water as you recommended?
Thank you!
Clay, thank you so much for the awesome response! I'm especially stoked about the major potential for cost savings- I'm at an early stage in the business where everything is going super well but every dollar counts! Time to start hunting down a buffet warmer, hotel pans, lids and a temperature controler!
Thanks again!
Hi, and thanks in advance for any wisdom you can share!
I'm currently using a Chocovision Revolation 3Z and I'm looking to get a chocolate melter to melt enough chocolate for an additional batch overnight so I can be more productive... Unfortunately the Chocovision and Mol d'Art melters aren't NSF certified, which I need it to be so I can use it in a commercial kitchen. And the Savage Bros smallest unit is well out of my price range at over $4500. Does anyone know of an NSF approved chocolate melter for under $1500 that can handle 30-45 lbs of chocolate?
Thanks so much!
