Forum Activity for @TONNY

Tony.n
@Tony.n
04/18/17 20:45:14
54 posts

WTB - Tabletop Chocolate Depositor with accurate dosage


Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Clay Gordon:

Peppy Pumper


(site requires latest version of Flash Player which I did not download):


http://wahlpumps.wix.com/metering-pumps#!peppy-pumper


Contact Dave Wahl ( wahlnuts (at) msn (dot) com



There are a bunch of videos on YouTube - and Dave can talk to you about creating something for you custom mold configuration.


:: Clay



Thanks for the referral Clay!

Tony.n
@Tony.n
04/18/17 06:31:27
54 posts

WTB - Tabletop Chocolate Depositor with accurate dosage


Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted


Hello, I am looking for a practical easy to clean tabletop chocolate depositor station with accurate dosage with the option to mount a custom depositor head that fit my custom molds. My ideal machine will be something similar to the below machine from Selmi:

http://shop.tomric.com/Product/A-1365/Selmi_Mold_Filling_Injection_Machine.aspx

I would like to use the depositing station for chocolate bars and and not for filling. (I am not interested in an auger based machine) with a big tank like to regular selmi machine. I need something very practical to clean and change chocolate types many times a day. I would like it to have a hopper or small tank around 10 kg or 20 lbs.

I contacted Tomric to purchase the Selmi machine as this looks like to perfect solution to me; however, Tomric mentioned to me that this is not suitable for chocolate and it could knock off the temper as this is only suitable for praline and ganache that have heating range (close to  35 -37 C or high 90's or 100 degree F) which is higher than chocolate tempering and if I disabled the heat switch the chocolate will crystallize and block the depositor head.

Does anyone happen to know about/worked with similar product or I have to go completely custom?

Thanks! 


updated by @Tony.n: 06/29/23 16:49:02
Tony.n
@Tony.n
01/08/17 20:20:00
54 posts

WTB - HQ ECUADORIAN COCOA BEANS - Houston TX


Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Thanks for the recommendation Brian!

Tony.n
@Tony.n
01/08/17 13:45:23
54 posts

WTB - HQ ECUADORIAN COCOA BEANS - Houston TX


Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Thank you Clay I will reach out to Meridian and Ecom trading!

Tony.n
@Tony.n
01/07/17 15:34:21
54 posts

WTB - HQ ECUADORIAN COCOA BEANS - Houston TX


Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Hi Clay,

This is required for a chocolate bars that will be sold at a major retailer. For my first order/immediate need, it has to be from US due to time constraints; but, I am willing to import. Can we discuss quantities & details via e-mail: tony.najjar@xocolla.com ?

Thank you in advance!

Tony

Tony.n
@Tony.n
01/07/17 06:46:06
54 posts

WTB - HQ ECUADORIAN COCOA BEANS - Houston TX


Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Hello, I am looking to source high quality Arriba Nacional cacao beans. I am located in the Houston, TX metro area.

Please contact me at: tony.najjar@xocolla.com


updated by @Tony.n: 06/29/23 16:49:02
Tony.n
@Tony.n
08/28/16 17:12:52
54 posts

turning chocolate into gold


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

I wonder how does is dry so quick and do not stick on the fingers while removing it from the the bowl - This is really scary ;)

Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/22/16 06:39:44
54 posts

Bean-to-cocoa butter and cocoa powder


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

antonino allegra:

Update... many years later! 



We have found a way to build our own cocoa butter press to make about 10kg/h. We are looking into building the machine although is not cheap... it costs about $20K... but we could process about 70kg cocoa butter per day.... 



Will keep posted





Since your willing to spend, 20K, did you check the price of the 200 T (5KG per batch) Cacao Cucina (It is around 25K but I am not 100% sure) and it should get to what you're looking for per day:



http://cacaocucina.com/cocoa-butter-press/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATkKP-NfEk4 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/20/16 21:40:59
54 posts

Mini Cacao Butter press for Small Scale Single Origin Chocolate & Artisan Cacao Butter production


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Powell and Jones:


There really isn't a good / cheap option at the scale you want to produce.  Making a few hundred grams of CB using one of the chinese made electric electric 'oil' press devices is possible. For a few hundred dollars I suspect they won't last long?  There are some Taiwanese built 100T cacao presses out there, I've no personal experience of them, looks like they could work and make several kilos a day, you would need 3phase power and a strong floor they weigh a couple of tons at least.

Scaling up is both difficult and and expensive.  You simply wouldn't get the level of production (25#/ day) you want from any home brewed set up built using a cheap automotive bearing press.  You need far more force and some means to heat the pressing pot in a controlled way and also some safety screening.  I've built a lot of my own bean to bar set up,  but personally wouldn't bother to try to build a DIY press using a chinese HF 12 T press etc...sure, OK for pressing the wheel bearings off a rear axle, but simply not up to delivering the force necessary to extract cocoa butter efficiently or safely.    

I do admire the home brew crew and in certain parts of the world using a gas blow lamp on the outside of a pot made from an old diesel truck engine cylinder, a metal slug and some old cacao sacking and a hand jack powered automotive press does appear to be a means to produce small quantities of CB of unknown quality?  Personally, don't think this would fly with food safety / insurance etc here in the States, certainly wouldn't meet, State or Federal GMP food codes.

You do really need to both preheat the liquor and heat the pressing chamber to ensure efficient extraction - 25% or better.)  There's complex machining and or welding involved in making a safe (proofed) pressure pot capable of withstanding the massive force being applied. The cost of the billet material needed would likely suprise you.   You need a perforated follower, CB recovery system and a heating system.  The food contact surfaces need to be 304 / 316 stainless or better, and the press frame etc needs to be NSF food safe powder coat, not some potentially cadium or lead containing chinese paint or powder coat.  Electrical needs to be EL code etc.  need a safety screen around the press to protect staff from injury etc,

The Cacao Cucina systems appear built and designed by a company that knows how to design and build this sort of item to comply with the standards and safety norms. They are USA based hence relatively expensive, is there any other viable alternative currently?  Also consider the specs.....

The Lab Cocoa press uses a 75T press as the 'engine', that's a heavy duty bit of kit.   FYI:  Just the cost of a decent quality DAKE brand 75T 'workshop press' is around $9 - 10K.  The 5kg scale Cacao Cucina press apparently uses a dual action 200T press, these cost at least $25K. These items also weigh 1500 - 2600#  can your floors take the load, do you have the necessary space and electrical?   

Even if you manage to build something (cheaper?)  according to the Cacao Cucina specs their 200T model can only process a 5kg batch of liquor, assuming a decent yield of CB that's just over a kilo of CB per batch!  Are you going to run that device 10-12 times a day to obtain 25# or hire a staff member to do it, while you continue with your 'day job' of making chocolate and running the rest of your business?

Why not do the return on investment calculation?   i.e.  Is being able to press CB from you own cacao a critical aspect of your business model?  If yes,  What's the cost of investment needed?  Can I obtain a loan to purchase the necessary kit hire the staff to produce at the daily scale needed.  What is the ROI / pay back timeframe?

Good Luck!  and please be very careful if you go DIY 

Mark

Thanks Mark, I agree the 200-300 Chinese machines are not going to cut it and the Cacao Cucina press are expensive and overpriced. So I decided to desgin my own and have it made by a local machinist. I am now looking at Multiple designs like Grenada, Mindo and Cacao Cucina and come up with the optimal design.

As a first observation, Grenada is using a 6" OD Cylinder simliar to the Cacao Cucina.  

Cacao Cucina is using a 75 Ton press can generate a presure of 5,839 PSI over the 6" diameter circular surface

On the other hand, Grenada is using only a 20 Ton press over the same 6" diameter circular surface which leave them with 1,557 PSI, they can gain more 45% PSI  (2,242 PSI) with the same 20 T press if they narrow down the cyclinder diameter by 1" and increase its height enough to keep the volume of liquor the same (for example: Cyclinder with 6" D x 12" Height volume is 5.5 Liter and of 5" x 18" volume is 5.7 Liter).

The bottom line you will able to get a 5,605 PSI if you use a Dake 50 T press (Cost $4,000) and wrap the cylinder with a 110 V heater heating blanket Jacket with thermostat ($125) which close enough to get you where Cacao Cucina is without paying top dollars (at near 1/5 of the price) and this is all with seamless stainless steel tubes, plugs and butter collector pan with sanitary discharge. 

 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/20/16 20:24:48
54 posts

Mini Cacao Butter press for Small Scale Single Origin Chocolate & Artisan Cacao Butter production


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques


Alek Dabo:

I bought the small Mindo press. It is just like in the Youtube Video.
It worked fine with a 20 Ton Jack but it is messy, takes a lot of time, requires a hot environment and to heat the cylinder for good results. I have used this piston/cylinder twice, and got 650Gr of nearly white butter out of 1.5Kg of liquor. 
However, I am happy to have now found a local producer of Cacao butter who uses organic fermented beans (most don't) and have not used the cylinder since. It is a lot of work for seemingly a small result. 

Hi Alain, did you buy the small Mindo press or did you have it made by a machinist? Can you share the dimension of the Cylinder? (Diameter, Length and Wall thickness) - I am working on a design right now and I would like to get details about existing equipement.

How long does it take approximately to extract the 650g of butter?

Many thanks!

Tony


updated by @Tony.n: 03/20/16 20:29:37
Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/16/16 16:40:39
54 posts

Which cocoa bean roaster to consider?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Thanks @ning-geng-ong!

I will share roasting results once I receive the machine.

Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/15/16 23:42:57
54 posts

Which cocoa bean roaster to consider?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Just a quick update: I ended up ordering a Unox Mind.Maps and It's on its way to me - The Unox Sales & Marketing Director was very resourceful and helpful and in answering my questions and addressing my needs - Those Machines has outstanding controls and can be used almost anything beyond cacao and once you figure out your roasting profiles and store them, cacao roasting could be handled by unskilled personnel - Thank again Clay Gordon for the your valuable advice!  

Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/10/16 07:50:51
54 posts

Mini Cacao Butter press for Small Scale Single Origin Chocolate & Artisan Cacao Butter production


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Potomac Chocolate: This thread has a video of a simple press made by Mindo Chocolate: 

https://www.thechocolatelife.com/clay/group_discuss/979/cocoa-butter-press

I don't know how much it is or it's production capability.


Hi Ben, I remember I was in this thread a while ago and wanted to use a 20 Ton Floor Shop press from Harbor Freight (cost only:

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNzQzMDYzNTEiLCJza3UiOiIzMjg3OSIsImlzIjoiMTU0Ljk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p%0D%0AZCI6IjQ1MyJ9%0D%0A&hftref=cj

Back then, I did not have the detailed design of the cylinder and the other elments that are in contact with the liquor - Now I see that Mindo chocolate posted a Video - It looks interesting (Thx for sharing this post) - Now, I need to check with my local machinist how much it cost to make it here in Houston. I would like to like to see if I can come up with a hybrid design between the features in this one and the Cacao Cucina one:

Lab Cocoa Butter Press
 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/08/16 21:31:19
54 posts

Mini Cacao Butter press for Small Scale Single Origin Chocolate & Artisan Cacao Butter production


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Ok Thx Clay, it looks like I need to raise my budget; I am willing to spend more on a more descent machine something between 2K - 5K (I would like to stay as low as possible) do you have any recomendations? 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/06/16 13:01:17
54 posts

Which cocoa bean roaster to consider?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Will do. Thanks again Clay!

Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/06/16 11:26:56
54 posts

Mini Cacao Butter press for Small Scale Single Origin Chocolate & Artisan Cacao Butter production


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques


Hello,

I would like to purchase a small footprint cacao butter press for the purpose to maintain a single origin couverture and to produce artisan cacao butter from the any bean I work with. This for a small scale production not exceeding 25 lbs per day.

The machine must be sanitary and be costructed with stainless steel in all area that touches food (cacao liquor or nibs)

Is there any machines in the market today for this kind of production without paying high prices like Cacao Cuicina (25-30K) or Do I need to custom build this kind of machinery?

Does anyone or anyone you know has built/own a butter press machine or have any experience with this? Any suggestions where to start?

I saw in previous threads a butter press from China (Alibaba.com) with prices as low as  $200, I am not sure how well those work? I am concerned about the amount of heat during the press and its impact on the flavor and the color of the butter (brown, creamy ... etc.)


updated by @Tony.n: 04/03/16 10:25:09
Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/06/16 00:04:23
54 posts

Which cocoa bean roaster to consider?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Clay Gordon: If you want to go the Unox way, then you want the smallest unit Unox makes (options here). I don't have pricing on the six-pan oven, but the 10-pan oven is more than $10k. (Contact Unox for the nearest dealer.) Batch size is anywhere from 1-2kg/pan, so the throughput is what you say you want. Results will be the same whether you've got one pan in the oven or six, which makes developing roasting profiles easier. There is no cooling option, but you can make one by strapping a box fan to a speed rack.

There is a small and inexpensive (under $5k not including shipping - UL listed and NSF certified) fluid-bed roaster from a company called Coffee Crafters. (Suitable for beans, not for nib.) A ChocolateLife member has one and says that they roast over oneMT/month on this machine. The drawback is that you need to pay attention and adjust the loft during roasting. However, you can do multiple batches/hr.

A distributor by the name of Mill City Roasters offers a 1kg electric drum roaster (up to 30kg and larger in gas) for $4000. You'd have to connect with the company to make sure the throat is large enough for cocoa beans. But it has all the basics needed for cocoa - variable speed drum and fan for air, cooling, etc. There is no water injection that I know of. USB thermocouple means you can monitor roasts and save profiles to a (Windows) computer using open-source software.

The Unox is a good option if you also want to bake or roast things other than cocoa (e.g., nuts), and it also works as a dehydrator. This is the most programmable and versatile unit, hands-down, with the added features of humidity control (microbial kill step) and self-cleaning. A cool-down option is something they've considered - and it's a software upgrade. If it were me, this is the way I would go unless I also wanted to roast coffee. But that's because I would want to bake, roast nuts, and dehydrate in it.

The Coffee Crafters machine is inexpensive for the throughput, but it needs to be watched during roasting. It's an option if you also want to roast coffee.

The Mill City machine is a traditional drum roaster. It has the advantage of being slightly cheaper than the Coffee Crafters machine -- the capacity is not as great -- but you can run it basically unattended once you figure out the roast profile whereas you need to monitor the Coffee Crafters machine.

BTW - I have no deals in place with any of these companies so mentioning my name and/or TheChocolateLife won't get you a discount. However, I'd appreciate the referral going forward.












Hi Clay, Thanks for your valuable advice. After reviewing the options I am more convinced to go with the Unox option. The controls that the Unox unit have are way more superior than any other options in the same price range, not to mention the roasting capcity and the additional usage like roasting nuts and many other things. I've check the price of the 6 full size pan and the price is around 10K (It is kind of stretching my budget); however, there is a smaller oven from the same series which come with 5 hotel pans (12"x20") and it price right under 6K (still can roast larger batches than any other options within the same price range) which I am thinking to purchase next week via the local restaurant supply store here in Houston.



http://usa.unox.com/en/cheftop_gn_1-1_305e



updated by @Tony.n: 03/06/16 07:47:12
Tony.n
@Tony.n
03/03/16 10:30:21
54 posts

Which cocoa bean roaster to consider?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques


Hi Clay, I am looking for an immediate purchase of a compact/single phase elect. (no gas) roaster (5 to 10 lbs Batches at time is fine) programable/easy/simple to maitain and operate. I like the idea of the Combi-Oven/UNOX unit your recommeded in this thread (I am assuming I do not need to purchase a separate cooling tray with the UNOX, correct?)

Which specific model/size of UNOX do you recommend for 5-10lbs? Any idea how much it cost? Do you prefer it over a Drum roaster? (I currently have 3 Behmor 1600s and I am happy with the roasting results; but the batch is too small and I need to upgrade/consolidate to a bigger unit) 

Thanks!


updated by @Tony.n: 03/03/16 11:00:56
Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/25/16 21:48:25
54 posts

Looking for the smallest R&D fully automatic (seedless) tempering machine/solution


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Agree Clay. I am keeping this option open depending on the volume I reach.


updated by @Tony.n: 02/25/16 21:58:24
Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/24/16 17:37:01
54 posts

Looking for the smallest R&D fully automatic (seedless) tempering machine/solution


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Agree Clay it is a nice looking front-end machine (and pricey as well - I can buy a Savage 50 lbs fully auto for this price :) )

I am going to work with the EZt (with Milk & White based) and hand tempering/seedless tempering on the Chocovision (for Single Origin Dark couvertures) and take it from there.

Many thanks!

Tony

Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/24/16 17:23:04
54 posts

F/S - Bakon USA Choco-lution 110 Fully Automatic Tempering Machine - BARELY USED - $14,999 (negotiable)


Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

The machine was purchased brand new directly from the Manufacturer back in May 2015 and comes with the BAKON USA heated vibrating table option and is i n excellent working condition, used only few times.  The unit is completely cleaned inside out and ready to ship.

The unit is very robust and completely made of stainless 304 and other food grade components

Technical Specifications:

Capacity: 50 lb. of chocolate Power: 2.2 kW 115V/ 60 Hz 19 Amps

Dimensions: 19 3/8 in. x 30 5/8 in. x 59 in.

 

Machine details are found on:

http://bakonusa.com/chocolate-machines/choco-lution-110

Video about operating the machine can be found at:

Bakon USA Choco-lution 110 - Automatic Chocolate Tempering Machine

If interested, please send inquiries privately to: tony.najjar@xocolla.com 

I will provide you with pictures and any other details about the machine, upon request. 

PS -The buyer is responsible for any shipping cost, the machine is located in Houston, TX if you happen to live around, I will be more than happy to arrange a local pickup.


updated by @Tony.n: 06/29/23 16:49:02
Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/23/16 21:58:07
54 posts

Looking for the smallest R&D fully automatic (seedless) tempering machine/solution


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Potomac Chocolate: You can also just use your Chocovision to temper. I temper test batches in it regularly with no seed. I just set the cooling temp lower and it works well. You could get extra bowls and baffles for quick changeovers. Definitely not as fast as hand-tempering, but another option.

This is a great idea Ben! .. and I have already an additional bowl & baffle as well! :)

How many degrees lower do you usually cool it down?

Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/23/16 09:58:21
54 posts

Looking for the smallest R&D fully automatic (seedless) tempering machine/solution


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Digital thermometers, climate control, youtube videos sure helps :)

Thank you again Sebastian, you just saved me a decent chunck of change to spend on a tabletop full auto, I owe you on this one!

Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/23/16 09:30:40
54 posts

Looking for the smallest R&D fully automatic (seedless) tempering machine/solution


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Sebastian/Gap,  just a quick update,  my first hand tempering experiment (with 2 lbs of bean 2 bar dark chocolate) went surprisingly better than I expected (I am sure my climate/humidity controlled chocolate room contributed to this)

I poured the samples in 2"x2"x2" mold (each cavity is 1/4 lbs block) and  I was able to obtain fairly descent shine and snap.  I need to keep practicing with a larger quantity to ensure better and consitent results. 

Thanks for your encouragement!


IMG_4737.JPG.jpg IMG_4737.JPG.jpg - 1.1MB

updated by @Tony.n: 02/23/16 09:30:42
Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/22/16 16:09:04
54 posts

Looking for the smallest R&D fully automatic (seedless) tempering machine/solution


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Thanks Sebastian and Gap, I've just ordered an EZt It is a handy tool as It can handle the majority of my couvertures - As far as the 2 ingredient Single Origin Dark I have to practice on hand tempering and check results and take it from there :)

Cheers!

Tony 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/22/16 14:01:12
54 posts

Looking for the smallest R&D fully automatic (seedless) tempering machine/solution


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques


Hi Gap, as far as option 1, unfortunately not skilled enough to perform accurate seedless hand tempering although I have a  Bakon MTD-123 and I do not have a cooling marble and I am not sure how easy can someone aquire this knowledge to end up with the perfect temper in short time? 

As far as option 2, my concern with 1% butter is maintaining a true 100% single origin - But I have too many cases especially with milk based and white based couvertures were I can take advantage of the EZt and adjust the formula accordingly.


updated by @Tony.n: 02/22/16 14:58:46
Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/22/16 12:41:39
54 posts

Looking for the smallest R&D fully automatic (seedless) tempering machine/solution


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Hi Clay,

I have currently a pool of 3 ECGC12-SL Melangers I am expecting to be soon using them all on a daily basis (up to 3 batches/day - 2 to 6 lbs/batch). So we're talking at least 3 product change over per day on the tempering machine.

If my business takes off, I might reach double the batches (up to 6 change overs/day) in the foreseeable future.

So I need for this purpose a tempering machine that this practical for a single person to operate.

Thanks,

Tony

Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/22/16 11:26:24
54 posts

Looking for the smallest R&D fully automatic (seedless) tempering machine/solution


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques


Hello everyone, I am ramping up a new project here. I need to be able to provide multiple clients (on demand and within short notice) with small samples of custom couvertures made to specs inhouse and from scratch (bean to bar). The samples inlcude all types of chocolate dark, milk and white with variable flavors and cacao origin and % ...  

The sample sizes can be as small as 2 lbs and as large as 6 lbs. For this quantities, it is not possible or pratical for me to use any of my largers full automatic tempering kettles/machines due low volume, high product change over frequency and to avoid holding production. So bottom line, I need to set up a dedicated R&D environment for this purpose.

For my R&D environment, I have allocated bunch of existing mini machines that I already own: a behmor 1600 mini roaster, my own inhouse built cracker/winnower and a cocoa town ECGC12-SL melanger, but as far as tempering, I only have a semi-automatic tempering machine (REVOLATION DELTA) and since it is not possible to have in stock an ad-hoc custom couverture seed and for formula accuracy I obviously need a small easy to clean and get ready fully automatic tempering machine where I can pour the ready to temper chocolate directly from the melanger to it and have my sample ready to ship for my clients which I do not currenty own and I have to purchase.

I have checked couple of solutions and I would like your opinion in:

Option 1- Purchase an EZ Temper and use it along with my semi automatic REVOLATION DELTA where I can cool my chocolate manually to 92.5 F (33.6 C) and add 1% cacao silk (Pros - 1K budget, Cons: impact on formula accuracy with 1% cacao butter)  

Option 2- Purchase a fully automatic table top tempering machine like FBM Aura or similar ( Pros: fast, maintain accurate formula - Cons: Expensive and may need more time to have it ready for the next change over)    Any one want to sell a used similar machine?? 

I do not have any experience with EZ Temper or FBM Aura or any table top fully automatic tempering mahcine.  

What are your 2 cents on this??

Many Thanks!

Tony

Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/12/16 09:52:23
54 posts

Premier Wonder Grinder Help


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

I've seen this issue before, is definetly a cleaning issue, Do you spin the granite stone rollers while rinsing with hot water?

Can you describe how do you clean your melangeur? 

 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/12/16 09:43:52
54 posts

Cocoatown Grindeur Help


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Can you send a quick video? 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
02/05/16 20:58:20
54 posts

LARGE SELECTION OF CHOCOLATE MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE AND RETAIL ITEMS


Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Hello I am interested in the Savage Bros 50 lbs tank, please e-mail me pics, specs and price at: tony.najjar@xocolla.com


updated by @Tony.n: 02/05/16 20:58:48
Tony.n
@Tony.n
01/19/16 06:44:19
54 posts

Needed: Coconut Sugar Sweetened Couverture


Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

FYI - I make it here in Houston, TX

Tony.n
@Tony.n
11/09/15 16:55:49
54 posts

Need assistance with making bars


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Are you open to buy new or used? My recommendation is to look for a "used table top fully automatic with depositor":

With a 4K budget you may be able to get a used table top full automatic tempering machine with depositor (Brand new range will be between 5 to 10K)

Here are few examples:

FULL AUTO

http://www.tcfsales.com/products/659-fbm-AURA-Table-Top-Auto-Tempering-Machine/ ( For more information contact Clay Gordon via ChocolateLife )

http://www.savagebros.com/p.26/50-lb-20-kg-table-top-chocolate-melter-conditioner.aspx 

 

SEMI AUTO (with depositor)

http://www.tcfsales.com/products/623-LCM-Table-Top-Tempering-Machine-with-Pump-25-kg/

SEMI AUTO (Mini Wheel)

http://perfectinc.com/en/tempering/mini-wheel-tempering-air-20 

http://www.tcfsales.com/products/557-DEDY-Mini-Molding-Machine-23-kg/

http://www.bakonusa.com/chocolate-machines/choco-tt 

 

 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
11/09/15 15:45:55
54 posts

Need assistance with making bars


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

There is a lot of melting and tempering machines with a depositor head in the market. I still have few more questions to help you better:

1 - Based on the quantity, I am assuming you are selling your bars directly to your customers (individuals/online customers or smaller specialty retailer) and not via retail stores (major retailer), correct?

If you intend to sell your bars via retail stores you may need a volumetric controled pump and custom depositor for your mold - major retailers usually require weight accuracy and those custom depositors could run you expensive)

2 - Do you MAKE your chocolate (bean to bar) or Purchase Blocks/Discs from 3rd party Chocolate maker and what is the typical batch of chocolate you make/melt on a daily basis (How many Kg) (based on your answer I am assuming you melt 3rd party blocks/discs - correct me If I am wrong)?

3 - What is your budget (range) for the equipment?

 

 

PS - A 600 bars daily batch, seems a large quantity of bars to be produced via Microwave Melting/Manual Tempering 

 

 

 


updated by @Tony.n: 11/09/15 15:55:56
Tony.n
@Tony.n
11/09/15 09:03:18
54 posts

Need assistance with making bars


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

@niewulis, in order to provide you with an accurate answer, what is the volume of bars you're going to produce, how many types of chocolate (dark, milk ..) and how many types of bars (just single size or more?) what kind of equipment do you currently have?

 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
10/05/15 16:58:30
54 posts

Panning techniques and products


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Thanks for sharing Gap! The November class is full; but, I will keep it in mind for the next workshop.

 

Tony 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
10/05/15 13:38:59
54 posts

Panning techniques and products


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Thanks Larry, I've just read the material (Good stuff to Start). I've also ordered samples as well and will share results once done.

 

Tony

Tony.n
@Tony.n
10/05/15 08:46:29
54 posts

Panning techniques and products


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Hello Experts,

I've purchased recently a Twirlo Coating Machine with both SS & Copper kettles 7 Litter each (I have also and Sprayer head connected via heated hose from my Savage tank). I would like to coat Nuts and Coffee beans and possibly at a later stage dried fruits, caramels, marzipans, and Jordan Almonds. Any advice where to start (I need a jumpstart on techniques), do you know any supplier(s) in the US where I can buy quality ingredients?

Many thanks and looking forward to hearing from you!

Tony 

Tony.n
@Tony.n
09/15/15 06:25:54
54 posts

What courses would you like to see


Posted in: Chocolate Education

Hi Mark,

Where is the location where you give your courses, online or at physical location? City/State?

I am interested in the subjects that Daniel mentioned Panning (Coffee/Nuts/Fruits and Jordan Almonds) and Candy making (Caramel, Ganache, Praline, Croquant, Nougat), in addition to that I am interested in the chemical composition of chocolate (specialty chocolate) and mainly in best practices of making chocolate without soy lecithin in addition to temperature/humidity controls of room/chocolate/mold (including mold cleaning techniques) to achieve the best shine and shelf life.

Thanks,

Tony


updated by @Tony.n: 09/15/15 06:29:21
Tony.n
@Tony.n
09/10/15 20:05:53
54 posts

help


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

I have an industrial water softner in place - I have used in the past Ecolab rinse aid; but not with the molds (as I was worried to use any chemicals that can damage the molds)

Tony.n
@Tony.n
09/10/15 06:38:03
54 posts

help


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Thanks Peter, my bar operation is too small for this machine, any smaller version of this one (preferably with a US based supplier)?

1