Tested by Jump to:
- What’s so special about the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser?
- How do you use the Velvetiser?
- Can I put any hot chocolate in a Velvetiser?
- Can it be used for coffee?
- Can you use oat milk?
- Can I put it in the dishwasher?
- How we test
- The GHI's Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser review
- The verdict: is the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser worth buying?
- Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
For us, it's always hot chocolate season. And when it comes to creamy, indulgent hot chocolates at home, there’s one product that continues to make a serious splash online.
The Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser is a multi-use milk frother that claims to make café-worthy drinks that will have you cancelling your plans so you can stay in and get cosy with a cup of cocoa. But is it worth investing in?
We decided to put it to the test in the lab to see if it meets our Good Housekeeping Institute standards. Let’s take a closer look at the milky drink maker of the moment to find out if it’s really a kitchen must-have (and worth adding to your Christmas wishlist – it's never too early to start planning).
What’s so special about the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser?
Well, if you’ve always wondered why your homemade hot chocolate never tastes quite as indulgent as your favourite café-bought version, it’s probably because you’re missing a milk frother or using hot chocolate with a lower cocoa percentage. The Velvetiser takes care of both, with the frother providing the perfect silky texture and the high quality sachets bringing the flavour.
The Velvetiser isn’t a one-trick pony either. Outside of comforting hot cocoa, it can also be used to make creamy coffees, luxury milkshakes and indulgent cocktails. You can find a whole host of dinner party-ready recipes on the Hotel Chocolat website.
How do you use the Velvetiser?
It's really as easy as 1, 2, 3. Or rather, milk, sprinkle, whisk.
Grab your favourite mug or one of the ceramic ‘Podcups’ that come with the machine and pick your sachet of choice. Pour 220ml of milk (or water or a milk-alternative) into the machine, then sprinkle in the hot chocolate flakes and press the button to start.
And ta-dah! In just two-and-a-half minutes, you’ll have a rich, luxurious hot chocolate ready to drink.
Can I put any hot chocolate in a Velvetiser?
Sincere apologies to Whittard’s and Cadbury’s Instant, but the only hot chocolate that’s compatible with the Velvetiser is Hotel Chocolat's own-brand sachets. You can buy them from the brand's online shop and Amazon. Unfortunately, they don’t come cheap – 10 sachets will set you back a minimum of £13.50. Note that it can work out cheaper to buy them in bulk.
It's an expense you'll need to factor in as other brands of chocolate flakes can clog the Velvetiser’s whisk and may even break the motor – so it’s a definite no-no!
But the good news is that there are a whole host of exciting Hotel Chocolat flavours to choose from. As well as your quintessential 100% cocoa options, there’s hazelnut praline, black forest gateau and vanilla white chocolate. There are vegan options too.
For ultimate convenience – and free delivery – you can opt for Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser subscription, starting at £14.50.
If you want more freedom with your hot cocoa (or the option to make one with your favourite chocolate bar), you'll find some top-scoring alternatives in the GHI’s best hot chocolate makers round-up.
Can it be used for coffee?
Caffeine enthusiasts rejoice – yes it can. Simply add two shots of espresso to frothed milk or opt for one of Hotel Chocolat’s latte sachets. There’s caramel, hazelnut, and, of course, chocolate to choose from. We also like the look of this Velvetised Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Latte recipe for cosy autumn moments.
Can you use oat milk?
Yes! In fact, it's compatible with all milk alternatives, including almond, soy and coconut. No milk in the fridge? Plot twist: the machine can also be used milk-free. Just use 220ml of water with your hot chocolate sachet instead.
Can I put it in the dishwasher?
Unfortunately, it’s a no. In case you’re still tempted, the brand is unequivocal, saying you should “never put your Velvetiser in the dishwasher.” That also includes the removable whisk. Rest assured, though, it does have a non-stick coating for fuss-free scrubbing and it’s borderline self-cleaning.
Once you’ve finished making your hot chocolate of choice, Hotel Chocolat recommends filling the Velvetiser with warm water and two drops of washing up liquid. Use a soft brush to gently wipe away any excess hot chocolate, then pop the lid back on and press the power button. Patience please while the Velvetiser does its thing, then simply drain the liquid into the sink, rinse the inside of the jug and leave it to air dry.
How we test
We put the Velvetiser through its paces by making lots and lots of hot chocolate. We made it with plant milk, cow’s milk and water. We also tried the Hotel Chocolat latte sachets to check its coffee credentials. We took note of texture, flavour, temperature and design features such as how easy it is to set-up and use. Finally, we checked to see if there were any chocolate shards left at the bottom of the jug and how easy it is to clean after use.
The GHI's Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser review
Scoring a best-in-class 92/100 overall, here’s how the Velvetiser performed during testing.
The pros
It makes excellent hot drinks
Our expert was impressed with the quality of the Velvetiser’s hot chocolate, describing the finished product as “creamy and velvety in texture.” They were pleasantly surprised to find it offers indulgent, frothy results even when plain hot water is used with the sachets instead of milk. When it comes to coffee, they loved the smooth chocolate-meets-latte results.
It’s easy to use (and consistent!)
Our expert found the the machine an absolute doddle to use and it was nice and quiet. It also performed consistently, crafting creamy drinks time and time again. This makes it ideal for dinner parties or family treats. In fact, a round of the salted caramel hot chocolate would make the perfect finale for any cold weather gathering.
There’s a wide variety of options
From vegan sachets to its compatibility with plant-based milk, there really is something for everyone when it comes to flavour options.
Caramel lattes, milkshakes and frothy cocktails are all on the menu. To make cold drinks, simply pour them over ice once the Velvetiser has finished whisking.
The cons
It isn’t dishwasher-safe
It would be ideal if the Velvetiser could be popped straight into the dishwasher, although the fact you can fill it with water and soap, turn it on and leave it to do the hard work for you definitely lessens the blow.
It’s quite expensive
At just under £100 (or £110 for an included pack of starter sachets), it isn’t markedly pricier than a Nespresso milk frother, but it’s still quite a lot of money if you’re only going to use it once or twice a year. If you're more of a fickle hot chocolate fan, you may prefer to stick to your kettle or saucepan and hob.
Plus, as it’s only compatible with the Hot Chocolat sachets, you need to factor in that extra cost. Working out at over £1 per hot chocolate, the spend can add up – especially if you’re planning to use it regularly or as your primary coffee machine.
The verdict: is the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser worth buying?
If it’s a quick answer you’re looking for then it’s a “yes” from us. Attractive and consistent, it delivers when it comes to fancy and foamy hot drinks. We found the chocolate shavings seamlessly melted in with the milk for rich, delicious results.
Although it’s pricey, our expert found it an adaptable piece of kit that can do so much more than hot chocolate (although it’s undoubtedly the headliner here). You can use it for impressive lattes, milkshakes and cold beverages, while the plant-based options mean no family members or guests are left out. It’s also delightfully easy to use and clean.
All in all, this is a hot drink delight that’s perfect for serious hot chocolate fans or anyone looking to add a touch of cosy finesse to a winter dinner party. In the market for a Christmas present for a loved one? The Velvetiser would be at the very top of our list for sweet tooths. Anyone for a hot cocoa?
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
The GHI has been reviewing products for your home for 100 years and is at the forefront of testing the latest innovations and trends. So when the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser burst onto the scene, we knew we had to get our hands on it and see if it lived up to expectations.
Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, developed detailed protocols to put the Velvetiser through its paces and personally carried out the tests to make sure it delivered on its claims – after all, only the very best hot chocolate will do.
The Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser is available to buy from Amazon, Hotel Chocolat and Very.
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
