These Hot Chocolate Makers Will Give You the Most Decadent Cocoa Ever

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A hot chocolate maker isn’t just a must-have for a serious cocoa-lover—it can be an invaluable addition to anyone's kitchen. These devices whip hot chocolate into a creamy, dreamy, decadent drink that beats what you could ever get from the microwave. Whether you make it from a pre-made hot cocoa mix or melt gourmet chocolate shavings into your choice of milk and steam it to perfection, your hot chocolate will come out frothy and smooth when you make it with a machine that’s fit for the job.

Some hot chocolate makers are a little like warm blenders that stand on your countertops. A handheld milk frother device can also mix and fluff hot chocolate right in your favorite coffee mug. You could also use a multipurpose stick blender for your hot cocoa.

Here are the best hot chocolate makers to take your cozy season to the next level, based on hands-on testing and research.

The Best Hot Chocolate Makers

• Best Overall: Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Starter Kit

• Best for Families: Mr. Coffee Cafe Cocoa Hot Chocolate Maker

• Best Budget: Nostalgia Retro 32-Ounce Hot Chocolate Maker and Dispenser

• Best Handheld: Aerolatte Milk Foamer

• Best for Couples: Capresso Froth Select Milk Frother and Hot Chocolate Maker

What to Consider

When in the market for a hot chocolate maker, it's helpful to first consider your counter space. If you have the real estate for a dedicated hot chocolate machine, these appliances definitely offer the most straightforward experience. They’re fairly safe and fun for kids to use (although it’s never a bad idea to keep an eye on them as they play in the kitchen!). They’re also exclusively dedicated to the job of making hot chocolate, so you can expect excellent results from these machines. It’s also worth noting that some can froth hot or cold milk, which can be a big upgrade to everyday drinks.

Smaller counters, however, can benefit from handheld milk frothers—which typically come with their own stands and still look relatively unobtrusive—while also remaining easy to clean, use, and store. One of these can easily double as a hot chocolate maker when you pour your ingredients into a mug full of hot milk or water and let the frother do its thing.

Another option to consider is multifunctionality. Many milk frothers not only create foam for coffee and hot chocolate, but also come with interchangeable heads for other forms of food processing, such as whipping up baby food, whisking eggs, and making dips, whipped sauces, and smoothies. This might be the best route for those who want less appliance clutter, as well as for those on a budget who want a machine that ticks as many boxes as possible.

Capacity is another factor to think about. If you want to make several cups of cocoa for kids to help them warm up after some winter fun, most hot chocolate machines can whip up a big batch all at once. A handheld milk frother, on the other hand, can only make one cup of hot chocolate at a time.

Last but not least is convenience. If hot chocolate, frothy lattes, and bistro-worthy cappuccinos are somewhat of a daily occurrence in your household, it might be worth it to invest in a pitcher-type machine, a detachable induction frother, or an actual hot chocolate maker, as these non-handheld options are faster and require less manual labor.

How We Selected

To find the best hot chocolate makers, we conducted hands-on testing with three of the most popular options (the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, Chef'n Hot Chocolate Pot With Electronic Frother, and Capresso Froth Select Milk Frother and Hot Chocolate Maker). We made one batch of hot chocolate in each of those machines to see how evenly it blended and how fluffy and frothy each beverage got. We also evaluated how much of a headache each one was to clean (you are dealing with melted chocolate, after all). Surprisingly, cleaning was fairly simple and straightforward for each of the machines.

Our second round of testing involved conducting hours of online research to find a dozen other top hot chocolate makers at various online stores, including Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair. We looked for the best options across a couple of categories, including countertop hot chocolate machines and handheld milk frothers, to fit the needs of different families and chocolate-lovers. We also read reviews to note how easy each one was to use and clean, and whether they offered versatility in the kinds of drinks they could make.

Velvetiser Starter Kit

After hands-on testing, we’re confident that Hotel Chocolat’s Velvetiser is the best hot chocolate maker you can get. It consists of four parts: a sleek jug (choose from copper, charcoal, white, or platinum), a power base, a ventilated lid with a seal, and a whisk.

Sounds simple, but it’s sophisticated in its design. The whisk was inspired by the molinillo—a wooden tool used in ancient Mesoamerica to make hot chocolate for rituals—and snaps to the center of the jug using an internal magnet. It feels like magic.

To make the hot chocolate, you’ll simply pour in your choice of milk (yes, non-dairy options work just as well!) to the max line and a packet of Hotel Chocolat’s hot chocolate mix, which is made with shavings of chocolate from ethically grown cacao. You can also add chocolate chips or shavings and flavorings from your pantry, if you prefer.

Then, pop on the lid and hit the power button beneath the handle. After 2.5 minutes of whirring and stirring, the machine delivers cloud-like hot chocolate with the most velvety texture you can imagine.

The only downside is that it makes just a single serving at a time. Fortunately, the machine practically cleans itself if you pour in some cold water and a few drops of dish soap and run the mixing cycle again. It’s ready for your next batch of hot chocolate in just a couple of minutes—no scrubbing or scraping required.

While you can buy the Velvetiser hot chocolate machine on its own, we recommend shelling out for the starter kit, which includes a pair of “pod cups” (beautifully tapered ceramic mugs) and a bundle of four flavors of hot chocolate flakes (40 servings in total!). This cool kitchen gadget is sure to be the ultimate gift for foodies over the holidays.

Cafe Cocoa Hot Chocolate Maker

This wholesome-looking hot cocoa maker from Mr. Coffee is one of the best options for families on our list. Not only is it a one-touch device, making it easy for both adults and kids to operate, it can also make a whopping 32 ounces of hot chocolate at one time—enough to fill four mugs. That’s perfect for a family of chocoholics.

It takes any combo of milk, water, chocolate powder, chocolate syrup, and other flavorings you love. You can even melt chunks of your favorite chocolate into your cocoa using the dedicated melting basket, so let your creativity fly with this one. The 20 included recipes can be a great source of inspiration.

The pitcher is attached to the base, so it can be a little tricky to clean. Fortunately, it’s lined with a non-stick coating to make it easy to wipe down.

More: These Genius Mug Warmers Are an Essential Gadget

Retro 32-Ounce Hot Chocolate Maker and Dispenser

If you're planning a movie night or just a cozy evening in, this hot chocolate maker and dispenser is for you. It has multiple settings that let you mix, heat, and froth a beverage at the same time, and it keeps the drink warm, too. It also has a vintage design that will add charm to your kitchen countertop. No need to store it away once winter’s over—this machine can also froth cold beverages, like iced lattes.

You'll like that this hot chocolate maker has two ways to get to your frothy drink—you can use the no-drip dispenser spout or pour directly from the pitcher. Once you’re finished, you can unplug the machine and wrap the cord beneath its base to keep things tidy.

Some reviewers do point out that this machine can be on the noisy side, but for all it can do, it's likely a worthwhile tradeoff for most.

Milk Foamer

This is the original steam-free, battery-operated handheld whisk that has been around for nearly two decades. Our own editors here at Best Products say this gadget is a game-changer for their morning coffee, and we think the Aerolatte Milk Foamer will elevate your hot chocolate, too.

It has an adjustable speed and turns milk into foam in just a few seconds—all in a simple, sleek, sophisticated design that has spawned more than its fair share of copycats. It weighs less than a quarter of a pound, so you’ll hardly notice you’re using it. And its steel-toned, satin-finished handle features ergonomic curves for maximum comfort.

If you're looking to upgrade your latte or hot chocolate game, you definitely need this little guy, stat. Customers say that it will become a staple in your kitchen for years.

Froth Select Milk Frother and Hot Chocolate Maker

The Capresso Froth Select is a barista-quality milk frother that makes ridiculously fluffy hot chocolate. It’s a little more hands-on than some other machines, but we think it’s worth the effort.

Start by pouring in up to 18 ounces of milk (dairy or non-dairy), moving the dial to the “CHOC” setting, and tapping the on button. It will spend a few minutes heating and frothing. Then, the machine will emit a few soft beeps—that’s your sign that it’s time to add chunks of chocolate and any other ingredients you’d like. The machine will then keep mixing, heating, and blending for several more minutes, resulting in ultra fluffy hot chocolate ready for sipping.

Be careful to only hold the handle when you pour your beverage—the jug itself will be very hot. Afterward, you can let the dishwasher take care of the hard work of cleaning the pot and lid.

While this machine took longer than any others we tried, it rewards your patience with up to two generous cups of supremely frothy and evenly mixed hot chocolate—perfect for a cozy, romantic night in.

Ultra-Stick Multi-Purpose Hand Blender

Not into single-use appliances, but want something that can elevate your hot chocolate? Then this multipurpose hand blender from Mueller is exactly what you need. It comes with three detachable heads—an egg whisk, a blender, and (of course) a milk frother for your cocoa-needs—that can be tossed in the dishwasher once you’re done using them.

With nine variable speeds, it's a practical tool that any home chef will find useful. It can handle everything from making baby food to meringue for pies to salsa, and it can even help to whip up your own peanut butter. It’s also easy to store the entire kit in a kitchen cabinet.

The European-engineered tech withstands continuous use and gives it exceptional durability—with a 1-year warranty just in case.

Froth Control Milk Frother

Make like a true cocoa connoisseur (coconnoisseur?) and pour those delectable chocolate chunks directly into this Capresso milk frother and hot chocolate maker for the easiest, most legit cup of cozy yet. The illuminated control has four settings—cold froth, hot froth, hot milk, or hot chocolate—for a foolproof experience.

It's hands-down the machine to get for hosting that après-ski soirée, as its clear, BPA-free, dishwasher-safe jug is able to churn out 14 ounces of frothy deliciousness at once. If you opt not to use the frothing feature, you can get an additional 2 ounces of any hot, creamy drink in one batch from this appliance.

Just pop on one of the two frothing disks or the heating disks (which are conveniently stored under the base of the machine), dial to the right setting, and it will get to work. Winter nights by the fire have never been this cozy.

Cafe Milk Frother

If you're one for luxury, non-handheld, high-end design, look no further than the Breville Milk Café Frother. It has swappable disks, which allow users to get the exact foam consistency they desire, and even make different types of drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos.

Making hot chocolate with the device is even easier—simply add chocolate flakes, powder, syrup, and any other ingredients you wish to the milk. You can select the ideal temperature by twisting the dial on the base. Then, it uses induction heating and spinning disks to melt and blend the cocoa into the perfect winter sipper. After you pour your hot chocolate, you can pop the jug into the dishwasher for hands-off, hassle-free cleaning.

Electric Milk Frother

Clocking in at under 2 pounds, this simple, compact frother from Froth Labs still packs quite the punch. It has four straightforward modes (two foamy, two hot/cold) and is, as expected, easy to use. Just press the button for your preferred setting and you can get milk so foamy, you could eat it with a spoon. It can even make hot chocolate in under 90 seconds.

Plus, it’s easy to clean. The magnetic whisk can be removed from the lid for a quick wash, while the detachable cup can go right in the dishwasher.

It's best for households that don't have much counter real estate or want a quiet, yet high-performing (and easy to clean) frother that ticks all the foaming boxes.

Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother

This milk frother is particularly simple to use, with one-touch preparation for all modes. Hold the button for 1 second for hot milk froth for your hot chocolate, and 2 seconds for cold milk froth for chilled drinks, like an iced latte. You’ll get hot or cold foam in 80 seconds or less. It can also heat milk in a minute. It's versatile and easy for anyone to get the hang of, and it'll even shut off automatically when finished.

The unit can hold up to 8.1 ounces of hot milk, and it features a nonstick surface for easy cleaning. It's also great for anyone looking for a hot chocolate machine that won't take up much real estate in the kitchen. It’s just 7 inches tall and about 4 inches wide. It's small enough to store somewhere on your counter out of sight until it's time for it to shine, and then it's ready to go at the drop of a hat. Quick and easy cocoa in no time flat.

Detachable Milk Frother

Not only can this refreshingly straightforward milk frother and hot chocolate maker create up to 8.4 ounces of creamy froth, but the pitcher-like jug (and its lid) also detach for easy cleaning on the top shelf of your dishwasher. It comes with one heating and one frothing disk, which you can interchange as desired.

When not in use, they can be stored in a compartment at the base of the appliance. And since the jug is made from 304 stainless steel, it’s durable against dents and scrapes.

Press the button once for hot milk/hot foam, press twice for hot chocolate, or press thrice for cold milk foam—literally as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Hot Chocolate Pot With Electric Frother

The design of the Chef'n Hot Chocolate Pot alone would make it a covetable gift for the host of a holiday party. It’s got a whimsical tapered shape and the perfect red-and-white color scheme that would stand out on a holiday bar cart or dining spread.

Using the hot chocolate pot is fairly simple, but since it doesn’t heat on its own, you’ll need to pour in milk that’s already been warmed up on the stove or in the microwave. Then, add your go-to hot chocolate mix, pop on the lid, and press and hold the button on the top. The device uses a combination of two heads to mix and froth simultaneously. You can hold the button for as long as it takes to get you the hot chocolate of your dreams, whether you prefer something smooth and rich or fluffy and frothy.

The pot can hold up to 32 ounces of hot chocolate, so feel free to use it for big batches for parties and family gatherings.

Rechargeable Electric Foam Maker

This handheld frother maker stands out from the competition for a few reasons. You can recharge the battery through a USB cable—no disposable batteries required. It comes with two stainless steel heads to whisk or froth. And you can toggle between three different frothing speeds with just the push of a button.

Don't let its slim design fool you: Even the lowest setting is plenty powerful for creating foamy drinks.

Aside from its surprising power, the best thing about this frother is something quite unexpected: It comes with (drumroll, please!) 16 decorative stencils to give your cup that extra something special, like a cinnamon dusting of a sunshine shape or heart.

Handheld Milk Frother

You'll definitely get smooth, frothy, fluffy hot chocolate and espresso drinks out of the popular PowerLix Handheld Milk Frother, but that’s just the beginning of the ways you can use this gadget. You can also use this hot chocolate maker and frother to mix up milkshakes, boozy blended drinks, and even salad dressings and aioli. The device is equipped with a 19,000-RPM motor to deliver a cafe-style froth in 20 seconds flat.

If you lack kitchen space and storage for a hot chocolate machine, this frother will fit right into any drawer or cabinet you have available, or you can store it on your counter right in its stand. It's powered by two AA batteries (consider buying some rechargeable ones!), so you don’t need to worry about using it near an outlet or untangling cords.

At just 5.3 ounces, this lightweight device won’t make your wrist tired, even if you’re whipping up several cups of hot chocolate at once.

Electric Handheld Frother

With more than 30 colors to choose from and prices as low as $7, it's no surprise that the Zulay handheld frother has earned top reviews from tens of thousands of customers. Similar to the PowerLix, it runs on two AA batteries and is lightweight. However, the handle has more of a silicone feel, therefore making it easy to hold onto.

This baby was designed to froth. Between its 13,000 RPM motor and the 25-ring whisk, it whips hot chocolate (or any other creamy beverage) into a bubble bath-like foam in virtually no time.

At its price, some users have reported defective units—which the brand has dutifully addressed with a lifetime warranty.

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