Update 02/28/08 The new shipment of Melangers have arrived. There are no units with the 99 hour timers. We and Spectra were not satisfied with their durability and are finding more durable components. I can’t currently give an ETA on them.**

Spectra has decided to officially start calling the 2 L Santha Wet grinder (it actually holds about 6 liters) the “Alchemist’s Stone” Chocolate Melanger. (I am quite honored). It is used to refine your Chocolate. Once your cocoa beans have been passed through the Champion, this piece of equipment is used to reduce the grit from the sugar you will add. We have been experimenting, and have verified that if you get your nibs very clean, the Stone Melanger will also grind the nibs to liqueur, saving the Champion step. Personally I find it a bit tedious for a large batch because you can only add a few ounces at a time, but the choice is yours.

The Melanger has two 7.5# black granite “stone” rollers that rotates at 120 rpm on a granite slab. This creates tremendous shear and reduces the particles of sugar and cocoa to the smoothness we expect in modern chocolate, somewhere in the 1-30 micron range. Please read the Grinding section about how to use it and it’s limitations. Please note, the bowl is NOT dishwasher safe.

We are really pleased that Spectra has worked with us on this product, and continues to make improvements. The latest batch has the option of a 99 hour timer so you don’t have to be present when you want it to turn off. All of the Melangers are supplied to run continuously and ventilated keep the motor cool. Unfortunately, there is one issue which we are not pleased about.

Until Spectra gathers more data, there is not the standard 1 year warranty for these units. If they arrive with a defect, that is one thing, and covered, but long term use for chocolate making is currently not covered. Please see the complete Warranty for more details.

This item is drop shipped from the distributor in the USA. They are available in a white currently, and come with or without the 99 hour (not minute as the stock Spectra Wet grinders) timers. They have 110 V, 1/4 hp motors.

All prices include shipping and are applicable to the 48 contiguous USA States. Please see the non-USA model for Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the rest of the world or for 220 V models.