Update 03/05/08 The new shipment of Melangers have arrived. There are no units with timers currently. Spectra was not satisfied with the durability of them and is working to get more robust timers.

Spectra has decided to officially start calling the 2 L Spectra 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 liquour, 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.

This item is drop shipped from the manufacturer in India. They are available in a sharp looking maroon.

                                       * * * * * Important * * * * *

A few notes about the Spectra Melangers that go to non-USA addresses. Spectra has informed up they are NOT covered under warranty due to the high cost of shipping and support. I don’t like this, but it is the way it is. Here is the direct quote from Spectra

1) All International orders for Europe, Australia and USA that are shipped from INDIA directly will be only via DHL or FEDEX. This is to ensure quality of
handling by the transport agency, timeliness ,insurance coverage reliability. We will no longer
ship by Airline Cargo as was the practice until now. Shipping costs a fortune and several times the actual cost of the
goods, but the silver lining is that it is door delivery.

2) There is NO WARRANTY on any units shipped directly from India. Spectra, Santha or SanthaUSA’s support will be limited to provision of free spares and shipping in case of manufacturing defects within
the first 60 days. In case of damages during transit, then, the customer will be reimbursed the full amount as received from the carrier, regardless of whether it is more or less than the billed amount. For issues occuring after 60 days, we will provide free spares, but customer has to pay for shipping.

Again, the above is not because there is no confidence in the product, but more so because of the very nature of the product, our inability to support a product in a distant and foreign location where we have no local agent and due to freight conditions over which we have no control over from the point the goods leave the factory.

Finally, the price listed DOES NOT include any Custom’s or port charges individual destinations may charge, only the cost of the unit and delivery to the location you specify. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Also, these units are not available as part of Kits. Any kit listing a Melanger is for USA deliveries only.