How to get the most out of the Premier Chocolate Refiner?
In our previous article, we introduced you to the Premier Chocolate Refiner, an innovative machine ideal for making chocolates, pralines and nut pastes from scratch. This tool is distinguished by its low-impact refining, which preserves the nutritional value of the ingredients to the maximum and prolongs the shelf life of the products by working at low temperatures. These characteristics have made it the undisputed favourite of pastry chefs and chocolatiers all over the world.
In this new publication, we bring you some practical tips on how to get the most out of your Premier Refiner.
- When using the Chocolate Refiner, we recommend that you continuously clean the drum with a silicone spatula to avoid leaving larger particles that can be mixed later. One of the accessories that comes with the Refiner is a tube that is placed inside the shaft, raising the rollers to facilitate draining and cleaning.
- If you want to make chocolate from cocoa nibs or pure nut or seed paste, it is important to add the product gradually. Wait for the first batch to start releasing fat and moisture before adding the rest of the product. If you add everything at once, you could clog the rollers, overheat the motor and strain the drive belt.
- If you want to make a very liquid paste or cream, where some liquid or creamy product appears, it is better to start adding some of this liquid from the beginning. This will facilitate the integration of the solid product without overheating.
- Make sure that the drum shovel are well aligned and about 3 mm from the wall of the bowl, as they are responsible for redirecting the product to the bottom and especially to the stones.
How should I clean the Cholocate Premier Refinery?
The Chocolate Refiner is constructed of high food grade materials, and its rollers are sealed to prevent food from entering the shaft. However, it is necessary to disassemble the stones and wash them separately after each use. Never soak the parts or use aggressive products such as bleach or degreasers. Neutral soap and hot water are the best options for cleaning. Be sure to dry them thoroughly and do not leave them on wet surfaces. The drum should receive the same care.
We do not recommend using a dishwasher to clean the parts of the Refiner, as the high temperatures can damage the epoxy resins used to fix the granite bottom to the metal container.
Drying is also a very important step. You can dry the pieces carefully with a hair dryer or use a dehydrator, but never use an oven.
What not to do with the Chocolate Premier Refinery?
- We strongly discourage adding all the product at once, as this practice can damage the rollers. Remember that the Refiner is not a grinder or a corn mill.
- Nor do we recommend adding the product dry; it must always be accompanied by a little grease or moisture.
- Do not add more product than recommended, as this will considerably prolong the process and give a different result than desired. If you want to produce a larger quantity, it is better to run two or more batches or consider purchasing a second machine.
- Finally, avoid storing food inside the drum.
What are the features of the Premier Chocolate Refiner?
High quality natural granite wheels
Refines particle size to less than 20 microns
Superior cooling system to prevent motor overheating
Motor is designed and tested to run for up to 72 hours at a time
Fully sealed, heavy-duty bearings – won’t seize or jam
Automatic thermal fuse cut-out on overheating
Small and compact, easy to transport
1 year limited manufacturer’s warranty
UL and CE certified
Frequently Asked Questions about the Premier Chocolate Refiner
1. Where can I get my refiner repaired if it breaks down?
At 100%Chef we offer a specialised technical service that will repair your refiner. We also have technical assistance to provide you with personalised support. You can contact us by calling 93 429 63 40 or sending an email to web@100x100chef.com.
2. Does the Premier Refiner need maintenance from time to time?
If the machine is used correctly and properly cleaned after each use, the Premier is unlikely to have any problems. However, there is one part that experiences the most wear and tear: the drive belt. This belt should be replaced at 8,000 hours of operation. Replacement is very simple and, if you wish, we can send you a support video to guide you through the process.
3. Can I wash Premier Refiner parts in the dishwasher?
The granite wheels and the bottom of the bowl are made of high quality natural granite and are therefore dishwasher safe. After initial cleaning and disassembly, these parts can be placed in the dishwasher. However, special attention should be paid to the drum. The component used to fix it to the stainless metal ring is food grade epoxy resin. Over time, the high temperature and some agents contained in the detergent, such as caustic soda, can degrade this resin, which could detach the stone disc and render our Refiner unusable.
4. Can I leave the Refinery to work alone at night?
The Chocolate Refiner is a very safe and proven machine. Its traction system, the robustness of the motor and the compensated traction system allow it to work for up to 72 hours without any problems or risks. However, if the machine is left to work alone overnight, it must be ensured that the paste has reached the right creaminess. Otherwise, the dough may not be ready, which could block the wheels and burn out the motor. Fortunately, the Chocolate Refiner has an extra resettable safety fuse to prevent major problems.
5. Do the stones of the Premier Refinery wear out?
Millstones can wear out over time, but don’t worry: they are made of black granite, one of the hardest and most resistant rocks. Despite working thousands of hours, it is unlikely that you will need to replace them. You will only need to replace one if it suffers a strong impact that causes a breakage during handling.
5. Can I control that my mixture in the Refiner does not exceed 45º?
Yes, it is possible. The temperature limit for raw food varies. If you want to keep a raw product below 45°C, you can use table fans to control the temperature limit. With this simple trick, you will always keep your chocolates below 40°C.
Discover all that our Premier Chocolate Refinisher has to offer by reading our previous article.. In it, we explore in depth the incredible benefits, advantages and practical applications of this machine in the kitchen, cocktail and patisserie.
If you want to master the art of refining and become an expert with Premier, sign up for our mailing. Stay informed about future free courses on our 100%Lab and become a true master chocolatier.
