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The Independent

I just tested Hotel Chocolat's brand new velvetiser – and it's available for pre-orders now

Design Setting up the all-new velvetiser was easy. The machine itself is already assembled and just needs to be settled onto its base, plugged in, and you're good to go. Following the instructions, I did a quick wash with some washing up liquid and the hot mode, and got to pouring in my first drink. The dial lights up blue for cold, and red for hot – it couldn't be simpler. The all-new velvetiser is a complete system for hot and cold barista-grade drinking chocolate. The original couldn't make cold drinks, only hot drinks. As I've had many hot chocolates from a velvetiser over the years, I was particularly intrigued as to whether the cold option would produce such velvety goodness. Chocolate flakes melt down and whisk into the milk when it comes to the hot option, but as chocolate flakes won't totally dissolve in cold milk, the machine had to have a way to combine the chocolate and milk elements and deliver a smooth finish. But the all-new velvetiser has a new whisk, designed for a vortex effect. This creates the beautiful chocolate creama (the froth that rests on top of the drink). It does this by cutting through the liquid to create ultra-fine passages of air. The whisk has also been beautifully designed to resemble petals of the cacao flower. While the hot option warms the milk, the cold option pulses at the start to meld the chocolate. You'll see from the photos that the creama is magically created on both the hot and cold drinking chocolates, and there's not a speck of that horrible gunky foam that you get with some drinking chocolates in sight. In terms of the external appearance – it's totally gorgeous. Its fluted design was modelled after the shape of a cacao pod, and finished with a solid ash handle, which is incredibly ergonomic, and easy to handle. The all-new velvetiser comes with one podcup, one podglass, and a selection box of drinking chocolates. There are three new colourways – pebble, pewter and chalk (which I chose). Packing it down was just as simple as setup. I did the same washing up liquid clean that I did before its first use, and then gave it a little wipe out, and it looked as though it had never been touched. However, it's not dishwasher safe, which is a little inconvenient. It's also worth noting that it's one of the quietest kitchen appliances that I've ever used. I had to check it was actually working the first time I used it, because it made virtually no noise. And, it took less than two minutes to whip up a ready-to-go drinking chocolate. Flavour The standout feature of Hotel Chocolat velvetiser drinks is the texture. It's the only justification for such an expensive appliance, making for a thick, smooth drink that you simply cannot match in a microwave or on a hob. I had no idea that hot chocolate could even have crema I began this testing process, but now I can't drink a hot chocolate without looking out for that velvety layer of foam. It's a perfect, silky first sip. The rest of the drinking chocolate is just as smooth, whether you're opting for hot or cold velvetiser drinking chocolate, although the hot feels a little thicker. Another thing I love about Hotel Chocolat's velvetiser hot chocolates is that you can play around until you find your perfect flavour. Even when it comes to a plain chocolate blend, you can choose from milky, classic dark, 100 per cent dark, and white chocolate options. With the option to buy selection boxes, like the everything hot chocolate sachet selection (£15.95, you can flick through and mix things up. The all-new velvetiser brings six new cold drinking chocolate flavours: Crème brûlée: I didn't expect to like this flavour; before tasting it, I thought that it would be too sickly. However, it came out on top as my favourite pick of the new cold flavours. Its notes of burnt caramel work well with the creamy vanilla and make it incredibly moreish. Though I thought it would be too rich or heavy, it's anything but – it was perfect with a few chocolate batons on the side. Cherry: Tart and creamy at the same time, this was a huge hit in my house. It has a tartness that's noticeable enough to cut through the richness of the chocolate, but it is still sweet. When mixed with the creaminess of the milk, it tastes like a drinkable Christmas dessert that can be enjoyed all year round. Mandarin and orange: There will never be a day when I don't love something that mixes chocolate and orange flavours – it's an elite combo. With the addition of mandarin, it mellows it out slightly, and makes it a little less sweet, but never bitter. It's just a shame you can't buy it in the hot option. Mint: Peppermint and chocolate heaven – another that's reminiscent of delicious Christmas flavours. In its colder form, the mint drinking chocolate is more potent and intense, and is a very refreshing way to drink chocolate, especially in summer. Banana: While banana isn't a flavour I'd pick in any form, my partner chose this as his favourite because of its nostalgic flavour. The blend mixes banana and chocolate with a slightly bitter molasses, which reminded me of a banana split – I recommend adding some whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top. Classic: The classic cold version of the ever-popular hot drinking chocolate. You can't go wrong with this option, it's creamy, rich and super indulgent without being too overpowering. I'm definitely more inclined to go for a milky 50 per cent option, as it's slightly less rich, so I added a dash of cream when I poured my drinking chocolate into the glass. The selection box also comes with a variety of hot chocolate options, which have been selected from Hotel Chocolat's velvetiser library – Classic 70 per cent, milky 50 per cent, salted caramel, vanilla-white, which is insanely delicious, and black forest gateau (which is a lot like the cherry, but slightly more creamy). Price £150 for any appliance isn't by any means cheap, and many people will decide it's simply too expensive. Having said that, if you've got the cash to spare, I'm certain you won't regret purchasing the all-new velvetiser. Its hot functions work just as well, if not better, than the original model's, and the cold setting means that chocoholics can enjoy delicious drinking chocolate no matter the weather.