When should the stones of your conching machine be replaced?
Both the stones and the bottom of the conching bowl are made of granite, a material known for its high resistance to wear. However, as the wheels rotate, they gradually wear down, eventually erasing their grooves completely, just like the tires on a car. At that point, it's time to replace them.
In order to properly conch chocolate, it is essential that the stones maintain their grooves, allowing the chocolate mass to pass through without excessive pressure. One of the main causes of stone wear is the excessive pressure some users apply to the shaft. In reality, once the stones are installed, the adjustment knob should be turned until the first point of pressure is felt, then turned just half a turn more, no further. After that, you can proceed with the conching process.
Over-tightening not only accelerates stone wear but also generates excessive heat, which increases the motor temperature and, consequently, the temperature of the chocolate. This leads to the loss of the most distinctive aromas of traditionally crafted chocolate.
