Melanger

Given enough time the wheels can reduce the particles to sizes measured in microns, therefore making a smooth chocolate paste from cocoa beans.

Industrialization in the late 18th century favored the use of larger and water powered machines.

[1] In 1819, François Pelletier powered a grinder and a melanger with a steam engine.

This allowed him to produce 76 kilos of chocolate in twelve hours, a quantity which typically required 7 workers at the time.

[2] In 1826, the melanger was also adopted (and perhaps further developed) by Philippe Suchard in his chocolate factory in Neuchâtel.