Can you use hard candy in any cotton candy machine?

Can you use hard candy in any cotton candy machine?

Marshmallow making machines are the masters at spinning out those fluffy clouds of sweetness. They're tuned to work their magic with marshmallow-specific powders or granules, so popping in a hard candy machine might not be the best idea.. The texture and melting characteristics of hard candy making machine may not be suitable for the working principle of marshmallow machines. If you want to try using hard candies in a marshmallow machine, you may need to first understand whether the machine supports this type of candy or if there are special settings that can be adjusted.  We strongly recommend you to use the type of sugar recommended by the marshmallow machine manufacturer to ensure the best results and to avoid damaging the machine.

What Machines Are Used To Make Hard Candy?

The industrial candy making equipment usually includes a variety of machines, depending on the type of candy you're looking to produce. Here are some common machines used in a candy production line:

Candy Melting Machines: Used to melt chocolate or other ingredients to the right temperature for mixing and molding.

Candy Depositors: These machines are used to pour candy into molds or onto conveyor belts for further processing.

Candy Molds: While not a machine, molds are essential for shaping candies into various forms.

Candy Wrappers: Automatic wrapping machines that wrap candies in paper or foil to protect them and prepare them for packaging.

Conveyor Belts: Used to transport candies through the production line for coating, cooling, or packaging.

Caramelizers: Machines that caramelize sugar to create candies like caramels and toffees.

Panning Machines: Used to create hard candies such as jellies and gummies by coating a center with a sugar shell.

Cooking Kettles: Large pots used for boiling and mixing ingredients to create the base for various candies.

Cooling Tunnels: Used to rapidly cool candies after they have been formed, which is crucial for setting their shape and texture.

Coating Machines: Used to apply chocolate or other coatings to candies.

Enrobing Machines: Similar to coating machines, these are used to enrobe candies in chocolate or other coatings.

Cutting Machines: Used to cut candies into precise shapes and sizes.

Mixing Equipment: Various types of mixers are used to combine ingredients in the correct proportions.

Vacuum Depositors: Used for applying a thin layer of chocolate or other coatings under vacuum conditions, ideal for delicate or intricate designs.

Temperature Control Systems: Accurate temperature control is vital in candy making, and these systems ensure ingredients are heated or cooled to the exact temperatures required.

Packaging Machines: After candies are made, they are often packaged using automated machines that can box, bag, or bottle the candies.

How Is Candy Made In a Factory Step By Step?

The process of making hard candies typically involves the following steps:

Ingredients Preparation: First, according to the desired candy recipe, sugar, syrup, water, and other ingredients (such as colorants, flavorings, or acidulants) are mixed together.

Sugar Boiling: The mixture is heated to a high temperature, reaching a specific temperature, usually between 140°C and 170°C, depending on the hardness required for the candy.

Cooling: The boiled sugar mixture needs to be cooled to a temperature suitable for handling, typically between 70°C and 90°C.

Mixing: During the cooling process, additional flavorings or colors may be added and mixed to ensure an even blend.

Depositing or Molding: The sugar mixture is poured into molds or shaped using a depositor. For hard candies, molds often have intricate patterns or lettering.

Cooling: The sugar mixture cools and solidifies in the molds, taking the shape of the hard candies.

Demoulding: Once the candies are fully solidified, they can be removed from the molds.

Polishing: Hard candies may undergo a polishing process to achieve a smooth surface.

Packaging: Finally, the hard candies are packaged to maintain their freshness and prevent melting.

Quality Inspection: Before packaging, the candies are inspected for quality to ensure they meet the standards.

Is a candy machine business worth it?

In fact, the global candy machine market is continuously growing and here are some key points that can prove the value of candy machine business:

Market Demand: The global demand for candy continues to grow, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, providing a broad market space for candy manufacturing equipment. Candy consumption includes not only traditional sweets but also extends to healthy and functional candy products.

Technological Advancements: Candy manufacturing equipment is moving towards automation, intelligence, and high efficiency. Technological innovations, such as the application of digital and networking technologies, intelligent manufacturing technologies, and artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, are driving industry progress and offering new opportunities for investors.

Environmental Trends: With the global increase in environmental awareness, candy manufacturing equipment is also developing in a green, low-carbon, and circular direction. This not only aligns with sustainable development trends but also meets the market demand for environmentally friendly products.

Industry Competition: The candy manufacturing equipment market is highly competitive but also has a high degree of market concentration. Major players are vying for market share, while small regional players focus on local markets. Investors can consider collaborating with these companies or investing in technological innovation and product differentiation.