What Is a Cooling Tunnel?
Cooling tunnels are machines designed for cooling coated chocolate. Chocolates on a conveyor belt pass through these tunnels, where they are rapidly cooled by cold air or contact with cooled surfaces. This rapid cooling, typically within the range of 50°F to 68°F promotes swift crystallization of cocoa butter fat, resulting in smooth, high-quality chocolate. Cooling tunnels also increase productivity by shortening cooling times.
In addition to chocolate-coated products, cooling tunnels are used for a variety of confections, including cookies, marshmallows, candies, and even frozen foods.