The History of Candles

Posted on August 6, 2015 by admin

Candles have been a part of human history for thousands of years; they are one of our earliest—and greatest—inventions. The first known reference to candles was more than 5,000 years ago in Avignon, France, where “rush lights” (rushes dipped in fat) were used to light great halls, cottages, shops and churches.

History of Candles

From there, candle making steadily advanced to use a variety of different materials. Everyday candles were typically made with animal fat from sheep or cows (tallow), beeswax or spermaceti (a substance derived from oil found in sperm whales). Tallow candles had the dimmest light and usually had a very foul odor; beeswax candles were less expensive and brighter, but not quite as bright as spermaceti candles (which were also less expensive, too!).

By the 19^th century, patented candle-making machines were starting to be developed and allowed for mass-produced candles to be widely available and affordable. During this time, scientists created a new substance called “stearine” by extracting glycerine from tallow. Stearine was harder than tallow and burned brighter and longer.

During this time, innovations with wicks also led to even better candles. Instead of simply twisting strands of cotton, new wicks were plaited tightly so that the burned portions would curl upon themselves instead of falling into the candle as it burned. This eliminated the need to trim or clean wicks as a candle burned.

Additional candle developments like the addition of lime, palmatine and paraffin to mixtures further developed the commercial candle business. Many of these innovations are still used in candle making today, though the processes have been streamlined with the use of professional equipment and tools. Large-scale melters, cookers, and bowls for lifting and pouring all make mass candle-making faster and easier than ever.

For more than 100 years, the experts at Savage Bros. have been developing and refining professional candle-making equipment. From extruders, thermometers, cutters, mixers and more, we are the company to call for all of your candle-making equipment needs. Contact us today to learn how our products can help make your candle-making processes easier and more efficient than ever.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with the FireMixer-14

Posted on July 1, 2015 by admin

If you’ve ever wanted a magic cauldron that could function as a chocolate melter, brittle maker, fudge producer, and make virtually any other confection you can dream of… the wait is over. At Savage Bros. we pride ourselves in providing the confectionary industry with the most state-of-the-art machines that are effective, reliable, and of course, producing delicious sweets. Since 1855, bakers and candy-makers have relied on our cake candy making equipment supply company for sweet solutions to propel their business forward.

Table Top Automatic Electric Cooker

At Savage Bros., we offer one of the most innovative candy making equipment machines that has come to the market, the FireMixer-14! This table-top automatic electric cooker is made completely of stainless steel and offers a ton of functionality to meet the needs of every confectioner. Unlike any other chocolate making equipment out there, the FireMixer-14 offers enhanced mixing action, an agitator to prevent fast heating without burning, a water-flush feature, a tilt kettle, and more!

This all-in-one machine produces high-quality fudge, caramel, toffee, brittle, hard candy, and more without the need of a team of operators. One person using the all-new PLC Touch-Screen control is all it takes to create premium batches of quality confection. The FireMixer-14 is an essential piece of equipment to add to your confectionary supply.

Savage Bros. is the food and bakery equipment company that works hard to meet the growing demands of your business. Whether you own an independent patisserie, a chain of bakeries, or an industrial candy factory, our cutting-edge confectioner’s equipment will continuously offer high-quality results in efficient time. If you’re interested in learning more about the innovative FireMixer-14 or want to learn more about our product offerings, call us at (800) 342-0973 or fill out our contact form online.

Candy Makers and Chocolatiers, Unite—it’s Show Time!

Posted on June 24, 2015 by admin

For a few days out of every year, candy makers and chocolatiers gather together for the ‘sweetest’ gatherings in the industry. Come and see Savage Bros. Co. at three of the biggest confectioners’ events of the year, where the industry comes together to learn new things, meet new people, and keep up with the latest and greatest in confectionary creations!

Candy Exhibit

95^th Annual Convention & Industry Expo
June 22-26, 2015
New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
333 Adams Street
Brooklyn, New York, 11201
United States

The vision of this well-known event is, “To provide a forum for confectioners to meet, network, share ideas, solve mutual problems, and develop their candy making and entrepreneurial skills. Through education courses, events, publications and online resources, we provide the means our members need to build sweet businesses.”

Confitexpo Mexico
August 4-7, 2015
Venue TBA
Guadalajara, Jalisco

Come join your fellow confectionery friends in beautiful Mexico to get the latest info about all the hottest candy and chocolate making products on the market. Manufacturers, industry people and dealers are all welcome!

Philadelphia National Candy, Gift and Gourmet Show
August 30 – September 1, 2015
Atlantic City Convention Center
One Convention Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

You can’t afford to miss this incredible opportunity to exhibit your products, attend free educational seminars and pay no admission fee if you’re in the trade! This incredible show is put on by the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia and has grown every year since its inception in 1918.

Savage Bros. Co. is thrilled to be attending all three of these amazing industry events this year, and we can’t wait to see you there! Call one of our representatives today for more information about the events, or for more information about any of our business-boosting product offerings!

Makeup: A Turbulent History

Posted on June 15, 2015 by admin

For more than 6,000 years, civilizations around the world have been using makeup. In addition to the traditional purpose of enhancing beauty, makeup has also been a major component in many religions, a form of personal and gender identity, and even a perceived deterrent for diseases and bad fortune.

History of Makeup

Toxic Beginnings
No matter what the purpose for using makeup, it has undergone a turbulent history or acceptance and rejection. The first archeological evidence of makeup use was in ancient Egypt, when women would outline their eyes with kohl and use the (highly toxic) combination of iodine and bromine to color their lips. During this time, the makeup not only served as tools of beauty, but also helped protect the women’s eyes from the sun and was believed to ward off evil spirits.

Social Status

During the European Middle Ages, pale skin was a sign of wealth and high social status in many areas of the world and some people took drastic measures to achieve their desired look. The use of white lead and mercury were particularly common, even after the dangers of these substances were widely known. In some extreme cases, some women actually took to bleeding themselves to achieve a paler complexion.

“Devil’s Work”

As time went on, the ‘reputation’ of those who used makeup changed drastically. “Face painting” was declared to be “the devil’s work” starting in the 1650s and in 1770, the British Parliament actually passed a law condemning lipstick, stating that women who were ‘guilty’ of wearing it to seduce men into marriage could be tried for witchcraft. This negative connotation with wearing makeup continued well into the 1800s.

Hollywood Influence

The next stage of makeup’s evolution began in the early 1900s, when the stigma of “face painting” was fading and women were beginning to openly use and purchase cosmetics. The popularity of silent films of Hollywood further propelled the common use of makeup back into popularity and its widespread acceptance continued to grow throughout the first half of the century.

Popular & Available

Makeup began to lose favor with many women during the 1960s and 1970s in the western world as the influence of feminism grew. In today’s world, makeup has once again become commonplace in most societies. There are thousands of different types of cosmetics available in a wide variety of styles and types. No matter what type of ‘look’ you’re trying to achieve, there’s countless makeup tools to help you!

With the popularity of makeup only continuing to rise, do you have the right tools to keep up with today’s customer demand? For more than 150 years, Savage Bros. has been the premier manufacturer of makeup making equipment and supplies. From cosmetic melters and conditioners to artisan cosmetic baking machinery and everything in between, Savage Bros. is the go-to Illinois cosmetic equipment supplier. Call us today to find out more about our expansive product offerings and how our supplies can help your makeup business thrive!

The Sweet Spot: Growing Confectionery Trends

Posted on May 29, 2015 by admin

Savage Bros has been manufacturing confectionery equipment for over 150 years and has seen trends in candy making that range from the growing popularity of chewing gum to peanut butter candies to the fruit-infused candies of today.

Chocolate

In recent years, we have seen food manufacturers push the boundaries when it comes to their latest creations. From savory candies to elaborate packaging and everything in between, candy makers are appealing to the public on an entirely new level.

As health initiatives are pushed, consumers are looking towards “healthier” alternatives when it comes to even their candies. This has led to a push for creation of “better-for-you” candies. Manufacturers are using healthier ingredients, infusing fruit flavors, adding protein, chia seeds, and whole pieces of fruit. Updated candy making equipment allows candy makers to accommodate nearly any taste.

Another growing trend you may have noticed this part year is the move toward dessert-inspired candy. Particularly popular are chocolates with the taste of intricate cakes from red velvet to cheesecake to birthday cake. Confectionery equipment infuses the flavors of your favorite desserts into a bite sized piece of chocolate that can be enjoyed virtually guilt-free.

A trend that is expected to continue growing in popularity is candies and chocolates aimed at enjoying at a specific time of day or with a particular meal. Candy is traditionally thought of as a snack or a treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day but researchers are seeing a movement towards products targeted to be enjoyed at traditional meal times.

Are You Ready to Tackle This Season’s Trends in Wedding Cakes?

Posted on May 19, 2015 by admin

With wedding season right around the corner, bakers everywhere are gearing up for the onslaught of orders for custom cake creations. And just like the weddings themselves, the trends in cakes are ever changing. So what should you be ready for in the upcoming season? Here, Savage Bros, the premier manufacturer of baking and confectionary equipment for 150 years, makes a list of what’s trending now.

Wedding Cake Season
“Naked” Cakes
- Don’t be surprised to see many cakes without frosting or fondant. Brides looking for a more low-key look for their cake are keeping it simple. Layers of cake are connected by thin buttercream and topped with flowers or fruit.

Geometrics
- Perfectly cut pieces of fondant and precise decorating are key elements for geometric cakes. Mix up colors, shapes and sizes for to a truly jaw-dropping creation.

Hand-Painted
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and break out the brushes! Many brides are looking for the beauty and unique color that hand-painted floral designs can deliver.

Monograms & Type
- Make it personal by adding monogrammed letters or poems, verses or other type to a cake in different styles and colors.

Metallic Accents
- The metallic colored tend has taken a new, more demure turn. Pare down the drama by limiting metallic to accents and brushed-on details for a more sophisticated look.

Do you have the equipment to keep up with these ever-evolving trends? Make sure you have the latest in bakery icing and fondant processing, lifting and pouring bowls, and everything else you need to make sure your wedding cakes are ready for their ‘big days’! Call Savage Bros today and we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have or to help you select the perfect equipment to meet your unique needs.

Eat More Dark Chocolate—It’s For Your Health!

Posted on May 12, 2015 by admin

Chocolate lovers have reasons to celebrate! As more and more scientific research proves, eating dark chocolate has a number of great health benefits. It’s hard to believe that something that tastes so good could also be good for you, but it’s true! Here, the experts at Savage Bros break down a list of 4 great reasons to satisfy your sweet tooth with dark chocolate.

Dark Chocolate

It’s Packed With Nutrients

A 100 gram bar of dark chocolate (with 70-85% cocoa) contains 11 grams of fiber, 67% of your daily amount of Iron, 58% of your daily amount of Magnesium and 89% and 98% of your Copper and Manganese daily amounts, respectively. On top of all that, dark chocolate is also packed with cell protecting antioxidants.

It Can Help Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

The flavonols in dark chocolate are bioactive compounds can protect against sun-induced damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. Be sure and load up on dark chocolate before your next trip to the beach!

It Helps Lower the Risk for Heart Problems

Dark chocolate can improve several important risk factors for heart disease. In a controlled trial, cocoa powder was found to significantly decrease oxidized LDL cholesterol (aka bad cholesterol). Dark chocolate can also reduce insulin resistance, which is another common risk factor for many ailments like heart disease and diabetes.

It Can Help Improve Brain Function

Certain studies have found that healthy people who consumed high-flavanol cocoa experienced improved blood flow to the brain. In studies with elderly people, cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function and verbal fluency and several other risk factors for mental impairment and disease.

With so many positive reasons to be eating dark chocolate, there’s no reason not to indulge! For all of your candy-making needs, trust the experts at Savage Bros.! For more than 150 years, Savage Bros. has continuously manufactured candy and chocolate making equipment that is recognized worldwide for its quality and reliability. Let our pouring bowls, chocolate melters, packers and more help you streamline your chocolate-making business. Call us today to learn more!

Smells Like Spring!

Posted on April 28, 2015 by admin

Spring is officially here—and so are all the bright, clean, floral and fruity fragrances that we always associate with warmer weather. Whether you’re drawn to the crisp, fresh scents of cotton, spearmint or eucalyptus; the mouth-watering aromas of orange, lemon and berries; or the soft, subtle scents of roses, lilacs and peonies, you’ll find a perfect spring candle no matter what you’re into!

Spring Candles

In addition to the plethora of scents you can choose from, candles also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and packaging options. Because of their beauty (and functionality!), candles can also serve as a great addition to your home décor. Pair several large candles on a table for a bold conversation piece; place smaller candles in an accent color around the room to tie everything together; or use the soft light in a candle-lit lantern to create a cozy, intimate ambiance. Because of their many uses and functions, candles are an extremely popular and affordable way for consumers to quickly spruce up their homes for spring.

If you’re looking to kick-start your own candle business and keep up with this growing demand, make sure you have the equipment to be able to make all your top fragrances, quickly and easily. For more than 150 years, the team at Savage Bros. has been manufacturing top-of-the-line candle making equipment; from melters and candle bakers to cooling tables, packers and mixers, Savage Bros. has everything you need!

To streamline your candle-making business, call one of our friendly, knowledgeable experts to learn more about all the high-quality products we have to offer today!

There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Chocolate

Posted on September 17, 2014 by admin

At Savage Bros, we’ve been on the forefront of chocolate-making equipment since 1855, when our founder, Philip Savage set out to create chocolate that was more delicious – plain and simple.

It’s been over 150 years since then, and the professionals at Savage Bros are still working each and every day to perfect the science of chocolate.

It’s a sensual process — one that requires love, believe it or not. Making chocolate, especially on a mass scale, can be a very difficult and grueling process. And if you don’t have the right equipment behind you… forget it.

That’s where Savage Bros comes in. We’ve been helping restaurants, hotels and large corporations perfect their recipes and put a smile on their customer’s face for as long as we can remember.

Our lifting and pouring bowls are huge and well-engineered – so are our bakery icing and fondant processing tanks – perfect for your high-volume establishment.

Call us today for a no-obligation consultation and free quote with one of our chocolate-making equipment experts. We can’t wait to impress you with the details. Call now or go to our homepage to submit a request and sign up for our newsletter – we’ll get back to you with some valuable info!

Wedding Fever

Posted on May 21, 2013 by savagebros

As we are nearing the beginning of wedding season, bakeries are preparing for the flood of wedding cake orders they will receive. Creating one of these masterpieces is no easy task. They bake hundreds of cakes and utilize their icing and fondant melters to build a crucial piece of the wedding ceremony.

There are a variety of styles wedding cakes are made in from tradition white cakes to extravagant, multi-tiered cakes to decorations specific to the couple’s interests. Fondant is revolutionary for this industry and allows bakers to easily design these elaborate wedding cakes. The fondant offers a clean, manicured look for the cake. It is flexible and easy to shape into beautiful flowers and other accents on the cake.

A bride and groom’s wedding cake is designed to signify one of the most important events of their life. It is a symbol of the couple’s love, trust and commitment to one another, and becomes especially important for the cake cutting ceremony. This ceremony in which the couple feeds each other the cake is the first thing the couple does together to celebrate their union. Whether your wedding cake is elaborately designed or sweet and simple, ensure that it is the symbol of your union you’ve always imagined.