Since 3D printers went mainstream, people have wanted to know when they can print food. After all, it would be super cool to shrink your kitchen down to a single machine. Well, we’re not quite there yet, but 3D Systems has a new machine that will at least let you 3D print candy.

At CES, 3D Systems introduced its latest series of 3D printers – the ChefJet. The printer uses melted sugar to create solid sugar creations, like candy or those sugar sculptures that bakers put on cakes. The printer also comes with software called The Digital Cookbook that allows users who have no prior experience with 3D design to create custom candies and sugar sculptures.

“Food is an incredible platform for creativity, experimentation, and celebration and we are thrilled to place these powerful 3D printers in bakers and chefs’ kitchens,” said Liz von Hasseln, Creative Director Food Products, 3DS. “We invite leading pastry chefs, restaurateurs and event planners to join us in bringing 3D printing into the kitchen.”

The ChefJet will come in two varieties – the ChefJet 3D printer and the ChefJet Pro 3D printer. The first is a monochrome 3D printer with a small build volume for small candies and cake toppers. It will be sold for less than $5,000 in the second half of 2014.

The second – the ChefJet Pro – will be a large format 3D printer with a build volume of 10x14x8″ and print in full color. It will be sold for less than $10,000 in the second half of 2014.

You can check out the ChefJet and ChefJet Pro in this tour of 3D Systems’ CES booth:

While these are the only two food-based 3D printers from 3D Systems, it probably won’t be for long. NASA has already proven that it can use a 3D printer to make a pizza and Google has a 3D printer that makes pasta. Sooner or later, there will be a market for the kind of instant food machines as seen in The Jetsons.

Image via 3D Systems/YouTube