Chocolate Fondue Fountains

These novel treats are a fun way to serve desert at any formal or informal function.  One of these fountains of flowing chocolate is sure to be the conversation piece at your next event or get together!  In fact, you can even buy a chocolate fondue fountain mini stainless steel model to use in your home. 

How Chocolate Fondue Fountains Work

Chocolate fondue fountains are fountains that send warm, liquid chocolate cascading down into a collecting pool.  Those who are enjoying the fountain can dip a wide range of items into the flowing chocolate.  Popular items to dip in a chocolate fondue fountain include fruit, pretzels, cookies, and cake. 

The trick to these fountains is the way the chocolate is heated.  In order to keep the decadent treat flowing, the chocolate cannot be allowed to cool.  These fountains are made out of stainless steel, and a heating unit is located at the bottom of the machine to keep the chocolate at the correct temperature to stay liquid.  Spinning tiers carry the liquid chocolate to the top of the fountain, where it cascades down over several levels before collecting in the heating mechanism again to be reheated and sent back to the top.  Those who wish to enjoy the fountain simply have to dip their treat into the chocolate as it flows down.

Chocolate fondue fountains can be used in any type of gathering.  There are many different sizes of fondue fountains, including mini personal sized ones and giant party sized ones.  They create a lovely addition to a formal table, which means they can be used beautifully at weddings.  Many couples choose to use a chocolate fondue fountain in place of a groom’s cake at their wedding reception.  You can even use one of these fountains at a party in your home.  The number of guests that can be served with a fountain is unlimited, provided you have enough chocolate, because you can continually add chocolate to the fountain to keep the desert flowing.

Renting or Buying Fondue Fountains

If you would like to use a chocolate fondue fountain at your next event, you can either choose to rent or buy one.  The best way to rent a fondue fountain is to find a local rental company and use their services.  Caterers and wedding rental stores often have these fountains.  Read and follow all instructions on the assembly and use of the fountain if you are renting it.  This will ensure that your party goes smoothly and that you do not damage the rental unit. 

If you envision yourself using a fondue fountain on a regular basis, such as for chocolate fountain fondue parties in your home, then consider purchasing one of your own.  If you own your own fountain, you can have a chocolate fountain fondue party any time you want, even if there is no special occasion.  Also, if you anticipate having several special occasions in your near future, you may find that it is more economical to buy chocolate fondue fountain supplies for yourself, rather than renting them.  Keep in mind that the large sized fountains carry a large price tag.  Most of the fountains sold in stores for individual use are small and may not be large enough for a party or event.  If you want to buy chocolate fondue fountains online, you can find them at www.chocolatefonduesales.com and www.homefonduefountain.com.

Using a Fondue Fountain

Whether you rent or buy chocolate fondue fountains for your next event, there are some things to keep in mind when using them.  First, you need to use the right kind of chocolate to ensure that it flows properly.  Most manufacturers of these products recommend using “couverture” chocolate, which has between 32 and 39 percent cocoa butter.  This chocolate not only tastes great, but it also flows better than chocolate of lower quality.

When choosing the items to dip in the chocolate, remember that those desserts that break apart easily are a poor choice.  For example, a crumbly cake will leave crumbs in the chocolate that could clog the fountain.  Choose items that will hold their shape when dipped in the flowing chocolate.  Also, consider giving your guests large sticks to use to dip the items in the chocolate.  This will eliminate some of the mess associated with chocolate fondue fountains.

Finally, you will want to avoid using a chocolate fondue fountain for outside events.  There are two reasons for this.  First, the sweet chocolate is a magnet for insects, and a bug in the chocolate will ruin the experience.  Second, any breeze in the air could interfere with the flow and temperature of the chocolate.  However, for just about any indoor event a chocolate fondue fountain makes the perfect, and most delicious, centerpiece!