What is a Chocolate Fondue Fountain?
A chocolate fondue fountain is a machine that can be used to serve chocolate fondue. It looks like a cone with curves on every tier, and melted creamy chocolate flowing down from the tip of the cone on top. This structure also features a heated basin at the bottom, which collects the flowing chocolate and keeps it at a regulated temperature.
From the basin, the chocolate fondue is moved to the top of the machine through a cylinder that is operated with an Egyptian or water screw. Chocolate fondue fountains can be found in some hotels, restaurants, dessert parlors, and even events and gatherings. You can also find special or miniature chocolate fountains that can be enjoyed at home as well.
How is a Chocolate Fondue Fountain Used?
The basic function of a chocolate fondue fountain is to allow you to dip numerous types of foods in it and experience a more delicious snack. It can be used for a variety of foods, including marshmallows, biscuits, wafers, fruits, and much more. The first thing you need to do after getting a chocolate fondue fountain is to wipe it off properly.
Then, you should place the fountain wherever you need to put it. Since most fountains come disassembled, you will have to put the auger over the base and install the towered cone over it. Now you just have to put the top part of the fountain onto the base and pour chocolate all over it. Once you turn the device on, it will start heating up the chocolate and transport it to the top through the auger.
Generally, chocolate fondue fountains make use of Belgian chocolate or chocolate chips, which not only melt easily but also have a creamy and smooth texture that looks very nice.
History of the Chocolate Fondue Fountain
The first ever chocolate fountain was invented in the late 1980s by Ben Brisman, and throughout the 90s, it became hugely popular everywhere. Back then, a Canadian company by the name of Design & Realization started making these chocolate fondue fountains in mass quantities, which also added to their popularity.
The actual boom in the chocolate fondue fountain’s popularity came when Jay Harlan, a key figure in the hospitality industry, introduced these devices all over hotels in the US. By 2003, many American companies started making the chocolate fondue fountain on their own, and it has been popularly used ever since.
Why Do You Need a Chocolate Fondue Fountain?
A chocolate fondue fountain is always fun and exciting to look at, but it also provides you with a great way to keep the guests and children engaged and entertained. Whether you are holding a birthday party for your child or a graduation party, no one would object to having a chocolate fondue fountain there.
Moreover, if you are serving various types of desserts or baked items in your event, a chocolate fondue fountain would make it possible for your guests to coat them in chocolate and relish them. You should get a chocolate fountain for all your events, or you can even get one that is suitable for home use and can be set up at every event.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Chocolate Fondue Fountain
When it comes to choosing a suitable chocolate fondue fountain from numerous options, you will need to keep some things or factors in mind, which will enable you to make the correct decision quickly. Let’s have a look at the factors you need to keep in mind.
Type
Generally, there are two types of chocolate fondue fountains: ones which have a heated basin for melting the chocolate, and others that require the input of melted chocolate. Both of them have the same mechanism, in the sense that the melted chocolate flows from the top and collects in the basin, from where it moves up through the Egyptian screw.
In the fountains that require melted chocolate only, you have the freedom of melting any type of chocolate and pouring it onto the machine, whereas in the models that have a heated basin, you can only work with a few types of chocolate.
Materials
The materials from which the fountain is made also plays a major role in your selection of the best chocolate fondue fountain. Firstly, the model that you choose should have little or no plastic parts, since they don’t work well with heated chocolate and would start to deform after some time.
Also, since the chocolate fondue fountain requires extensive cleaning, you will have to see which material is the easiest to clean. Most people opt for fountains that are made from stainless steel or any other durable and food-safe material.
Volume
The volume refers to how much chocolate can the chocolate fondue fountain actually hold. There are small fountains that can hold less than 1 kg of chocolate, and they are more suited for smaller groups and gatherings. On the other hand, you can even find chocolate fondue fountains with a volume capacity of 2 kg or more, and they are perfect for large parties.
Dimensions and Weight
When choosing the best chocolate fondue fountain, you also have to consider how big the device actually is, as well as how much it weighs. This also includes considering the number of tiers or floors the fountain has. If you choose a smaller fountain with less tiers, it may not look as appealing, but it would certainly be easier to clean and store away.
On the other hand, a larger fountain with 4 or 5 floors would look truly majestic, but it would be very difficult for you to clean it up and also store it when not needed.
Temperature Control
While not all of the chocolate fondue fountains have an adjustable thermostat, this is a valuable feature to look for in the options that you shortlist. If you have the ability to choose the temperature between 30 and 150°C, you will be able to maintain it at an ideal temperature and consistency, and won’t have to worry about it being too hot or too cold.
FAQs
What kind of chocolate can be used in the chocolate fondue fountain?
Generally, all types of chocolate can be used in the chocolate fondue fountain, regardless of whether it has a heated basin or requires pre-melted chocolate. The product description would enlighten you on this.
How often should the chocolate be replaced?
As long as the chocolate has its original color, consistency, smell, and taste, you don’t need to replace it frequently. This choice depends on the ambient temperature, as well as the temperature at which the chocolate is heated.
How do you clean a chocolate fondue fountain?
Firstly, you should dispose of all the chocolate in a trash bag, and remove the residue with a rubber spoon or spatula. Then, you can rinse the entire basin and its floors, and wipe them clean before storing it.