Chocolate Fountain
A chocolate fountain, also called a chocolate fondue fountain, is a device that is used for serving chocolate fondue. The melted chocolate is pulled to the top of the fountain where it spills over the edges of the tiers to the basin at the base thus creating a chocolate waterfall. People can then dip chunks of fruit, cheesecake, and other solid desserts into the chocolate basin as they would in a regular fondue. Chocolate fountains provide beauty and extraordinary taste to any special event.
Chocolate fountains are designed for both commercial and personal use with commercial fountains being between 20 and 50 inches tall and home fountains smaller than 20 inches. In general, home chocolate fountains are made of dishwasher-safe plastic while commercial use favors stainless steel chocolate fountains since they provide excellent heat conduction in order to keep the fountains chocolate fluid.
Since melted chocolate can be quite difficult to work with, the right chocolate for fountains has to have and maintain enough viscosity so as not to clog or clump the fountain. In order to maintain chocolate fluidity, small fountains often require vegetable oil, which unfortunately gives the chocolate a gritty, oily taste. The sugar content needs to be kept low so as to prevent caramelization near the heating source.
Although expensive, couverture chocolate is commonly used for commercial fountains due to its high cocoa butter content which ensures consistent flow. Cheaper alternatives can be used such as chocolate-flavored syrup and dark chocolate mixed with small amounts of hot water. However, for the best results it is essential to invest in the proper ingredients so that the chocolate experience won’t disappoint.
Until recently, a chocolate fountain fondue was only available for commercial uses. In 2004, the Hellmann Group brought the Nostalgia Chocolate Fountain to the personal market with other companies introducing high-end chocolate fountains for home use shortly thereafter. The introduction of these home models caused demand for chocolate fountains to surge significantly. This resulted in not only greater demand for chocolate fountains at special events but also the introduction of alternative fluids such as caramel, cheese, BBQ sauce, and other syrups. Those who do not wish to invest in owning a chocolate fountain may find a chocolate fountain rental or chocolate fountain hire sufficient for a one-time special event.
Chocolate fountains can bring a fun, tasty, elegant look to many events and special occasions.