Frequently Asked Chocolate Fountain Questions

How does the chocolate fountain work?

The unit is comprised of three basic sections: a heater base, fountain tiers and an auger.  To operate you should pre-heat unit for approximately 15 minutes.  We recommend you warm up chocolate in a microwave or in a double-Dutch boiler on a burner top before pouring into the heater base.  After chocolate has been warmed up, pour contents into heater base.  The auger will then bring the chocolate up and through the fountain.
 

 

How do you pre-melt chocolate for use in chocolate fountain?

We recommend you warm up chocolate in a microwave or in a double-Dutch boiler on a burner top before pouring into the heater base.  Be sure to continuously mix chocolate to prevent any hardening.  This will ensure smooth flow of chocolate inside the fountain.

 

 

How does the chocolate get to the top of the chocolate fountain?

Inside of the fountain is a specially designed stainless steel corkscrew device known as an auger that rotates and brings the melted chocolate from the basin to the top reservoir bowl. When that bowl is full, the chocolate overflows and cascades down the fountain back into the basin.  Other models use a pump to move the chocolate through the fountain.  Chocolate Fountains At Your Door is proud to announce that our model uses the stainless steel auger to perform this task and thus increases the reliability and life expectancy of the unit.   

 
What kind of chocolate can be used in the chocolate fountain?

Milk, cocoa butter, unsweetened, bittersweet, and white chocolate can be used with the Chocolate Fountain.  A chocolate source rich in cocoa butter will result in a more creamy flow of chocolate due to the smoothness cocoa butter chocolate creates when heated.

 

 

What condiments can be used with the chocolate fountain?

Just about anything and everything can be dipped with the Chocolate Fountain.  This includes fruits, cookies, bread and porous foods.

 

 

Can the chocolate fountain run continuously?

The unit is designed for continuous use at an event.  You simply monitor the level of chocolate used and add accordingly into the heated base so that the flow is uninterrupted.  Never leave the chocolate directly on the unit if it will not be used for a brief period.  The chocolate can harden and may get caught in the auger resulting in an interruption of flow.  Make sure all parts are cleaned and chocolate is pre-heated between multiple uses.   

 
Why is the chocolate fountain not suitable for outside use?

Outdoor using of the fountain is not recommended because chocolate attracts insects and maintaining the flow temperature of the chocolate is critical for continued smooth operation. A sudden change in microclimatic temperature could cause the chocolate to noticeably harden as it flows.  This in turn disrupts the flow and may cause pieces to be recycled up through the auger.  Outdoor temperatures are more varied and less controllable than indoor ones.