A chocolate fountain is always a show-stopping addition to any event, whether it be a wedding, a birthday party, or a simple gathering with friends and family.
Not only does it add an element of fun and excitement, but it also allows your guests to indulge in the deliciousness of melted chocolate paired with their favourite treats.
If you are considering using a chocolate fountain for your next event or are simply curious about how it works, this post is for you.
We will guide you through everything you need to know about using a chocolate fountain, from setting it up to choosing the perfect dippables and of course, selecting the best quality chocolate to ensure a smooth and delightful experience for all.
How to Use a Chocolate Fountain
Using a chocolate fountain is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key steps you need to follow to ensure everything runs smoothly:
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Set up the Fountain: Assemble the fountain according to the instructions provided. Make sure it is placed on a level surface to avoid any chocolate spillage.
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Preheat the Fountain: Before adding the chocolate, turn on the fountain to warm up the base. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
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Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate while the fountain is warming up. It's essential to use high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content, like couverture chocolate, to ensure it flows smoothly. Melt the chocolate in a microwave or a double boiler until it reaches a smooth, liquid consistency.
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Add Oil if Necessary: Depending on the chocolate and the fountain, you may need to add a small amount of oil to the melted chocolate to achieve the correct consistency. Use a neutral-flavoured oil like canola or vegetable oil. Start with a small amount (1 tablespoon of oil for every 500 grams of chocolate) and add more if necessary.
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Fill the Fountain: Once the chocolate is melted and at the correct consistency, pour it into the base of the fountain. Turn on the fountain's motor; the chocolate should start flowing over the tiers.
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Add the Dippables: Arrange the dippables around the base of the fountain. Popular choices include strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, and pieces of cake or brownies.
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Maintain the Fountain: Keep an eye on the fountain throughout the event. You may need to add more melted chocolate if the level gets too low or use a skewer to remove any bits of food that fall into the fountain.
Remember, it is essential to use high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content to ensure the fountain runs smoothly.
Also, make sure to check the fountain's instructions, as different models may have specific requirements.
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How Much Chocolate Do You Need for a Chocolate Fountain?
The amount of chocolate required for a chocolate fountain depends on several factors, including the size of the fountain, the number of guests you are serving, and how long you plan to run the fountain.
As a general rule, you should plan for about 170-225 grams (6-8 ounces) of chocolate per person.
So, for a party of 20 people, you would need about 3.4 to 4.5 kg (7.5 to 10 pounds) of chocolate.
It's always better to have too much chocolate than not enough!
So consider purchasing a little extra, just in case.
Any leftover melted chocolate can be cooled, solidified, and then stored for later use.
Remember to use high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content to ensure the fountain runs smoothly.
Also, note that the chocolate must be melted before adding it to the fountain.
Lastly, consult the instruction manual of your chocolate fountain, as it might provide specific recommendations for the amount of chocolate needed.
How Does a Chocolate Fountain Work?
A chocolate fountain works by heating and circulating melted chocolate, creating a cascade of flowing chocolate.
Here are the key components and how they work:
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Heating Element: At the base of the fountain is a heating element that warms the basin to melt the chocolate and keep it at the perfect temperature for flowing. This is essential for maintaining the chocolate's liquid consistency throughout the event.
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Auger: This is a corkscrew-shaped rod that runs through the centre of the fountain. When the motor is turned on, the auger rotates and lifts the melted chocolate from the basin at the bottom to the top of the fountain.
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Crown: At the top of the fountain, the chocolate is dispensed through the crown, which evenly distributes the chocolate over the tiers.
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Tiers: The tiers are sloped surfaces over which the chocolate flows down, creating the cascading waterfall effect.
To use the chocolate fountain, you first melt the chocolate and add it to the basin.
Turn on the motor, and the auger will lift the chocolate to the top of the fountain, where it will flow down over the tiers.
Dippables such as strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels can then be dipped into the flowing chocolate.
Remember to use high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content to ensure the chocolate flows smoothly.
Also, ensure the fountain is placed on a level surface to avoid any chocolate spillage.
Related Post: Melting Chocolate Chips
Where Can You Buy Chocolate to Use in a Fountain?
At Whitakers Chocolates, we have a long-standing relationship with chocolate and take great pride in producing the highest quality products using only the finest and natural ingredients.
All our chocolates are gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians, and our dark chocolate is vegan-friendly, making them perfect for everyone to enjoy.
For chocolate fountains, we have a huge range of chocolate products that are perfect for melting.
Our mini dark chocolate 55% shards, called Easymelt, are specifically designed for easy melting, making them ideal for fountains.
Additionally, we offer dual-flavoured chocolate bars in both milk and dark chocolate.
These work exceptionally well for fountains as they can be easily broken into pieces, and the crunchy honeycomb pieces embedded in the chocolate give an extra layer of texture when melted!
Remember, the key to a great chocolate fountain is starting with high-quality chocolate, and at Whitakers Chocolates, we have got you covered.
So why not try our range of chocolate products for your next fountain and experience the difference that quality chocolate can make?
How to Melt Chocolate for a Fountain
Melting chocolate for a fountain requires a bit of care to ensure the chocolate is smooth and has the right consistency for flowing. Here are the steps to melt chocolate for a fountain:
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Choose the Right Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content (32-39%). Couverture chocolate is ideal as it contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter, which ensures a smooth and shiny flow in the fountain.
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Chop the Chocolate: Break or chop the chocolate into small, even pieces. This ensures the chocolate will melt evenly and more quickly.
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Use a Double Boiler: Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the pot but does not touch the water. Add the chocolate pieces to the bowl and allow them to melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let any water or steam get into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize and become lumpy.
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Add Oil if Necessary: Some chocolate fountain recipes call for the addition of vegetable oil or melted cocoa butter to the chocolate to ensure it flows smoothly. If you are using couverture chocolate, you may not need to add oil as it already has a high cocoa butter content. However, if you find the chocolate is too thick, you can add a little vegetable oil or melted cocoa butter, starting with 1 tablespoon per pound of chocolate, and adding more if necessary until the desired consistency is reached.
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Test the Consistency: The chocolate should be smooth and have a consistency similar to double cream. If it's too thick, it won't flow properly in the fountain; if it's too thin, it won't coat the dippables well.
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Transfer to the Fountain: Once the chocolate is melted and has the right consistency, transfer it to the basin of the fountain. Turn on the fountain and allow the chocolate to flow over the tiers.
Remember to keep the chocolate warm throughout the event to ensure it continues to flow smoothly.
Most chocolate fountains have a heating element that will keep the chocolate at the perfect temperature.
How to Thin Chocolate for a Fountain
Thinning chocolate for a fountain is crucial to ensure a smooth and consistent flow. Here’s how you can thin chocolate for a fountain:
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Choose High-Quality Chocolate: Start with a high-quality chocolate that has a high cocoa butter content. Couverture chocolate is the best choice as it contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter, ensuring a smoother flow in the fountain.
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Add Oil or Cocoa Butter: If the chocolate is too thick, you can thin it by adding vegetable oil or melted cocoa butter. Start with one tablespoon of oil or melted cocoa butter per pound of chocolate and add more if necessary until the desired consistency is achieved. Be cautious not to add too much oil, as it can affect the taste and texture of the chocolate.
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Heat the Chocolate Properly: Make sure to melt the chocolate properly using a double boiler or a microwave. If using a double boiler, make sure that no water or steam comes into contact with the chocolate, as it can cause it to seize and become lumpy. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even melting.
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Test the Consistency: The chocolate should be smooth and have a consistency similar to double cream. If it's too thick, it won't flow properly in the fountain; if it's too thin, it won't coat the dippables well.
Remember to continuously check the consistency of the chocolate throughout the event, as the chocolate fountain's heat may cause it to thicken over time.
Adjust with a bit more oil or cocoa butter as necessary.
What Should You Dip in a Chocolate Fountain?
A chocolate fountain can transform an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary one.
There's a certain kind of joy that comes from seeing a cascade of melted chocolate and dipping your favourite foods into it. Here is a list of some popular items to dip in a chocolate fountain:
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Fruits: Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apple slices, grapes, and orange segments. Make sure the fruits are well drained and patted dry to ensure the chocolate sticks well.
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Marshmallows: A classic choice that never fails to please.
- Pretzels: The combination of salty and sweet is always a hit.
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Biscuits and Cookies: Shortbread, digestives, and wafer biscuits work well.
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Cakes and Pastries: Pieces of pound cake, sponge cake, brownies, and profiteroles.
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Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts can be dipped directly or skewered if they are too small.
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Dried Fruits: Dried apricots, figs, and dates.
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Sweets: Gummy bears, jelly babies, and other soft sweets.
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Crisps: Plain potato crisps or sweet potato crisps.
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Cheese: Cubes of a mild cheese like cheddar or mozzarella can be a surprising and delicious option.
Remember to arrange the dippables in an attractive and accessible manner and provide skewers or forks for dipping.
It is important to remind guests to dip only once to maintain the hygiene of the fountain!
Additionally, avoid dipping items that may crumble easily or leave residues in the chocolate, as this can clog the fountain and disrupt its flow.
Some Notes From an Expert Chocolatier
At Whitakers Chocolates, we believe that the beauty of a chocolate fountain lies in your ability to let your imagination run wild and experiment with different ingredients.
The choices are endless, from fruits to marshmallows, cookies to pretzels, and much more.
However, one thing that is of paramount importance is the quality of the chocolate you use for melting.
To get the best results, it is essential to use high-quality chocolate.
Couverture chocolate, for example, is an excellent option as it has been specifically made for melting.
It contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter than regular chocolate, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture when melted and allows it to coat your dippables beautifully.
Remember, your fountain is only as good as the chocolate you use, so don't compromise on quality.
Start with high-quality chocolate like our Easymelt shards or dual-flavoured chocolate bars, and let your creativity take over from there.
And most importantly, have fun with it!
Enjoy the process of experimenting with different dippables and creating a delicious and memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
Final Notes On How to Use a Chocolate Fountain
A chocolate fountain is a fun and impressive addition to any event, and with the right preparation, it can run smoothly and delight your guests.
Remember to use high-quality chocolate and thin it appropriately for a consistent flow.
Prepare a wide variety of dippables, from fruits to pastries, and ensure they are arranged neatly and accessible.
Most importantly, remind guests of the one-dip rule to maintain hygiene. With these tips in mind, you can create a memorable and enjoyable chocolate fountain experience for everyone.
