1. What is a Chocolate Fountain?
A Chocolate Fountain is a dramatic and exciting variation on a chocolate fondue. It is used in dessert buffets and allows guests to dip fruit and confections between the stainless steel tiers covered in cascading chocolate.
2. How exactly does the Fountain work?
The base of the fountain is pre-heated and filled with prepped melted chocolate. The chocolate is pulled up through the centre pipe by an auger. It flows out over the cap coating the stainless steel tiers.
3. What type of chocolate is used in the Fountain?
We use only the finest Belgian/Premium chocolate made by Callebaut/Sephra in milk, dark and white. In order to keep the chocolate fluid when melted a small quantity of vegetable oil is added. There are no peanut products contained in or added to the chocolate. The dark chocolate has no milk products added however it can contain traces of milk protein.
4. What food can be used for dipping?
Fresh seasonal fruit is delicious and affordable. You can see a list of dipping items at the bottom of the "Prices & Services" page. We would recommend you not dip cut pieces of cake in the Fountain as it sheds crumbs into the chocolate and ruins the dramatic look.
5. How much chocolate do I need?
Each size of fountain requires a minimum amount of chocolate to start with to make for an effective visual display. The small requires a minimum of 5 lbs, the medium 8 lbs and the large 14 lbs. Once half of the starting amount of chocolate has been consumed the tiers begin to split as there is not enough chocolate in circulation to maintain a consistent flow. So even if the suggested amount might be 10 lbs of chocolate (which would be good for 100 or so people), you might want to consider 12.5 lbs to keep the dramatic look throughout the event.
Estimated amounts for events are as follows:
30-75 guests - approx 4-8 lbs of chocolate with a small Fountain
75-110 guests - approx 8-12 lbs of chocolate with a small or medium Fountain
110-225 guests - approx 12-17.5 lbs of chocolate with a medium Fountain
225-350 guests - approx 17.5 – 20 lbs of chocolate with a medium or large Fountain
Over 350 guests – 22.5 + lbs of chocolate with a large fountain
Renting a fountain is simple. We take some contact details and other information pertaining to your event. We will help you decide which size fountain is appropriate for you, and how much chocolate will be adequate. A $100.00 deposit will hold your requested date and fountain size. We contact you again about 2 weeks before your event to finalize all the details. Then in the last week before the event we forward your final invoice which needs to be paid prior to us installing the fountain at your event. If you like we can send you a quotation so you can see exactly what the final rental cost will be.
7. How far in advance should I book?
We carry multiple Fountains in all sizes. However, they are in high demand so we recommend booking as soon as you have made a decision on your event date. If you are unable to book too far in advance we may still be able to accommodate you. Call us for availability 218-727-8004.
8. Who provides the dipping items?
It is likely that you may already have booked a caterer for your event. In this case, have them provide the fruit and dipping items. If the fountain is your only dessert, we would suggest about 8 or so dipping items per person. If the fountain is an additional dessert, perhaps you are also serving cake or pastries, then 5-6 fruit items would be appropriate. It isn't unusual that some people may have a lot more but also some may not have any. Should you not have employed any food service personnel we will be happy to provide the dipping items. Ask us for a quotation.
9. What power supply does the fountain require?
Standard 110V power outlet (grounded). We require one outlet per fountain and sharing outlets and using power bars is discouraged.
10. Can the Fountain be used outside?
Yes and no. As long as there is a power supply the fountain can operate outdoors however there are some inherent problems. The chocolate must be maintained at a consistent temperature. On a chilly day this will be difficult. Wind can also be an issue. If the fountain is under a tent with sides or in a sheltered alcove, the outdoors will not be a problem. However, because the chocolate is “falling” over the tiers a gust of wind can splash chocolate onto the table or guests. Also the heavenly fragrance of the chocolate attracts insects resulting in a rather unappealing look and some unexpected complications.