The Best Chocolate Fondue Fountains for Parties
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Kalorik CHM32074 Red Auger-Style Chocolate Fondue Fountain -
Sweet Fountains Chocolate Fondue Fountain -
Sephra Classic Small 18-Inch Chocolate Fondue Fountain -
Total Chef 3 Tier Electric Chocolate Fondue Fountain -
Wilton Chocolate Pro 3-Tier Chocolate Fountain - 2104-9008 -
Buyer's Guide
Nothing beats a chocolate fountain at a parties, weddings, or any get together for that matter. They're the most showy way to make a treat with universal appeal. Prepare some fruit slices or unwrap some marshmallows, skewer them on a toothpick, and dip them in the running chocolate. This type of decadence used to be found only at the most exclusive of events, but with these consumer friendly priced units, virtually any gathering can enjoy a chocolate treat that is second to none.
All of the best chocolate fondue fountains in 2022 on this list were chosen because they're made with durable, stainless steel lower components, many of which are easy to clean and dishwasher safe as well.You also don't want to be fumbling around in a party situation trying to make one work, so these picks are designed so adding in the solid/melted chocolate is an easy process. Each pick will come with all the necessary accessories like fondue sticks so you're ready to go, especially convenient if you pick one up on the day of a party. Additionally, every unit will come with a one year limited warranty unless specified otherwise in the listing.
Best Chocolate Fondue Fountain of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Kalorik CHM32074 Red Auger-Style Chocolate Fondue Fountain - Best Chocolate Fondue Fountain Overall
Cost and overall performance takes the Kalorik CHM 41044 BK Cascading Chocolate Fondue Fountain to the top of this list. It's the lowest price fountain here, yet performs like a higher end units. The auger-style feed replaces the pump for smooth flowing chocolate and fondue, and only the basin is stainless steel, which keeps the price down but also means that you have to take it easy when washing the tiers. This option has a "heat" only setting for melting chocolate, and a "heat/motor" setting for when you want it to flow. It will only hold 1 1/2 pounds of chocolate, but that makes it very economical and reduces possible waste for each use. This fountain can also accommodate fondue as well and you can manually level the legs to keep the unit on even keel. If you throw parties on a regular basis, maybe this Kaloric unit isn't right for you but for the occasional party or get together on a budget, you really can't do better than this pick.
Sweet Fountains Chocolate Fondue Fountain - Runner Up
If price is no object and you want the best commercial fountain that will literally be the life of the party, then you want the Sweet Fountains Mammoth Dual Cascading Chocolate Fountain. At 55 inches tall, this bad boy is easy to set up/break down and the "Dual" in the title means that you can use two different types of chocolate with this fountain. You'll need eight pounds of chocolate per side, but you can combine white and a dark chocolate for incredible contrast, and no one walk away from the fountain unhappy.
The fountain is auger powered so there are no worries about a pump failure, the parts clean up in 15 minutes in your dishwasher, and the unit comes with an amazing lifetime warranty, with an additional two year motor warranty. This unit has a simple on/off button for the motor and the heating unit, and there's also an indicator light when the unit is running. For bragging rights, for the largest parties, or if you just want the ultimate chocolate fountain, the Sweet Fountains Mammoth Dual 55-inch has your name on it.
Sephra Classic Small 18-Inch Chocolate Fondue Fountain - Honorable Mention
Quiety, built to last, dishwasher safe with food grade plastic tiers, that's just some of what you'll get with the Sephra CF18L Classic Home Fountain. This is essentially a commercial grade fountain which uses an auger instead of a pump to make the chocolate flow smoothly. You'll need a minimum of four pounds of chocolate to get it flowing, and it will take up to six pounds in total, making it perfect for larger gatherings. This fountain heats so effectively that you don't have to pre-melt the chocolate first as many other machines recommend. It's even versatile enough to get caramel, cheese, and even ranch dressing flow like a river. It's also the quietest running unit here and all you have are the on/off switches for the heat and motor. If you plan on throwing a lot of parties, the Sephra CF18L is the next best thing to a dedicated commercial-only unit.
Total Chef 3 Tier Electric Chocolate Fondue Fountain - Consider
For the best in a novelty fountain, look no further than the Total Chef WTF-43 Stainless-Steel Double-Tower Chocolate Fountain. You can do both white and dark chocolate at the same time for a fountain treat that will be the centerpiece of the party. This fountain has two separate pumps, one for each side of the unit with a center divider which keeps the chocolate flavors separate from one another on each side. It has a simple motor and heat switches, with corresponding indicator lights to let you know they're both on and working. Although this is fountain offers a neat design, it's also the most difficult unit to clean on this list due to multiple paths for the chocolate to take. There have been user complaints about motor noise during operation, but in a noisy party setting most people won't notice. This unit comes with a 30 day money back manufacturers warranty.
Wilton Chocolate Pro 3-Tier Chocolate Fountain - 2104-9008 - Best Chocolate Fondue Fountain
The second most cost effective fountain on our list, the Wilton Chocolate Pro 3-Tier Chocolate Fountain, 2104-9008 is one of the best deals around. This auger-powered chocolate fountain holds 4 pounds of chocolate but operation goes a lot quicker if you heat up and melt the chocolate yourself before adding. It will take a minimum of two pounds of chocolate to get the sweets flowing working, but for that quantity and the price you'll pay, it's a very good deal. As with our other picks, it's simple on/off switches for the heat and motor, there's manually adjustable feet, and a built-in level. The 30 day limited warranty belies the durability of this product, but for medium sized parties where you don't want to spend much on a chocolate fountain, the Wilton Pro will handily suit your needs without breaking the bank.
Buyer's Guide
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.
