A popular ad for chocolate shows the whole world made up of chocolate - rivers, mountains, streams etc (sounds like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?). Therefore hearing the name chocolate fountain one would imagine that it is big fountain which spurts out chocolate instead of water. It is unfortunately nothing of the sort. In fact it is a device that is used for serving chocolate fondue. Chocolate cascades off of round tiers while guests dip fruit, pretzels, marshmallows and other accompaniments into the warm flowing chocolate. Almost like having ducks and swans floating on real fountains.
The base of the chocolate fountain consists of a reservoir. The reservoir can hold approximately 20 pounds of chocolate (depending on the model). The chocolate in the reservoir is kept warm by the use of an internal heating element. When the fountain is turned on, an auger, which is located in the center of the fountain, lifts the chocolate to the top of the fountain. Once to the top, the chocolate then cascades down the fountain, completely covering the multiple round tiers. Afterwards the chocolate returns to the reservoir where the process starts all over again.

A chocolate fountain is usually made of commercial grade stainless steel. The average life span of a chocolate fountain is ten years. The preferred chocolate for a chocolate fountain is coverture chocolate. A coverture chocolate has approximately 32-99% of its content to be made of coca butter.
The main components of a chocolate fountain are:
1. Base - This contains the heating element, electrical switches and motor.
2. Tower- It slides on to 4 pins protruding from the top of the base and supports the tiers.
3. Auger - It fits inside the center of the tower, is the item that lifts the chocolate to the top of the fountain.
4. Crown - it is just used as a decorative item.

If you do not need a permanent one then you can always rent a chocolate fountain. There a plenty of establishments that rent chocolate fountains. Of course you can always buy a chocolate fountain.


tags: chocolate, chocolate fountain, chocolate fondue fountain, chocolate fountain rentals, buy a chocolate fountain, charlie and the chocolate factory

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