Chocolate Fountains

Chocolate fountains are a very popular feature at weddings and usually become a popular gathering area for guests. Rentals in the Seattle area cost between $350-$650 (depending on size) with an included attendant to monitor the fountain. An attendant is usually necessary because the fountains suffer from the following difficulties:

            a) they can splash and wind will cause them to spray your table, surrounding floor, and guests

            b) melted chocolate attracts various insects.

            c) the motor can become blocked if any food is dropped into the fountain causing damage to the machine

            d) children can contaminate your fountain with fingers and already eaten food

            e) if the temperature isn't maintained the chocolate will harden onto the fountain while it's running

            d) cleanup is extensive

Most of these problems can be solved by instead of renting a larger fountain and attendant you purchase several smaller inexpensive units. With less space between the flow trees there is less splattering, less chance of wind affecting your fountain, and it is easier to maintain the temperature of the chocolate. If you're going to have children at your event you can set one up specifically for the children which will prevent them from contaminating your primary fountains. Opting for several smaller fountains also gives you the opportunity to have a selection of different kinds of chocolate (light, dark, white, etc.). Small fountains can be disassembled and cleaned in your dishwasher and if it's too much trouble can just be thrown away. Don't go too cheap when looking to purchase your fountains. If the motor or heating element isn't of high enough quality they will be more trouble then they are worth. We have had good luck with the Sephra brand which can be found for around $60.

Popular dipping ingredients include: bananas, cherries, pretzels, cream puffs, strawberries, apples, angel food cake, brownies, marshmallows, and rice krispies treats.