Top-Rated Chocolate Fountain For Home Entertaining: Reviews & Tips

Hosting a party or a gathering at home can be an exciting opportunity to showcase your hospitality skills. One of the most impressive and crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any event is a chocolate fountain. Imagine the allure of cascading chocolate, drizzling over fresh fruits, pretzels, marshmallows, and other treats. It's not just a dessert; it's an experience. However, selecting the right chocolate fountain for your home entertaining needs can be overwhelming, given the variety of options available in the market. In this article, we'll explore some of the top-rated chocolate fountains, provide reviews, and offer tips to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Chocolate Fountains

Before diving into reviews, it's essential to understand what a chocolate fountain is and how it works. A chocolate fountain is a device designed to create a flowing, cascading effect with melted chocolate. It typically consists of a reservoir or basin where the chocolate is stored, a pump that circulates the chocolate through tubes or tiers, and a heating element to maintain the chocolate at the right temperature. The tiers can vary in number, with some fountains having as few as two tiers and others as many as eight or more.

Chocolate fountains are available in both electric and non-electric varieties. Electric fountains are more convenient as they come with built-in heating elements and pumps, making them easier to use and maintain. Non-electric fountains, on the other hand, require manual heating and pumping, which can be labor-intensive but might be preferred by some for their simplicity and lower cost.

Top-Rated Chocolate Fountains

1. Zeroll Zeroll Original Chocolate Fountain

The Zeroll Zeroll Original Chocolate Fountain is a favorite among many home entertainers. This electric fountain features a sleek, contemporary design with a stainless steel basin and five tiers. The fountain is equipped with a powerful pump that ensures a smooth and consistent flow of chocolate, and the heating element maintains the optimal temperature, preventing the chocolate from burning or seizing.

One of the standout features of the Zeroll Original is its ease of use. The basin is large enough to hold up to 6 pounds of chocolate, which is perfect for parties with a large number of guests. The fountain also comes with a drip tray to catch any excess chocolate, making cleanup a breeze. The Zeroll Original is also known for its durability, with many users reporting that it holds up well over time.

2. COCOmatic Electric Chocolate Fountain

The COCOmatic Electric Chocolate Fountain is another top contender in the market. This fountain boasts a stylish, space-saving design with a compact footprint, making it ideal for smaller gatherings or those with limited counter space. Despite its compact size, the COCOmatic fountain is capable of producing a impressive five-tier cascade.

One of the key features of the COCOmatic fountain is its automatic temperature control, which ensures that the chocolate remains at the perfect melting point. The fountain also includes a built-in pump and a heating element, making it fully functional right out of the box. The basin has a capacity of 4.4 pounds of chocolate, which is sufficient for most home parties.

3. Lavazza Il Gusto 3-in-1 Electric Chocolate Fountain

For those looking for a multi-functional chocolate fountain, the Lavazza Il Gusto 3-in-1 Electric Chocolate Fountain is an excellent choice. This fountain can be used as a traditional chocolate fountain, a mocha fountain, or a dual fountain, allowing you to serve two different types of chocolate or other liquids simultaneously. The fountain features a sleek, modern design with a stainless steel basin and five tiers.

The Lavazza Il Gusto fountain is equipped with a powerful pump and a heating element, ensuring a smooth and consistent flow of chocolate. The basin has a capacity of 5.3 pounds of chocolate, making it suitable for larger gatherings. One of the unique features of this fountain is its ability to switch between different modes, offering versatility and flexibility for various entertaining needs.

4. Westmark 8-Tier Electric Chocolate Fountain

If you're looking to create a truly impressive display, the Westmark 8-Tier Electric Chocolate Fountain is a great option. This fountain features an elegant, tiered design with eight tiers, creating a cascading effect that is sure to wow your guests. The fountain is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is both durable and easy to clean.

The Westmark fountain comes with a built-in heating element and a powerful pump, ensuring that the chocolate flows smoothly and consistently. The basin has a capacity of 4.4 pounds of chocolate, which is sufficient for most home parties. One of the standout features of this fountain is its ability to maintain the chocolate at the perfect temperature, preventing it from burning or seizing.

5. COCOmatic 3-Tier Electric Chocolate Fountain

For a more budget-friendly option, the COCOmatic 3-Tier Electric Chocolate Fountain is a great choice. This fountain features a compact design with three tiers, making it ideal for smaller gatherings or those with limited counter space. Despite its smaller size, the fountain is capable of producing a impressive cascading effect.

The COCOmatic 3-Tier fountain is equipped with a built-in heating element and pump, ensuring that the chocolate remains at the perfect melting point. The basin has a capacity of 2.2 pounds of chocolate, which is sufficient for smaller parties. One of the key features of this fountain is its ease of use, with a simple on/off switch and no complicated setup required.

Tips for Using a Chocolate Fountain

1. Choose the Right Chocolate

The quality of your chocolate fountain experience depends heavily on the type of chocolate you use. It's important to choose chocolate that is specifically designed for melting and flowing. Avoid using chocolate bars or chips that are high in cocoa butter, as they can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy. Instead, opt for chocolate melts or couverture chocolate, which are designed for melting and have the right consistency for flowing through the fountain.

2. Maintain the Right Temperature

Keeping the chocolate at the right temperature is crucial for ensuring a smooth and consistent flow. Most chocolate fountains have a built-in heating element, but it's important to monitor the temperature to prevent the chocolate from overheating or burning. The ideal temperature for chocolate is between 105°F and 110°F. If the chocolate becomes too hot, it can burn and take on a bitter taste. If it's too cool, it can seize and become thick and lumpy.

3. Prepare Your Dippers

To make the most of your chocolate fountain, it's important to have a variety of dippers on hand. Fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, and pineapple are always a hit, as are pretzels, marshmallows, and cookies. For a more elegant touch, you can also offer skewers with mini pastries, chocolate-covered strawberries, or even savory options like mini quiches or bruschetta.

4. Clean and Maintain Your Fountain

Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring that your chocolate fountain remains in good working condition. After each use, clean the fountain thoroughly, paying special attention to the tiers and the basin. If any chocolate has hardened, you can use a hairdryer or a warm, damp cloth to soften it before cleaning. Regular maintenance will help prevent the buildup of residue and ensure that your fountain continues to function smoothly for years to come.

5. Consider the Setup

When setting up your chocolate fountain, it's important to consider the layout of your space. Place the fountain in a central location where it will be the focal point of the room. Make sure there is enough counter space around it for guests to dip their treats, and ensure that the fountain is within easy reach of the power source. For added convenience, you can also place a tray or platter of dippers near the fountain, along with napkins or skewers for guests to use.

Conclusion

A chocolate fountain is a wonderful addition to any home entertaining repertoire, offering a unique and memorable experience for guests. With so many options available, it's important to choose a fountain that fits your needs, whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large party. By considering factors such as the number of tiers, the capacity of the basin, and the ease of use, you can select a fountain that is both functional and stylish.

Additionally, paying attention to the details, such as the quality of the chocolate, the preparation of the dippers, and the maintenance of the fountain, will help ensure that your chocolate fountain experience is a success. Whether you're a seasoned entertainer or a first-time host, a chocolate fountain is sure to add a touch of elegance and fun to your next party or gathering. So why not treat your guests to the ultimate indulgence and create lasting memories with a chocolate fountain?