How to Buy a Chocolate Fountain

Buying a chocolate fountain has different criteria, depending upon the purpose intended. Entertaining guests at a home party can be accomplished with a home model if your party size is under 20 and you have the time to fiddle with its operation. Entertaining a larger number of guests will require substantially more chocolate power than a home model can offer. For larger events and more formal settings, a commercial chocolate fountain is desired.

The industry standard in chocolate fountain manufacturing was developed by DR™ in 1991; a long standing chocolate and pastry manufacturer. Due to the fountains recent popularity and as seen a number of times on Good Morning America, The Food Chanel, and The Food Network, many versions of chocolate fountains have popped up over the last few years by companies like Sephra® and Buffet Enhancements International®, making it more critical to know what to look for prior to purchasing. Home models have emerged in response to the chocolate fountain craze but their features are substantially different from commercial chocolate fountains.

Home models vary in price, from $30 to $400. Most have plastic components but a few are manufactured from light weight stainless steel. The lowest priced chocolate fountains tend to be temperamental in operation and only hold a minimal amount of chocolate; 2-4 lbs. The more expensive versions tend to work a little better and can serve approx. 40 people instead of 10-20. Warranties cover defects in material or workmanship which has many referring to home models as “throw-away” fountains.

Commercial chocolate fountains range in price from $1400 to over $10,000 and are typically 100% stainless steel to withstand the rigors of commercial use. Purchasing a commercial fountain from a reputable, long term manufacturing company is desired to ensure product quality and support services. Do they specialize in chocolate equipment and if so, for how long? Do they manufacturer the equipment themselves or is the product manufactured elsewhere? Do they regularly design related products and/or make product improvements? How have they handled previous product quality issues? Or, do they purchase someone else’s product under their name brand and simply assemble the equipment? Purchasing from a distributor is fine but consider the length of time in business and on-site support services provided. Are they a ‘stocking distributor?’ If so, they typically have a vested interest and support services will reflect this.