What is a get-together, birthday party or barbecue without a chocolate fountain? Everybody loves the sweet stuff, especially when they have a choice of fruits, waffles, biscuits, sweets and marshmallows to dip into it all.
It is a fun appliance which is likely to put a smile on the face of both kids and adults, and they are available at some great prices which means it is easier than ever to treat yourself.
Some are well worth the effort, and some will be a complete flop which could put a dampener on the event. To make sure you buy one which won’t let you down, we have picked a selection of the best chocolate fountains on the market, no matter your needs.
The Best Chocolate Fountains – Our Top Picks
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Best Chocolate Fountains
The Home Chocolate Fountain
Great for home use when there is a few of you sharing, this chocolate fountain comes complete with a serving tray so you can have the dipping food to hand.
Whether it be fruit, biscuits, marshmallows or sweets, there are four sections so everyone can help themselves. You only need 450g of chocolate to get it going, which must be melted beforehand to get the right consistency, and you don’t need any oil to thin it out which is good.
When you are done, it is easy to disassemble and clean, which means you won’t hate having to bring it out often. As long as you preheat it, the chocolate will remain liquid.
Specifications
- Capacity: 450g
- Dimensions: 27.2 x 25.8 x 16.8 cm
We like
- Nice size for small gatherings
- Easy to store
- Tray is a nice touch
We dislike
- Takes a while to preheat - plan ahead
Final Verdict
For the price, you will be hard pressed to find anything as good if you only want something for occasional use
FORAVER 7-Tier Chocolate Fountain Commercial
If you run events such as kids birthday parties, hire out equipment or host parties/weddings in a venue, then a huge chocolate fountain really could be the icing on the cake for everybody.
It can hold up to 17.6lb of chocolate, which is roughly 8kg. This makes it perfect for plenty of users and ensures the chocolate will continue to flow for quite a while.
The seven tiers create the best cascade of chocolate we have ever seen, and also means there is plenty of room for everyone to get their dipping sticks stuck in. You can choose the exact temperature too, so you aren’t just limited to using chocolate.
Now for the important stuff. It is made from food grade 304 stainless steel, so will be compliant with regulations. Plus, it will stop running if it detects a leak or blockage which will keep the electrics and users safe. The auger design also ensures the chocolate will flow evenly from all sides to make the usable area as large as possible.
Specifications
- Capacity: 8kg
- Dimensions: 103 x 43cm
We like
- Choice of temperatures between 30-150 °C
- Sealing technology in case anything goes wrong
We dislike
- Doesn’t come with a UK plug
Final Verdict
Good for large events and parties where the chocolate will be in high demand
Elgento E26005R 3-Tier
After something mini for a small gathering or barbecue, or because you are short on storage space? This is one of the best mini chocolate fountains about.
This Elgento is adjustable depending on the heat and flow needed, such as for how much chocolate you use. The chocolate is kept at a nice temperature for flowing at all times.
It all comes apart for easier cleaning which is good, as it is on the smaller side so getting into the creases to get the chocolate off could prove difficult. The build is not the strongest, so we don’t know if it could stand the test of time, but for an occasional treat it is well worth a go for the cost.
Specifications
- Capacity: 300g
- Dimensions: 25 x 15.7 x 15.7 cm
We like
- Doesn’t require a lot of chocolate
- Can be washed by hand easily
We dislike
- Takes a while to preheat
Final Verdict
Simple to use but great for something occasional yet trustworthy
Gourmet Gadgetry Chocolate Fountain
Perfect for around ten people, this fountain will take just 500g of chocolate to get going.
All you need to do is preheat the unit and melt the chocolate in the microwave, and then pour it in. The top section is all removable, so you can clean them easily after use.
The look is stylish if this is something which bothers you. It looks quality and sleek, and the parts are all substantial too.
When it is in use, the motor runs rather loud which may be disturbing if you’re just having a quiet night in, but won’t be noticeable if you have music or a party in full swing.
Specifications
- Capacity: 500g
- Dimensions: 34.8 x 21.2 x 20.8 cm
We like
- Flows evenly
- Simple to clean top tier part
We dislike
- On the louder side
Final Verdict
Great if you have a small family or like to treat everybody when you have guests over
Giles and Posner EK1525
Want something small in size but which can withstand quite a lot of demand? This chocolate fountain can hold a surprising amount of the sweet stuff.
A safety fuse and thermostat will ensure that when it is on and running, it will always be safe so you can relax and enjoy it without worry. It is a great size for use on a tabletop, and the feet at the base create a stable position so the chocolate flows evenly.
All you need to do is melt the chocolate beforehand, and preheat the unit and your party should be good to go within a few hours.
Specifications
- Capacity: 750g
- Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 30 cm
We like
- Good price
- Perfect size for storing
We dislike
- Bit tricky to thoroughly clean
Final Verdict
The chocolate flows well, and the unit is easy to use overall
Global Gizmos Chocolate Fountain
A fun looking machine, with plenty of storage to make it suitable for a small party or sleepover.
It is great for around two to four people, and the good news is that the likelihood of any chocolate being wasted will be low because of the size.
The dish at the base is quite shallow, so what you get isn’t really a fountain effect but more like a drip. It is also noisy so may become annoying depending on the event. But for under £20, if you just want something for occasional use or a one-off novelty, it should be able to give you your money’s worth.
Specifications
- Capacity: 400g
- Dimensions: 14.8 x 22 x 14.8 cm
We like
- Price
- Compact size
We dislike
- Recommended for use with dark chocolate as anything else could clog it up
- Needs oil to get the chocolate smooth and runny enough
Final Verdict
On the smaller side, but a purse-friendly price if you don’t want to hire one and it won’t be used often
Global Gourmet Belgian Chocolate Fountain Fondue Large Set
Small yet great for a gathering of under ten people, this fondue fountain is easy to get going.
All of the parts fit together comfortably, and the instructions are nice and simple to follow in case you have no clue where to begin.
You can melt the chocolate directly in the unit, but this takes rather a long while, so we would say to just preheat the unit, and melt the chocolate beforehand. The chocolate needs thinning out a little with oil, or else it won’t run very smoothly and could clog the mechanisms.
Specifications
- Capacity: 500ml
- Dimensions: 23.4 x 18 x 17.8 cm
We like
- Sits nice and stable thanks to the feet
- Price
- Lightweight if you need to move it around
We dislike
- Difficult to clean
Final Verdict
A nice roomy size which keeps the chocolate flowing if it has been prepared correctly
Dinky Diner Chocolate Fountain Fondue
A two-tier fountain, which has a great retro look that makes it ideal for parties and birthday treats.
The adjustable settings mean you can preheat it without any difficulty to give your melted chocolate a head start. It is also solidly built, with a strong base and tower which should ensure it lasts for a good few uses.
The unit must be hand cleaned. This is a bit tricky as you can’t take it all apart for easier access or wash the unit as one, but if you’re only going to be using it occasionally then this shouldn’t be too bothersome.
It wasn’t the best at keeping the chocolate warm either, which resulted in a bit of an uneven flow at times and may mean you need to top it up occasionally to keep the fountain mode going as opposed to filling it fully from the get go.
Specifications
- Capacity: 500g
- Dimensions: 24.6 x 16 x 15.6 cm
We like
- Feels sturdy
- Stylish black and silver retro design
We dislike
- Doesn’t stay warm if there is a lot of chocolate
Final Verdict
Not the best, especially for the price, but we loved the look and it could be the finishing touch to a fun event
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Chocolate Fountain Buying Guide
Capacity
This will make a difference to how many people can use the fountain at any one time, and for how long until the whole lot runs out.
Most standard fountains which are suitable for home use will hold around 500g of chocolate, which is seen as the ideal amount for around 5 people.
Location
Ensure you have the perfect spot for the fountain before you buy one. It should be situated on a level surface, away from any air conditioning, fans or open windows, and with plenty of room around it so the whole area is accessible safely.
Melting The Chocolate
In 99% of cases, you’ll have to do this beforehand in the microwave or over hot water. Fountains are usually just for display and can’t usually melt the chocolate too, especially in a decent time frame.
Larger fountains may be able to melt the chocolate however – look for a high power level for quicker times and heating.
Cleaning
No fountain is simple to take care of. There are so many components, and the overall design makes it a little user-unfriendly when the fun has stopped.
If you do want something more easy than not though, look for a model where the fountain part can be disassembled from the main unit and washed on its own in hot water. There are a couple out there which are dishwasher friendly, but this is rare. Always clean the fountain ASAP after use, before the chocolate solidifies again.
FAQ’s
Do I Need To Use Oil With The Fountain?
Usually, it can be avoided. But it may depend on a couple of factors. One is the temperature which the unit can reach, and the other is the chocolate used.
Dedicated chocolate is the best form, as it is often mostly unsweetened and comes in smaller segments to increase the likelihood of it melting quicker. Ordinary chocolate from brands such as Cadbury’s or Galaxy which you’d eat on its own may be unsuitable as they often contain sugars which could cause the chocolate to clump if the temperature dips, and this is where the oil needs to come into use. They are often made from a thicker formulation too, to prevent them melting at higher temperatures.
If your machine requires oil to get going, it will tell you in the instructions.
Why Should I Buy A Chocolate Fountain?
They add a lovely touch to any parties or events, especially if there is food being served and a fair few of the guests are chocolate fans. Kids in particular are bound to love the idea. Everybody can help themselves, and a whole range of dipping treats can be used.
Smaller units can also be bought which can add a finishing touch to a film night, or an after barbecue treat. If you own your own model, it can be brought out whenever you wish.
Can I Melt Other Ingredients?
Cheese, caramel, sauces and many other things can often be melted and used in a fountain. However, the majority will not be able to accept these as the consistency will be wrong. Check before you buy if you want something which is adaptable, and if you can’t find anything suitable, an ordinary fondue set may be best.