Chocolate Fountains FAQ

1) How tall is your small chocolate fountain ?

Our small fountain is 41 cm. (16 inches) high and is 21 cm. (8 inches)    in diameter.

2) How tall is your big chocolate fountain ?

Our big fountain is 72 cm. (28 inches) high and is 45 cm. (18 inches)     in diameter

 3) How many people will the small chocolate fountain  serve ?

Our small fountain package includes 1 kg. (2.2 pounds) of chocolate of   your choice ( milk or dark chocolate ) which is usually adequate for up to 25 people. We count 5 dips per person, based on individual dipping items. A skewer with several pieces of fruit will take more chocolate out of the fountain, which means you might need more chocolate.  The small fountain can actually hold up to 2 kg. of chocolate, so if needed, you can serve up to 50 people. Of course the amount of chocolate consumed will depend on what else is served. If the chocolate fountain is the only dessert, you will use more chocolate than if it is part of a buffet. Additional chocolate can be purchased.

4) How many people will the big chocolate fountain  serve ?

Our big fountain package includes 8 kg. (17.6 pounds) of chocolate of   your choice ( milk or dark chocolate ) which is usually adequate for up to  200 people. We count 5 dips per person, based on individual dipping items. A skewer with several pieces of fruit will take more chocolate out of the fountain, which means you might need more chocolate.  The big fountain can actually hold up to 14 kg. of chocolate, so if needed, you can serve up to  350 people. Of course the amount of chocolate consumed will depend on what else is served. If the chocolate fountain is the only dessert, you will use more chocolate than if it is part of a buffet. However, keep in mind that the chocolate fountain will serve an unlimited number of people by adding additional chocolate during the event.

5) Do you provide the accompaniments ?

We have found that many facilities do not allow outside vendors to provide food items - that is either included with your package or an additional item for you to purchase through the facility. If this is not the case, you may have already booked a caterer to provide your event with appetizers. With that in mind, our package does not include the accompaniments.

6) What kind of chocolate is used with the fountain ?

ChocolaTas will provide you with premium Belgian Callebaut chocolate, WHICH IS DESIGNED FOR USE IN A CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN. This is the best quality chocolate available on the market. NO need to add any kind of oil, as this will affect the chocolate. Taste is of utmost importance and we will not compromise quality. So far, nobody in B.C. is offering this high quality chocolate, as we import it ourselves from Callebaut in Belgium.

7) How do I melt the chocolate chips ?

There are 2 ways to melt the chocolate : In the microwave using medium power. Take the chocolate out of the microwave frequently and stir, because you want to avoid burning the chocolate. Another way of melting down the chocolate chips, is in the oven (lowest setting). However this will take more time, but there is less risk of burning. Using a double boiler is not recommended as steam or water can come into contact with the chocolate, which will make the chocolate unusable.

8) What dipping items can be used ?

The most popular dipping items are strawberries, pineapples, different sizes of marshmallows, grapes, melons, cherries, pretzels, graham crackers, cream puffs, biscotti, etc.... The only type of food your really want to avoid is anything that would crumble into the chocolate, like for example cake. While a few crumbs will not ruin anything or cause problems with the fountain itself, it does change the appearance.

9) What are the table and electrical requirements ?

The chocolate fountain requires a 110 volt grounded electrical outlet within 3 metres ( 10 feet ) of the location of the fountain. In addition, a sturdy table is mandatory. If the table is not level, the chocolate will NOT flow properly. Please reconfirm these requirements with your facility before the event, so that there is no delay in the set-up of the fountain. In addition, the facility should provide a skirted cloth.

10) Can I use the fountain outside ?

NO. We do not recommend using the fountain outside for 2 reasons. First of all, chocolate attracts insects. Secondly, cool air could cause the chocolate to harden as it is flowing down.

11) Who is responsible for set-up, tear down and clean up of the fountain ?

ChocolaTas does not provide this service for the fountains. An instruction manual is provided with every rental. The small fountain needs to be picked up from our Vancouver location or the Abbotsford location. Please return the day after the event to the same location ( $25 late charges ). The big fountain will be delivered to your door ( Metro Vancouver / Lower Mainland ). ChocolaTas will pick up the big fountain the day after the event. All fountains need to be returned clean ( $25 charge will apply if the fountain is not clean ).

12) Is the fountain difficult to clean ?

Cleaning of the fountain is very easy, as the upper fountain components are dishwasher safe. The base cannot be immersed in water or any other liquid, but cleans with just a short water soak and rinse. Make sure no water comes into the motor compartment. ChocolaTas will take care of sanitisation of all fountain parts before renting it out again.

13) How far ahead should I book the fountain ?

Although the chocolate fountains are occasionally available on short notice, it is recommended to book as soon as possible, as we have only a limited # of fountains available.

14) How do I make a reservation ?

You can make a reservation through our website or by phone 604-504-5957 or toll free 1-877-668-8932. We will take your contact information and a deposit (non refundable) at the time of the reservation.

15) How much does it all costs ?

The rental fee for the small fountain with 1 kg. of chocolate costs $44.80, taxes included for dark semi-sweet chocolate and $47.04 for milk chocolate. The rental fee for the big fountain with 8 kg. of chocolate costs $381, taxes included for dark semi-sweet chocolate and $398.75 for milk chocolate.