How to Use a Chocolate Fountain
Amanda Byk / Foodservice Tips, Restaurant Equipment, Restaurant Tips / October 16
Using a chocolate fountain is a lot simpler than you may think, though you still probably have a few questions swirling around in your head. So what is the proper ratio of chocolate to oil, what oil is best and how long can you leave it turned on? Learn how to use a chocolate fountain with our helpful guide to get started.
What Kind of Chocolate is Best for a Chocolate Fountain?
Most have a specific brand in mind when it comes to the best chocolate for a chocolate fountain, but in the end, which type is really best? Here are some key characteristics that’ll help you decide which to use:
- High fat content
- High cacao percentage
- Level of sweetness (based on preference)
Does it need to be melted before it’s put into the fountain? The short answer is yes. It’s best to slowly melt the chocolate in the microwave or on a stovetop to ensure the oil mixes easier and it’s thinned out enough to smoothly flow through the fountain.
How Do You Thin Chocolate for a Chocolate Fountain?
Once your chocolate is melted, you can thin it by adding small amounts of vegetable oil or cocoa butter and stirring gently until you’ve achieved the consistency you want. Adding it bits at a time will help you prevent pure liquid chocolate.
What Oil is Best for Melting Chocolate?
The best oil for melting chocolate is coconut oil or vegetable oil. This type of oil helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and stay at the optimal consistency. The chocolate is also not going to set up as hard when cooled down due to the high fat content.
What is the Ratio of Chocolate to Oil for a Fountain?
The typical ratio of chocolate to oil for optimal usage in a fountain is a ½ cup of oil per 5 pounds of chocolate. This will give you a nice and smooth flow that’ll keep going all night.
How Long Can You Leave Chocolate in a Chocolate Fountain?
The maximum time that you should leave this equipment on is around three hours. Any amount of time after that can cause the following:
- Burnt chocolate
- Chunks from cooled chocolate
Once turned off, don’t wait too long to clean the unit as the chocolate will harden and be difficult to clear out.
No matter if you need more dessert advice or are looking for fun ways to celebrate World Chocolate Day, we can help!