Did You Know…
>> It takes about 400 cocao beans to make a pound of chocolate.
>> Chocolate is rich in magnesium and iron.
>> 71% of Americans prefer milk chocolate.
>> One ounce of semi-sweet chocolate contains about 20 millligrams of caffeine. The same amount as 3 ounces of brewed tea.
>> American consumers spend $7 billion a year on chocolate..
>> The Maya Indians discovered cocoa in 600 A.D.
|
|
Chocolate Fountains Buying Guide
How Does a Chocolate Fountain Work?
The basics - A chocolate fountain has three parts, a base unit that contains the heating unit and motor, a pump, auger or spiral drive, and a tier system. The fountain should be displayed on a level surface to ensure proper operation. The heating unit in the base will maintain the temperature to keep the chocolate in a liquid form, between 175 – 180 degrees. The pump, stainless steel auger or spiral drive carries the chocolate to the top of the fountain where it erupts over the fountain tiers, giving an illusion of a chocolate waterfall.
|
|
Chocolate fountains are profitable and popular. They can be used for almost any occassion for both the young and old. Use as a centerpiece at a birthday party, wedding, Bar Mitzvahs, showers, corporate events, family reunions or any gathering.
Below are some FAQs that will assist you in making an informed purchase.
What features should I look for when purchasing a chocolate fountain?
What type is better, pump style or auger (cork screw)?
How long can you run a fountain?
|
What features should I look for when purchasing a chocolate fountain?
- Make sure the description includes "quiet operation" or "whisper quite", which is a sure sign of a quality fountain.
- All parts should be dishwasher safe. Otherwise, the fountain may be made with inexpensive parts and materials.
- The fountain should have adjustable feet or a leveling mechanism.
- A removable basin or bowl for easy clean-up.
- At least a one year warrenty.
- Stainless steel - nice looking and long lasting.
What type is better, the pump style or auger, (cork screw)?
Definately the auger type pump. A plain pump style with a small plastic tube usually clogs. The majority of fountains are built using the auger for that reason.
How long can you run a fountain?
Depending on the make and manufacturer, you can ususally run a commercial fountain for up to 24 hours. Smaller non commercial fountains for the home are designed to run up to 3 hours.
|
|
Helpful Tips 
>> Use only dry, non cumbly foods. Wet foods, even a droplet of water will result in hard lump. Crumbly foods will comtaminate the chocolate.
>> Test the fountain before you add the chocolate.
>> Immediately remove the chocolate after you turn off your machine. The chocolate will harden. If the fountain is turned on after the chocolate is harden, the moter could burn out.
>> Keep chocolate between 55 - 70 degrees and less than a 50% humdity. Don't refrigerate chocolate before or after use and never freeze it. Why? dampness and condensation results in "sugar bloom". Grains of sugar will appear on the surface.
|
Cacao Tree - The fruit of the Cacao tree are grown from the trunk. The pulp inside the small melons contain about 20 to 50 beans. |
