Comments on: Unitasker Wednesday: Chocolate fondue fountain

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:51:39 +0000

lvictor, you’ve obviously never had Chocoley’s fondue chocolate. It’s fabulous and requires no added oils.

By: lvictor

lvictor — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:27:30 +0000

The chocolate used in those fountains is a travesty. Invariably, it’s crafts-store waxy chocolate pellets, and the fountain’s users manual usually recommends mixing it with vegetable shortening for smoothness. I’ve never tasted a chocolate fountain (home model or a large one run by professionals) that wasn’t a crime against chocolate!

By: lvictor

lvictor — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:27:10 +0000

…not to mention that the chocolate used in those fountains is a travesty. Invariably, it’s crafts-store waxy chocolate pellets, and the fountain’s users manual usually recommends mixing it with vegetable shortening for smoothness. I’ve never tasted a chocolate fountain (home model or a large one run by professionals) that wasn’t a crime against chocolate!

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:27:00 +0000

First of all, anyone with sense would have skewers available (as Melanie mentioned). Secondly, I don’t know what parties you guys are going to but my friends and acquaintences have enough manners to avoid things like double-dipping, touch-replacing and putting body parts in the food bowls at a gathering. Third, why would I spend $50+ to rent something my friend has already purchased for $30?

She bought one three years ago and we pull it out for every shower, birthday party, bachelorette, holiday and even just weekend get-togethers. It’s great fun and we mostly use fruit as dippers. It’s always a hit, especially for people who aren’t part of the “regular” crew. I can’t even count the number of times we’ve used it or the number of comments as to how awesome it is to have it at a party, whether it’s the centerpiece of the event or just off to the side as part of the dessert table.

Finally, what’s the difference between melted chocolate being cycled through and a bowl of melted chocolate that everyone’s dipping into? Or a bowl of salsa or any other food item at a party?

By: Melanie

Melanie — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:28:27 +0000

At every chocolate fountain centerpieced event I have been to they provide skewers for the food, so your hands never have to touch either the trays of food or the chocolate (and your hand doesn’t get close enough to be “over” the reserve). And like at a buffet, use a fresh skewer for each piece of food.

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 20:12:39 +0000

Those things are digustingly unsanitary. They recycle the same chocolate over and over. No matter how hard you try, you can’t help but get some on your finger. And not only that, but you’re holding your hand right over the reservoir, so all the skin particles and germs can fall right off your hand into the chocolate petri dish.

By: Eric Anderson

Eric Anderson — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 18:41:17 +0000

Regarding these awful things, a friend of mine really wanted one and after finally getting the $50 target one, she threw a party.

The damn thing barely worked, it didn’t flow like the pretty picture, most of the time it was just coming off two sides.

You really don’t want to buy one, if you have to have a party with one, rent a really nice one so it has the right effect. If you think the kids will just really love this so much and you dont want to rent, they’re kids for christ sake, just cook up some chocolate on the stove. They’ll be happy.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 18:33:16 +0000

Ew. I wouldn't even rent one after reading this.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 18:29:36 +0000

Where would you rent one? I’m all for renting items that are rarely used, but I just wouldn’t know where to go.

By: Jacki Hollywood Brown

Jacki Hollywood Brown — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:58:21 +0000

Over 80% of the calories in chocolate come from FAT! Yet another reason NOT to own a fondue fountain!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 02:22:44 +0000

it’s a great thing for someone else to own and you just barrow

By: Adam Snider

Adam Snider — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 01:04:08 +0000

My old boss owned two of these. One was given to her as a wedding gift, and the other she bought herself. I’m fairly sure she never used them more than once or twice a year. I agree, it’s a silly thing to own unless you’re a caterer.