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TIPS
SUPPLIED BY CHOCCAHOLIX CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS -
Chocolate
Fountains are the number one choice for couples looking for an
alternative, or an enhancement, to the traditional evening buffet
at their Wedding. They can also be used to supply guests with canapés at the
reception venue or to form a chic centre-piece on
crisp white linens as part of the wedding breakfast.
It
is estimated that there are over 800 Chocolate Fountain Hire companies
operating in the
UK
today.
To
the consumer, event organiser, bride and groom, the Chocolate Fountain
is still a relatively new concept. As such, this article has been
written to offer insight into the Chocolate Fountain industry, and to
equip you with the knowledge to ensure that the your Chocolate Fountain
will compliment and enhance your Wedding Day celebrations, and not leave
you with a nasty after-taste.
How
do Chocolate Fountains Work?
The
largest commercial Chocolate Fountains are currently at 44” inches
tall, and are made up of a top tier called the Crown, and 4 lower tiers,
which increase in diameter the further down the fountain they are
positioned. At the base of the fountain is a temperature - controlled pan.
Depending on the type of machine used, specially formulated chocolate
buttons are either melted in the pan or pre-melted using a
microwave and poured in to the pan. This warm, melted chocolate is then
propelled upwards through the corkscrew mechanism in the central
column, and, on reaching the top, cascades over the crown and
down the tiers to start its journey all over again. The result: a
gorgeous curtain of Luxurious Belgian Chocolate, perfect for dipping
fruit, sweets or cake into.
What
type of Chocolate is used?
Belgian
Couverture Chocolate is specially formulated to flow easily through the
fountain mechanism. Unfortunately, many companies use cheap cooking
chocolate as an alternative and then have to add thinning agents, such
as vegetable oil, to get the chocolate to flow smoothly. Apart from
dramatically affecting the taste of the chocolate, we have heard that
some chocolate have tasted sickly and have left a nasty after-taste, the
use of vegetable oil will also create an unsightly ‘oil slick’
effect, making the chocolate too runny and very messy.
Some
chocolate fountain companies, unbelievably, re-use left over chocolate
from previous events.
Always
check that a Chocolate Fountain company uses FRESH Belgian Covertures
Chocolate and try to book a company who do not use oil to thin the
chocolate.
Treats
to Dip
A
very important part of the Chocolate Fountain service is the provision
of Treats to Dip. In order to enhance the Chocolate Fountain experience
for you and your guests go for the widest range of dips possible. Many
companies offer a choice of 4 - 8 dipping foods included in the price.
What you should
look out for are those companies who charge a standard price for the
fountain and then charge extra, per head, for each variety of dipping
food. If you book one of these companies make sure you add up the
price of your dipping foods first and get it confirmed in writing.
Sometimes, an initial quote can look tempting, but when you add up the
extras, it can work out a lot more expensive.
Service and Presentation
Presentation
is very important. To this end, choose a company that has uniformed
operators as this will add a touch of class. Don’t be afraid to ask
what the uniform looks like, after all you will have been planning the
finer details of your wedding for months. Would you want your Chocolate
Fountain operators to be wearing a striped butcher’s apron over jeans
and trainers?
Many
companies use illuminated Perspex display units around the fountain.
This really shows the fountains off at their best and because the
Perspex is easy to wipe it is a lot easier to keep clean. Beware, some
companies will charge you extra for this display, others include it as
standard.
How much does it cost to hire a Chocolate Fountain?
Depending
on the area you should expect to pay between £450.00 - £550.00 for a
large chocolate fountain, complete with uniformed operators,
presentation accessories, chocolate and dipping foods for up to 150
people.
However, there are some companies that will provide the same for a
considerably lower amount anywhere from £200 - £350. You need to be
aware that quality, presentation, hygiene standards and reliability
could well be compromised in achieving these low prices. Always remember
that if a price seems to good to be true, it probably is!
Before
you book
A
professional company will have public liability insurance, PAT tested
electrical equipment and staff properly trained and certificated in food
hygiene. Many venues now require this information as standard so make
sure the company has them. Ask to see copies of their certificates,
don’t accept a verbal confirmation.
Ask
to see copies of references from previous couples who have hired their
services as this is a good measure of how good a service the company
provides.
On
completion of your booking
So
you are completely satisfied that you have chosen the Chocolate Fountain
for your wedding, you have completed a Booking Form which allows you to
detail your specific requirements in respect of dipping foods and
operating times, and the terms and conditions in respect of deposits and
payments. A conscientious company will also ensure that you receive a
Contract of Hire document or Service Agreement, which will outline
everything that is included in the price and the complete service that
you should expect from your chocolate fountain operator.
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