Q: What is a chocolate fountain and how does it work?

A: A chocolate fountain is a stainless steel basin with 3 to 5 tiers sitting along a tube that rises from its center. The heated basin keeps the chocolate melted and smooth, while a motor-driven auger carries the chocolate up the cylinder tube to the top of the fountain. The chocolate flows out the top, creating a thick curtain that cascades over each tier on its way back down to the basin. Simply dip a strawberry into the streaming chocolate and you'll have a mouth-watering treat.

Q: How will the chocolatiers dress at my event?

A: Formal or informal events, our chocolatiers are always in professional dress: black dress pants, white or black tops and black aprons.

Q: How can I match the fountain decor to the decor at my event?

A: No worries! Precious Fountains will gladly match the fountain decor to the color and theme of your event at NO EXTRA CHARGE.. We highly recommend you reserve some of your tablecloths, decorations, and flowers to enhance the fountain decor. We're happy to take care of the set up and glad to help arrange dipping items.

Q: What happens to all the leftover chocolate?

A: You get to keep it! We just ask that you provide a large bowl; or we can provide one for an additional charge. Simply reheat the chocolate in your microwavable container for two minutes, stir, repeat if necessary, and enjoy.

Q: Are there any dessert items I can't dip into the fountain?

A: We recommend you not dip crumbly items (such as cake) into the fountain. These items tend to fall apart when placed under the chocolate and clog the fountain auger. If such desserts are on your menu, simply tell Precious Fountains ahead of time and we will provide a ladle for pouring melted chocolate over your desserts.

Q: How is a Precious Fountains fountain better than the small fountain I can buy at the store?

A: Yes in deedy, chocolate fountains can be purchased at department stores for a lower cost. It's important to understand that you get what you pay for. Most of these fountains do not have heated basins, so the chocolate hardens during use. Their quality is substandard. They are extremely time consuming to operate and messy to clean up.

Q: What if more people show up to my event than the fountain package I reserved?

A: The chocolate is measured by weight (per pound) and purchased by the size of your guest list. Please be as accurate as possible. However, if more guests show up than planned--fear not--we always have extra chocolate on hand. We will bill you after the event for the extra chocolate used.

Q: Is the chocolate fountain really messy?

A: Unfortunately, it can be. That's why we send our chocolatiers to assist setting up, serving, dipping, and cleaning at each event.

Q: When will the fountain arrive and when will it leave my event?

A: Our chocolatiers will arrive to set up the fountain, table decor, and dipping items one hour before your event. Each rental package is based on a 3-hour time increment beginning at your preferred time. Additional time may be purchased in half-hour increments, $25 per 30 minutes. Our goal is to make your guests happy and your event a success. If we need to stay longer in order to do so, we will gladly oblige.

If your event is still in progress during take-down of the fountain, our chocolatiers will still make dipping items and some chocolate available in a container nearby.

Q: What are the table and electrical requirements?

A: Please provide us with a sturdy, level table capable of holding up to 150 pounds, as well as a 120 volt outlet within 10 feet.

Q: Can I use the fountain outdoors?

A: No.  Insects, dust, plant particles, and wind tend to interrupt the flow of chocolate. If the outdoor temperature is cool, this can also interrupt its flow. Nonetheless, we recognize that there isn't anything quite as quaint as an outdoor event. If you are planning an outdoor event, please contact us to see what arrangements can be made.

Q: Do you require a reservation and minimum deposit?

A: Yes. We require a reservation up to two days in advance--however, due to popularity we strongly urge you to call much earlier to ensure your reservation as fountains are limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis. A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required at the signing of the contract and the remaining balance is due two weeks before your event.