Cookworks Chocolate Fountain

Your Guide to Getting the Most Out of this Delicious Party Accessory

Do you love chocolate? Do you love fondue? Then you need the Cookworks Chocolate Fountain in your life! This magnificent chocolate cascading machine will be the highlight of any party or gathering.

The Cookworks Chocolate Fountain allows you to experience the joy of dipping fresh fruits, marshmallows, brownies, Rice Krispies treats, and anything else you can dream up into a flowing stream of silky, melted chocolate. It’s an experience unlike any other that is sure to delight people of all ages.

In this complete guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to set up, use, and care for your Cookworks Chocolate Fountain so you can start hosting chocolate-filled celebrations right away!

Setting Up Your Cookworks Chocolate Fountain

When you first take your Cookworks Chocolate Fountain out of the box, don’t be intimidated by all the pieces. Assembly is straightforward, as long as you follow the included instructions.

The key components are the base, which houses the heating element, the support poles, the crown that sits atop the poles and holds the auger, and the tiered bowls that stack on top of one another. The auger is the corkscrew piece inside the crown that when turned on, forces the chocolate up through the tiers where it then cascades down each layer.

Make sure to place your assembled fountain on a sturdy, level surface where it can’t be easily knocked over. Position it near an outlet as it will need constant power to keep the chocolate flowing.

Before your first use, be sure to clean all removable parts with hot soapy water. Never submerge the base in water. Dry everything thoroughly before reassembling.

Once assembled, you’re ready to plug it in, add chocolate, and start dipping! Just turn the dial on the base to the “On” position and the auger will start pushing chocolate to the top. Adjust the dial to control the flow speed.

Choosing the Best Chocolate

Not all chocolate works equally well in a chocolate fountain. The best chocolate for fountaining has a smooth, silky texture and is easy to melt and keep fluid. Here are the best options:

• Dark chocolate – Semisweet or bittersweet varieties with 60-70% cocoa content work great. The higher cocoa content gives it a nicer texture.
• Milk chocolate – Try to find gourmet quality with at least 30% cocoa content. Everyday milk chocolate can be too sweet and thick.
• White chocolate – White chocolate also needs a high cocoa butter content to flow smoothly. Opt for specialty white chocolate made for dipping.
• Chocolate wafers/chips – Wafers meant for melting (like Ghirardelli) work better than regular chocolate chips which can be too thick.
• Candy coating/melts – These are formulated not to seize up when melted so they fountain beautifully.

In general, avoid coatings labeled as “compound chocolate” as they contain vegetable oils that may clog the fountain. Steer clear of cheap, mass-produced chocolate as well. Spend a few extra dollars for a quality chocolate that will give you great results.

How Much Chocolate Do You Need?

A good rule of thumb is to have at least 3 pounds of chocolate per fountain tier. For example, a 3-tier fountain would need about 9 pounds. It’s better to have too much than not enough.

Keep at least 2-3 pounds of extra melted chocolate on hand to replenish the fountain as needed. Chocolate will flow down the tiers faster than you realize! Having extra melted chocolate ready prevents the fountain from running dry.

For a 3-hour party, you’ll probably go through 12-15 pounds of chocolate with a 3-tier fountain. Just be prepared to melt additional chocolate in the microwave in batches as needed. Provide a variety of chocolate types and plenty of dipping goodies to delight your guests!

Melting Chocolate for the Fountain

To prepare chocolate for the fountain, chop chocolate into small even pieces so it melts smoothly. Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on half power, stopping to stir frequently, until just melted and silky. Overheated chocolate can scorch or seize up.

You can also melt chocolate in a double boiler on the stovetop over simmering water. Just be careful not to get any water in the chocolate.

Once your chocolate is perfectly melted, pour it into the preheated fountain basin and turn on the auger. Let it flow up and cascade down the tiers. Add more melted chocolate as needed to keep the flow going.

Never add unmelted chocolate chips directly into the heated fountain – this can clog the auger. Always melt chocolate fully first before adding to the fountain basin.

Dipping Essentials for Your Fountain

The best part about a chocolate fountain is dipping all kinds of fun items into that luscious flowing chocolate! Provide an assortment of dippers so guests can let their creativity run wild. Great dipping items include:

• Fruit – whole strawberries, pineapple chunks, banana slices, apple wedges, orange segments
• Marshmallows – regular and jumbo size
• Cookies – shortbread, brownies, biscotti
• Pretzels – rods, twists, pretzel crisps
• Rice cereals – crisped rice bars, Rice Krispie treats
• Angel food cake – cubes or balls
• Doughnuts – bite sized or holes
• S’mores – graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate pieces

Set up dipping stations with small plates and skewers so guests can assemble their chocolate-drenched creations. Provide a wide selection of dippers in separate containers so flavors don’t mingle too much.

Cleaning Your Chocolate Fountain

To keep your Cookworks Chocolate Fountain running smoothly, be sure to clean it properly after each use.

First unplug the fountain and let any remaining chocolate cool and solidify. Scrape out excess chocolate with a spatula. Remove all removable parts like tiers, crown, and auger.

Wash all removable pieces in hot soapy water, using a bottle brush to get into small crevices. Never submerge the fountain base in water – wipe it down with a damp cloth.

For really stubborn dried-on chocolate, fill fountain tiers with hot water and let soak briefly, then scrub clean. Dry all parts fully with a towel before reassembling.

Between uses, rub a light coating of vegetable oil on the auger and inside the tiers to prevent chocolate from sticking. Run the fountain empty for 5 minutes to re-coat the system. Your fountain will be ready for your next chocolate-filled occasion!

Troubleshooting Common Chocolate Fountain Issues

While chocolate fountains provide hours of dipping fun, they can occasionally encounter some technical difficulties. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

Chocolate not flowing smoothly? – Make sure chocolate is fully melted and at proper temperature. Add a teaspoon of paramount crystals or coconut oil to improve fluidity. Increase auger speed.

Chocolate flowing unevenly? – Check that fountain is on a level surface. Adjust fountain tiers so chocolate flows down middle of each tier. Shake tiers gently to distribute chocolate.

Chocolate too thick? – Chocolate may be cooling. Add more melted chocolate to basin to thin it out. Make sure nothing is blocking auger.

Chocolate splattering? – Chocolate flow may be too fast. Turn down auger speed. Check that tiers are securely stacked.

Chocolate leaks? – Ensure crown is properly seated on support poles. Check for cracks in plastic parts. Tighten tiers together firmly.

Fountain won’t turn on? – Make sure fountain is plugged in to working outlet. Check that dial is turned to “On” setting. Contact manufacturer if issues persist.

With a little troubleshooting, you’ll be back to dipping chocolatey goodness in no time!

Party Tips for Chocolate Fountain Success

Want to take your next event to the next level with a Cookworks Chocolate Fountain? Here are some tips to make your chocolate fountain party a sweet sensation:

• Set up on a sturdy table near an outlet, out of high traffic areas. Protect the floor from drips.
• Provide plates and skewers for easy dipping. Offer wet wipes for messy fingers.
• Keep extra melted chocolate on hand to replenish. Buy more than you think you need.
• Offer lots of dippers – fresh fruit, baked goods, marshmallows, pretzels and more.
• Use child size paper cups for young guests to take small amounts of chocolate.
• Make it a s’mores bar! Provide graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate for DIY treats.
• Slice cakes and brownies for quick dipping into the chocolate cascade.
• Set up a photo booth so guests can pose with chocolate-drizzled silly props.
• Send guests home with favors – small bags of chocolate dipped pretzels or cookies.

With the right set up and plenty of melted chocolate, your Cookworks Chocolate Fountain will create a memorable chocolate experience for all your party guests!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Style

Cookworks Chocolate Fountains are available in a variety of sizes from compact 2-tier models ideal for small gatherings to extra tall 8-tier fountains able to serve over 100 people.

Prices range from $60 for small tabletop fountains up to $250 or more for large commercial grade fountains. Standard home models with 3 or 4 tiers typically cost $100-150.

You can purchase Cookworks fountains from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and specialty party stores. They make a wonderful gift for birthdays, weddings, holidays, or any chocolate loving occasion!

With proper care and storage, your Cookworks Chocolate Fountain should provide years of dipping fun. Just be sure to thoroughly clean and dry it after each use.

Keep all parts clean and free of leftover chocolate. Store assembled or in original packaging in a cool, dry place. With regular usage, the motor may eventually need replacing.

So what are you waiting for? Indulge your sweet tooth and treat your guests to an enticing chocolate cascade they won’t soon forget! The Cookworks Chocolate Fountain is sure to be the hit of any party or special event.