Here are answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions:
How does the chocolate fountain work?
The base of the chocolate fountain consists of a reservoir that will hold approximately 20 pounds of chocolate. This chocolate is kept warm by the use of an internal heating element. When the fountain is turned on, an auger, which is located in the center of the fountain, lifts the chocolate to the top of the fountain. Once to the top, the chocolate then cascades down the fountain, completely covering the multiple round tiers. The chocolate then returns into the reservoir where the process starts all over again.
What type of chocolate do you use?
Innovative Affairs uses Premium Belgian Coverture chocolate. Coverture chocolate is a high quality chocolate that contains extra cocoa butter(32-39%). The higher percentage of cocoa butter gives the chocolate a creamy delicious flavor and allows the chocolate to flow through the fountain more elegantly. Chocolate Choices include: Dark, Milk, and White.
What if I have over 200 guests...Can I have more Chocolate?
Yes- Additional chocolate can be supplied at a charge of $25.00 for each additional 25 guests.
What if I want the fountain over the 2.5 hour time period?
No problem. Anytime over 2.5 hours can be arranged at an additional fee of $25.00 per half hour.
Does your price include dipping items?
No. Although we can provide dipping items for an additional fee of $2.00 per person. This fee can be added to your fountain package and includes 5 dipping items of your choice for all your guests to enjoy with the fountain. If you can provide them yourself, they are extremely affordable for you to have available for us. You can generally pick up all the items for the chocolate fountain at Costco or Sam's Club. Also, some facilities do not allow outside vendors to bring food. If you are using a caterer, they should be able to supply you with a great selection of items. Our chocolate fountain representative will bring trays and buffet stands, and would be happy to arrange your food items on the table.
What are the most popular dipping items for the Chocolate Fountain?
Strawberries, when they are in season, are by far the most liked of any food dipped in the chocolate fountain. As far as fruit... Fresh pineapple (not canned), fresh apple slices or bananas (must be cut-up when ready to serve to ensure they don't turn brown), cherries and frozen bananas are big hits. Grapes and melons are not as well received with chocolate, but can be placed on the table for color and guests eat them anyway, even if they don't dip them.
Other popular items: The #1 non-fruit dipping item is the pretzel rods. They must be the 5" pretzel RODS, not pretzel sticks or pretzel twists, etc.
Marshmallows are #2 on the list. Guests love Piroullines, and these are always the first cookie to go in the chocolate. But, any kind of cookie - Oreos, Nutter Butters, Macaroons or homemade cookies are always better dipped in chocolate.
Angel Food Cake goes fairly well. If you are already having cake (wedding cake or birthday cake), we would suggest leaving cake out of the menu. Pound cake is NOT suitable for the chocolate fountain. It crumbles too easily and instead of a smooth, chocolate flow, you will have a lumpy, chocolate flow. It also may clog the fountain and scalloping will occur.
We have set up the fountain at events that serve ice cream as dessert and guests could ladle the chocolate over their bowl of ice cream it hardens immediately! This is a great way to get your money's worth from the fountain we throw away less chocolate when ice cream is served! If it doesn't crumble or fall of the skewer easily, use your imagination!
What kind of equipment do you need to set up the fountain?
The fountain weighs over 100 pounds when filled with chocolate, so a sturdy level table is a must. A 60" round table works the best for optimum dipping by your guests. We also require an electrical outlet to be close by
(approx 10 ft) to the set up location
Can I use the fountain outside?
No. It is not best to run the fountain outside due to wind, temperature changes, and insects that are drawn to the aroma of sweet chocolate.
Are Reservations and a Deposit required to hold my date?
Yes. To reserve the date of your special event, a signed contract and a deposit of $150.00 are required. The balance of your payment is due at least 14 days prior to the scheduled date of your event.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Checks or Money Orders made out to "Innovative Affairs". You can mail checks or money orders to the address listed in the Contact Us section of this website. We also accept Credit card/Debit card payments through our secure PayPal Service.