I am working with a lady on a Christmas party........she has asked about renting a chocolate fountain.......has anyone ever done this?
I've done some calling this morning.......my gosh, rental starts at $400...
What type of chocolate do you use in the fountains?

Very expensive to rent... more expensive to buy, about $ 3,000.00.

I have seen them in a smaller version in catalogs for $99.00. I for one, think they are unsanitary!!!

Some parties have strict rules when they have this in a party...after you take a bite, you can't dip it again !!!

I just got one for my bday. It's a smaller version. Holds 5 pounds. Had some trouble with it - probably because we set it up outside and it was a wee bit cool.

But it was still a hit with the melted chocolate in the base/bottom bowl.

My hubby saw the same fountain at Costco's for $37. I know my girlfriend paid $45 for mine at Robinsons/May. Another girl at the party was going to buy one to offer for rental at $50 a pop.

Something to consider. It does require monitoring. And no one double-dipped. Everyone dipped their strawberries, bananas, cookies, marshmallows and pretzels just once and used the extra chocolate on their plate to double-dip.

how large are they for $37 or $45

I'm sorry ........after re-reading you told me it held 5lb..........sorry

The local rental place here are not going to get them they are worried about a child tipping it over on them and getting sued. not sure how I feel about them but I doubt I would eat from it unless I was first.

Here is a link to my fountain.

http://www.robinsonsmay.com/gifts/OnlineShopping/CA?DSP=4&PCR=9:10012:10079:10261&IID=118202&c=1

It's a Rival. It was a little work to clean. Mostly soaking in hot water then tossed into the dishwasher. Lots of chocolate stuck to the parts since it cooled onto the different levels of the unit.

I am planning on trying it again this Sunday, indoors, at my neices bday party.

What kind of Chocolate did you use? Is there a certain temp you use? I suppose all of these directions are with it..........did you enjoy it? This is a fun
thing for a Christmas party.......she really likes them and thought it would be "cool".........however after calling rental places we have discovered the "cool" is going to cost...........

I saw one at Bed Bath and Beyond the other day... really small, but may be all you need if it's not a very large party. A lot cheaper than renting one of the big ones, plus you can charge rental for it in future and make your money back.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13742995

tj max has one for 15 its nice my hubbie just bought it for me