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Nacho cheese is a staple for many parties because it is delicious, and you can put it on almost anything.
Naturally, you might be eager to get your hands on a dispenser so that you can incorporate the deliciousness into all of your events, including birthday parties and weddings.
Instead of getting a traditional dispenser, though, you can utilize a stylish nacho cheese fountain to keep people entertained and have the fun of dipping food on long sticks.
Fortunately, you have a lot of options to choose from if you plan to buy one or want to change your old cheese fountain.
To help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing a fountain, this guide outlines not only what you need to know when buying, but also reviews some of the best nacho cheese fountains.
Table of Contents
Best Nacho Cheese Fountain Reviews
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1. Nostalgia Fondue Fountain
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2. Sephra Select Fountain
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3. THRITOP Chocolate Pro Fountain
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4. CO-Z Five-Tier Heated Commercial Fondue Fountain
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5. expert store VD-51743HW Luxury Fountain
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1. Nostalgia Fondue Fountain
The Nostalgia Fondue Fountain is one of the best nacho cheese fondue fountains on the market because of its stainless steel design, ease of cleaning, and versatility.
Product Highlights
The Nostalgia Fondue Fountain is portable, and you can scrub it down with soap and water or wipe with ordinary paper towels.
It requires a table to sit properly and comes with a cord that plugs into most outlets and a separate compartment for convenient cord storage.
The four tiers, which come apart, are delightfully curved down to accommodate the flow of the cheese better.
Style-wise, there are two available, including a modern steel base and a retro aqua, which suits those who would like a bit of nostalgia from the 1960s.
The full fountain dimensions are 8.5 x 8.5 x 17.5 inches, and the weight is about 4.75 pounds.
What We Like
There is a lot to like about the Nostalgia Fondue Fountain, including overall design and flexibility of usage.
This fountain works well for nacho cheese, Velveeta, chocolate, and Liqueurs.
Another is that it is an auger style fountain with a powerful motor that allows the cheese to pump with ease.
We also love that it is easy to disassemble for cleaning, plus the simplicity of the settings means anyone can use the Nostalgia fountain with ease.
What We Don’t Like
There is one major downside to the Nostalgia Fondue Fountain, and that is the noise.
This nacho cheese fondue fountain makes a fair bit of noise, far more than some of the smaller counterparts.
However, this noise does come with increased stability, which is great if you want to have an outdoor party and are worried about the fountain tipping over in the wind.
Pros:
- Multiple designs
- Increased stability
- Four tiers
- Versatile
- Powerful motor
- Easy to clean
Con:
- Noisy
2. Sephra Select Fountain
The Sephra Select Fountain is the perfect choice for home use because it is small, simple, and discrete.
That means it does not make a lot of noise and can be taken apart and cleaned with ease.
Product Highlights
The standard Sephra Select Fountain model has three tiers, but some of the larger options have up to four.
There are numerous ways in which you can use this fountain, including chocolate fondue, caramel fondue, cheese fondue, salted caramel fondue, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing.
Nacho cheese is naturally a favorite because it flows well, and the bottom reaches the ideal temperature to prevent clogs and other issues.
The full dimensions of the Sephra Select Fountain are 9 x 16 x 9 inches, and it weighs approximately five pounds.
What We Like
We love that the Sephra Select Fountain features a comprehensive stainless steel design, including a sturdy basin that heats up to prevent blockages in the system.
The motor is simple and quiet enough to be acceptable for weddings and similar formal events.
Another thing we liked is that the legs around the base of the Sephra Select Fountain provide extra stability, so you have to worry less about the wind or the same stimuli accidentally knocking the fountain over.
Users can also take advantage of the two switch system, which allows you to decide whether you want to turn the heat on along with the motor.
If you have a liquid that is best served cold and you would still like it to be in the fountain, that can be arranged with the Sephra Select Fountain.
What We Don’t Like
One major downside to the Sephra Select Fountain is that it does not come with assembly instructions, so you have to rely on your intuition to put the fountain together.
Luckily, the design is so simple that construction should still be straightforward.
However, the lack of instructions does seem unusual and can be frustrating for users who are unfamiliar with cooking appliances.
The power cord of the Sephra Select Fountain is also shorter than expected.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Portable
- Heated base
- Multiple switches
Cons:
- No instructions included
- Short power cord
3. THRITOP Chocolate Pro Fountain
The THRITOP Chocolate Pro Fountain has chocolate in the name but is designed to be versatile and work with a broad range of food, including nacho cheese and similar delicacies.
Product Highlights
The design of the THRITOP Chocolate Pro Fountain is simple but elegant, with a stable black base and three tiers made from stainless steel.
This model heats rapidly and can be ready to go in three to five minutes with the flip of a switch.
It can melt up to an entire pound of chocolate with ease and is excellent for multiple uses and feeding a lot of people, such as at a wedding and birthday party.
What We Like
We love that the THRITOP Chocolate Pro Fountain is easy to clean, assemble, and disassemble.
It can be cleaned with soap and water, a sponge, and even wiped clean with damp paper towels if you are worried about accidentally damaging the stainless steel.
The internal auger motor is another great feature.
It is quite durable but also whisper-quiet, so you don’t have to worry about too much noise when the machine is in use.
There is also a PTC heating element, so the bowl heats all parts of the nacho cheese without difficulty, and the plastic feet are adjustable and suitable for the majority of surfaces.
What We Don’t Like
The size of the THRITOP Chocolate Pro Fountain can be a little disappointing since it typically holds less than a pound of melted cheese, which might not feed enough people.
Another issue with this product is the smell.
Unlike some other nacho cheese fountains, the THRITOP Chocolate Pro Fountain creates a scent of burning plastic, which can be distracting.
Although none of the pieces seem damaged upon inspection, the smell still lingers and can be disappointing for users.
Pros:
- Small and simple
- PTC heating element
- Suitable for multiple food items
- Made of stainless steel
- Adjustable base
Cons:
- Burnt plastic smell
- Melts a small amount of cheese
4. CO-Z Five-Tier Heated Commercial Fondue Fountain
Aptly named, the CO-Z Five-Tier Heated Commercial Fondue Fountain is a beautiful commercial fountain with a whopping five tiers and the capacity to feed large groups of people with its 32 ounces cheese capacity.
Product Highlights
The design of the CO-Z Five-Tier Heated Commercial Fondue Fountain is streamlined for maximum cheese flow, while the basin has the right design for even heating.
This model can feed between 20 and 50 guests at a time and can handle fondue, chocolate, nacho cheese, and even delicious barbecue and ranch sauces.
The full product dimensions are 26.8 x 20.9 x 11.8 inches, and the fountain weighs about 18 pounds.
What We Like
The first thing you’ll love about the CO-Z Five-Tier Heated Commercial Fondue Fountain is that it is a large, well-made model.
It can handle the needs of a wedding, birthday, graduation, or any other large gathering where there need to be lots of food and entertainment to keep people happy.
Naturally, this translates into the fountain having a wide and solid base, which improves the overall form and stability of the machine.
It is also great that the auger motor of the CO-Z Five-Tier Heated Commercial Fondue Fountain is powerful, and the base heats up rapidly.
Plus, two separate switches control when the heat is turned on as well as when the motor is on, so users can choose whether or not they want their liquid warmed up.
Overall, this is an excellent product for those who value stability and overall quality.
It can be used time and again without difficulty.
What We Don’t Like
One downside is the cost of the CO-Z Five-Tier Heated Commercial Fondue Fountain.
It is higher than many of the other models on this list, though, it is quite understandable for the size and power it offers.
The weight of the fountain is also an issue, as it is quite heavy.
It can also be difficult for the average person to take apart and clean, especially without instructions.
Pros:
- Serves large groups
- Versatile
- Durable
- Stable
- Multiple switches
- Multiple settings
Cons:
- Heavy
- Complicated
- Cost
5. expert store VD-51743HW Luxury Fountain
The expert store VD-51743HW Luxury Fountain is a powerful commercial fondue fountain designed to accommodate many delicious food items, including nacho cheese and delectable, decadent chocolate.
Product Highlights
The stainless steel design of the expert store VD-51743HW Luxury Fountain is easy to clean and prevents too much sticking, while the downturned tiers and spout allows the nacho cheese to drip down without an issue.
There are separate motor and heat switches so that you can turn one on without affecting the other, and the material is BPA-free, which is a surprising find in the modern fountain market.
The full dimensions of the expert store VD-51743HW Luxury Fountain are 19 x 9 x 9 inches, and the fountain weighs approximately 5.5 pounds.
It is possible to put this nacho cheese dispenser on a table without difficulty, and it plugs into a standard outlet for use.
There are four separate tiers, and they are easy to adjust and move into place.
What We Like
There was a lot to like in the expert store VD-51743HW Luxury Fountain, including the large capacity.
You will be able to heat and eat two full pounds of nacho cheese, chocolate, liqueur, and other delicious food items.
The motor is surprisingly quiet and easy to control, and the heated bottom bowl can attain speeds of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
We also love that the tiers are easy to assemble and can also be taken apart for rapid cleaning.
Even better, the stainless steel can be cleaned with standard soap and water and also wiped down with damp paper towels if you are worried about scratching the metal with a sponge.
What We Don’t Like
The one primary downside of the expert store VD-51743HW Luxury Fountain is that it needs to be absolutely level on a table; otherwise, it will not work properly.
That means you need to be wary of using a tablecloth or decorations and aware of any breeze in the area.
Otherwise, you risk the nacho cheese fountain spilling and potentially ruining your party.
Another downside is the bottom bowl is made of high-density plastic.
Although it can handle the heat, part of the bottom can become melted if the fountain is left on for too long.
Pros:
- Four tiers
- Separate heat and motor settings
- No BPA
- Easy to clean
- Works with cheese, chocolate, and more
Cons:
- Plastic heated bowl
- Needs a level surface
Buyer’s Guide
If you have spent any time in the kitchen, you start to realize that not all dishes and cooking implements are the same.
When it comes to nacho cheese fountains, the amount of variety between products can seriously affect the outcome of your snack.
If you are trying to find the best nacho cheese fountain for a wedding, birthday party, or a fun night in, there are several features you want to consider before making a decision.
The most important of these will be noise output, heat adjustability, versatility, ease of cleaning, and total food capacity.
1. Noise Output
The majority of nacho cheese and chocolate fountains use a motor that generates the pressure needed to push the liquid food up, so it falls over the artful tiers.
There are several styles available, but the most common is a basic auger.
These motors are essential but can rapidly become a nuisance because of the noise they generate.
You want to consider noise output before choosing a fountain if you intend to use yours for special occasions like weddings since the sound can be a significant distraction and interrupt crucial parts of the day, such as the exchanging of vows.
Most nacho cheese fountains will make as much noise as an electric pencil sharpener, but some are designed to have a quiet, seamless function that is great for parties or home use.
2. Heat Adjustability
The heat is one of the most significant parts of a nacho cheese fountain, and it is required if you want your chocolate and cheese to reach the right liquid temperature and texture.
Most fountains actually have only one heat setting, which can range from 140 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
This setting can be achieved just by turning the fountain on.
It will cool down when you turn the fountain off, but it will take almost an hour to reach the right temperature to put away.
If you want a machine that has heat adjustability, you will need to invest more money but will get better options such as a low “simmer” setting to keep the cheese warm without having it flow through the machine.
3. Versatility
There is some level of versatility when you choose a nacho cheese fountain.
However, most are quite simple and are designed for specific situations and are meant to accommodate certain amounts of food, such as one to two pounds of chocolate or cheese.
So, what does versatility mean when it comes to a nacho cheese fountain?
In many cases, it refers to the portability of the model.
Versatility may also mean whether or not you can put other food items in the machine.
Some examples of a versatile nacho cheese fountain are models that can also accommodate liquids like barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and even liqueur if you are feeling adventurous.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is often the part of the fountain process that makes people think twice before choosing to use a nacho cheese dispenser.
In general, ease of cleaning will determine what kind of cleaning methods you can use, including soap and water, a dishwasher, or just basic paper towels.
The majority of fountains can be taken apart so the tiers can be cleaned easily.
5. Capacity
Finally, you should always consider the capacity of the fountain.
Capacity refers to how much food you can place in the fountain, plus how much it will dispense.
In general, the smaller fountains are only able to accommodate 16 ounces of cheese, while larger options can handle 32 ounces or even more.
If you plan to host a large event, you will naturally require a fountain that has a higher capacity.
If you want to use the fountain for a small get-together or a quiet night in with your partner, then a smaller fountain is the way to go.
Nacho Cheese Fountain FAQs
1. Can You Put Nacho Cheese in a Chocolate Fountain?
Yes, you can put nacho cheese in the majority of chocolate fountains because the liquids have similar viscosities and thicknesses.
To get the best results when using a chocolate fountain, though, you should melt the nacho cheese in the microwave first and then place it in the central dispensing chamber.
Also, make sure your chocolate fountain reaches a hot enough temperature to melt the cheese thoroughly; otherwise, you will struggle with clogging and blockages.
2. How Much Is a Nacho Cheese Machine?
If you are interested in a nacho cheese machine or fountain, you can expect to find models at several different price points.
The most affordable machines will cost between $30 and $50, while the most expensive options can be upwards of $300.
The amount you are willing to spend on a machine will vary based on how often you intend to use it.
If you are a party planner, you will want an expensive machine.
If you would just like to experiment with new food and have a fun centerpiece, then a more affordable model is okay.
3. How Hot Should Nacho Cheese Be?
The proper dispensing temperature for nacho cheese is between 140 and 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
At these temperatures, the nacho cheese sauce can warm-up properly and be liquid enough to be dispensed through a pump or a basic fountain.
You should be extremely careful when handling the cheese at this point, though, since it is easy to burn yourself accidentally.
4. How Do You Heat up Canned Nacho Cheese Sauce?
Heating up canned nacho cheese sauce is a simple process if you have a microwave.
All you need to do is open the can, dump the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat it for about two minutes on high.
Then, you need to stir the cheese to ensure the heat is distributed evenly, and all of the sauce has a chance to warm up.
Alternatively, you can use a nacho cheese fountain with a heated bowl to warm up the sauce by pouring it directly into the container.
5. How Long Does Nacho Cheese Last in a Dispenser?
Nacho cheese has a surprisingly long lifespan when left in a dispenser.
Your cheese will last for five days once it has been heated up and placed inside of your fountain.
The single exception is some forms of cheddar, which will only be good for three days.
After the five-day mark, you need to remove your cheese and thoroughly clean the dispenser before putting any more food inside.
Conclusion
There are many excellent nacho cheese dispensers and fountains on the market, but the best one is the Nostalgia Fondue Fountain because of its stability, versatility, and durability.
You will get multiple uses out of this particular model and can use it for many years to come if you clean and maintain it properly.
When choosing the right nacho cheese fountain, there is a lot to consider, especially if you are interested in cooking other food items such as chocolate fondue and even caramel.
Plus, using a nacho cheese fountain can introduce you to a broad range of other fun food items, including edible ink printers.
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