I read alot of reviews on this site and others trying to figure out the right fountain for our needs. I read that they are messy, loud and clog up pretty bad. Honestly, the reviews of chocolate fountains overall almost made me not buy one. Then I came across this one and read the customer reviews. I bought one and it was delivered within the week for $2.95. Anyway, we opened it up and I gave my husband directions on a recipe, he set it up and we had a ball. It's alot quieter than I expected, not silent but not a churning, have to yell across the noise type of hum. Clean up was a breeze and we are ready to do it again next weekend. As I sat with my 3 boys and husband they all were coming up with other uses for the fountain, melted peanut butter, nacho cheese and bbq sauce. Needless to say, I am back online to purchase a second fountain right now.