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06 Jan, 2025

Read Time: 8 minutes

Ice Fountain Firework FAQs

Ice fountains are loved by hospitality businesses, along with their customers, up and down the UK. Here we answer all the most commonly asked questions about these fierce indoor fireworks. These special indoor fireworks are becoming increasingly popular on social media platforms like Instagram, with venues using them to create viral "wow moments" for customers.

Ice fountains are classified under BS EN 14035-15 standards as part of the EU's firework regulations, making them one of the few pyrotechnic products legally approved for indoor use. Unlike outdoor fireworks, ice fountains produce cold fallout, making them safe for use on food products and in enclosed spaces.

To get a general run-down on exactly what an ice fountain firework is and how it works, check out our blog.

Can you use ice fountains indoors?

Yes. Ice fountains are indoor fireworks and are specially designed to be safe to use inside. Ice fountains produce significantly less smoke than traditional outdoor fireworks, making them ideal for enclosed spaces without setting off smoke alarms.

Unlike "cold spark machines" used in professional settings, ice fountains are consumer-grade products that don't require special licensing or permits for use in most UK venues. They are ideal for events inside like sit-down meals, presentations, pub outings, club nights, and more. They can also be used for theatrical performances, adding dramatic visual effects to key moments without the need for expensive special effects equipment.

You can almost always guarantee that an ice fountain firework is safe to use indoors, but it’s best to check the packaging to confirm it. All of our ice fountains are safe to use indoors. While ice fountains are designed for indoor use, it's important to maintain a minimum safe distance of 1 meter from a fountain when lit.

Are ice fountains safe?

Provided your ice fountains are made by a professional, reputable manufacturer they will be safe, having passed necessary safety tests.

All shops in the UK that have a license to sell fireworks should stock only products that meet stringent UK and EU safety regulations. Ice fountains UK consumers purchase should meet British & European Standards BS EN: 14035-15 for safety and quality, meaning they should display the CE mark on the product body or packaging. If you can’t see this on the product or packaging ask the manufacturer to supply you with the information.

No matter whether ice fountains are CE-marked or not, they are only safe if you use them correctly. Find out about how to safely use ice fountains in our blog.

Unlike traditional sparklers which remain hot after use, ice fountains cool quickly and can be safely disposed of immediately after burning out (ensure they are completely extinguished before disposing of them). The card casing of ice fountains gets warm but not dangerously hot during use, preventing burn injuries to handlers. However, you shouldn’t hold an ice fountain directly. It’s better to attach them to something, like a bottle (using an ice fountain bottle clip), and then hold that object.

For commercial venues, staff training on proper handling and disposal of ice fountains is essential to maintaining safety standards.

How long do ice fountains burn for?

Ice fountains should provide you with a good few seconds of burn time in order to carry them to your customers and allow them to get a good look, take some photos, and sing Happy Birthday. Burn times vary considerably between brands and types, generally from 30 seconds to 60. Some cheaper fountains may burn quickly with more smoke so be aware of this when deciding what to buy.

Our ice fountains have an extra-long burn time of 60 seconds, more than enough time for everyone in your venue to get a good look (and longer than our competitors).

Where can you use ice fountains?

We sell mini ice fountains packs of 4 which are popular for private use in your home, but ice fountains are more popular among hospitality businesses. We also sell commercial-sized packs of 240 and 480 all the way up to 1,920 packs for stockists and firework shops. Types of businesses that commonly use ice fountains include:

Bars
Pubs
Clubs
Party venues
Private VIP sports boxes
Gender reveal parties
Corporate events and launches
Stage productions requiring safe fire simulation
Wedding venues
Theatres
Concert venues

Ice fountains can also be used for outdoor events, though their visual impact may be reduced in daylight or windy conditions. Theme parks and entertainment venues use similar effects for finale moments during shows. Wedding planners often incorporate ice fountains during first dances or cake-cutting ceremonies as a sophisticated alternative to confetti or sparklers.

Want some inspiration for how to wow your customers with ice fountain fireworks? Check our article Who Can Use Ice Fountains? 4 Instagrammable Ideas for Businesses.

How old do you need to be to buy ice fountains?

Ice fountains are classed as category 1 fireworks and as such, they can only be bought by people aged 18 and above. It is an offence to sell fireworks to anyone underage.

If you look like you’re under 25, you may be asked to show a photo ID when buying ice fountains or other fireworks. Find out more about age restrictions on fireworks in our blog.

Can I attach an ice fountain to a bottle?

Yes! Many club promoters, bars, and event venues like to present their guests with bottles of prosecco, champagne, or wine adorned with an ice fountain (or two, or three). This is made safe and easy with an ice fountain bottle holder.

Professional bottle holders are vastly preferred over using tape, which can look unprofessional and may not secure the fountain properly. For maximum visual impact in nightclubs and bars, multiple ice fountains (typically 2-3) can be attached to a single bottle using specialized tri-clips.

Empty bottles can be pre-prepared with ice fountains by staff before service to streamline presentation during busy periods. For larger venues, having dedicated staff trained in attaching and lighting ice fountains ensures consistent presentation and adherence to safety protocols. Try using LED-lit bottles as bases for ice fountains to create an enhanced visual effect that continues after the fountain has burned out.

Our ice fountain bottle holders come in packs of 25 or 100 depending on your needs. They can be used to easily clip up to three ice fountains to one bottle, for an elegant and professional look while your staff can carry them safely.

What category of firework are ice fountains?

Ice fountains are classed as a category 1 firework. Category 1 fireworks generally have a safe viewing distance of 1 metre minimum. Your ice fountains may specify their safe viewing distance and any associated instructions on their packaging.

Some category 1 fireworks like indoor sparklers are safe to use inside, but not all. It’s best to check the packaging to confirm your ice fountains are for indoor use, like ours. We cover firework categories from one to four in more detail in our blog.

What are ice fountains otherwise known as?

Ice fountains for cakes are sometimes called ‘cake fountains’. ‘Indoor fireworks’ and ‘cocktail fountains’ are some other names for ice fountains.

What are ice fountains made of?

An ice fountain firework consists of a cardboard tube that makes up the body of the firework. This is tightly packed with a combustible powder that contains chemicals to produce different colours, light, flames, and sparks. Usually ice fountains are a silvery-white colour.

The combustible material in ice fountains typically contains:

Various metal powders (often containing titanium) to create the sparking effect.
Chemical compounds to control burn rate and temperature.
In coloured fountains, additional chemical compounds to produce specific flame colours.

The combustible material is packed right up to the opening of the top of an ice fountain so it doesn’t need a fuse. The only other component is the plastic mounting pin which is affixed to the bottom of the firework if it’s being mounted on a cake.

Unlike traditional sparklers, ice fountains use a composition that produces cooler fallout, making them safer for indoor use. Coloured ice fountains tend to produce more smoke and odour than standard silver ones due to the additional chemicals required to create coloured flames.

Find out more about indoor ice fountains in our article What Are Ice Fountains? How Do They Work?

Can you hold ice fountain fireworks?

You should not hold an ice fountain directly as this could cause injury. Firmly attaching an ice fountain to a cake or bottle is the best way to hold one. Using empty bottles is a good way to allow your staff to safely hold and carry ice fountains for display or performance.

Professional entertainers often use hand-held ice fountains in choreographed routines to create dramatic entrances. When not attached to bottles, specialised hand-held ice fountains with extended handles can be used by performers and podium dancers.

Special catering lighters with extended nozzles provide a safer way to light ice fountains without getting hands too close to the ignition point. When lit, always hold ice fountains away from the body, face, and hair, and never point them toward people.

How do I light an ice fountain properly?

Ice fountains do not have fuses like traditional fireworks - you light them directly at the top of the tube where you can see the white internal pyrotechnic composition. The best lighters to use are those with an intense flame such as a chef's torch, turbo lighter, or BBQ lighter for quick and easy ignition.

Standard matches are not recommended as they may struggle to provide enough concentrated heat to ignite the fountain properly.

What's the difference between ice fountains and cold spark machines?

Ice fountains are consumer-grade Category 1 fireworks, while cold spark machines are professional pyrotechnic simulators often used in larger entertainment venues. Cold spark machines are motorized devices that heat titanium granules to create a continuous fountain effect, whereas ice fountains are single-use pyrotechnic items.

Cold spark machines can produce effects for extended periods and may be controlled electronically, while ice fountains burn for a fixed duration once lit. Unlike consumer ice fountains, professional cold spark machines typically require permits and possibly licensing in certain situations.

How do ice fountains compare to regular sparklers for cakes?

Ice fountains are significantly better than sparklers for cake decoration as they:

Create a more spectacular effect with greater height and volume of sparks.
Generate little smoke compared to traditional sparklers.
Don't remain burning hot immediately after use, making them safer.
Don't drop hot residue onto cakes or desserts.
Provide a more elegant and professional presentation.

Do ice fountains trigger smoke alarms?

Ice fountains produce minimal smoke and typically won't trigger modern smoke alarms when used as directed. For venues with very sensitive detection systems, it's advisable to test a single fountain in advance or temporarily adjust detector settings during planned use.

Where can I buy ice fountains?

You should always aim to source ice fountains from a licensed firework retailer to keep your staff and customers safe and to ensure you get a good, reliable result each time.

Chorlton Fireworks is a fully licensed firework retailer and sole distributor for Prestigious Pyrotechnics, the leading seller of ice fountains and fireworks in the North West of the UK. Buy ice fountains directly from our website or visit us in Chorlton.

How much do ice fountains usually cost?

Generally, a 4 pack of ice fountains shouldn’t be more than £5. When buying in bulk you have the opportunity to pay less per unit, saving you money in the long run. Find cheap ice fountains on our websites: