
If you are a fan of quintessential dishes, then fondue should be on your list of things to try. The recipe involves melting cheese with wine in a fondue pot and it is eaten while still on heat to keep it at a specific temperature. The cheese is accompanied with bread or sometimes potato slices and with the help of long-stemmed forks. Due to versatility and creativity, cheese sometimes is not the main ingredient in the sauce. Chocolate or broth fondue are becoming popular as the days go by because of how easy it is to make the dish. Also, to get the desired taste of the delicacy, it is wise to use the appropriate utensils to get the job done. In this article, some of the best fondue pots, also called caquelon, will be reviewed to help you choose the next set for your recipe.
The Best Fondue Pot
1
Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker
Anything electric translates to convenience, and the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker is a highly recommended functional device. This electric fondue pot makes preparing fondues super easy and also has a sleek design to make you look like a pro. Another convenient feature is that it comes with everything you would need to make fondue and so you won’t need to buy anything separately. The set includes a fondue pot, an adjustable temperature probe, a fork ring, as well as eight fondue forks. The bowl can hold up to 32 fluid ounces of liquid and has a non-stick inner surface. The temperature probe has eight settings to give you a wide range of heat for your fondue. The fork ring, as well as the exterior of the bowl, are made of stainless steel, which is BPA free, so it’s safe for food. Each of the fondue forks is color-coded for easy identification. Each item in the set has a different finish to add elegance to the tools. The utensil has a 1000 watt power and comes with a recipe in the packaging to give you a helping hand. When you need to clean it, you can run it through a dishwasher, not forgetting to remove the cord and temperature probe.
It is not surprising that Cuisinart has a product on top of this list as the brand is known for its innovative and convenient kitchen tools. They take pride in bringing easy to use products for even the most complicated recipes, thereby cutting down the stress. With their tools, you will invite friends over with confidence because their products will not disappoint you.
Non-stick fondue pot
Stainless steel fork ring
Eight fondue forks
Adjustable temperature probe
- BrandCuisinart
- ModelCFO-3SS
- Weight1 pounds
Stainless steel makes the tool durable
Non-stick makes the mess minimal
Dishwasher safe
The cord is too short
The device heats up quickly and so might burn your dish
Fork ring is a little unstable
2
Nostalgia 4-Tier Stainless Steel Chocolate Fondue Fountain
If you are looking for a sustainable chocolate fondue set, then the Nostalgia 4-Tier Stainless Steel Chocolate Fondue Fountain is your best choice. The utensil is simple but still gives you results within no time. This tool consists of a bowl with a spiral tower and a separate motor with the heat switches. The tower is made of plastic and gives the fountain an auger style. The four cascading tiers are easy to assemble and resistant to heat. The container is made of stainless steel to keep the chocolate in a liquid form for smooth flow. It can take two pounds of chocolate, which is enough to make a beautiful fountain. You won’t need to purchase a separate utensil for cheese or barbecue sauce because this product is versatile and can perform multiple functions. Your party time just got a lot sweeter with this comfortable yet elegant tool in your home.
Nostalgia is one of those brands that do not compromise on the quality of its products. At the same time, they make sure that the device is easy to use and versatile. Your guests will admire you anytime you use one of their specially engineered products, which make you look like a professional. They don’t restrict you to one way of doing things but will instead give you many ideas of doing the same thing with one utensil.
Stainless steel motor
Stainless steel bowl
Plastic fountain
Four-tier fountain
- BrandNostalgia
- ModelCFF986
- Weight4.8 pounds
Versatile
Easy to assemble
Easy to clean
It can be noisy
It can be messy
Might stop working if the chocolate in it is not a particular quantity
3
Prepworks from Progressive Fondue Set
For the minimalist who enjoys independent servings, the Prepworks by Progressive Ceramic Butter Warmer Fondue Set will be perfect for you. This product is on this list because it has a simple design that gives your kitchen a classy look. The set is made up of a metal wire stand which holds a ceramic cup with a candle at the bottom for heat. It works perfectly for small dinner gatherings, and everybody can have their fondue maker to eat with. The cup can hold five ounces of butter or chocolate, depending on what type of fondue you are making. The set is dishwasher safe, and you won’t need to worry about burning your food as the candle heat isn’t that high. This tool is recommended because it takes into consideration those who will not want to eat from the same fondue bowl as others due to their preference.
Prepworks by Progressive make preparing food a fast and easy process with every machine they produce. Aside from great functionality, their wares are made with the customer in mind while keeping the standard when it comes to quality. For this brand, kitchen time should be an enjoyable time, and so they translate that into their designs to make your mealtime fun. The brand is also thoughtful and design innovative products that everybody can use. They have more than 40 years of experience, and so they can be trusted when it comes to home and kitchen tools and appliances.
Two Ceramic cups
Two Metal wire stands
Two Tea light candles
Five-pound capacity
- BrandPrepworks from Progressive
- ModelGCBW-2
- Weight1 pounds
Easy to use
Dishwasher safe
Low possibility of food getting burnt
Might take a long time for your butter to melt since the heat is low
The metal stand might be unstable
The hoops for holding the ceramic cups are too wide to hold them
4
Wilton Chocolate Pro Chocolate Fountain
The Wilton Chocolate Pro Chocolate Fountain is another chocolate fondue fountain that will impress your guests anytime you bring it out at a party. The device is three-tiered with adequate spacing for easy dipping. It comes in two parts: the fountain with the bowl and the motor, and together, the tool is 16 inches tall. The canopies are easy to assemble, and you can clean the pieces in a dishwasher. The bowl, which holds four pounds of chocolate, is designed to keep the chocolate flowing, and the aesthetics will give some life to the party. The fondue machine has adjustable feet, which help keep it stable. Aside from its functionality, the fondue maker will provide you with a sense of satisfaction fueled by its gorgeousness.
Wilton has come a long way with their kitchenware and has always put in the effort to ensure that you spend less time in the kitchen. They make cooking and its related duties fun and enjoyable for both you and your guests. They always find ways to meet customers at the point of their need with innovative products that work.
Detachable fountain
Three-tier canopies
Four-pound capacity bowl
Motor with adjustable feet
- BrandWilton
- Model2104-9008
- Weight5.25 pounds
Dishwasher safe
Easy to use
Can be used to serve groups of people
Can be a little messy due to dripping
Leveling might be an issue because the legs may not fit well
Might stop working after a short period of usage
5
Swissmar Lugano Cast Iron Cheese Fondue Set
The old school fondue lover will find the Swissmar KF-66517 Lugano 2-Quart Cast Iron Cheese Fondue Set attractive because of its design. It has a classic feel to it, which makes you crave fondue. The fondue set has nine pieces: six fondue forks, a fondue pot, a black wrought iron rechaud, and a fondue burner. The bowl helps with evenly distributing heat because of its enameled interior. It is suitable for use on different heat sources and will work for both low and high temperatures. Do you need to organize a large party with fondue as the main dessert? This machine has got you covered because it can hold two liters of the food which is enough for everybody. Not only will you have a functional utensil, but you also get an entertaining piece to make cooking even more enjoyable. The product is easy to clean and is made with sturdy material. The colors available include cherry red, black, and deep blue, and you can choose from these depending on your preference.
Swissmar is a brand that has been producing kitchen utensils for quite some time. They understand what kitchen duties entail and contribute to making it more comfortable with their products. Each tool is created to bring out your inner chef while making you look good in the eyes of your guests. They have a wide variety of products, and so there is a guarantee that you will find just what you are looking for.
Nine-piece set
Fondue pot has enameled inside
Iron cast pot
Two-liter capacity
- BrandSwissmar
- ModelKF-66517
- Weight9.7 pounds
Durable cast iron material
Easy to clean
The pot handle stays cool enough to hold even when the pan is hot
The bowl is too heavy
The stand on the rechaud is slippery
Forks can break if not careful when handling
6
Wilton Candy Melting Pot
The Wilton Candy Melts Candy Melting Pot is another cute device that makes fondue preparation an easy task. The chocolate fondue pot has features that keep your chocolate at the right temperature for consumption. It is also perfect for parties since it has enough capacity to serve everybody. It is made up of a pot with two pour spouts on each side and can melt two and a half cups of chocolate. What makes the fondue pot easy to clean is the silicone insert. On the front of the device is the switch to regulate the temperature. The plug has 120-volt power with the exterior body of the tool made of plastic. The handle is ergonomic so that you do not stress much when using the device.
Wilton makes another appearance on this list with this simple and functional device. Their pride lies in the fact that they bring ease to your kitchen duties. Their products are pretty simple but can inspire you to create recipes outside of your comfort zone. Since they have been in the field for a while, they know what consumers need to make their chores simple, and they are dedicated to providing those services. Being experts in cake decorating, they know their way around sweet ingredients and produce innovative products to heighten the experience for you.
Silicone insert
Plastic outer covering
Two pour spouts
120-volt power plug
- BrandWilton
- Model2104-9006
- Weight1.23 pounds
Easy to use
Easy to clean
Holds enough chocolate for a lot of people
The material is not durable
Might take a while for the chocolate to melt
You have to keep stirring while it is melting to prevent lumps
7
NutriChef Electric Fondue Melting Pot
The NutriChef Electric 64oz Fondue Melting Pot is another fondue machine that is suitable for parties and other gatherings. The tool makes enough smooth fondue for everybody to enjoy. The features on this device make it worthy of being on this list. The components of the electric fondue set include six fondue forks, a fondue bowl with a fork ring, and the base. Each fork has a color to help you identify, and are held in place by the fork ring attached to the mouth of the pot. The bowl, which is made of Teflon, has non-stick material on the inside and is heat resistant. It can be separated from the base which carried the temperature regulation knobs and the stands for stability. It also features handles on the sides of the base, which are cool to touch at any time, even while in use. The device is compact but can fit nicely into any available space and is safe to place on a counter. In addition to convenience, this device is easy to clean. Turn your events up a notch with this easy to use and classy appliance in your home.
Nutrichef Kitchen is a brand that won’t leave you disappointed with any of their products. The aim is to increase the preference for home-cooked meals by bringing devices that help you make your favorite dish. With this brand, you can make restaurant-quality meals right from the comfort of your home with no stress involved. Within a few minutes, your meals will be ready to serve, and your compliments will definitely increase. Your confidence level will be boosted because of the good impression you’ll leave on your guests, and you’ll be inspired and motivated to do more.
Six color-coded forks
Detachable Teflon bowl
Non-stick interior
Electric base with legs for stability
- BrandNutrichef
- ModelPKFNMK23
- Weight3.2 pounds
Easy to clean
High-quality
Easy to use
Sometimes emits a smell like burning rubber
There are no spare bowls, and you would need to buy a whole new device for multiple course meals
Can get too hot
8
Nostalgia Electric Fondue Maker
If you are interested in a design that’s different from the regular Fondue machine, then the Nostalgia Electric S’mores Maker will work for you. This unit replaces the need for open flames and brings the outdoor fun indoors. The flameless heater is perfect for roasting marshmallows and leaves you with the ideal browning. Each fork and base of the device are made of stainless steel for a better quality of the product. There are four compartment trays where you can keep the snacks to make them more organized and appealing. The device looks like an island with the heating component in the center and the trays surrounding it. The trays can be disassembled, and so are easy to clean. The design of the appliance factors safety and has the power switch on the side. With this tool, you will not miss out on the same great taste of marshmallows roasted over open flames, even on cold days. The only thing to do is plug in the device and enjoy it.
Your cooking cannot go wrong when you have a Nostalgia product in your home. Every product, no matter how small, is made of quality materials which will last for a while if kept properly. Their products make any even worth the time and energy put into making the edibles.
Stainless steel fork and base
Detachable trays
Two prongs for safety
Powered by electricity
- BrandNostalgia
- ModelSMM200
- Weight2 pounds
Easy to use
Safe to handle
Easy to clean
Takes a while to heat up and roast marshmallows
Can get a little messy especially if food gets stuck in the heating component
It might be too small if you need to roast a lot
9
Nostalgia 6-Cup Stainless Steel Fondue Pot
Another great product used for fondues is the Nostalgia Stainless Steel Fondue Pot. This product is on this list because of the sleek design, as well as its quality. It comes with three components: the pot, the base, and the forks. The container is made of stainless steel and has handles that are cool to touch even when the tool is on. It can produce three pounds of fondue, which is equivalent to six cups. The bottom has the temperature regulation knob, which shows a blue light when it is on and is also made of stainless steel. Each of the fondue forks in this set has a color for easy identification. To keep your kitchen more organized, this device, because of the sleek design, can be placed in any space. It is a durable kitchen appliance and is dishwasher safe.
Stainless steel device
Color-coded forks
Cool to touch handles
Three-pound capacity
- BrandNostalgia
- ModelFPS200
- Weight2.5 pounds
Safe to use due to insulated handles
Easy to clean
Durable
No extra bowls so you would need to get another device for multiple course servings
It is quite small
Cannot be used for other dishes which involve ingredients like oil as the temperature can only go up to 350°C
10
Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Fondue Pot
Last but not least recommended item on this list is the Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Fondue Pot. It is another innovative device that will add some spice to the party. Like most of the earlier mentioned Fondue makers, it has three components: the pot, the base, and the forks. The bowl is made with titanium-infused non-stick DuraCeramic material that lasts eight times longer than regular non-stick surfaces. It is, therefore easy to clean and cooks faster than other machines used for the same purpose. The bowl holds the fork ring, which holds the eight forks the set comes with. The base houses the detachable temperature control which allows you to keep the food at the desired temperature. The magnetic breakaway cord takes care of safety, and with just a plug, you are on your way to making delicious fondue. If you love having fondue parties and having friends over for them, then you will find a best friend in this product. You will be able to organize twice the number of hangouts since this fondue machine is built for that.
Oster promises three things with their products, performance, durability, and versatility. They pride themselves in creating for you a world in which you can be your best creative self when it comes to culinary activities. That is why in every product, you will get precisely what they promise, if not more.
Titanium- infused bowl
Detachable temperature control
Eight forks with a fork ring
Magnetic breakaway cord
- BrandOster
- ModelFPSTFN7700R-TECO
- Weight3.54 pounds
Easy to clean
Less messy
Easy to use
Because the cable is magnetic, it might not hold on to the device properly
The temperature is sometimes inconsistent
The cord is too short
Best Fondue Pot Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Consider Before Buying a Fondue Pot
- Material
The durability of any machine is crucial, and the type of material used counts. For fondue makers, materials used in construction include stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron, and plastic. On average, stainless steel is more durable than plastic since it is heat and corrosion-resistant. Plastic does not do so well with heat and will fall apart faster. Ceramic is prone to breakage and can only take low amounts of heat. Cast iron fondue pots can be heavy to handle and will be challenging to manipulate. An addition to the durability will be if the interior of the bowl is made of non-stick material, which will protect the tool from scratches.
- Easy to clean
Hygiene is another critical factor to consider when it comes to food, and every utensil should be made easy to clean. If you want a convenient tool, then a dishwasher safe one will work for you. If you are a clean freak and would want to go in yourself, then a handwashing device will suffice.
- Size and Safety
Depending on what you are using the tool for the size will matter. For parties and get-togethers, a big fondue maker will be enough for all. If you just want to practice or enjoy the dish at home, then you should get a small device for that. The kitchen can be a hazardous place to be, and so your utensils must have a safety feature to help minimize accidents.
Why You Should Use a Fondue Pot
Fondue pots are specially designed utensils for making fondue. They have features that make it possible for fondue to be prepared, and the desired taste achieved. You get a perfect fondue when you use the right pots that using regular cooking utensils.
Types of Fondue Pots
Fondue pots can be classified into classes based on the material with which they are constructed. There are four main types: ceramic, stainless steel, enameled metal, and then the electric fondue pot. Ceramic pots are less likely to burn your food, and the heat is evenly distributed. This is not the case for the stainless steel alternative, which can burn your food in certain areas and leave other parts untouched. The heavy enameled or cast iron pots are suitable for a wide range of fondue. The electric pots are more commonly used because they are convenient.
How to Use a Fondue Pot
Cooking fondue is quite easy, but it will be more straightforward if you know how to use the tools that come with it. How to use it will also depend on the type of pot you are dealing with. A general tip in using a fondue pot is always to make sure the bowl is on a leveled surface. Also, if you are using a machine that is not electric, be sure to keep the fuel away from children’s reach. Never turn the pot on when it is empty, as this can ruin your fondue. And always place a hot pot on an insulated surface. Most fondue pots come with instruction manuals, and so for safety reasons, be sure to go through them before using your device.
Best Fondue Pot FAQ:
Q: Can I use a chocolate fondue set for cheese fondue?
A: Yes, some fondue pots are versatile and can be used for other ingredients.
Q: What can be used for fuel for fondue?
A: Denatured alcohol, butane fuel, gel fuel, and canned fuel are great fuels.
Q: Can I use a candle for fondue?
A: Yes, it can.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick is the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker, which has been tried and tested to produce desired results. It is designed by a brand that values cooking and its features that make preparing fondue a lot easier. Whether your main ingredient is chocolate or cheese, this fondue set will give you and your friends a reason to come together and have fun.
Sources:
- Types of Fondue Fuel – eHow
- Best Cheese Fondue Ever – HuffPost