Fondue pots may seem like a throwback to the 1960s or 1970s, but the method of dining might be good to help spice up your normal dinner rotation. Even better is that fondue pots can be used for far more than maintaining your melted cheese at the right consistency. They also let you enjoy hours of steaming broth and keep tasty appetizers nice and warm. The best fondue pot will have functionality besides the obvious, and will be worth your investment.
What is a Fondue Pot?
Fondue is from the French word meaning 'to melt'. A fondues are a cookware piece that has a pot with a heat source like an electrical heating element or a portable cooking fuel underneath the pot and for use in a food preparation process. They are basically available in two styles. A fondue pot will be either cast iron or stainless steel, with a burner underneath (electric, alcohol or gel fuel) or ceramic with a tea light under to raise the heat of your chocolate or cheese.
Each fondue set has its unique way of use; therefore, ensure you read the instructions thoroughly before getting started. There are two primary types of styles:
- Electric burner - Once connected electric fondue pots will start heating up. They most all come with adjustable heat-control settings to adjust the heat.
- Adjustable burner - alcohol or gel fondue packets can be placed into this adjustable burner, underneath the fondue pot, and lit with a match. Cover a part of the flame with the lid of the burner, to control the intensity of the heat.
Once your burner is on, lay the pot with previously melted ingredients (or melt chocolate right in the pot) on top of the stove and dip away with fondue forks.
What is the best fondue pot?
Now that we understand what a fondue pot is, let's check out the best options for a family get-together.
1. Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker, CFO-3SS
- Electric fondue set suitable for chocolate, cheese, broth or oil
- Includes base, bowl, temperature probe, 8 fondue forks, and fork...
- Elegant, brushed stainless-steel 3-quart bowl with nonstick...
- Removable temperature control is adjustable for wide range of...
- Dimensions : 6.12-Inch x 10.50-Inch x 7.00-Inch (LxWxH)
The Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot set is everything you need to start your fondue party for starters. Now, with its great looks and strong modular components, the Acer is convenient. The pot — able to hold three quarts — is a winner for fondue nights with family and friends. The aperture of the stainless steel bowl is also large enough to allow you and your guests to all dip some crusty, homemade dutch oven bread at the same time.
In addition, the pot has a notched fork holder ring so that your forks stay put. Included in the electric fondue set are dipping forks with unique color patterns so you don’t have to embarrassingly grab the wrong one. Also, this fondue set comes with an adjustable temperature probe having eight distinct heat settings, which is a very handy system. You can put it on its high or low heat depending on what you’re serving.
The magnetic power cord, included with the fondue pot set, quickly disengages if somebody snags it — preventing unwitting hot cheese pull out. This culinary utensil works with every kind of fondue, including chocolate and cheese fondues and broth and oil. Stainless steel construction makes this pot fully rust proof. This pot also comes with a nonstick interior that will see nothing stick to the pot.
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2. Nostalgia Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot, FPS200
- 6-Cup capacity - Make up to 1.5 quarts (3 pounds) of your...
- Fondue party - Make any get together special. Dip fruit,...
- Temperature control - Keep fondues at the ideal temperature by...
- Cool-touch handles - Use the cool-touch side handles for safe and...
- 6 color-coded forks - Allow guests to serve themselves decadent...
If you're looking for the best fondue pot that will sort you out in terms of functionality and design, the Nostalgia Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot is where you should be looking. The sleek silver style of it matches traditional as well as contemporary dining tables. This pot is not only beautiful, but it also has the necessary functions to let you enjoy an unforgettably good asiago cheese fondue with your pals while you wait for them to arrive.
This set is perfect for small parties up to 6 people due to its six cup capacity and six color-coded fondue forks. The rim also has notches to keep each fork in place. Adjustable temperature control dial also makes it to the pot, enabling you to choose a setting of your liking as your fondue melts deliciously. Also, you will find that with cool touch handles lifting and turning the removable pot will be effortless!
This unit is able to withstand frequent usage with its high quality stainless steel construction. Of course, this automated pot is a great way to whip up any delectable fondue sauces to dip your bread into, or with these savory Domino's copycat chicken wings. The removable parts are also dishwasher safe if you would rather wash them.
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3. Kusini Electric Fondue Pot Set
- DELUXE FONDUE MAKER: This fondue pot electric set comes with a...
- EASY TO PREPARE: Use this tabletop-safe chocolate melting pot to...
- MAKE A FONDUE PARTY: Invite your friends and family over and...
- PERFECT GIFT SET: When you need that ideal fun gift think of this...
- ABOUT KUSINI: It's about a premium product for all to enjoy, kids...
The Kusini Electric Fondue Pot Set is a beautiful, useful piece that belongs in the home of every fondue and chocolate lover! The fondue pot includes temperature control, detachable serving trays and 4 roasting forks perfect for dipping fruit, marshmallows or other treats! With its elegant design and user friendly features, Tomaatti is a terrific gift for couples or for families; for a romantic date night or for a fun movie or game night.
With functionality and elegance, the Kusini Electric Fondue Pot Set is the perfect choice for many fondue moments in the home. When it comes to smaller gatherings, it is the best suited option, but its temperature control, detachable trays and sleek design promises convenience with a touch of charm.
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4. Swissmar Lugano Cast Iron Cheese Fondue Set
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5. BOSKA Holland Tea Lights Fondue Set
- FONDUE FUN: Works for both cheese and chocolate
- MICROWAVE SAFE: Melted cheese or chocolate in a flash - no stove...
- SIMPLE & ELEGANT: Heated by a candle - no lighter fluid, no cords
- INCLUDES: Ceramic pot, wooden base, 4 fondue forks, tea light...
- TRUSTED SINCE 1896: Boska Holland has built up their Cheesewares...
The Boska holland tealight fondue set is the best fondue pot designed for tapas or cheese fondue. Well, this square pot comes with a wooden stand which holds the tea light, as well as a metal ring. The great thing is that this fondue set comes with four forks.
If you want to serve restaurant style dinner at the comforts of your home then this electric fondue maker is a good choice. These butter warmers come in this tea light set as lightweight but very durable little pots. Each one can melt away 13.5 ounces of chocolate or cheese.
This would make a great piece to use as a centerpiece at a dinner party. Like real fondue pots, this pot works well, and would be a great addition to any kitchen. The electric fondue set is for cheese and chocolate.
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What Are the Fondue Pot Tips?
- Ideally serve at most 4 people over a single fondue pot.Do not use water when making the fondue. But rather use wine broths or broth.
- Splattering can be minimized by drying out the food you target to dip in, and keeping the amount of liquid within the fondue to a minimum.
- Avoid using the fondue forks to eat because the handles of those get too hot to handle and transfer germs. Dining should always be served with separate plates and cutlery.
- To make chocolate fondue, use a chocolate with low melting point, and rich taste. Blend different flavored chocolate bars together to make your flavor. Don’t use chocolate chunks, however, as they harden quickly.
- To make cheese fondue, you can use vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini. You may also sauté or roast them to improve the flavor.
What Are The Different Types Of Fondue Pots?
1. Electric Fondue Pots
An electric found pot is a type that is built with a heating element in the base. They are designed to sit on an electric burner. Electric models are a breeze to set to heat and work well when used to cook with broth or oil. High temperature is reached on these laptops because they let you. Also, they are accompanied by a temperature probe that helps you select the right temperature.
2. Manual Fondue Pots
The manual pots are normally set over an open flame. The plus side of these manual sets is the fact that they’re good wherever you go. The manual fondue sets with candles are greatest for single containers.
3. Glazed Ceramic Fondue Pots
The glazed ceramic fondue pot is the type that is best suited for cheese fondue. The ceramic sets are shallow vessel, heavy and they distribute heat evenly. Gruyere cheeses are made for these pots, and their perfect candidates for melting cheese.
4. Stainless-Steel Pots
The stainless steel pot is a good stylistic choice for cooking with hot oil or hot broth. Compared to many skins, these are lightweight, and will heat very quickly while being super durable.
5. Enameled Metal Fondue Pots
The enameled metal fondue set includes cast iron which make them extremely durable in nature. Besides, an electric fondue pot is equally made with an indicator of temperature control that can be used with all types of fondue.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Fondue Pot
1. Types of fondue pots
When you are looking for the best fondue pot on the market, you are looking at either manual or electric fondue pots. There are some manual fondue pots using an open flame and others using candles. Other newer types heat up a bottom with cooking fuel. Manual pot sets are also workable anywhere but you will have to purchase the fuel.
With automatic capabilities, electric fondue makers can also keep tasty dips heated for several hours on the other hand. Most also will let you adjust the heat for the kind of fondue you’re using. This pot style, however does require an outlet close to your dinner tables to operate.
Read also: Best dinnerware sets
2. Material
Fondue sets are made from several different materials before you buy a best fondue pot, you should figure out what you would like to see the fondue pot made from. However, their ceramic fondue pots heat slowly, but they retain heat long. Also, they are extremely easy to clean. Meanwhile, enamel cast iron is extremely enduring (same goes with stainless steel fondue set ). Ceramic pots heat up far faster than they do and then transmit heat equally well. Stainless steel pot models are thin, however, and your cheese or chocolate might burn easily.
3. Capacity
Before buying the best fondue pots, the fondue pot's capacity is an important factor to consider. We recommend you always choose the one that suits you the best. The best little fondue pots to serve you any fondue is ideal for a great snack. On the flip side, if you’re planning a fondue party or large gathering, you want larger pots with at least a two or three quart capacity.
5. Inside Coating
You need to check the inner coating even with the electric or traditional set that you are getting. The easiness of the cleaning or hard cleaning time will be given by the inner coasting. But you could choose a non stick or ceramic coating this will ensure your cheese will never stick on the pot.
6. Heat And Splash Protection
Another thing that you have to consider is Heat and Splash Protection. This will mean that the pot should have cool to handle protection to prevent heat up. Whichever fondue set you choose — traditional or electric — it should include a cool to touch handle. If you have those with a longer handle or silicone anti splash protection then go for it.
7. Stability And Versatility
When you are to buy a pot, it should be stable and versatile. You must pick a piece that has a readily available heat source. Also, you should also be able to make the pot you are using without struggling, and you should know the usage properly.
8. Additional Features
You can check if you can buy the pot on its own, or if they make it as a full fondue set. Options range from a complete set to an individual pot for your current set depending on what you are looking for.
Fondue sets often come with forks for dipping and even smaller pots for putting your amounts into to avoid the mess. So you will find whatever you are looking for.
Frequently Asked Question On The Best Fondue Pots
1. Can You Use A Metal Fondue Pot For Cheese Fondue?
Yes, you can use this metal pot to make cheese fondue. In most cases, such pots require high heat while cooking, for instance when cooking barbecue sauce or even when grilling. Usually they are well adapted to meat and cheese fondues but you do need to control the heat to low temperatures.
2. What Is The Perfect Material For A Fondue Pot?
When shopping for the best fondue pot, you will realize that the fondue pots are made with different materials. The ceramic is the best because it heated up slowly and stayed that temperature a long time. Another type of perfect option where it is best suited to meat fondue is the cast iron. It will take a while for these pots to heat up but they can also hold heat for a long.
3. How Do You Clean A Fondue Pot?
The cleanness design for a cheese pot will therefore mainly depend on the material used in the making of the cheese pot. Cleaning a cooking pot from enameled cast iron is easier if you wash it gently with mild soap and gentle scrub. If you opt for the hand wash only make sure that the material it is made from can be easily washed. There will be other pots that are dishwasher safe meaning you can be able to wash them using a dishwasher machine.
