Fondue Pot Buying Guide: What's Your Budget?

Fondue pots are available at a range of price points, from as little as $10 to over $100. The price of a fondue pot is influenced by factors such as the material it is made from, its size, and whether it is electric or uses gel fuel or tea lights as a heat source.

Electric fondue pots

Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Pot

This 3-quart electric fondue pot is a top-rated option, known for its easy temperature control and dishwasher-safe nonstick interior. It features a brushed finish on the bowl and ring and a mirrored finish on the stand and handles. The pot includes eight colour-coded forks that sit securely in the notches of the ring. While the inner pot is dishwasher-safe, it is also easy to clean by hand. This fondue pot is suitable for all types of fondue, including oil, broth, chocolate, and cheese. It is available from Walmart for $72.71.

Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot

This affordable 6-cup electric fondue pot is perfect for those who want to enjoy fondue without breaking the bank. It features a sturdy stainless steel housing and a variable dial to adjust the heat as needed. The package includes six colour-coded fondue forks. With eleven temperature settings, this pot can be used for both chocolate and cheese fondue. The inner pot and forks are dishwasher-safe, but they can also be easily cleaned by hand. This fondue pot is available from Amazon for $38.

Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker

This 3-quart electric fondue maker comes with eight colour-coded forks, attachable ingredient cups, and a temperature dial for precise temperature control. The removable pot is made of nonstick stainless steel and is dishwasher-safe, although it can also be easily cleaned by hand. This fondue maker is suitable for cheese, chocolate, broth, or oil fondue. However, it is important to note that the electric cord is relatively short. It is available from Amazon for $60.

Hamilton Beach 86201 12 Cup Electric Fondue Pot

The Hamilton Beach electric fondue pot offers a large capacity of 3 quarts and six colour-coded forks. It features a temperature control dial that allows you to adjust the heat according to your needs. This fondue pot is suitable for cheese, chocolate, hot oil, and broth. It is available from Amazon with prices starting at $23.64.

HomeCraft HCFP8SS 8-Cup Electric Fondue Set

This 8-cup electric fondue set is a great option for those looking for a compact and stylish solution. It features a stainless steel construction and adjustable temperature control. The set includes eight colour-coded forks and a ring insert to hold them in place. This fondue pot is available from Walmart for $39.99.

Kusini Electric Fondue Pot Set

The Kusini electric fondue pot set is perfect for a date night or a movie night. It includes a temperature control feature, detachable serving trays, and four roasting forks. The set is available on Amazon with prices starting at $18.59.

Traditional fondue pots

Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set

The Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set is a beautiful, rustic enameled cast iron fondue pot with a 2-quart capacity. It has an old-world aesthetic and excellent heat retention, making it perfect for traditional cheese fondue meals. The set includes six fondue forks, a wrought iron stand, and a gel fuel container. It is available for $120 at Amazon, $90 at Walmart, and $120 at Sur La Table.

Boska Candlelight Twinkle Fondue Set

The Boska Candlelight Twinkle Fondue Set is made of glazed stoneware and uses tea lights as its heat source. It has a capacity of 54 ounces and is ideal for fondues with subtle flavors as the tea lights provide a lower and more even temperature. The set is dishwasher-safe and has a pleasing matte white finish. It is available for $100 at Crate and Barrel.

Staub Cast Iron 0.25-qt Mini Fondue Set

The Staub Cast Iron Mini Fondue Set is a mini fondue pot perfect for cooking smaller quantities of fondue. It has a capacity of 8 ounces and is made of cast iron, providing even heat distribution. The set includes four fondue forks and a cast-iron stand. It is available for $130 at Williams Sonoma.

Swissmar 11-Piece Sierra Fondue Set

The Swissmar 11-Piece Sierra Fondue Set is a durable and high-quality fondue pot made of enameled cast iron. It has a capacity of 51 ounces and uses ethanol gel as its heat source. The set includes a fondue pot, stand, and four color-coded fondue forks. It is available for $100 at Sur La Table.

Twine Enamel Cast-Iron Fondue Set

The Twine Enamel Cast-Iron Fondue Set is perfect for hosting fondue parties. It has a capacity of 48 ounces and uses ethanol gel as its heat source. The set includes a cast-iron pot, gel-fuel canister, and a cover plate that doubles as a resting place for fondue forks. The heavy cast-iron bottom resists discoloring and provides long-lasting heat. It is available for $70 at Amazon.

Fondue sets

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot:

This electric fondue pot is a great option for those seeking convenience and style. It features a brushed finish on the bowl and ring, and a mirrored finish on the stand and handles. The pot has a 3-quart capacity and a nonstick interior for easy cleaning. It comes with eight color-coded forks that can be rested on the ring. The temperature can be easily adjusted using the dial, making it suitable for melting cheese, chocolate, or even heating soups.

Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set:

The Swissmar Lugano fondue set exudes a rustic aesthetic with its 2-quart enameled cast iron pot and wrought iron stand. It includes six fondue forks with three tines for secure holding. The cast iron construction retains heat well, and the set comes with a gel container for fuel. This traditional fondue set is perfect for an authentic cheese fondue experience and can also be used for chocolate or broth.

Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot:

This affordable electric fondue pot is an excellent choice for those on a budget. It has a sturdy stainless steel housing and a variable dial for temperature control. The set includes six color-coded fondue forks. While the insert feels a bit less sturdy, it is still a great option for enjoying cheese or chocolate fondue with friends.

Swissmar Sierra Iron Fondue:

The Swissmar Sierra fondue set is a gorgeous addition to any table, featuring a 1.6-quart enameled cast iron pot, six forks, a splatter ring, a stand, a fuel burner, and a grooved wooden base. The heavy cast iron retains heat effectively, ensuring a consistent temperature for your fondue. This set is ideal for meat fondue but can also be used for cheese or chocolate.

Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set:

This enameled cast iron fondue set is perfect for meat fondue, whether you're cooking meat in hot oil or broth. The 1.5-quart pot can withstand high temperatures and is also suitable for cheese or chocolate fondue. The set includes color-coded forks, and the cast iron construction ensures even heat distribution and retention.

Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker:

The Dash Deluxe fondue maker is an excellent choice for fondue parties, featuring eight color-coded forks and attachable ingredient cups. It has a precise temperature dial and long cool-touch handles for safety. The 3-quart nonstick stainless steel pot is easy to clean and can be used for cheese, chocolate, broth, or oil fondue.

These fondue sets vary in price, with some budget-friendly options available for as low as $17.99, while more expensive sets can cost upwards of $100. The price often depends on the material, capacity, and whether it is electric or fuel-based.

Fondue forks

Fondue fork sets can be purchased from a variety of retailers, including Walmart, Home Depot, Swissmar, Kuhn Rikon, and Amazon. Prices range from $7 to $15 for a set of 6 to 12 forks. Some fondue pot sets also come with forks included. For example, the Cuisinart CFO-3SS 3-Quart Electric Fondue Pot comes with forks included and can be purchased from Walmart for $72.71. The Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot, available from Amazon for $34, also comes with six colour-coded fondue forks.

When choosing a fondue fork set, it is important to consider the type of fondue you will be making and the number of guests you will be serving. For a couple or a small group, a set of six forks may be sufficient, but for a larger group or a fondue party, a set of 12 forks may be more appropriate. It is also a good idea to choose a set with heat-resistant handles to protect your hands from the hot fondue.

In addition to the traditional two- or three-tined fondue forks, there are also some creative fondue fork options available. For example, the Trudeau Maison Fondue Forks come in a set of six assorted colours, adding a fun and playful touch to your fondue experience. The MUTOCAR fondue forks are also worth considering, as they are colour-coded and have heat-resistant handles, making it easy for guests to keep track of their own forks.

Fondue fuel

Meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures. The fondue pots for hot oil fondue are designed to withstand high heat and require a different type of fondue burner. Some burners require gel fuel cartridges, liquid fuel, or pourable gelled fondue fuel.

Liquid fuel, such as alcohol, creates more heat than gel fuel. If your burner supports both, you may want to use liquid alcohol fuel for hot oil and broth fondue. Gel fuel works well for cheese fondue, but you can also use alcohol fuel if you reduce the heat slightly.

• Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel 3 Ounce Fondue Fuel Tin, Set of 3
• Sterno 2 Pack 2.25 Hour Gel Fuel
• Sterno 2-Hour Green Heat Gel Chafing Fuel
• Fire Gel Cans, 3-Ounce, Set of 3
• Sterno Canned Heat Gel Chafing Fuel, 7-Ounce (Pack of 6)
• Coghlan's Fuel Stove Tablets, 24-Count
• Swiss Knight Fondue - L'Original From Switzerland, 14 Oz.
• Boska ‎Stainless Steel Fondue Burners - With Lighter Fluid
• Sterno Green Fuel Cans - Chafing Dish Fuel Can for Food Warmer & Portable Stoves, Ethanol Gel Cans with 2.25-Hour Burn Time, - Pack of 6
• Bio Ethanol Fireplace Fuel 1 Liter - Made in USA

Frequently asked questions