Building Your Own Fondue Maker: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. If you're looking to create your own fondue maker, there are a few key components you'll need to consider. Firstly, you'll need a heat source, which can be either electric or fuel-based. Electric fondue pots offer more precise temperature control and are generally safer, especially if you have children around. However, fuel-based options like gel fuel, chafing fuel, or tea light candles can create a romantic atmosphere and are great for maintaining consistent heat.

The next important component is the pot itself. Cast iron, enameled cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum are common materials used for fondue pots. Cast iron and enameled cast iron have excellent heat retention but can be heavy and expensive. Stainless steel and aluminum are more lightweight and affordable but may heat unevenly. The size of the pot will depend on the number of people you plan to serve, with a capacity of 3 to 3.5 quarts being suitable for a party. Don't forget to include long, thin fondue forks with your setup, as well as plates, bowls, and other serving utensils.

With these components in mind, you can start assembling your fondue maker. Ensure that the heat source is stable and secure, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safety. Fondue is a fun and versatile dish, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses, chocolates, and dippers to find your favorite combinations!

Choosing a fondue pot

When choosing a fondue pot, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the heat source. You can opt for an electric fondue pot that plugs into the wall, or a traditional fondue pot that is warmed by a heat canister, creating an open flame. Electric pots are more convenient and safer if you have young children or pets, but you'll need to ensure your setup is close to an outlet. Traditional pots offer more flexibility in terms of placement but require purchasing a separate heat source and may pose a safety hazard.

Next, consider the size of the pot. If you plan on using it for entertaining guests, go for a larger size. For a romantic dinner for two or a small group of friends, a smaller pot will suffice. The capacity of fondue pots can range from a single cup to over a gallon, so choose one that suits your needs.

The material of the pot is another important factor. Cast iron is an excellent choice for even heat distribution but can be heavy and expensive. Enameled cast iron adds a smooth coating that makes cleaning easier. Stainless steel and aluminum are more affordable and lightweight but may heat unevenly. Ceramic fondue pots provide even heat distribution and are suitable for various types of fondue.

Finally, think about the ease of cleaning. Some fondue pots are dishwasher-safe, while others require hand washing. If you prefer convenience and don't want to hand wash, opt for a dishwasher-safe model.

Selecting the right cheese

• Go for high-quality, good-melting cheeses: Opt for high-quality, buttery, and creamy cheeses that melt smoothly. The best all-around cheeses for fondue include Fontina, Gruyère, and Gouda. These cheeses complement each other well and create a rich, smooth flavour and texture.
• Mix different types of cheese: Combining different cheeses, such as Fontina, Gruyère, and Gouda in equal amounts, creates a well-rounded fondue. You can also experiment with other combinations, such as a mix of Swiss cheeses or adding in Cheddar for a less traditional but still tasty option.
• Grate the cheese: Grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. This ensures a smoother fondue and faster melting. Finely grate the cheese to speed up the melting process and avoid lumps.
• Toss cheese with cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the fondue and prevents clumping. Toss the grated cheese with cornstarch before adding it to the pot for a smoother consistency.
• Add cheese slowly and stir constantly: Avoid dumping all the cheese into the pot at once. Add small handfuls of cheese while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free fondue.
• Keep the heat at medium-low: Maintain a medium-low heat to prevent the cheese from burning or struggling to melt. Start on medium heat, then turn it down once the first batch of cheese has melted.

Preparing the ingredients

Fondue is a great way to socialise at a dinner party and enjoy a variety of delicious foods. It is also a good way to stretch resources, as it was originally intended. The following ingredients are required to make a classic Swiss fondue:

• 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese (8 oz)
• 2 cups of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (8 oz)
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 1 clove of garlic, cut in half
• 1 cup of dry white wine or non-alcoholic white wine
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of kirsch, dry sherry, brandy or non-alcoholic white wine
• 1 loaf (1 lb) of French bread, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Apple and pear slices (optional)

Place the cheeses and flour or cornstarch in a resealable plastic food storage bag and shake until the cheese is coated. Rub the garlic on the bottom and sides of the fondue pot, heavy saucepan or skillet, then discard the garlic. Add the wine and heat over a simmer setting on the fondue pot or over low heat until bubbles start to rise to the surface (do not boil). Stir in the lemon juice.

Melting the cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture, about half a cup at a time, stirring constantly with a wire whisk over low heat until melted. Keep the temperature low—cheese doesn't need high heat to melt. Stir in the kirsch, brandy or cognac.

Dippers

The dipping options for fondue are endlessly customisable. Here are some ideas:

• Raw crudités like carrots, radishes, and endive leaves
• Cooked vegetables like roasted brussels sprouts, blanched broccoli, or steamed green beans
• Cubes of crusty bread, such as sourdough, rye or pumpernickel
• Soft pretzel bites, focaccia, or caraway croutons
• Sliced apples, pears, or cornichons
• Poached shrimp, bites of cooked filet mignon, or small rolls of prosciutto
• Meat such as cubed steak, chicken, meatballs, shrimp, sausage, or leftover prime rib
• Frozen foods like onion rings, cheese curds, breaded ravioli, sweet potato fries, tater tots, breaded shrimp, jalapeno poppers or fish nuggets
• Vegetables like summer squash, cauliflower, green beans, carrot slices, zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms or cubed potatoes

Heating and melting

If you're using an electric fondue pot, simply plug it in and adjust the temperature dial to the desired setting. Electric fondue pots usually have multiple heat settings, allowing you to melt different types of fondue, from chocolate to oil.

On the other hand, if you have a traditional flame-fueled fondue pot, you'll need to use a heat source such as a candle or gel fuel. These types of pots require initial preheating, and it's important to note that the temperature can be difficult to adjust.

Regardless of the type of fondue pot you're using, it's important to keep the temperature low when melting cheese. Adding wine to your cheese fondue can help keep it smooth and creamy, as the acidity of the wine prevents the sauce from clumping or breaking. Additionally, tossing the shredded cheese with flour or cornstarch before adding it to the pot can help ensure a smooth and dippable consistency.

When making chocolate fondue, it's important to keep the heat low and stir often to prevent the chocolate from overheating and breaking. Bittersweet chocolate works best for fondue, and it's recommended to use chopped bars or feves instead of chips for the smoothest melt.

For oil-based fondues, you'll need to heat the oil to a higher temperature, around 375°F. This type of fondue is ideal for deep-frying meats and breaded foods.

Always be cautious when working with heat sources, and ensure that your fondue pot is stable and secure to avoid any accidents.

Serving and presentation

Now that you've built your fondue maker, it's time to think about how you'll serve your fondue. Here are some tips and ideas for serving and presenting your fondue creation:

Choose the Right Fondue Pot

The type of fondue pot you choose will depend on the number of guests you're serving and the type of fondue you're making. For a romantic date night, a smaller pot with a capacity of 1-1.5 quarts will suffice. If you're hosting a dinner party, opt for a larger pot with a capacity of 3-3.5 quarts. Electric fondue pots are great for temperature control, while traditional flame-fueled pots add a romantic atmosphere.

Prepare Your Dippers

The dipping options for fondue are endless! For cheese fondue, cubed bread, raw or cooked vegetables, and cured meats are classic choices. Don't forget to include some fruit, such as apple and pear slices, for a sweet contrast to the savoury cheese. For chocolate fondue, offer an assortment of marshmallows, pretzels, strawberries, bananas, and other fruits.

Safety First

Fondue involves hot liquids, so it's important to take some safety precautions. Use fondue forks with colour-coded handles to prevent mix-ups, and ensure they have sharp tines to prevent food from slipping off. Secure the cords of electric fondue pots to prevent tripping hazards. Always supervise children around the fondue pot.

Presentation Ideas

Presentation is key to making your fondue night a success. Here are some ideas to elevate your fondue presentation:

• Use a lazy Susan to arrange your dippers around the fondue pot, making it easy for guests to access.
• For a retro fondue party vibe, scour eBay for vintage fondue plates and pots.
• If you're serving multiple types of fondue, use different coloured fondue forks for each fondue to avoid cross-contamination.
• For a fun dessert option, offer a chocolate fondue fountain. Your guests will love dipping marshmallows, fruit, and pretzels in the flowing chocolate!

Frequently asked questions