Fondue Set Buying Guide: What To Know Before You Buy

Fondue sets are a fun and interactive way to enjoy food with friends and family. They are perfect for romantic dinners, parties, or as a gift for a housewarming. Fondue sets are versatile, allowing you to make appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all while adding a unique and entertaining element to your dining experience. With a fondue set, you can indulge in the rich taste of chocolate fondue, dipping fresh fruits, marshmallows, cookies, and sweets. They are also great for creating delicious melted cheese dips, perfect for meats, breads, and more. When purchasing a fondue set, you can choose from a variety of options, including stainless steel, electric, or cast iron sets, with different features such as temperature control and detachable serving trays.

Fondue set materials: stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, etc

When choosing a fondue set, the material of the pot is an important consideration. Here are the pros and cons of some of the most common fondue set materials:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel fondue pots are durable and long-lasting. They are usually easy to clean and often feature a non-stick coating, making them low-maintenance. Stainless steel is a good conductor of heat, so it heats up quickly. However, stainless steel can be prone to heating unevenly, which may cause scorching. Stainless steel fondue pots are often electric, offering greater temperature control than manual fondue sets. Examples include the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot and the Nostalgia Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot.

Cast Iron

Cast iron fondue sets, such as the Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set and the Staub Mini Chocolate Fondue Set, are known for their heat retention, keeping your fondue at a steady temperature. They are versatile and can be used on stovetops, in ovens, or with fuel burners. While cast iron has excellent heat retention, it can be challenging to adjust the temperature, and cast iron sets are typically more difficult to clean.

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron, like that of the Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set, combines the benefits of cast iron with a smooth coating that makes cleaning easier. It heats up faster than regular cast iron and has excellent heat retention. However, the enamel coating can be delicate and prone to scratches from fondue forks.

Ceramic

Ceramic fondue pots, such as the Boska Tea Light Tapas Fondue Set, are slow to heat up but excellent at retaining heat once they reach the desired temperature. They are generally easy to clean and can be dishwasher-safe. However, their main drawback is the lack of temperature adjustability, especially with manual models that use tealights.

Electric vs non-electric fondue sets

When it comes to choosing a fondue set, one of the most important considerations is whether to go for an electric or non-electric option. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Electric fondue sets are a convenient and modern option. One of the main benefits of electric fondue pots is their ease of use and temperature control. They allow you to adjust the heat with the simple turn of a dial, making it easy to melt different types of fondue, including cheese, chocolate, and broth or oil for cooking meat. They also eliminate the need to buy or store fuel, as they simply plug into an outlet. However, one drawback of electric fondue sets is that they require access to a power source, which may limit where you can use them. Additionally, some people may prefer the traditional aesthetic of non-electric fondue pots.

Non-electric fondue sets, also known as manual fondue pots, typically use an open flame as their heat source. This can be a tealight candle, gel fuel, or chafing fuel. One advantage of manual fondue sets is their portability—since they don't require an outlet, you can use them anywhere. They also tend to have a romantic, old-world aesthetic that electric fondue pots may lack. However, one of the main drawbacks of non-electric fondue sets is the lack of temperature control. It can be difficult to adjust the heat, and open flames can be a safety hazard, especially if you have children or pets around. Additionally, some manual fondue pots require you to melt the fondue on a stovetop before transferring it to the pot, which can be inconvenient.

In terms of materials, electric fondue sets typically feature stainless steel or ceramic bowls, while non-electric fondue sets are often made from cast iron or enameled cast iron, which has excellent heat retention but can be difficult to adjust in terms of temperature.

Ultimately, the decision between an electric and non-electric fondue set comes down to personal preference. If you value convenience and temperature control, an electric fondue pot may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you want a portable and traditional option, a non-electric fondue set might be more suitable.

Fondue set capacity: 2-12 cups

When buying a fondue set, it's important to consider the capacity you'll need. Fondue sets can range in size from a single cup to more than a gallon, and the right choice for you will depend on how many people you plan to serve and whether you intend to use your fondue set for meals or snacks.

If you're preparing cheese fondue as a meal, you can expect each person to eat around 200 grams of cheese fondue, or 250 grams if your guests are big eaters. For a fondue snack or appetizer, you can assume around 100 grams of cheese fondue per person, or 125 grams for big eaters.

The Nostalgia 6-Cup Electric Fondue Pot Set is a popular choice, ideal for entertaining guests or spending quality time with family. It features an adjustable temperature control, allowing you to achieve the perfect consistency for your fondue, whether you're using cheese or chocolate. The pot is made of stainless steel and has a 1.5-quart capacity. It comes with six color-coded fondue forks, a support ring, and cool-touch side handles for safe and easy handling.

For a larger option, you might consider the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Electric Fondue Pot Set. This set also features temperature control and includes six color-coded forks. It has a 3-quart capacity and is suitable for cheese, chocolate, hot oil, and broth.

If you're looking for something more compact, the Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set is a sturdy and versatile option with a 1.5-quart capacity. It includes six forks and the pot sits on a steel stand, keeping it stable and centred over the heat source.

When choosing a fondue set, remember that you can always add more cheese fondue to a smaller pot or fill a larger pot with less fondue. So, whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a large party, there's a fondue set that's perfect for your needs.

Fondue set accessories: forks, dipping bowls, tea light candles, etc

When buying a fondue set, it's important to consider the accessories that come with it to ensure you have everything you need for a complete fondue experience. Here are some essential fondue set accessories to look out for:

Forks

Fondue forks are essential for dipping and eating your fondue. Look for sets that include multiple forks, usually between four to eight, to accommodate multiple guests. The forks can be made of stainless steel or other materials, ensuring they are durable and easy to clean.

Dipping Bowls

While some fondue sets include a central pot for melting chocolate or cheese, others come with individual dipping bowls or mugs. These smaller containers allow each person to have their own portion for dipping, which can be more hygienic and convenient.

Tea Light Candles

Many fondue sets use tea light candles as a heat source to keep the fondue warm. These candles are placed underneath the fondue pot or bowl, providing gentle and even heat distribution. Look for sets that include multiple tea light candles so you don't have to purchase them separately.

Other Accessories

In addition to the essentials mentioned above, some fondue sets offer additional accessories to enhance your experience:

• Fondue burner or stove: Some sets include a burner or stove that serves as an alternative heat source to tea light candles.
• Temperature control: Electric fondue sets may feature temperature control settings, allowing you to adjust the heat to suit different types of fondue.
• Serving trays or plates: These can be useful for holding dipped foods or for serving the fondue itself.
• Fondue fork colour-coding: Some sets provide colour-coded forks, making it easier for guests to identify their own fork during the meal.

When purchasing a fondue set, consider your specific needs and the number of people you plan to serve. Ensure that the set includes all the necessary accessories for a complete fondue experience, from forks and bowls to heat sources like tea light candles.

Fondue set prices: $14-$200

Fondue sets are available at a wide range of price points, with some sets priced between $14 and $200.

On the lower end of the price range, you can find fondue sets that include a pot, a tea light holder, and dipping forks. These sets typically cost between $14 and $20. For example, Walmart offers a chocolate fondue pot and butter warmer bowl set with four dipping forks and a tea light holder for $19.97. A similar set with a heart-shaped bowl is also available from Walmart for $17.99.

If you're looking for a larger fondue pot, you can find sets that include a 12-cup electric fondue pot and six to twelve forks for around $30. These sets typically have temperature control features and removable pots, making them convenient and easy to use.

For a unique and stylish option, you can also find fondue sets with a cascading chocolate fondue fountain. These sets are perfect for parties and special occasions, adding a touch of elegance to your fondue experience. The price of these sets typically starts at around $30 and can go up to $200, depending on the brand and features included.

When choosing a fondue set, consider your budget, the number of people you'll be serving, and the type of fondue you plan to make. With a variety of options available, you're sure to find a set that suits your needs and enhances your fondue experience.

Frequently asked questions