Fondue Set Buying Guide: Select The Perfect Fondue Set

Fondue is a fun and social way to eat, but it's important to ensure you have the right equipment. The type of fondue set you need depends on the ingredients you want to use and the number of people you want to serve. There are four main types of fondue sets: cheese, hot oil/broth, dessert/chocolate, and electric.

Cheese fondue sets are usually made of ceramic or earthenware, have a flat bottom, and a large opening for dipping. Hot oil/broth fondue pots are made of stainless steel, copper, or cast iron to withstand very high temperatures. Dessert/chocolate fondue pots are smaller and made of earthenware, ceramic, porcelain, or tempered glass. Electric fondue sets are versatile and can be used for all types of fondue.

When choosing a fondue set, consider the number of people you want to serve. A 1L fondue pot may come with four fondue forks but could serve up to six people. It's also important to consider the power source of the fondue pot. Electric fondue pots need an outlet nearby, while those that use gel fuel or tea lights can be used anywhere but require careful monitoring of the open flame.

Fondue pot material: Ceramic for cheese/chocolate, metal for meat/seafood

When choosing a fondue pot, it's important to consider the type of fondue you want to make, as different materials are better suited for cheese, chocolate, meat, or seafood fondues.

Ceramic fondue pots are ideal for cheese and chocolate fondues. They typically have a flat bottom and a large opening, making it easy to dip various foods into the fondue. Ceramic pots are also great at conducting heat, which is essential for keeping the cheese or chocolate melted and smooth. They are not suitable for hot oil fondue, however, as they cannot withstand very high temperatures without cracking.

For meat and seafood fondues, a metal fondue pot is the best option. Metal pots, such as those made of stainless steel, copper, or cast iron, can withstand the high temperatures required for cooking meat and seafood. They also retain heat well, keeping your fondue at the perfect temperature throughout your meal.

Electric fondue pots are also a popular choice, as they offer convenience and excellent heat control. They can be used for various types of fondue, including cheese, chocolate, oil, broth, and meat. However, they do require a power outlet nearby to operate.

When choosing a fondue pot, it's also important to consider the size of the pot, the number of people you'll be serving, and the ease of cleaning.

Number of people: The number of forks indicates how many people a set is suitable for

When choosing a fondue set, it's important to consider the number of people you plan to serve. The number of forks included in a fondue set indicates how many people it is suitable for. For example, a fondue set with six forks is designed for six people. However, it's also important to consider the capacity of the fondue pot. A larger pot may accommodate more people than the number of included forks. For instance, a 1L fondue pot with four forks can typically serve six people.

The amount of fondue required per person depends on whether it will be served as a meal or an appetizer. For a meal, each person will typically consume around 200 grams of cheese fondue, while for an appetizer, 100 grams per person is sufficient. If you're serving big eaters, you may need to increase the amount to 250 grams for a meal or 125 grams for an appetizer.

It's worth noting that these are just estimates, and you can always add more cheese fondue to a small pot or fill a large pot with less fondue. Adjusting the burner temperature can help maintain the desired temperature without burning the cheese.

When planning your fondue party, it's also important to consider the type of fondue you want to serve. Cheese and chocolate fondues are typically served as appetizers, while meat fondues can be served as a main course. The type of fondue will also determine the appropriate fondue pot material. Ceramic fondue pots are suitable for cheese and chocolate fondues that don't require high heat, while metal fondue pots are used for meat and seafood fondues cooked at higher temperatures.

Fondue type: Cheese, meat, chocolate, broth, oil, etc

The type of fondue you plan to make will determine the type of fondue pot you need. There are four commonly prepared types of fondue: cheese, chocolate, oil (also known as meat fondue), and broth.

Cheese fondue is the traditional Swiss dish of melted cheese and wine, served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks. Cheese fondue sets are typically made of ceramic or earthenware, have a flat bottom, and a large opening to accommodate dipping.

Chocolate fondue involves dipping fruit, sweets, or other treats into melted chocolate. Chocolate fondue pots are usually smaller than cheese or meat fondue pots and are made of earthenware, ceramic, porcelain, or tempered glass.

Oil fondue, also known as meat fondue or fondue bourguignonne, involves cooking meat in hot oil. Oil fondue pots must be able to withstand very high temperatures without cracking, so they are typically made of stainless steel, copper, or cast iron.

Broth fondue, also known as fondue chinoise, is similar to oil fondue in that meat is cooked in a hot liquid, but instead of oil, a flavoured broth is used. Broth fondue pots are similar to oil fondue pots in that they need to withstand high temperatures, so they are typically made of stainless steel, copper, or cast iron.

Fondue pot size: Smaller for couples, larger for parties

When choosing a fondue pot, the number of people you plan to host is an important consideration. Fondue sets typically come with fondue forks for each guest, and the capacity of the pot should also be considered. For couples, a smaller fondue pot will suffice, while larger groups will require a bigger pot.

For couples or fondue as an appetizer, a smaller pot with a capacity of around 1.5 quarts should be adequate. These smaller pots are also easier to store and generally more affordable. If you plan to host fondue parties or have a large family, a larger pot is recommended. Pots with a capacity of 3 to 3.5 quarts are ideal for accommodating larger groups.

It's worth noting that bigger isn't always better when it comes to fondue pots. You'll want to ensure you have the right capacity for your party, and a smaller batch of fondue in a huge pot is more likely to scorch. Therefore, it's essential to choose a pot size that aligns with your intended usage.

Additionally, the type of fondue you plan to make will influence the size of the pot. For cheese fondue, it is recommended to have about half a pound of cheese per person, which equates to approximately 2 cups when melted. For chocolate fondue, prepare at least 2 ounces per person.

Fondue set power source: Electric, gel fuel, tea lights, etc

When choosing a fondue set, it's important to consider the power source, as this will determine the convenience, portability, and versatility of your set. Here are the most common power sources for fondue sets:

Electric Fondue Sets

Electric fondue sets are popular because they are easy to use and control. They are powered by electricity and have adjustable thermostats to regulate the temperature, making them suitable for various types of fondue, including cheese, chocolate, and oil. Electric fondue sets are also generally easy to clean, with many models featuring non-stick coatings. Additionally, they do not require any fuel, making them safer than fuel-based options. However, they may take longer to heat up and might not distribute heat as evenly as fuel-based pots. It's also important to consider the length of the power cord and whether an extension cord is needed.

Fuel-Based Fondue Sets

Fuel-based fondue sets use heat sources such as denatured alcohol, sterno cans, gel fuel, or butane fuel. They are known for their quick heating and ability to maintain consistent temperatures, making them ideal for cooking meat and vegetables. They also add a slightly smoky flavour to your fondue. These sets are portable and perfect for outdoor use, such as picnics or romantic dinners. However, they require careful handling due to the open flame, and frequent cleaning is necessary to manage fuel residue.

Tea Light Candles

Tea light candles are commonly used as a heat source for small chocolate fondue pots. They are suitable for heating chocolate because of their low heat output. Candles provide a simple and inexpensive way to enjoy chocolate fondue, but they may not be powerful enough for other types of fondue.

Frequently asked questions