Keep Your Fondue Hot: Tips For A Perfect Melting Pot

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to entertain guests, but it's important to keep the fondue warm to avoid a cold, gloopy mess. A fondue stove is the best way to keep the cheese melted and follow the traditional presentation. These are usually sold as part of a fondue set, which includes a small stove with a burner, a small copper or stainless steel pot, and a set of forks. If you don't have a fondue set, you can use a small tabletop stove or hotplate, ensuring that the flame or heat can be turned down extremely low. Alternatively, you can suspend the pot over a tealight candle, which will be enough to keep the fondue warm if the pot has been preheated.

Use a special fondue stove or hotplate

To keep your fondue hot, you can use a special fondue stove or hotplate. These are usually sold as part of a "fondue set", which includes a small stove with a burner, a small copper or stainless steel pot, and a set of forks. The important thing is that you can safely place the stove on your dining table and that the flame or heat can be turned down extremely low—the sauce only needs to be kept at a simmer.

If you don't have a designated fondue burner, there are several small tabletop stoves or hotplates on the market that will serve the purpose. Just make sure that you can safely place the stove on your dining table and that it has a low enough heat setting. It is best to use a designated fondue burner, however, as it will be the safest and most aesthetically pleasing option.

You would normally seat a maximum of four guests around such a stove, so if you have more people, you will need a second stove and saucepan.

A Crock-Pot can also be used to keep cooked fondue warm.

Suspend the pot over a tealight candle

Keeping your fondue warm is essential to the fondue experience. One way to do this is to suspend the pot over a tealight candle. This method is ideal for chocolate and dessert fondues that do not require high heat.

Fondue pots made from ceramic earthenware are a good option for this purpose. They are easy to clean, have a glossy glaze, and can melt cheese or chocolate quickly without the need for a stove. These fondue sets usually come with a tealight candle base, a pot, and fondue forks.

Metal wire stands can also be used to suspend ceramic ramekins over tea lights, keeping the contents warm without burning them. This method is suitable for dips, hot sauces, seasonings, appetizers, and side dishes.

When using a tealight candle to keep your fondue warm, it is important to note that the flame should be very low to prevent burning the fondue.

Heat the fondue on your kitchen stove before serving

Heating your fondue on your kitchen stove before serving is a good idea if you don't have a suitable heat source on the table. It's important to note that this method is not ideal and should only be used when there are no other alternatives. The problem is that the contents of the fondue pot will cool down after about 20 minutes, so you'll need to carry the pot back to the stove to reheat it from time to time.

If you're going to use this method, it's best to use a heavy-bottomed pan to make the fondue on the hob, ensuring it's hot when it reaches the table. You can then try to rig up a trivet to stand the pan on, with a couple of tealights underneath, to keep some heat under the pan while you eat.

If you're making a cheese fondue, the secret to creating the perfect fondue is to have your cheese grated and ready to go straight into the hot wine. For quicker melting and a smooth fondue, grate the cheese instead of chopping it. The grated cheese melts faster and more evenly than chopped cheese, leading to smoother results.

If you're making a cheese fondue, it's also important to toss the cheese with cornstarch first. Cornstarch helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. Flour can be used in a pinch, but cornstarch leaves less of an aftertaste and makes the fondue gluten-free.

Crock-Pots can keep cooked fondue warm

Fondue is a fun cooking method for serving a meal to a small group. It can be used for cooking meat or seafood, or for preparing different types of dipping sauces. The type of fondue pot you use will depend on the type of fondue you are making. For instance, a ceramic fondue pot is used for preparing cheese and chocolate (dessert) fondues that do not require high heat. A metal fondue pot is used for fondues that require high heat, such as meat and seafood.

A Crock-Pot is a great option for keeping cooked fondue warm. The very nature of crockpot cooking is low and slow, making it perfect for keeping fondue warm without burning it. Simply place all your ingredients into the crockpot, turn the heat to high, and cover for an hour and a half. Stir every fifteen minutes or so. The last few minutes should be uncovered to allow any excess moisture to escape.

If you are making a cheese fondue, finely shredded cheese melts the easiest. Alcohol, such as wine, champagne, or beer, added to the cheese fondue enhances the flavor and prevents curdling. If the fondue starts to separate or curdle, beat in some freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes smooth.

Fondue is typically served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. It is important to note that fondue should be served in small groups of no more than four people per pot. This is to ensure that the fondue stays warm and is easily accessible to everyone at the table.

Metal pots are better for oil-fried fondue, ceramic for cheese and chocolate

Metal pots are better for oil-fried fondue, while ceramic is the best choice for cheese and chocolate fondue. Here's why:

Metal fondue pots are ideal for high-heat cooking, such as frying meats and seafood in hot oil or broth. They efficiently transfer heat, but this also means that the heat is not distributed evenly, which can cause cheese or chocolate fondue to scorch. Metal fondue pots are typically made of stainless steel or cast iron and often come with adjustable temperature controls. Some metal pots even have a porcelain insert that can be added when using cheese or chocolate to prevent scorching.

Ceramic fondue pots, on the other hand, are perfect for cheese and chocolate fondue because they distribute heat evenly, reducing the likelihood of burning. Their heavy, shallow design ensures consistent heating without hot spots. Ceramic pots are usually made of glazed ceramic or enameled cast iron and are often paired with an adjustable heat source, such as a candle, gel fuel, or liquid fuel. They are not suitable for high-heat cooking, like frying meats in oil.

Electric fondue pots are another option that can be used for any type of fondue, including cheese, chocolate, oil, and broth. They offer precise temperature control and are very convenient, but they require a power outlet nearby.

When choosing a fondue pot, it's important to consider the type of fondue you want to make and the number of people you plan to serve. For oil-fried fondue, a metal pot is the best choice, while ceramic is ideal for cheese and chocolate fondue. Additionally, larger pots are better for hosting fondue parties, while smaller pots are great for couples or appetizers.

Frequently asked questions