Vintage Fondue Pot: Guide To Using Your Retro Appliance

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends, family, or that special someone. The word fondue brings to mind images of joyous 70s dinner parties, with couples gathered around a warm pot of cheese, dunking all sorts of goodies into the creamy pool. Fondue sets can be found at thrift shops, flea markets, or even at retail prices, and they are not too costly. When using a vintage fondue pot, it's important to ensure it is in good working order, without any rust or excessive wear. Fondue pots can be heated using various methods, including tea lights, electric heat, or gel fuel like sterno. Always remember to use the proper equipment, including fondue forks, and never leave a hot fondue pot unattended. Now that you know the basics, get ready to dip, swirl, and enjoy some delicious fondue!

How to choose the right vintage fondue pot

When choosing a vintage fondue pot, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right one for your needs. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Condition: It is important to find a vintage fondue pot that is in good working condition. Inspect the pot for any signs of rust or excessive wear from previous owners. A well-maintained pot will not only look better but also ensure safe and proper functioning.
• Type of Fuel: Different vintage fondue pots use different types of fuel. The most common options are alcohol burners, gel fuel (such as sterno), tea lights, or butane burners. Each has its pros and cons, so choose one that suits your preferences. Alcohol burners and gel fuel tend to be popular choices for vintage pots.
• Material: The material of the pot will impact its heat retention and distribution. Common materials for vintage fondue pots include stainless steel, aluminum, enamelware, cast iron, ceramic, and copper. Each material has its own characteristics, so consider which type of fondue you plan to make most often. For example, stainless steel and aluminum are great for all types of fondue but require lower temperatures for cheese and chocolate to prevent burning. Enamelware and cast iron are versatile and suitable for all recipes.
• Size and Capacity: Consider the size of the pot and how much fondue you want to make at once. If you plan on hosting fondue parties or serving a large group, opt for a larger pot with a higher capacity. For smaller gatherings or intimate dinners, a smaller pot will suffice.
• Accessories: Ensure that the vintage fondue pot comes with all the necessary accessories, such as fondue forks, dipping bowls, and a burner. Fondue forks, in particular, are essential for safety and functionality, so make sure they are included. You can also look for additional accessories like sectioned plates, color-coded forks, grilling mitts, and tongs to enhance your fondue experience.
• Style and Design: Vintage fondue pots come in a variety of styles and designs. Consider the aesthetic you want to achieve and choose a pot that complements your other tableware and decor. You can find pots with retro designs, colorful finishes, or sleek and elegant styles.

Remember to inspect the vintage fondue pot thoroughly and ensure it meets your functional and aesthetic needs. With the right choice, you'll be able to enjoy delicious fondue dinners and impress your guests with your unique vintage fondue set.

How to light the burner

To light the burner of your vintage fondue pot and get your cheese bubbling, follow these steps:

Firstly, you need to fill the burner base with liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel. The amount of fuel you use will determine the burning time: use 2 ounces for 1 hour, and up to 3 ounces for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Place the burner cover on top of the base, then set the burner on the fondue stand and remove the cover.

Now you're ready to light the burner. Use a match and bring it towards the hole in the centre of the burner until the fuel catches. You can adjust the flame by moving the handle on the base of the burner. Exposing more holes in the top will raise the flame, while covering them will lower it.

To extinguish the flame, simply place the burner cover back on top of the burner base. Always wait for the burner to cool down before refilling it with fuel.

What foods to dip in chocolate fondue

When it comes to chocolate fondue, there is a wide variety of foods that can be dipped into the sweet, molten concoction. Here are some mouth-watering suggestions to get you started:

Fruits

Fresh fruits are a classic choice for chocolate fondue, with their natural sweetness and tanginess complementing the richness of the chocolate. Popular options include strawberries, bananas, pineapple, oranges, apples, grapes, and kiwis. Dried fruits, such as apricots, are also a great choice as they last longer and can be prepared in advance.

Pastries

Waffles, pancakes, churros, doughnuts, croissants, and marshmallows are perfect for dipping into chocolate fondue. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, fluffy interior creates a delightful textural experience.

Biscuits and Cookies

Shortbread, digestives, gingerbread, ladyfingers, Oreos, gingernut biscuits, custard creams, biscotti, and pink wafers are just a few examples of biscuits and cookies that can be dipped into chocolate fondue. The crunchy texture and varied flavours of these treats make them ideal for chocolate dipping.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, macadamias, and pecans are excellent choices for chocolate fondue. Their crunchy texture and savoury flavour provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.

Savouries

Pretzels, potato crisps, and even bacon strips can be dipped into chocolate fondue for a unique savoury-sweet combination. The salty and crunchy pretzels and potato crisps create an especially delightful contrast when paired with the chocolate.

Cakes and Sweets

Pound cake, sponge cake, brownies, fudge, and Turkish delight are all delicious options for dipping into chocolate fondue. The soft and fluffy texture of these cakes and sweets soaks up the chocolate, creating a decadent treat.

Other Treats

Other treats that can be dipped into chocolate fondue include coconut pieces, peanut butter balls, meringues, Rice Krispie treats, mini cheesecakes, and mini pancakes. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your own favourite combinations!

What cheeses to use

When it comes to making fondue, the cheese you choose is important. The best cheeses for fondue are those that are high-quality, high-fat, and buttery and/or creamy, as these melt the best. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of several types.

Traditional Swiss fondue uses a mix of Swiss-type cheeses with a little dry white wine. The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda, ideally in equal amounts. Together, these three create a rich and complex flavour. If you're looking for a more classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best: Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

Other good melting cheeses for fondue include Comté, Emmentaler, raclette, vacherin, cheddar, and Appenzeller. If you're making a beer fondue, cheddar is a good choice. If you're making a Swiss fondue, you could also try a mix of Gruyère, Emmentaler, and Appenzeller.

Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as these are coated with an anti-clumping additive that makes them harder to melt and greasier. Instead, grate your own cheese just before making the fondue for the smoothest results.

Fondue safety and etiquette

Fondue is a fun, casual, and unique dining experience. However, because it involves an open flame, hot liquids, and the sharing of utensils, there are several safety and etiquette guidelines to follow. Here are some tips to ensure a pleasant and safe fondue experience:

Safety:

• Always read the manufacturer's instructions for your fondue set before use, paying close attention to information regarding the fuel source and cleaning.
• When using an electric fondue set, ensure that the extension cord is securely taped down to the floor to prevent tripping hazards.
• For oil fondues, keep a fire extinguisher, snuffer lid, or box of baking soda nearby in case of flare-ups.
• Place the fondue pot on a heatproof trivet or a small cutting board to protect your table surface from heat damage.
• If children are participating, ensure they are closely supervised by an adult to prevent accidents.
• Never leave a hot fondue pot unattended, especially when there are small children around.

Etiquette:

• Provide each guest with their own fondue fork and dining fork.
• When dipping, use your fondue fork to spread or spear bite-sized pieces of food, then swirl or dip it into the fondue pot.
• Hold the dipped food over the pot or your plate to allow excess fondue to drip back into the pot and to let it cool.
• Avoid double-dipping, as it spreads germs.
• Do not put the fondue fork directly into your mouth. Instead, use your dining fork to slide the food off the fondue fork onto your plate before eating.
• If you drop food into the fondue pot, traditional fondue etiquette states that you must follow a consequence, such as kissing everyone at the table or providing the host with a bottle of wine.

Frequently asked questions