Fondue Fun: Best Sets For A Tasty Night In

Fondue is a fun and interactive meal, perfect for a dinner party or a romantic night in. While cheese fondue is the most well-known, meat and chocolate fondue are also traditional. There are many fondue sets available on the market, ranging from electric to traditional flame-fuelled options, and in a variety of materials including cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic. So, which are the best fondue sets?

Best overall fondue pot

If you're looking for the best overall fondue pot, the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot is a great choice. It's an attractive, stainless steel pot with a non-stick insert for easy cleanup – simply rinse clean in the sink or pop it in the dishwasher. It features eight heat settings, which cover the full range of fondue possibilities, from gently melting chocolate to heating oil for frying meats and veggies. The pot also comes with eight colour-coded forks and a ring insert to hold them in place.

The Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot is highly rated by Food & Wine, who named it the best overall fondue pot, and it also has a near-perfect 4.8-star rating out of almost 8,000 reviews on Amazon. It's available for $80 at Amazon, Walmart and Williams-Sonoma.

If you're looking for a more traditional option, the Swissmar 9-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set is a great choice for an authentic Swiss fondue experience. The cast iron pot is shaped like a caquelon, a classic Swiss vessel with a thick, flat bottom that's perfect for achieving a delicious, flaky cheese crust. It's suitable for both cheese and chocolate fondue, and the cast iron material ensures even heat distribution. The set includes six 3-prong forks, a tray, a fondue burner and a recipe card. It's available for $120 at Amazon and Williams Sonoma.

Best budget fondue pot

If you're looking for a fondue pot that's easy on the wallet, the Nostalgia 6-Cup Electric Fondue Pot Set is a great option. With a price tag of around $30-40, it's a much more affordable choice compared to other fondue pots on the market.

The Nostalgia fondue pot comes with six forks and a rotating dial at the base that allows you to adjust the temperature, making it perfect for heating up cheese, chocolate, or any other fondue creation. One of the benefits of this electric fondue pot is that you don't have to worry about open flames, and its 38-inch cord gives you flexibility in placing it on your counter or table.

While the Nostalgia fondue pot only has a capacity of 1.5 quarts, which is about half of some larger models, it's still a great option for entertaining small groups or even for a solo fondue night. So, if you're looking for a budget-friendly fondue pot that delivers on both function and fun, the Nostalgia 6-Cup Electric Fondue Pot Set is a fantastic choice.

Best Swiss fondue pot

Fondue is a Swiss dish that involves dunking bite-sized pieces of food into a pot of melted cheese or chocolate. It is an interactive meal that is perfect for dinner parties or romantic nights in.

If you're looking for a Swiss fondue pot, the Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set is a great option. It features a 2-quart enameled cast iron pot in the classic Swiss style, with a wrought-iron base that keeps the burning fuel and pot secure and stable. The set includes six fondue forks, a gel fuel canister, and a wrought-iron stand. It is available in cherry red, deep blue, and matte white.

Another Swiss-style option is the Swissmar Sierra Iron Fondue Set, which includes a 1.6-quart fondue pot with handles, six forks, a splatter ring, a stand, a fuel burner (fuel sold separately), and a grooved wooden base that protects your table from drips and spills. The pot is made of heavy, thick enameled cast iron that retains heat at both low and high temperatures.

If you're looking for something more modern, the Electric Fondue Set by Swissmar is an option. It is available in red or stainless steel and features an adjustable temperature dial and eight color-coded forks.

For a more compact option, the Swissmar Heidi or Gruyère Ceramic Fondue Sets are worth considering. These include ceramic pots, rechauds, six fondue forks, fondue burners, and recipe cards.

Swissmar also offers a range of fondue sets in different materials, including cast iron, copper, and stainless steel, with prices ranging from $89.95 to $139.95.

Best electric fondue pot

Electric fondue pots are a convenient alternative to traditional fondue pots as they don't require an open flame and are generally easier to set up and clean. Here are some of the best electric fondue pots on the market:

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

This electric fondue pot from Cuisinart is a popular choice and was named the "Best Overall" by Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats. It features eight easy-to-adjust heat settings, a nonstick insert for easy cleanup, and a brushed stainless steel finish. The pot has a capacity of 3 quarts and comes with eight colour-coded forks and a ring insert to hold them in place. It is available for $80 at Amazon, Williams-Sonoma, and Walmart.

Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot

This electric fondue pot from Nostalgia is a great budget option, usually priced at around $30. It features 11 heat settings and a sturdy electric base. The pot has a capacity of 1.5 quarts and comes with six colour-coded forks and a fork ring. However, the pot is a bit unstable and heats unevenly, making it more suitable for a small group of four people.

Oster Titanium Fondue Pot

The Oster Titanium Fondue Pot is another excellent electric option. It features a ceramic construction for even heat distribution, a 10-level adjustable heat dial, and a magnetic breakaway cord. The pot has a capacity of 3 quarts and comes with eight colour-coded forks and a fork holder ring. The nonstick interior also makes it easy to clean. However, some reviewers mention that the 30-inch cord can feel a bit short. It is available for $59.99 at Amazon.

Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker

The Dash Deluxe Fondue Maker is a great choice for fondue parties as it comes with eight colour-coded forks and attachable ingredient cups. It features a precise temperature dial and a removable nonstick stainless steel pot for easy cleaning. The pot has a capacity of 3 quarts, but the electric cord is quite short, which can be a hassle for larger groups. It is available for $60 at Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair.

Best cast iron fondue pot

If you're looking for a cast iron fondue pot, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the best ones:

Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set

This set is a great choice for those seeking a sturdy and versatile fondue pot. It has a 1.5-quart capacity, which is on the smaller side, but it can be used for chocolate, cheese, and even oil-based or meat fondue. The enameled cast iron construction allows for even heat distribution and retention, keeping your fondue at the perfect temperature. The set includes a steel stand and six forks, making it perfect for cozy date nights or small gatherings. It's available in red and white and is reasonably priced at $55.

Staub Mini Chocolate Fondue Set

If you're looking for something more compact and heavy-duty, the Staub Mini Chocolate Fondue Set is a great option. Made by a renowned cast iron cookware brand, this set includes a 0.25-quart miniature cocotte that can be used on a stovetop or in an oven. It also comes with a separate cast iron base that provides stability and security. While perfect for chocolate fondue, it can also be used for cheese. The set includes four forks and is available in matte black. However, it is on the pricier side, costing $135.

Swissmar Sierra Cast Iron Fondue Set

The Swissmar Sierra Cast Iron Fondue Set is a beautiful and functional option. It includes a 1.6-quart fondue pot with handles, six forks, a splatter ring, a stand, a fuel burner (fuel sold separately), and a wooden base. The enameled cast iron construction retains heat effectively, ensuring consistent temperatures during your meal. It is suitable for meat, cheese, and chocolate fondue, and can also be used for soups, dips, sauces, and oven or stovetop cooking. The wooden base adds a stylish touch and protects your table from spills. This set is available in gradient orange and cherry red, priced at $88.

Swissmar Lugano Cast Iron Fondue Set

For a more traditional option, the Swissmar Lugano Cast Iron Fondue Set is a great choice. This 2-quart enameled cast iron pot has a rustic aesthetic and excellent heat retention. It can be used directly on a stove, eliminating the need for an extra pot to melt the cheese. The wrought iron stand securely holds a gel container for fuel, keeping your fondue warm. The set includes six three-tined fondue forks and a 3-ounce fire gel container to get you started. It's available in deep blue, matte white, and cherry red, priced at $120.

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