Marianne Martinez
Fondue is a communal dish that involves melting cheese or chocolate and dipping bread, meat, fruits, or vegetables into it. Fondue sets or makers typically consist of a pot with a heat source such as a portable fuel or electrical heating element placed directly below it. The pot can be made of cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic and is used to melt cheese or chocolate. The simplest fondue sets use tea lights as a heat source, while more deluxe sets have adjustable burners or electric heat sources. Fondue makers can also be used for other purposes, such as baking bread, making stews, or warming drinks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | A fondue maker is a type of cookware that consists of a pot with a heat source such as a portable cooking fuel or an electrical heating element placed directly below the pot. |
| Use | Used for a food preparation process known as fondues. |
| Pot fillings | The pot may be filled with cooking oil, wine, cheese, chocolate, or other ingredients depending on the food to be prepared. |
| Heating method | The pot is heated with a gel cooking fuel or electricity to bring the ingredients to a safe temperature that melts or fully warms the contents. |
| Food to be prepared | Typical foods that are prepared by fondue pots are small pieces of toast, bread, meat, fruits, or vegetables, that are dipped into the mixture and eaten as an appetizer or as part of a meal. |
| Origin of the word | The word fondue is a French term meaning "to melt." |
| Types of fondue sets | There are classic cast iron or stainless steel pots that come with a burner (electric, gel or alcohol-fuelled) underneath, or ceramic models with space for a tealight underneath to heat your chocolate or cheese. |
What You'll Learn
Fondue sets are a great addition to any winter table
A fondue set typically includes a pot, a heat source, and dipping forks. The pot is usually made of cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic, and it sits on top of a heat source such as a burner or tea light. The simplest sets use tea lights, while more deluxe sets come with stands, extra bowls, and fancier heat sources. The heat source can be electric, gel, or alcohol-fuelled, and it's important to follow the instructions carefully for safe use.
Fondue is traditionally made with melted cheese or chocolate, but you can also use cooking oil, wine, or other ingredients. You can dip a variety of foods into the fondue, such as bread, meat, fruits, or vegetables. It's a fun and indulgent way to enjoy a cosy dinner with friends or family during the cold winter months.
When shopping for a fondue set, consider the size of the pot, the type of heat source, and the included accessories. If you plan to host large fondue parties, look for a larger pot with a higher capacity. For a more intimate setting, a smaller pot will do. Make sure the set includes enough forks for your guests and consider whether you want a set with a stand or extra bowls for a more luxurious experience.
Fondue sets range in price and features, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs. Whether you're looking for a simple set for a cosy night in or a deluxe set to impress your dinner guests, there's a fondue set out there for you. So, why not add a fondue set to your winter table and enjoy some melted cheese or chocolate with friends? It's sure to be a fun and tasty experience!
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Fondue is a retro classic that's hard to beat
A fondue set gives you all the equipment needed to safely bring the ski chalet home. The simplest sets just need a tea light and a couple of dipping forks, while the more deluxe varieties come with beautiful stands or extra bowls for all your fondue fixings. Ideal for the party season, the solid cast iron or tactile ceramic mugs should keep the cheese or chocolate luxuriously smooth, warm, and runny.
Fondue sets are a lovely addition to any winter table and are perfect for upgrading dinner parties and elevating romantic evenings. They are a great way to make a meal interactive and fun, with rich ingredients. Fondue sets also make great gifts for couples and housewarmings.
Fondue sets come in a variety of materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic. They can be powered by electricity, gel fuel, or tea lights. Some sets even come with adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to prepare a variety of dishes such as cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, and meat fondue.
So, if you're looking for a fun and indulgent way to enjoy a cosy dinner with friends or family, a fondue set is a great choice. It's a retro classic that's hard to beat and will surely make your meals more enjoyable and interactive.
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Fondue sets typically have two designs
The cast iron or stainless steel design is a more traditional option and is often favoured for its durability and heat retention. The burner can be adjusted to control the heat, making it suitable for a variety of fondue recipes, from melting chocolate to frying meats and vegetables. This design usually includes a stand to hold the pot securely in place, as well as dipping forks. Some sets also include extra bowls and stands for a more elegant presentation.
The ceramic design, on the other hand, is often chosen for its simplicity and ease of use. It is typically heated by a tealight candle, which can be easily replaced as needed. While this design may not offer the same level of heat control as the burner-operated sets, it is perfect for gently melting chocolate or cheese. The ceramic pot is usually placed on a small wooden stand, and the set may also include dipping forks and serving bowls.
Both designs are excellent choices for a fondue enthusiast, offering a unique and interactive dining experience. They are perfect for dinner parties or romantic evenings, providing a cosy and indulgent meal to share with friends and family.
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The best fondue sets to buy for cheese and chocolate
Fondue is a French term meaning "to melt". It is a food preparation process where a pot is filled with cooking oil, wine, cheese, chocolate, or other ingredients. The pot is heated to bring the ingredients to a safe temperature, and food such as small pieces of toast, bread, meat, fruits, or vegetables are then dipped into the mixture. Fondue sets are a great addition to any winter table and are perfect for dinner parties or romantic evenings. Here are some of the best fondue sets to buy for cheese and chocolate:
Best Budget Fondue Set:
KitchenCraft 3-in-1 fondue set, £30.48. This set includes two different fondue bowls (ceramic and metal) and is heated by a refillable dual fuel burner. It also comes with six colour-coded forks and a metal stand to keep the fondue stable.
Best Stainless Steel Fondue Set:
Argos stainless steel fondue set, £30. This sleek set includes an alcohol burner and six forks that can be used for both cheese and chocolate. It can be heated using a tealight for low heat or liquid fuel for higher heat.
Best Fondue Set for a Party:
STAUB cast iron fondue set, from £99.95. This French-made fondue set includes six forks and has an enamel glaze on the base to prevent cheese from sticking. The cast iron body ensures even heat distribution, making it perfect for a long evening of fun.
Best Mini Fondue Set:
Boska tapas fondue set, £16.99. This mini fondue set has a capacity of 300ml (175g of cheese) and is perfect for a fun starter or as part of a winter tapas feast. The pot is kept warm by a tealight and can also be used for chocolate or small quantities of sauces and dips.
Best Designed Fondue Set:
Artesà deluxe fondue set, £66.95. This modern and practical set comes with a revolving base and smart serving bowls for different snacks. It includes six fondue forks and small spoons for extra toppings. It works with both cheese and chocolate, making it perfect for a fondue-based dinner party.
Best Cast Iron Fondue Set:
Le Creuset enamelled cast iron fondue set, £275. This top-quality cast iron set keeps food hot and is super-easy to clean thanks to its enamelled interior. It has an adjustable burner and can be used on the grill, oven, hob, and induction. The 1.6-litre set comes in a striking cerise red colour and includes six wooden and stainless-steel forks.
Most Versatile Fondue Set:
Princess fondue set, £46.56. This elegant, electric 1.5-litre fondue set has an easy temperature controller and a cast iron dish that retains heat well. It comes with bamboo handles, a housing stand, and eight colour-coded forks. It is a stylish and practical centrepiece for melted cheese and chocolate.
Most Traditional Fondue Set:
Swissmar Lugano cast iron cheese fondue set, £89. This stylish Swiss-made cast iron fondue set brings a taste of the Alps to your home. The solid pot is held by an ornate stand featuring a burner that can be fuelled with gel capsules. It has a nine-person capacity, making it perfect for family and friends.
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Fondue sets are perfect for dinner parties or romantic evenings
A fondue set typically consists of a pot with a heat source, such as a portable fuel burner or an electrical heating element, used to melt cheese, chocolate, or other ingredients. The simplest sets use tea lights, while more deluxe options offer beautiful stands and extra bowls. The sets also usually include long forks for dipping bread, meat, fruits, or vegetables into the melted goodness.
Fondue sets come in a variety of materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic, each with its own advantages. Cast iron, for example, is known for its excellent heat retention, while stainless steel is lightweight and easy to clean. Ceramic fondue sets, on the other hand, often have space for tea lights and are perfect for melting chocolate or cheese.
When choosing a fondue set, consider the size of your gathering. Larger sets with higher capacities are ideal for dinner parties, while smaller sets are perfect for romantic evenings or intimate gatherings. Additionally, look for features like adjustable heat settings, non-stick coatings, and stable bases to ensure a safe and enjoyable fondue experience.
Whether you opt for a traditional candle-lit set or a modern electric fondue pot, this versatile cookware is sure to impress your guests and add a unique touch to your dining experience. So, the next time you're planning a dinner party or a romantic night in, consider making it a fondue night!
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Frequently asked questions
A fondue maker is a type of cookware used to prepare and serve fondue, a dish where food is dipped into a communal pot of melted cheese, chocolate, or other ingredients.
Fondue makers typically consist of a pot with a heat source such as a portable fuel burner or an electrical heating element placed directly below it. The pot is heated to melt the ingredients, and the food is then dipped into the pot and eaten.
Fondue makers are typically used to melt cheese or chocolate for dipping. However, they can also be used for cooking meats, vegetables, and other foods in hot oil or broth.
Fondue pots can be heated using various types of fuel, including gel fuel, alcohol, or tea lights for lower temperatures. Electric fondue makers are also available, which offer more precise temperature control.
When purchasing a fondue maker, consider the size of the pot, the type of heat source, the ease of cleaning, and any additional accessories included, such as dipping forks or serving bowls.
