Fondue Shopping List: Essential Items For A Tasty Dip

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience that's best shared with friends. It involves melting cheese, chocolate, or other dips and dunking various foods into them. If you're looking to buy a fondue set, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, consider the type of fondue pot you want. Electric fondue pots are convenient and easy to use, but you'll need an outlet nearby. Traditional fondue pots use gel fuel or tea lights, which can be used anywhere but require extra care around the open flame.

Next, think about the size of the pot. Smaller pots are great for couples or appetizers, while larger pots are better for hosting fondue parties. The capacity of the pot will determine how much food it can hold, with most pots ranging from 1.5 to 3 quarts.

Finally, consider the material of the pot. Cast iron retains heat well but is heavy and expensive, while stainless steel and aluminum are cheaper and lighter but may heat unevenly. Ceramic fondue pots are also an option, offering good heat retention and a stylish look.

Some recommended fondue pots include the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot, Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set, and Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker. So, get your pot, gather your dippers, and get ready to dip into a delicious fondue experience!

Fondue pots

Electric Fondue Pots:

Electric fondue pots are convenient and provide excellent temperature control. They are a good choice if you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with fuel and open flames. Here are some recommended options:

• Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot: This pot has eight heat settings and a non-stick interior for easy cleaning. It can be used for various types of fondue, including oil, broth, chocolate, and cheese.
• Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker: This fondue maker comes with eight color-coded forks and attachable ingredient cups. It features a precise temperature dial and a removable non-stick stainless steel pot for easy cleaning.
• Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot: This affordable option has 11 variable temperature settings and includes six color-coded fondue forks. The inner pot and forks are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended for better results.

Traditional Fondue Pots:

Traditional fondue pots use gel fuel or tea lights as a heat source. They add a rustic and romantic atmosphere to your fondue experience. Here are some options to consider:

• Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set: This set features a 2-quart enameled cast iron fondue pot with a beautiful, rustic aesthetic. It includes six fondue forks, a stand, and a fuel burner. The cast iron construction retains heat well, and the enameled coating makes cleaning easier.
• Swissmar Sierra Iron Fondue: This gorgeous fondue set includes a 1.6-quart fondue pot, six forks, a splatter ring, a stand, a fuel burner, and a grooved wooden base. The heavy enameled cast iron pot retains heat effectively and can be used for various types of fondue.
• All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot: This gorgeous set includes a 3.5-quart outer pot and a 2.5-quart non-stick aluminum insert. It is versatile and can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. It includes color-coded forks, a burner stand, and a cover to extinguish flames.
• Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set: This enameled cast iron fondue set is perfect for meat, cheese, or chocolate fondue. It has excellent heat distribution and retention, keeping the contents consistently heated. The set includes a cast iron pot, a steel stand, and six fondue forks.
• Staub Mini Chocolate Fondue Set: This adorable and heavy-duty set is perfect for a date night. It includes a miniature cast iron cocotte, a separate cast iron base, and four forks. It is small and expensive but ideal for appetizer or dessert portions for two.

Fondue forks

Number of Prongs

Handle Material

Look for fondue forks with heat-resistant handles to protect your hands from the heat of the fondue pot. Wooden handles may not be the best choice as they can conduct heat and may become hot over time. Plastic or stainless steel handles with ergonomic designs offer a comfortable and steady grip.

Length

Colour Coding

Some fondue fork sets come with colour-coded handles, which is helpful for guests to keep track of their forks. This is particularly useful if someone sets their fork down or drops it, reducing the risk of mix-ups.

Material

Sets

Fondue fork sets typically come in packs of 6, 12, or more. It is a good idea to have at least two forks per person so that guests can cook and dip different types of food without having to wash forks in between.

Examples

• Swissmar fondue forks feature a sleek design with black, heat-resistant handles and 18/8 stainless steel shafts. They come in a set of 6, with two different styles: one with three curved tines for bread and cheese fondue, and the other with two sharp tines for meat fondue.
• BOSKA Food Tools offers the Monaco+ fondue forks, made of simple and sleek stainless steel that will complement any fondue set. They feature an ergonomic handle for a steady grip and three teeth to securely hold your food. These forks are dishwasher-safe.
• MUTOCAR offers a set of 9.5" stainless steel fondue forks in assorted colours, perfect for chocolate or cheese fondue. The handles are heat-resistant, and the set comes in a pack of 6 or 12.

Fondue fuel

Electric Fondue Pots

Electric fondue pots are a convenient and attractive option. They don't require any additional fuel purchases, and you can control the temperature with a simple dial. However, they do need to be plugged into a power outlet, which may limit where you can set up your fondue. They also tend to have shorter power cords, which can be a hassle.

Gel Fuel or Tea Lights

Fondue pots that use gel fuel or tea lights can be used anywhere, but you will need to be careful around the open flame. The temperature can be tricky to control and may get too hot, so it's important to monitor the heat and adjust as needed.

Sterno Chafing Fuel

Sterno chafing fuel is a type of canned heat source that can be used with some fondue pots. It provides a more consistent heat source than gel fuel or tea lights, but you will need to make sure you have fuel on hand and be careful around the open flame.

When choosing a fondue set, consider the type of fuel that is required and how easy it will be to control the temperature. Electric fondue pots offer precise temperature control but require an outlet, while gel fuel, tea lights, and Sterno fuel offer more portability but can be more difficult to adjust.

Fondue dippers

Breads and Crackers

A classic choice for a reason, crusty bread is usually the number one pick for cheese fondue. French bread, sourdough, rye, and baguettes are all excellent options for dipping into that cheesy goodness. Crackers can also be a great option for a crunchy texture contrast.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of fondue. Crisp, tart Granny Smith apples and Bosc pears are perfect for dipping, while raw or lightly steamed broccoli and cauliflower add a healthy touch. Bell peppers, especially the brightly coloured ones, are a tasty and colourful addition.

Meat and Seafood

For a heartier fondue experience, try dipping cooked meats such as meatballs, steak, chicken, or shrimp into your fondue. Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo are also excellent choices. Don't forget to include some fondue favourites like Lil Smokies!

Starches

Potatoes are a versatile option for fondue dippers. Try roasted baby potatoes, potato chips, or even tater tots for a fun twist. Pasta is another great choice, especially larger shapes like shells or rigatoni that can hold lots of fondue.

With these ideas in mind, you're well on your way to creating a delicious and memorable fondue spread for your next gathering!

Fondue ingredients

Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1960s and is often served as an appetizer or a main course. It involves melting cheese and dipping small pieces of food into it. The best cheeses for fondue are creamy, buttery, and melt smoothly, such as Gruyère, Swiss, Gouda, fontina, and Emmental. Here are some classic ingredients to dip into your cheese fondue:

• Bread: French bread or baguette cut into cubes is a classic choice and soaks up the cheese well.
• Fruits: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Bosc pears complement the creaminess of the fondue.
• Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, and asparagus add a fresh and crunchy element to the fondue.
• Meat: Cooked meatballs, cured meats like salami or prosciutto, and poached chicken are great options to dip into the cheese.
• Seafood: Grilled or sautéed shrimp goes well with a bold cheese fondue.
• Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes or potato chips provide a starchy contrast to the cheese.

For a chocolate fondue, you will want to dip sweeter items such as:

• Fruits: Strawberries, bananas, pears, and orange segments are classic choices.
• Sweets: Marshmallows, cake, cookies, and candy bars can be a fun addition.

Frequently asked questions