Fondue Pot Shopping: Switzerland's Best Retail Spots

Fondue is a Swiss dish that typically consists of melted cheese and wine served in a communal pot, also known as a caquelon or fondue pot. It is eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. Fondue sets are available for purchase in Switzerland from various retailers, including Kuhn Rikon, Swissmar, and Amazon. These sets typically include a fondue pot, a warming stand or burner, and fondue forks. Prices for these sets can range from around $40 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the material, size, and brand.

Online shops

There are several online shops where you can buy fondue pots in Switzerland. Here are some options:

Kuhn Rikon

Kuhn Rikon offers a wide range of fondue pots with different designs and materials, including cast iron, ceramic, and stainless steel. Their prices range from CHF 69 to CHF 249, with some sets including forks and other accessories. They offer climate-neutral delivery within 2-3 working days and free delivery for orders over CHF 80.

Swissmar Shop

The Swissmar Shop provides a variety of fondue sets, such as the Cast Iron Fondue Set in Lugano, the Ceramic Fondue Set in Heidi, and the Copper Fondue Set in Lausanne. The prices start at $89.95 and go up to $139.95. They also offer fondue accessories like plates, gel fuel, and replacement pots.

Amazon

Amazon offers the Swissmar KF-66517 Lugano 2-Quart Cast Iron Cheese Fondue Set, which includes a cast iron pot, a wrought iron stand, six fondue forks, and a burner. It has excellent reviews for its quality, ease of cleaning, and heat distribution. The set is available in different colours and is priced at $119.95.

Stöckli Haushalt online Shop

Stöckli offers a comprehensive range of fondue sets, pots, and accessories. Their products vary in materials, including ceramics, cast iron, steel-enamel, and stainless steel. They also provide fondue plates, forks, and other utensils to complete your fondue experience. The prices vary depending on the specific product.

Swiss shops

Fondue is a Swiss dish that is typically made up of melted cheese and wine, served in a communal pot. If you're looking to buy fondue pots in Switzerland, here are some options for you:

Esther's European Imports

Esther's European Imports offers a wide range of products, including cheese fondue, fondue pots, chocolate fondue, fondue accessories, fondue burners, and fondue forks. They also offer meat fondue and multi-use fondue sets, allowing you to indulge in the full fondue experience.

Kuhn Rikon

Kuhn Rikon is an online shop that offers a variety of fondue pots with different designs and materials, such as cast iron and aluminium. They provide climate-neutral delivery within 2-3 working days for orders over CHF 80.

Swissmar

Swissmar offers a diverse collection of fondue sets, including cast iron, ceramic, stainless steel, and copper fondue sets. They also have electric fondue sets, such as the Electric Fondue Set in Red Arolla, which is perfect for those seeking a modern twist on the traditional dish.

Amazon

Amazon offers a variety of fondue pots, including the Swissmar Lugano 2-Quart Cast Iron Cheese Fondue Set. This 9-piece set includes a cast iron fondue pot, a wrought iron rechaud, six fondue forks, and a fondue burner. It can be used on various heat sources and is easy to clean.

Shop Swiss

Shop Swiss is an online store that offers a Multi-use Fondue Set, allowing you to explore different types of fondue with a single purchase. They also offer a range of other Swiss products, from clothing to music.

These shops provide a great starting point for your fondue pot purchase in Switzerland, offering a variety of options to suit your needs and preferences.

US shops

If you're looking to buy a Swiss fondue pot in the US, there are a few options to consider. Here are some US shops that offer fondue pots:

Swissmar Shop

The Swissmar Shop offers a wide range of fondue sets, including cast iron, ceramic, and stainless steel options. Their website provides a detailed description of each product, including the price, colour, and material. The prices of the fondue sets range from $89.95 to $139.95. They also offer a variety of fondue accessories, such as forks, plates, and fuel gel.

Esther's European Imports

Esther's European Imports is a US-based Swiss store that offers a variety of fondue options. They have cheese fondue pots, chocolate fondue, and even meat fondue. They also provide fondue accessories, such as burners, forks, and fondue forks. The website does not provide specific product details or prices, but it does mention that they have multi-use fondue sets available.

Amazon

Amazon, a popular online retailer, offers a wide range of fondue pots, including electric and traditional-style options. The Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set, priced at $120, is a traditional-style fondue pot that received positive reviews for its attractive design and heat retention. Another option is the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot, which offers adjustable heat settings and a non-stick insert for easy cleanup. It is available for $63.

Etsy

Etsy, a global online marketplace, offers a variety of vintage and new Swiss fondue pots. The options vary from copper-coated fondue pots made in Switzerland to stainless steel and ceramic options. The prices vary depending on the seller, but some fondue pots are offered at discounted prices. It's important to note that Etsy sellers may have different shipping policies and locations, so it's essential to check before purchasing.

These options provide a good starting point for purchasing a Swiss fondue pot in the US. Each shop offers a unique selection, allowing you to find the perfect fondue pot for your needs and preferences.

Fondue pot features

When choosing a fondue pot, there are several features to consider. Here are some key aspects to look for when making your purchase:

Material

The material of the fondue pot affects its heat retention, washability, and price. Cast iron is an excellent choice for heat retention, but it is heavy and expensive. Enameled cast iron is easier to clean and has a smooth coating, but it is still heavy and dense. Stainless steel and aluminum are more lightweight and often have a non-stick coating, making them easier to clean, but they may heat unevenly and cause scorching.

Heat Source

Fondue pots can be powered by electricity or a simple candle flame. Electric fondue pots are simpler to use, with adjustable heat settings, and you can add all the ingredients directly into the pot. However, traditional flame-fueled models, such as those using gel fuel or chafing fuel, create a romantic atmosphere. These models require initial preheating on a stovetop or oven, and the temperature can be challenging to adjust.

Capacity

The capacity of the fondue pot depends on the number of people you plan to serve. Larger pots are suitable for bigger groups, but smaller pots are easier to store and generally more affordable. Consider the number of guests you typically host before selecting a pot size.

Accessories

Fondue pots often come with accessories such as forks, stands, and fuel canisters. Ensure that the set includes all the necessary items for your fondue experience. Some pots may also include recipes, providing guidance on preparing fondue.

Ease of Cleaning

Look for fondue pots that are easy to clean. Many pots are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing may be recommended for certain materials like enameled cast iron. Consider the convenience of cleaning based on your preferences and the frequency of use.

Stability

Stability is an important safety consideration when choosing a fondue pot. Look for models with stable bases that won't wobble or tip over easily. Ensure that the pot and its base stand securely on your table or counter.

Fondue history

Fondue is a Swiss dish that typically consists of melted cheese and wine served in a communal pot over a portable stove heated by a candle or spirit lamp. It is eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. The earliest known recipe for the modern form of cheese fondue comes from a 1699 book published in Zurich, under the name "Käss mit Wein zu kochen", which translates to "to cook cheese with wine". The recipe calls for grated or cut-up cheese to be melted with wine, and for bread to be dipped in it.

In the 1930s, the Swiss Cheese Union promoted fondue as a Swiss national dish to increase cheese consumption. They also created pseudo-regional recipes as part of the "spiritual defence of Switzerland". Fondue became popular in North America in the 1960s, and the term "fondue" began to be generalized to other dishes involving a communal pot of liquid kept hot, such as chocolate fondue and fondue bourguignonne.

The word "fondue" comes from the French verb "fondre", which means "to melt". The earliest use of the word "fondue" in French was in 1735, and in English in 1878. Fondue originated in Switzerland as a way to use hardened cheese and stale bread during the winter months, so the traditional cheeses for making it are Swiss cheeses, mainly Emmental and Gruyère.

Today, fondue is a symbol of Swiss unity and is often associated with mountains and winter sports. It is also a popular dish for dinner parties or romantic nights in, as it adds a fun interactive element to the meal.

Frequently asked questions