Fondue Pot Face-Off: Electric Vs Regular, Which Melts Better?

Fondue is a fun, interactive meal that's perfect for a romantic night or a group hang. While cheese and chocolate are the most common uses, a fondue set can also be used for heating broth or oil to cook meat. There are two main types of fondue pots to consider: electric and manual. Electric fondue pots are simple to use and allow for easy temperature adjustments, but they need to be plugged into an outlet. Manual fondue pots use an open flame, usually from a heat canister that is purchased separately, and can be used anywhere. When choosing a fondue pot, it's also important to consider the material, size, temperature control, safety features, and the number of forks included.

Electric vs. Traditional Fondue Pots

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience that can be enjoyed by friends and family alike. While you can always use a regular saucepan to make fondue, fondue pots offer a more compact package and, in some cases, superior performance. But which type of fondue pot is best? Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of electric and traditional fondue pots to help you decide which one is right for you.

Electric Fondue Pots

Electric fondue pots are a modern take on the traditional fondue pot. Instead of using an open flame, they use electricity to warm a heating element, making them more foolproof and precise when it comes to temperature control. They usually feature a small electric burner upon which a separate pot is set, or they can be all-in-one units with built-in heating elements.

Pros:

• Ease of use: Electric fondue pots are generally easier to use than traditional pots. They often feature dial thermostats that allow you to set the desired temperature, and they will automatically adjust the heating element to maintain the selected temperature.
• Temperature control: Electric models offer more precise temperature control, making them ideal for fondue recipes that require specific temperatures, such as chocolate fondue.
• Safety: With no open flame, electric fondue pots can be safer, especially in homes with young children or pets.

Cons:

• Aesthetics: The presence of a power cord can be less aesthetically pleasing and may require the use of an extension cord to reach your dining table.
• Cost: Electric fondue pots can be more expensive than traditional pots.
• Clean-up: While some electric fondue pots have dishwasher-safe components, others require careful hand washing to avoid getting the electrical components wet.

Traditional Fondue Pots

Traditional fondue pots use an open flame to keep the fondue warm and are typically heated by gel fuel, such as Swiss Fire Gels or "canned heat". They offer a more authentic Alpine experience and are perfect for those who want to stick to the roots of fondue's origins.

Pros:

• Atmosphere: Traditional fondue pots add a bit of drama and excitement to your meal, with the warm glow of a flickering flame creating a cosy atmosphere.
• No cords: With no power cords to deal with, traditional fondue pots offer more flexibility in terms of placement.
• Cost: Traditional fondue pots can be more affordable than electric models.

Cons:

• Temperature control: Traditional pots may require more trial and error to find the right heat level, and it can be tricky to adjust the temperature once the fondue is cooking.
• Clean-up: Traditional fondue pots may require more effort to clean, especially if food has burnt onto the pot.
• Fuel: You will need to purchase fuel separately and ensure that you have it on hand whenever you want to use your fondue pot.

Ease of Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning your fondue pot, the process will differ depending on whether you have an electric or traditional model.

For electric fondue pots, it's important to first turn off and unplug the appliance. Then, remove any leftover fondue, which is made easier if your pot has a non-stick coating. Most electric fondue pots can be cleaned by hand-washing with hot, soapy water, but always be sure to avoid getting the power cord or temperature probe wet. Some electric fondue pots are also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup even easier.

Traditional fondue pots, on the other hand, usually require hand-washing with mild dish soap and a gentle scrubber. If any cheese or chocolate has hardened in the pot, it can be helpful to soak it in warm water first to soften the residue. While some traditional fondue pots are dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is generally recommended, especially for those with enamel coatings, which can be delicate and prone to scratching.

In terms of ease of cleaning, electric fondue pots seem to have a slight advantage due to their non-stick coatings and dishwasher-safe options. However, it's worth noting that both types of fondue pots can be cleaned relatively easily with proper care.

Temperature Control

Chocolate fondue should be kept at a relatively cool temperature (around 110°F) to prevent it from becoming too runny, while oil used for cooking meat should be heated to around 325°F. As the volume of fondue in the pot decreases throughout the course of the meal, you'll need to reduce the heat to prevent scorching.

Electric fondue pots generally offer more precise temperature control than manual pots. Electric models feature a dial that allows you to adjust the heat level, making them a good choice for cooking with oil or broth as well as for cheese and chocolate fondue. They're also safer than open flames, especially in homes with young children or pets. However, they need to be placed near an outlet, and their cords can be a trip hazard.

Manual fondue pots use an open flame as a heat source, usually from a candle or gel fuel. They're a good choice if you want to avoid the hassle of cords and outlets, and they can add a romantic atmosphere to your meal. However, the temperature is harder to adjust, and food may scorch if the flame is too high.

Some fondue pots offer greater temperature control than others. The Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot, for example, has eight heat settings and a temperature probe, making it suitable for a wide range of fondue applications. The Nostalgia Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot also offers nuanced electric control, but some users found that even the lowest heat setting was too high for certain recipes. The Swissmar 9-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set is heated by an open flame, and while the flame can be adjusted by partially covering it, there's no way to fine-tune the temperature.

Safety Measures

Safety is a key consideration when choosing a fondue pot, especially if you have children or pets. Here are some safety measures to keep in mind when choosing and using a fondue pot:

• Stability: Ensure that your fondue pot has a sturdy stand to keep the hot contents in the pot. A stable base is essential to prevent accidents and spills. Look for a fondue set with a wide, sturdy base that won't easily tip over.
• Heat source: Electric fondue pots are a safer option if you have young children or pets, as they don't use an open flame. However, they require an electrical outlet nearby and may have a short power cord. Traditional fondue pots use an open flame, such as gel fuel or tea lights, which can be a fire hazard but offer more flexibility in placement.
• Temperature control: Look for a fondue pot with adjustable temperature settings. This feature is crucial for preventing scorching and burning, especially when making cheese or chocolate fondue. Electric models usually have temperature dials, while manual models may have adjustable burners or flame covers to control the heat.
• Material: The material of the fondue pot can affect its heat retention and ease of cleaning. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, but it may heat unevenly. Cast iron retains heat well but can be heavy and difficult to adjust the temperature. Enameled cast iron and ceramic pots have better heat distribution but may be more delicate.
• Safety features: Look for safety features such as cool-touch handles, a breakaway cord for electric models, and a snuffer for manual models to safely extinguish the flame.
• Forks: Fondue forks should have sharp tines to securely hold food. Color-coded forks are helpful for keeping track of each person's fork during a fondue party. A fork ring or rack that attaches to the pot is also useful for holding the forks in place.
• Size: Choose a fondue pot size that suits your needs. Smaller pots (1-1.5 quarts) are suitable for one or two people, while larger pots (3-3.5 quarts) are better for entertaining a group.

Forks

Traditional cheese fondue forks have three tines, while those used for oil fondue usually have two tines in a more prong-like shape. All of the sets we tested included two-tined forks except for the Swissmar Lugano model, which is specifically designed for cheese fondue and includes three-tined forks.

Fondue forks are designed to be heat-resistant, but if you're using a pot with a non-stick coating, be careful not to scratch the surface with the forks.

Traditional fondue etiquette states that you should never eat food directly off the fondue fork. Instead, diners should spear their food, dip it, then transfer it to a plate and eat it with a regular fork. This helps to prevent the transfer of germs from someone's mouth to the shared fondue pot.

To keep the fondue forks organised during the meal, most of the fondue pots we tested included a fork ring. These are usually made from stainless steel and fit into the mouth of the pot, with notches around their handles to hold the forks in place. The colour-coding system of the fondue fork handles is useful here, as diners can remember their fork colour and find it easily on the ring.

Frequently asked questions