What could be better than dipping your favorite foods into rich, melty chocolate or cheese? Just imagine some lip-smackingly delicious chocolate-smothered marshmallows or some gooey, decadent melted cheese on bread. Don't say you're not getting hungry! Besides, fondue is a fun way to spend time with your friends and family, especially on special occasions.
Knowing how tough it can be to select a suitable product, we've compiled a buying guide and a list of 10 highly-recommended fondue pots. Cuisinart's Electric Fondue Maker really impressed us since it's made of durable stainless steel and suitable for all fondue recipes, including chocolate, cheese, and broth. If you are curious to find out about other products that are also well-loved by users, keep reading!
Quick List - Top Fondue Pots
Nostalgia
Best for Safe, Cool-Touch Handles to Prevent Burns
Swissmar
Best Traditional Cast-Iron Pot That Works on All Heat Sources
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
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Before selecting your fondue pot, you'll have to consider important factors, like the power source and material, as well as other additional features. For more details, check out this buying guide!
Fondue pots are powered by either an electrical cord, fuel, or open flame. So when choosing a product, you should take into consideration which heat source will work with your table setup and provide you with the utmost convenience.
Electric fondue pots are growing in popularity nowadays since they can heat things up quickly and stay at a constant temperature throughout your meal. Often designed with a built-in thermostat, they allow you to adjust the temperature as you like.
They also make a great addition to indoor parties or family gatherings, since you can cook and serve food in the same pot without having to use your stove. Of course, there's a downside to these electric appliances. They rely on electricity, so you won't be able to use them in outdoor settings where you can't get access to an outlet.
Also, keep in mind that there are two options for an electric fondue pot. Some products are crafted with a plug-in heating element, while some rely on an electric base. For both of them, you should make sure the cord is long enough to reach the socket. You might want to consider a magnetic breakaway cord, as it's less of a tripping hazard.
If you're planning to get a fondue pot for outdoor parties, a fuel-based product might be of help. It often comes with an adjustable burner unit that uses butane, alcohol, or gel. With this kind of burner, you can easily adjust the intensity of the flame by sliding the lid.
Among all types of fuel, butane often burns at high heat and is suitable for beef, broth, or cheese fondue. It's also safe and odorless and won't emit toxic fumes. Alcohol is another great option to use with an adjustable burner unit, and it can be used for all kinds of fondue.
Also, keep in mind that using more than three ounces of alcohol at a time might cause overfilling and eventually lead to fire hazards. And while the fuel is burning, don't put in more alcohol - this will help prevent flare-ups.
You can also use gel fuel, but it won't heat up as strongly as alcohol or butane. It is better suited for cheese or chocolate fondue.
Fondue sets that use an open flame, such as tea light candles, are often quite small and suitable for two to three people. They are weaker compared to electric and fuel-based pots and work best for chocolate fondue. And to keep things heated, you might want to use more than two sources of an open flame.
While this kind of fondue set won't be able to accommodate a large party, it's an adorable gift for your loved ones and is great for romantic, intimate occasions like Valentine's Day. It's also pretty safe for kids since the pots don't get extremely hot, unlike fuel-based or electric types.
Still, to be on the safe side, never leave your hot fondue pot unattended in the presence of children!
Many people assume that all fondue pots work for all fondue recipes, whether it's cheese, chocolate, or broth. But that's not true! Fondue sets are actually best suited for one or two types of fondue only. So the first step is to determine which kind of fondue you would like to make and choose a material that works for your fondue recipes.
For cheese or chocolate fondue, you might want ceramic, since it transfers heat well and can keep things melted for a while. Depending on the heating device, though, it may be better to heat up your fondue materials before adding them to the ceramic dish.
For oil and broth fondue, non-stick stainless steel is definitely the way to go. It's lightweight, durable, and distributes heat evenly. Another highlight of this material is that it doesn't absorb flavors or react with foods. Just note that you might need pots that come with an anti-splash lid to prevent the hot liquids from splashing!
Enameled cast iron is an excellent material for fondue pots as well, since it's heavy-duty and can retain heat beautifully. Be careful though, since the enamel can actually chip off. Still, cast iron can distribute heat evenly when cooking and works well for all kinds of fondue.
Another important factor to think about is the capacity of the pot. You will want to make sure that the fondue set you invest in is big enough to serve all the people at your party or gathering. If you're organizing a big party with more than six people, look for a pot with a three-quart capacity.
Meanwhile, for small gatherings with three to five people, a pot with one to two-quart capacity will be sufficient. And for a romantic date night, a small pot that can hold from 12 to 26 ounces of fondue is more than enough.
If you're completely new to fondue, you might want to get started with a set that includes everything you need to make a fondue right out of the box. Besides a pot, you'll want extra accessories such as serving bowls, color-coded forks, dipping trays, burners, and stands.
Of course, you can buy them separately, but fondue sets that come with all of these accessories will give you more value for your money. It also ensures that all the pieces will match!
You should also pay attention to the safety features of the product. Fondue pots can get insanely hot, and you can easily get burned if you're not careful. So look for a product with cool-touch handles that allow you to hold the pot easily, even when it's being heated.
And to prevent your pot from tipping over, you'll need either a sturdy stand or a rubberized base. If you're purchasing an electric pot, consider one with a quick-release cord to avoid tripping!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker |CFO-3SS | ![]() | Best Durable and Versatile Electric Fondue Pot | |
2 | Nostalgia 6-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot|FPS200 | ![]() | Best for Safe, Cool-Touch Handles to Prevent Burns | |
3 | Oster Fondue Pot | ![]() | Best for the Durable Titanium-Infused Ceramic Material | |
4 | Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set | ![]() | Best Traditional Cast-Iron Pot That Works on All Heat Sources | |
5 | Trudeau Chocolate Fondue Fountain | ![]() | Best for Fine-Tuning the Temperature Control | |
6 | Artestia Fondue Melting Pot | ![]() | Best for Any Fondue Type, With Two Cooking Bowls and Double Boiler Function | |
7 | Cuisinart Fondue Set | ![]() | Best to Start on the Stove for Fast Heating | |
8 | Zen Kitchen Fondue Pot Set|8541900974 | ![]() | Best Heart-Shaped Fondue Set for a Romantic Night | |
9 | Good Cooking Deluxe Chocolate Fondue Maker|GCO-CFM-417 | ![]() | Best for Including All Necessary Accessories | |
10 | Home Essentials & Beyond Cast Iron Fondue Set | ![]() | Best for Ease of Clean-up |
Pros:
Cons:
Constructed with stainless steel, this electric fondue pot can accommodate all your fondue cravings, from cheese to chocolate. The nonstick interior allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about those stubborn dried-on bits that stick to the sides of your pot.
Some reviewers found cleaning a bit tough due to the attached electrical plug that had to be kept dry. The short cord was another downside for others. Still, many said the pot heated up quickly and maintained a constant heat to keep the food warm throughout the meal. The capacity was enough to serve more than five people at a time, too!
Pros:
Cons:
Are you looking for an easy-to-use pot that can help you replicate your favorite fondue recipes? Look no further! This electric pot is made of stainless steel and features a blue-lit temperature control dial, which allows you to adjust the heat easily. It's also designed with cool-touch handles, so no more burns while handling the pot.
A few reviewers found the cord to be quite short and noted that the forks that came with it were a bit flimsy. Nonetheless, many complimented that it heated up evenly and quickly, kept the perfect temperature at all times, and was easy to clean. Users added that the pot's capacity was great for a small family meal, but not for a big party.
Pros:
Cons:
What sets this product apart from others is the titanium-infused ceramic interior that is durable, scratch-resistant, and 100 percent nonstick. So there won't be any yucky bits stuck to the sides of your pot! On top of that, this product has a magnetic breakaway cord, which ensures your safety by eliminating the peril of entanglement.
A few users complained that the cord was too short, so they had to rely on an extension cord to use the pot on their tables. Still, many were happy with this fondue pot, since it was easy to clean and operate. Other people also shared that the product maintained a consistent temperature, so food didn't get overcooked.
Pros:
Cons:
This fondue pot has a retro design that's crafted from enameled cast iron and works well with all heat sources. Another great point about cast iron is its ability to retain heat. Once heated up, it stays hot. So you can enjoy warm fondue throughout dinner without worrying about your food getting cold.
Some users commented that the forks included with the product broke easily. Yet, many said this pot was sturdy, easy to clean, and functioned beautifully. They further noted that the classic design added style to their table settings. Others liked that the pot had a large capacity that comfortably accommodated a small group.
Pros:
Cons:
This electric fondue pot has a capacity of two quarts and comes with a white stoneware insert for making chocolate or cheese fondue. You can easily control the temperature by using the dial. The set also includes six color-coded fondue forks and a recipe book.
Some buyers complained that the fondue pot took a long time to heat up, but on the other hand, many reviewers loved the sturdy quality of this fondue pot. They further mentioned that it maintained a constant temperature throughout the cooking process and kept cheese melted.
Pros:
Cons:
This product features a sturdy, electric base and comes with two removable cooking bowls, so you don't have to be extra careful when washing, unlike other direct-heat fondue pots. The bigger pot is made of stainless steel for oil fondue, and the smaller ceramic one is great for making cheese or chocolate fondue.
A few users said the instructions were hard to understand. Even so, various reviewers complimented that it was durable, heated up quickly, and could be used for many different types of fondue. The majority of buyers were also pleased that the bowls were removable and easy to clean.
Pros:
Cons:
This fondue pot comes with a lid with scalloped cut-outs that prevent the forks from falling into your fondue. The set also includes six color-coded forks for your convenience. Everything is dishwasher-safe as well!
Some users reported that the stand was too light and this made it unstable. On another note, many reviewers were content with the heavy-duty, durable cast-iron material and further mentioned that it kept their food warm for a while. Cleaning was also easy and didn't take that much time, buyers mentioned.
Pros:
Cons:
With a heart-shaped design, this fondue set will make a thoughtful gift for your loved ones. As it cooks over an open flame, you don't have to worry about troublesome cords that might get tripped over. The whole set is also dishwasher and microwave-safe.
A few reviewers commented the pot worked well for two people, or one! However, many others loved the well-thought-out design and added that the product was a great addition to romantic nights. Many confirmed that it kept foods hot for a long time, too.
Pros:
Cons:
This fondue set offers you everything you need to make chocolate or cheese fondue. It comes with an electric warming base, a removable melting bowl, a serving tray, and four forks to help you get your fondue game rolling. This fondue pot can be used to make cheese or chocolate fondue.
A couple of users noticed that the pot took quite a while to heat up. So some people recommended melting the cheese or chocolate beforehand to speed up the process. Meanwhile, most reviewers loved how it maintained a constant temperature throughout the meal and didn't burn the foods on the warm setting.
Pros:
Cons:
This fondue pot is made of white ceramic and is great for making cheese or chocolate fondue. The ceramic pot is also easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher. It comes with a sturdy stainless steel stand, four fondue forks, and a tea light holder. It has a capacity of 16 ounces.
Some users complained that the pot didn't heat up well, so you might want to melt chocolate or cheese beforehand. But, many confirmed that it worked well. Buyers liked the small size and said it could accommodate a party of two people. There are reports that the pot was easy to clean, too!
Fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate, gooey melted cheese and corn chips, creamy sauces and more are all right at your fingertips, if you have the right stuff! Check out these articles to make your tastebuds happy.
No. 1: Cuisinart |Electric Fondue Maker |CFO-3SS
No. 2: Nostalgia|6-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot|FPS200
No. 3: Oster|Fondue Pot
No. 4: Swissmar|Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set
No. 5: Trudeau|Chocolate Fondue Fountain
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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