Created in the 1800s to use up stale bread and cheese almost past its prime, fondue experienced a resurrection in the 1960s and 1970s before melting into the background again. But with the expanding interest in interactive food experiences, fondue is set to make a comeback.
The Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker is easy to operate and great for all types of fondue. It’s excellent for larger gatherings too.
A fondue set melts cheese or chocolate or heats oil or broth, so it requires a consistent source of heat. Traditional fondue pots use the heat of candles or alcohol-based fuel. These make the pot more portable for both indoor and outdoor use, but the heat can be uneven and slow. If you use candles, you’ll need plenty of them, and they won’t get the liquid hot enough to cook meat or seafood.
Using liquid or gel fuels is recommended to properly cook food in hot oil or broth. These fuels get hotter and are safer for meat preparation.
Modern electric fondue pots are simple to plug in and provide quick, consistent heat for all types of food, but you’ll always be tethered to an outlet.
The first fondue pots were ceramic or stoneware heated over open fires. Both materials are heat tolerant and durable, and ceramic is a great choice for chocolate fondue in particular.
If you primarily cook meat, you'll need a pot of stainless steel, cast iron, copper or another type of metal. They're more suited to the high temperatures necessary to safely cook meat.
Consider how many people you're cooking for when selecting the best fondue set for you. If you routinely serve a large household, look for a 3-quart capacity or more. Dining a deux? You will only need a 1- to 2-cup capacity.
Fondue forks are designed to skewer bread, fruit, cheese, meat or other food while keeping hands safely away from the molten liquid in the pot. The handles should be comfortable and easy to hold, and there should be enough forks to match the bowl’s capacity.
Electric fondue sets should have easy-to-set and easy-to-read temperature controls. Because chocolate and cheese do not require as much heat as broth and oil, adjustments are useful to prevent dessert or classic cheese fondue from burning.
Creating a delicious dessert or cheese fondue is both an art and a science. Look for a set that includes recipes tested for the bowl you have purchased.
Here are a few tips for best results.
For an interactive food experience that doubles as sustenance and entertainment, fondue sets are remarkably affordable. Expect to spend $40-$100 on a good-quality set.
A. Yes. Whether enjoying it at home or heading out to a restaurant, fondue comes with its own set of rules.
A. Cooking times vary depending on the type of meat you are cooking.
Thinly sliced meat will cook faster than thick chunks.
Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker
What you need to know: From cheese to chocolate, this maker is safe for every type of fondue.
What you’ll love: Electric heating easily melts cheese and chocolate and keeps oil and broth at safe temperatures. The bowl is stainless steel with a nonstick interior that cleans easily. It holds 3 quarts and serves eight people.
What you should consider: At just 1 foot, the cord is very short. Some users also report that this maker runs hot.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
What you need to know: For an intimate gathering, this simple fondue pot uses three tea light candles as a heat source.
What you’ll love: It uses the candles underneath a dishwasher-safe pot on a stainless steel stand. The design is sleek. It comes with four fondue forks.
What you should consider: Don't use this when you're hungry. The candles take a long time to melt the cheese.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Artestia Cast Iron Fondue Pot Set
What you need to know: This is a traditionally styled choice that features a heavy enameled cast-iron pot.
What you’ll love: It holds 5 cups of all kinds of fondue. The heat source is gas gel or alcohol. It comes with a lid and six forks. It’s available in two colors.
What you should consider: The fuel is not included.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
