Best Electric Fondue Sets

Buying guide for best electric fondue sets

Whether you fancy cheese, chocolate, veggies, or meat, one of the most enjoyable ways to cook and consume food is by dipping it into a fondue pot. The practice has become so popular that there are restaurant chains devoted solely to this cooking style. However, if you'd like to make fondue at home, it's actually quite easy. All you need is an electric fondue set.

An electric fondue set includes not only the fondue pot but also a set of fondue forks. Some sets also come with fondue plates and a serving bowl. A pot with a wide range of consistent temperature settings is best. And you'll want an electric fondue set that has a detachable plug, so it's easier to clean, and cool-touch handles, so you don't get burned.

If you'd like to learn more about electric fondue sets and how to use them safely, keep reading. If you’re ready to purchase, consider one of the highly rated models we've spotlighted in this article.

Even if you’re dining with your best friends, remember to enforce the

Key considerations

Types of fondue

The most important factor when purchasing an electric fondue set is finding one that cooks the type of fondue you desire: chocolate, cheese, or oil/broth. A fondue set for chocolate or cheese is different than an oil/broth fondue set. (However, some oil/broth fondue sets come with an insert that allows you to make cheese and chocolate fondue as well.) The following details the three types of sets.

• Chocolate: Chocolate fondue must be kept at a lower temperature than cheese or oil/broth fondue. Because of this, some electric fondue sets only get hot enough to melt chocolate, so that's all they make. These are the least expensive sets.

• Cheese: This type of fondue must get hotter than chocolate but not as hot as oil/broth. A cheese fondue set is easily identifiable because it typically uses a ceramic pot to help keep the cheese from getting hot enough to burn. The temperature for both chocolate and cheese fondue needs to remain constant for best results. An electric fondue set that makes cheese fondue can also make chocolate fondue if set on low heat.

• Oil/broth: Oil/broth fondue is a different type of cooking altogether. Since this method is used to cook beef, chicken, fish, lamb, and more, the oil or broth must get very hot, which requires a pot that quickly transfers heat. For this reason, oil/broth fondue sets have a stainless steel, copper, or cast iron pot. Unless it’s manufactured to withstand high heat, a ceramic pot won’t work for oil/broth fondue. However, if a stainless steel fondue pot has a ceramic insert and you set it to a lower temperature, you can use it to make all three types of fondue.

Electric fondue set features

Now that you know which type of electric fondue set you need, you can focus on the additional features that you want.

Fondue forks

Each fondue set comes with fondue forks, usually six, sometimes eight or more. The fork is what you use to hold the item you’re dipping (such as marshmallow, bread, or meat). Higher-quality fondue sets distinguish each fork in some way, such as by color, so your fork is easy to identify in a group. Some electric fondue sets also include skewers.

Fork holder ring

The fork holder ring is either an attachment or part of the rim of the fondue pot. It has little notches in it so you can rest the fondue forks inside the pot without fear of them slipping into the melted cheese or hot oil.

Dishes

Not many fondue sets include additional serving bowls or plates, but if this is important to you, you’ll be able to find a few that do.

Lazy Susan

Some higher-end electric fondue sets feature a lazy Susan that holds dippers or cold sauces at the base of the unit. This base rotates so each person can easily reach the desired food item.

Cord

The cord on your electric fondue set should be detachable to facilitate cleaning. Some higher-end models have a magnetic breakaway plug that readily detaches so no hot liquids spill if someone trips over the cord. The other consideration is to make sure that the cord is long enough to safely reach from a nearby outlet to your table.

Cool-touch handles

Electric fondue pots can get very hot. Because of this, you want a model that has handles that remain cool to the touch so there’s no chance of someone getting accidentally burned.

Easy to clean

A nonstick, scratch-proof electric fondue set that’s easy to clean will be an appliance that gets used frequently.

Electric fondue set prices

Inexpensive: Basic electric fondue sets that melt cheese and chocolate cost between $25 and $45. These models are often made of ceramic to provide better insulation and keep the cheese and chocolate from burning.

Mid-range: The electric fondue sets that cost $45 to $65 are typically stainless steel, which allows the fast, efficient transfer of heat needed for oil or broth fondue. These units also have an insert so you can make cheese or chocolate fondue as well.

Expensive: Electric fondue sets that cost more than $80 have different features, such as a larger-capacity pot, built-in lazy Susan, breakaway cord for safety, or other extras that you won't find in lower-priced models.

Tips

• Position the electrical cord so it isn’t a tripping hazard. To be extra cautious, you can tape or tie the cord to a table leg to prevent the pot from being accidentally knocked over. Position the pot where it’s easily accessible to all guests.

• Dip dry meats and vegetables into oil or broth fondue. Any water will increase splattering. Never pour cold water into a hot fondue pot.

• Remember to remove the meat from the fondue fork before eating. The fork gets very hot.

• Don’t overfill the fondue pot. And don’t try to move a fondue pot that’s filled with hot broth, oil, chocolate, or cheese.

• Don’t heat up an empty fondue pot. And don’t leave a hot fondue pot unattended.

For even more fondue party fun, you can impose silly penalties, such as singing a song, on any individual who loses their dipper in the cheese.

FAQ

Q. Why is hosting a fondue party so appealing?

A. If you've never tried it before, there are two very big reasons why a fondue party might quickly become your favorite event to host. The first reason is the preparation. Compared to a typical dinner party, a fondue party takes considerably less prep work. However, the main reason that most hosts prefer fondue parties is because you can be part of the party and enjoy the festivities along with your guests.

Q. How many guests can I have at my fondue party?

A. If all your guests will be gathered around the fondue pot sipping wine and sharing stories, six is a good number. Some sets come with eight fondue forks, and that might be manageable, as long as you have the space. If you plan on having more than eight, it might be best to use two electric fondue sets, so everyone can be safely accommodated.

Q. I like fondue, but not enough to consider purchasing an electric fondue set. Are there other uses for a fondue pot besides melting chocolate and cheese?

A. Yes. Your electric fondue pot has a variety of alternative uses. You can use it to heat up soup and tea or even serve as a makeshift deep fryer. Additionally, you can heat water in your electric fondue pot to give yourself a quick facial. Or if you'd like your home to have a lemony-fresh scent, add water and lemon and turn your fondue pot into an all-natural air freshener.