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The Best Fondue Pots of 2024
Ah, fondues, a great addition to any intimate dinner party. The dish has so many variations and can consist of anything, from cheese to chocolate to wine-soaked meat. Served as an appetizer, a full meal, or even as dessert, it truly has all bases covered. But to make this popular dish, the most essential appliance you need is a fondue pot. We’ve handpicked and tested some of the best fondue pots to come out of 2024, and with our buying guide below, we’ll help you make the best decision for your hosting needs. Our personal favorite is the Oster Fondue Pot, but the other options below are just as impressive!
Our Top Picks For Fondue Pots
View all ContentsThe Best Fondue Pots of 2024
Best Overall
The Oster Fondue Pot is definitely one of the best out there. Unlike traditional pots, this one runs on electricity and comes with a ceramic interior that makes cleaning it a hassle-free job. Not only that, but it includes a temperature control feature, which is easily removable for safety thanks to a breakaway magnetic chord.
The set includes eight color-coded forks that go with the pot, and the fork holder keeps them neatly in place. A temperature dial can help you pick the best temperature for cheese, chocolate, or meat; with it being able to go from warm to a scalding 400 degrees. The pot can cook about 30% faster than most, saving both time and energy. Its storage capacity is a decent 3 quarts. It is not dishwasher friendly, unfortunately, but all its other outstanding features make it the best on our list.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ceramic interior makes cleaning super easy
- Can be used for meat, cheese, and chocolate
- Saves energy
Cons
- Hand wash only
Best High-Quality Choice
While an electric fondue maker might not be very traditional, it certainly is convenient — and this doesn’t do too badly in the aesthetics department either. The Cuisinart Fondue Maker has a brushed finish on the bowl and ring, and a nice mirrored finish on its stand and handles. The ring comes with notches to keep the forks in place.
Apart from style, the pot also offers some versatility and can be used with basically anything — cheese, chocolate, even oil or broth. The temperature dial comes with eight different settings and the food can be cooked right in the pot. It has a sizeable 3-quart capacity and its non-stick interior makes it easy to clean in the dishwasher — with the probe and cord removed, of course!
Pros
- Large capacity to store food
- Non-stick interior makes it dishwasher safe
- Temperature control is convenient
Cons
- Interior can scratch easily
Best Value
There’s no need to break the bank to have fun with fondue. This Nostalgia Fondue Pot comes in at probably the most affordable price points in the market. It’s electrically powered and has a modern, sleek blue-lit temperature control dial. Also includes cool-touch handles allowing you to handle the pot without worrying about burning yourself. The pot is best used with chocolate, broth, and cheese but can even be used to serve other kinds of fondue, including oils.
The set includes six color-coded forks for you and your guests, with notches on the pot. The 6-cup capacity lets you make 3 pounds of your favorite fondue. Disassembly is easy, allowing you to clean it right after usage.
Pros
- Cheap price point
- Decent-sized capacity
- Disassembling is easy
Cons
- Cleaning the base can be tough
Best for Parties
The Dash Deluxe Fondue Pot is perfect for big parties. It packs eight color-coded forks, so you and your guests never have to worry about which fork belongs to who. It even includes conveniently positioned holders for placing the forks after using them.
The pot is removable and made from non-stick stainless steel, making cleaning a breeze. It’s also dishwasher-friendly if you don’t feel like cleaning up yourself. The temperature dial is precise and the cool-touch handles make it super safe to use. The pot has an enormous 3-quart capacity and also includes detachable ingredient cups to hold whatever you want to dip into the fondue pot. Super-versatile usage with cheese, chocolate, oils, or broth makes it the perfect choice for big gatherings.
Pros
- 8 color-coded forks
- 3-quarts pot size
- Comes with attachable ingredient cups
Cons
- Small ingredient cups
Best Traditional
If you’re looking to go the classic, traditional route with your fondue pots, the Swissmar Lugano is as good as it gets. The cast iron enameled pot gives it that traditional feeling and makes cleaning super easy. It also does a great job of retaining heat and can be used right on top of a stove, meaning that you can melt and serve cheese fondue without even having to worry about bringing out a second pot.
The pot is compatible with any heat source and, thanks to the enamel coating, doesn’t need to be pre-seasoned. It has a decent 2-quart capacity and comes with six forks. The forks have three tines instead of two, with the only downside being that they’re all identical.
Pros
- Good at retaining heat
- Easy to clean
- A classic design
- Compatible with any heat source
Cons
- Doesn’t come with fuel
Fondue Pots: Buying Guide
Ready to finally test those fondue recipes with your own fondue pot? You’ve come to the right place. Here are a few pointers you should think about before making your fondue purchase.
Factors To Consider Before Buying a Fondue Pot
Cooking capacity
Who do you plan to cook for? Will you only use your fondue pot for large parties? Or do you plan on using it for small gatherings as well? Depending on your usage, you’d want to invest in the right-sized fondue set for your needs.
Quality matters
You don’t want your fondue pot to malfunction after just a few uses, right? Well, here’s where the quality of your set comes into play. Ceramic or stainless steel is typically used for most fondue pots. Cast iron, while being heavy, has the most durability and cleaning is pretty easy as well. Stainless steel pots are known for their all-around performance, both aesthetically and in durability.
Heat source
Electric fondue pots offer excellent, precise temperature control, with the only potential downside being the need for a power outlet nearby.
Whereas pots that use gel fuel or tea light can be used anywhere, just make sure you have the fuel handy.
How To Clean a Fondue Pot
For cleaning up enameled cast iron, fondue pots don’t use a dishwasher.
They need to be hand-washed with mild dish soap and lightly scrubbed.
Spritz a little water on your pot if the cheese or chocolate has gotten cold and is now not scrubbing off. The water will soften it up and make it come off easier.
Types of Fondue Pot Sets
Traditional fondue sets
A lot of people prefer the traditional style of fondue sets for their simplicity. These pots use a burner located below the base and generally use alcohol fondue fuel or gel fuel. The use of the former generally requires more safety precautions than using combustion fuel pots.
Electric fondue sets
This is obviously the more modern version of the classic fondue sets. All you need to use these appliances is a power outlet, and you’re off to the races!
Fondue Pot Materials
Ceramic fondue sets
Most fondue sets these days are made using ceramic, partly because of their durability and the fact that they’re really environmentally friendly. One downside to ceramic pots, however, could be that they don’t really aren’t compatible with heat sources other than stoves.
Cast-iron fondue sets
Unlike ceramics, cast-iron pots are usually very resistant and do a great job of retaining heat.
Stainless steel fondue sets
These fondue sets are also a very viable option for many reasons. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and don’t break easily. Plus, their sleek look doesn’t hurt either.
People Also Asked
Can you make fondue without a fondue pot?
Yes, it is possible using a double broiler. It can be difficult though to control temperatures and how much food you want to melt, which is why having a fondue pot is really convenient.
Where did fondue come from?
The product came from Switzerland. The word itself is French, from frondre, which means “to melt.” It gained popularity among the Swiss in the 1930s and went overseas by the 1960s.
What else can I make with a fondue pot?
You can use fondue pot to serve warm dips, and can even use some of them to keep soup and gravy warm.
