Best Overall
Oster Fondue Pot
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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!
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.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Oster Fondue Pot
- Best High-Quality Choice: Cuisinart Fondue Maker
- Best Value: Nostalgia Fondue Pot
- Best For Parties: Dash Deluxe Fondue Pot
- Best Traditional: Swissmar Lugano Fondue Set
Reviews
Best High-Quality Choice
Cuisinart Fondue Maker
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Best Value
Nostalgia Fondue Pot
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Best for Parties
Dash Deluxe Fondue Pot
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Best Traditional
Swissmar Lugano Fondue Set
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FAQs
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.