Imagine yourself with a full bowl of nachos and a fondue pot heaping with warm melted cheese – can it get any more comforting? Melted cheese and chocolate as dips or toppings are mouthwatering. A fondue maker can take your food to the next level, and hosting an amazing fondue party at home with all your favorite foods is now possible. We’ve chosen some amazing fondue makers based on important factors like capacity, ease of use, ease of cleaning, and more. We chose the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Maker as our top choice due to its simplicity, design, and how great it is for beginners. To see all of our picks, keep reading below!
Hosting your own fondue night can be really fun, but using the wrong fondue maker can quickly ruin it. To ensure that never happens to you, and you get to enjoy every precious moment with your favorite people, we’ve compiled all the important information you’ll need to find the perfect fondue maker.
Making Fondue – What You Need to Know
Since everything old is now new again, fondue is making a huge comeback too. Originally popular across Switzerland and France, the tradition made its way into the US, offering a unique culinary experience. Many food chains made massive amounts of money serving fondue dishes. And with time, home fondue makers were introduced, allowing you to eat and serve fondue whenever you like.
If you love fondue, the following tips are going to take your fondue-making experience to a whole new level.
- Use the lowest heat setting for melting cheese to keep it from becoming rubbery
- Adding alcohol to fondues balances out the boiling point to perfectly melt cheese giving it the right texture without curdling the protein
- When making larger portions of the fondue, don’t forget there’s limited area to evaporate liquids, so you shouldn’t overfill
- For making cheese fondue, always grab a good quality cheese
- Champagne, juice, and sparkling cider can be used in place of white wine for the same effect
- If your fondue is too thick, add some wine and increase the heat. Stirring vigorously as you add the wine will adjust texture and consistency
- Tomato paste, minced onions, fresh herbs, and mustard add great flavoring to cheese fondues
- If the fondue is too runny, mix 1/2 tsp of cornstarch or flour with wine and stir into the fondue. The mixture will thicken
- A crockpot is an excellent option for keeping fondue warm
- Use metal pots for oil-fried fondues
- Ceramic is one of the best options for chocolate and cheese
- Hot black tea and wine are two of the best complimenting beverages to serve with fondue
- Use the leftover fondue as a topping for vegetables, fruits, potatoes, or eggs
Fondue Maker Features – What to Look For
Buying your first fondue maker? Well, it can be a little overwhelming, considering the sheer amount of options available today. Some models boast excellent features that are eye-catching, but do you really need them?
Well, to help you make an informed decision, here are the top factors making some fondue makers better than others.
Heat source
To enjoy more heat efficiency and precise control, consider an electric fondue pot. The only drawback with these models is that you need an electric socket nearby. You can also find fondue pots that use tea lights and gel fuels to operate, enhancing their portability. You will, of course, still need fuel to operate them. And, most importantly, you will also need to ensure your safety around the heat source.
Pick the right heat source depending on your own unique needs.
Material
A wide range of materials is used when creating fondue pots. From metal to ceramic, there are design-forward models and others that are highly functional.
Depending on your chosen material, make sure you’re aware of its specific heating method and maintenance requirements. With your specific requirements in mind – especially the type of fondue you plan on making – choose a potting material that is the most suitable for you and your needs.
Capacity
A bigger pot doesn’t always guarantee proper depth – and that’s what’s really needed in a fondue maker. The pot you choose should be deep enough to easily hold melted cheese or chocolate without dripping. You can choose the right capacity based on the number of people you will be serving on a regular basis. If it’s just two, a small fondue pot will do. But if you’re planning on hosting large parties, and letting more people try your fondue, larger pots make the most sense.
Fondue Pot Maintenance – The Correct Cleaning Method
If you have a traditional fondue maker finished with enameled cast iron, it is best to go with mild soap and a gentle scrubber to clean it thoroughly. It is very common for chocolate and cheese to stick to the pot upon getting cold. Instead of using a harsher scrubber, soak the pot in warm water for a while to release the ingredients.
While it is best to wash fondue makers by hand, some are labeled dishwasher-safe and can be cleaned accordingly. However, it is still recommended to get rid of stuck-on chocolate or cheese with warm water before putting the pot in the dishwasher.
