Buyers Guide: Fondue Set

The elegance of a fondue set might be calling out to you, but it is a good idea to read up on buying tips for fondue sets before you actually shop for one.

There are many different options in buying fondue sets for your home, and knowing what the options are will go a long way in making sure that you buy the perfect fondue set for your home.

Kinds of fondue pots

There are various fondue recipes you can make at home. And if there is a certain type of fondue that you like and will definitely be making regularly, then it will influence the kind of fondue set you will buy.

The ever-popular chocolate fondue requires only a small fondue pot to hold the chocolate, as chocolate is very easy to melt. Earthenware pots (caquelon in Swiss) are great for chocolate fondues.

Earthenware pots are also good for classic cheese fondues, which need a thick pot that can hold the heat without burning the contents.

Meat fondues are often cooked in very hot oil, so they require a fondue pot that can withstand very high temperatures. A sturdy cast iron pot is better than earthenware for meat fondues.

Stainless steel and copper pots are the most popular types of fondue pots today, but they are more expensive than their earthenware and cast iron counterparts.

While different kinds of fondues require different pots, it is a good idea to buy only one for the kind of fondue that you will be preparing most often. You can purchase new pots for your fondue set as the need arises, that is, when you decide to try out different kinds of fondues.

Cooking mechanisms

There are three types of cooking mechanisms for fondue sets: candle, fuel, and electric.

Candle fondue sets look very elegant and have the bonus of not consuming any fossil fuel or electricity. They are very economical, and can keep your fondue pot heated for a long time without costing you much money. However, the heat output of a candle is very low compared to fuel and electric burners. It will be almost impossible to heat and cook meat fondues using candles. Choose a candle fondue set if you will be making chocolate and cheese fondues only.

Fuel-powered cooking mechanisms can give steadier, more intense heat than candles and are comparably elegant, so they are good for meat fondues. They are cheaper to operate than electricity-powered sets, so they are a good option if you are going to make meat fondues as well as cheese and chocolate ones. However, the fuel for this kind of fondue-heating mechanism can be harder to source out than either candles and electricity. So before buying a fuel-powered fondue set, check the kind of fuel that it uses and buy spare fuel cans right away from the store if you think that the fuel that the set uses is hard to find.

Electric fondue sets are the simplest to operate because you don't have to worry about open flames. They also provide the most versatility, as their temperature can be adjusted to your preference. They may be heavy on the electricity bill, though, so they are not the best option if you will be keeping the fondue warm for extended periods, such as during parties and other events. These sets are best for small, quick fondue sessions, such as a small after-dinner celebration.

Serving size

The size of the pot for your fondue set will generally depend on the size of the serving that you wish to make every time you use it. A single pot is usually big enough to serve six people.

If you want to serve more people, it is generally recommended to buy more small pots rather than buy a large one. This keeps the serving area clean, as it would be very messy if a whole party will be using just one fondue pot. Having a lot of different pots will also allow you to prepare a variety of recipes for your guests to choose from.

Accessories

When buying a fondue set, make sure the accessories that come with the fondue pot and the heater are complete. While accessories vary between sets, the essentials are a serving tray for the food, a holder for the heat source, and a fondue stand. Fondue forks are also often included, but you can buy more forks as stand-alone purchases later on.

Aesthetically, the accessories should have the same design as the pot itself to keep the elegance that is so often associated with fondue sets.

Having your own fondue set is great not just for big gatherings but also for your family. With all the options to choose from, you will surely find the perfect fondue set for your home.

Summary

• There are different kinds of fondue: chocolate, cheese, and meat.
• Earthenware pots can be used for chocolate and cheese fondues.
• For meat fondues, you need at least a cast iron pot.
• Stainless steel pots and copper pots are also popular choices for chocolate, cheese, and meat fondues.
• Candle-heated fondue sets are the most elegant and economical to use, but cannot be used for meat fondues.
• Fuel-powered fondue sets are also economical and can be used for meat, but you need to keep a stock of the fuel you use.
• Electric fondue sets are easier and safer to use than the first two sets but are expensive to operate and are not ideal for long fondue sessions.
• It is generally better to have more small fondue pots than fewer large ones to minimize mess and to provide variety.
• Accessories for your fondue set must include a serving tray, a heat source holder, and a fondue stand.