Dinner parties are fun, but if you have regular get-togethers, then mixing things up with a theme every once in a while keeps the party fresh and friends coming back for more. A fun theme that is often overlooked is fondue! A buffet-style set up can seem rather elaborate, but fondue is actually quite an easy theme to throw together, as long as you're using the right fondue set. Before you go out and make the purchase, check out this list of the coolest fondue pots on the market today. Get ready to get your melt on!
Product FAQ
1. What Is Fondue?
2. What Equipment Do I Need?
3. How Many People Should I Invite?
4. Cheese or Chocolate?
5. Where Do I Find Recipes?
COMPARISON TABLE
PRODUCT | IMAGE | RATING | WHERE TO BUY |
---|---|---|---|
How we reviewed ?
We like to make sure that we are showing you the best there is on the market for these reviews, so we do the research for you. When possible, we use the items ourselves and give you our first-hand opinions. When we can't, we scour the web for all the latest information, including the complete set of specs and features for the items as well as looking at pros and cons from real, verified customers. We compare prices from around the web and choose items with the best warranties available to make sure that you get the best product for your money.
Overall Price Range
Fondue sets can be purchased for as little as $15 or for as much as $70, depending on the brand and style. Be sure to have your party size in mind when making your decision. Having to refill and remelt your delicious sauces in the middle of the party can be a hassle and a big disappointment!
What We Reviewed
- Electric fondue set suitable for chocolate, cheese, broth or oil
- Includes base, bowl, temperature probe, 8 fondue forks, and fork rack, BPA Free
- Elegant, brushed stainless-steel 3-quart bowl with nonstick interior
Features
This 3 quart Cuisinart set is perfect for oil, broth, chocolate, or cheese. It has a sleek, brushed stainless-steel design with a nonstick interior, making it a breeze to clean. The temperature control is removable, and the whole set disassembles easily for cleaning and storage. It comes with 8 fondue forks and a fork rack, making this the perfect set for large gatherings. This Cuisinart CFO-3ss is easily our top pick.
Warranty
This Cuisinart model comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
PROS
CONS
- Keeps party dips warm
- Perfect for warm cheese and chocolate dips
- Removable ceramic dish and lid for easy cleanup
Features
The Hamilton Beach model is smaller at 16 ounces, or less than two quarts. The pot is ceramic and both the lid and the pot are dishwasher safe, which is a plus. This model is designed more for small gatherings enjoying melted cheeses and chocolate dips. This set does not come with forks or rack, but at this price, we still feel that it is an excellent deal.
Warranty
This Hamilton Beach model comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
PROS
CONS
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING - The perfect centerpiece for dinner parties
- INC 6 COLOR CODED LONG STEMMED FORKS - For dipping and cooking, making it easy to use and know which is yours
- RETAINS HEAT - Made from heat resistant Porcelain Enamel Cast Iron
- ADJUSTABLE FLAME BURNER - The set also includes an adjustable flame burner with snuffer. Please note that fuel should be purchased separately
- EASY STORAGE - Pieces all store away easily and set is made portable due to its perfect size - 63 fl oz Capacity
Features
This VonShef Fondue Set is perfect for oil, broth, chocolate, or cheese. It has a sleek, brushed stainless-steel design with a nonstick interior, making it a breeze to clean. The temperature control is removable, and the whole set disassembles easily for cleaning and storage. It comes with 8 fondue forks and a fork rack, making this the perfect set for large gatherings. ​This VonShef Fondue Set is easily our top pick.
Warranty
All VonShef products come with a limited 1-year warranty. Extended warranties are offered for free with registration of their products.
PROS
CONS
- In The Box: 81-ounce handled electric fondue pot with 6 Fondue Forks Included
- Easy to use temperature control so you can simply differentiate between your chocolate and cheese fondue uses.
- White stoneware insert ideal for chocolate and cheese fondue
Features
This Trudeau pot is something special. It comes with a reversible silicone double boiler insert with two separate capacities for chocolate and cheese. It is a flame burner set made of stainless steel, pot, and rack, and comes with six color-coded steel forks perfect for meat fondue and six plastic forks for use in cheese and chocolate.
Warranty
This Trudeau unit comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
PROS
CONS
- Fondue fun: works for both cheese and chocolate
- Microwave safe: melted cheese or chocolate in a flash - no stove needed
- Simple & elegant: heated by a candle - no lighter fluid, No cords. Not For Use In Refrigerator
Features
The wonderful thing about this Boska fondue set is the fact that it is microwaveable. It is an elegantly simple design requiring no electricity or lighter fluid. It's heated by a candle! The pot is ceramic and sits on a wooden base. The set comes with two fondue forks and a tea light. This is another small unit but feels just right for intimate occasions.
Warranty
This unit has been discontinued, so warranty will be set by the seller. Ask about terms when you purchase.
PROS
CONS
The Verdict
As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing the perfect fondue set for your situation. The larger Cuisinart CFO-3SS was our favorite due not only its size but its versatility. No one says you must fill the pot to the brim when serving your guests, and if you have the room on the table, this can be used for more intimate gatherings or far large shindigs with many people participating.
For the smaller pots, we adore Boska Holland set. It's elegantly understated, and perfect for serving two people. The other pots can fit as a centerpiece as well, but the Boska just has the intimate feel that can not be beaten. The only reason that we put it as last on the list is that this model has been discontinued. A new version will be available soon, though, so keep an eye out for our review of that model when it comes available.
Now for heating options. As you can see, these pots can be heated electrically, making these sets essentially slow cookers. The advantage here, of course, is there is less of a fire hazard, especially where children are involved. With the open flame burners, an eye must be kept on the flame and anything around the pot to make sure that no accidents happen. We recommend designating someone to be on fire watch just in case. That being said, the design of the VonShef is hard to beat if you're going for a retro style. Just make sure you don't forget to buy the fuel before the party starts!
Whichever pot you choose to make that next party feel fresh and new, you cannot go wrong with these five options. Sure, we liked the size and features of the Cuisinart the best, but your needs (and your budget) may call for something simpler like the Hamilton Beach model. The fun part of these less expensive models is that they're often the dishwasher safe versions, while the more expensive sets will require more attention to clean. That's why we put it on the list. It is a great little fondue set for under $, so you can add the fun and excitement (yes, excitement!) of fondue to your party without breaking the bank.
Just remember, you can not spell fondue without f, u, or n. No matter how you go about setting up your spread, keep in mind all those happy faces you will see gathered around your buffet table. Keep in mind the light in that special someone's eye for those more intimate settings. Last, but certainly not least, remember to take pictures during your next party to make all those people who weren't able to make it jealous!
Featured Image by marcelkessler from Pixabay
Last update on 2022-03-27 at 02:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leave a Reply