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To truly savor the experience of fondue, investing in a dedicated fondue set is essential. While it might seem impractical to purchase specialized kitchen equipment, a fondue set offers benefits that extend beyond mere function. A dedicated fondue pot comes with a heating mechanism that keeps the melted cheese or chocolate at the perfect temperature, allowing you to enjoy the dish without constant monitoring. The specialized forks enhance the interactive dining experience, making fondue not just a meal but an engaging event for friends and family. Here, we explore several top options to enhance your fondue gatherings.
Best Fondue Set for Outdoor Dining
For those seeking the perfect fondue experience al fresco, the traditional fondue set from Swissmar is an outstanding choice. Designed for outdoor use, this set features a sturdy enameled cast-iron pot balanced on a wrought-iron rechaud, making it an ideal centerpiece for your patio or garden picnic. Note that the Swissmar fire gel for the fondue burner needs to be purchased separately.
Most Whimsical Fondue Set
Kuhn Rikon, another prominent Swiss brand, presents a variety of fondue sets that reflect Switzerland’s culinary traditions. One standout is the red clay pot decorated with the Swiss flag, complete with six forks and a rechaud. For those interested in a more playful design, Kuhn Rikon offers the Capricorn set, which features hand-painted ceramic dishes adorned with goat motifs and comes with four forks, though it lacks a rechaud, allowing for creativity in your fondue setup.
Best Electric Fondue Set
For those who prefer the ease of electric cooking, Cuisinart’s electric fondue set stands out for its reliability and user-friendly features. This appliance not only melts cheese or chocolate directly but also features an adjustable thermostat that lets you select your ideal temperature. The set includes eight fondue forks and has a dishwasher-safe pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Best Fondue Set for Intimate Occasions
If you are looking for a compact solution for solo or couples’ fondue nights, consider Boska’s tapas fondue set. This space-efficient kit includes two fondue forks and utilizes a tea light to warm a small rectangular pot, which allows for cozy, intimate settings. Just remember to melt your cheese or chocolate on the stove before using the pot for dipping.
Best High-End Fondue Set
For a splurge worth considering, Le Creuset’s enameled cast-iron fondue set is an heirloom-quality option. Available in an array of colors, it features a sturdy base and comes with colorful, wood-handled forks to prevent mix-ups during your fondue feast.
Best Luxury Fondue Set
For those willing to invest significantly, Mauviel’s luxurious copper fondue set is a breathtaking addition to any kitchen. With its durable copper design, this set is equipped to handle all types of fondue, including cheese and chocolate, while serving as an elegant centerpiece for dinner parties. Although it typically retails for over $800, it’s worth checking for seasonal promotions that may make it more accessible.
Top Online Sources for Cheese
If your local grocery store doesn’t have an adequate cheese selection, several renowned shops offer shipping. Here are some curated options for acquiring quality cheeses.
Murray’s Cheese: Known for its extensive variety of Alpine-style cheeses, Murray’s also crafts its own fondue mix.
Saxelby Cheesemongers: Celebrated for its commitment to American cheese, this shop features Alpine choices produced domestically, like those from Jasper Hill Farm.
Zingerman’s: This Michigan-based deli offers both American and European cheeses, including an exceptional extra-aged antique Gruyere.
iGourmet: A great source for gourmet goods, iGourmet provides a selection of regional cheeses along with a ready-to-serve fondue mix, including Swiss varieties like Gruyere and Emmental.
Source
www.eater.com