Fondue Equipment
Choosing the Right Type for You
Before hosting a fondue dinner, you have to ensure you have the right fondue equipment.
Having fondue is a fun and sociable event, but there is nothing that can ruin your evening as fast as having your fondue pot break under extreme heat or having your meal burn to the bottom of the pot.
So how can you prevent this?
By purchasing the right type of fondue equipment.
Each fondue pot has a purpose and this page will provide you with useful information to help you make an informed decision on the type of fondue pot you need.
The fondue pot shown above is the Swissmar Sierra 11-Piece Meat Fondue Set, Red Enameled Pot
Fondue Pots
When choosing fondue pots, if you want to buy one that will last you forever, I recommend that you stick to the reputable companies that have been making fondue equipment for years, like Swissmar,
There are 4 main types of fondue pots:
- Cheese Fondue Pot.
Swissmar makes excellent fondue pots for cheese fondue, like the Swissmar Swiss Red 9 Piece Ceramic Cheese Fondue Set
Cheese fondue equipment uses an adjustable alcohol or gel fuel burner to maintain the constant temperature required to keep melted cheese from solidifying again.
These pots are made of ceramic or earthenware, have a flat bottom and have a large openings to accommodate dipping. - Hot Oil/Broth Fondue Pot.
Hot oil fondue pots, like the Trudeau 24 Piece 3 In 1 Lazy Susan Fondue Set
As such, these pots are made of stainless steel, copper or cast iron. Note: ceramic pots are not suitable for hot oil fondue. - Chocolate/Dessert Fondue Pot.
Chocolate or dessert fondue pots, like the Trudeau Zen Chocolate Fondue 8 Piece Set
These pots use a tealight to keep the melted chocolate at the right temperature and are made of earthenware, ceramic, porcelain or sometimes tempered glass.
Of course, you can also buy a chocolate fountain if you want something a little more lively than a dessert fondue pot. - Electric Fondue Set.
In recent years, several electrical fondue pots like the Trudeau Electric 3 in 1 Fondue 11 Piece Set
Plug it in, set the temperature, dip and enjoy. You should fully research the product you are considering before spending your money. Make sure to look at the length of the power cord to ensure your nearest electrical outlet is close enough... (or use an extension cord.)
Nice features to have are a detachable cord, long enough cord for your dining room and dishwasher safe.
Read my reviews and recommendations for Rival fondue pots and fountains here.
Other Fondue Equipment
Of course, you will need more than a fondue pot to make your fondue night a success. Here is more information on other fondue equipment and supplies you will need:
- Fondue Fuel. You have to get the right type of fuel for the fondue pot you are using. Learn more about fondue fuels here.
- Fondue Burners. Your cheese or meat fondue set will come with a fondue burner. If you misplace it or break it, you can always replace it. Learn more about fondue burners, including how to light your burner safely here.
- Fondue Forks. You can choose disposable forks or reusable two-prong or three-prong forks. Learn more about fondue forks here.
- Fondue Plates.These plates are mainly used for meat fondue in broth or hot oil and have several compartments. Learn more about fondue plates here.
- Dipping Trays and Lazy Susans. Lazy Susans are special fondue sets that have a variety of small bowls around the fondue pot. These bowls oare meant to hold the various fondue dips that you prepare for your guests when serving meat fondue in broth or hot oil.
If you've never hosted a fondue party, make sure to read more on proper fondue etiquette here.
