Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications
If you are looking for a way to entertain that provides food as well as being a whole lot of fun, then look no further than a Swiss fondue set. These retro bits of kit are enjoying a well-deserved comeback, and now is the time to get in on it.
Whether you're thinking of a more savoury spread with meat or cheese, or perhaps you have sweet tooth and fancy the idea of diving into a bowl of melted chocolate, this guide will help you choose. We've looked at the best electric, cast iron, steel and ceramic fondue sets from Argos, eBay, Amazon and John Lewis, so let's get stuck in.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
There are a few basic components that make a fondue set what it is. The first is a pot in which you melt your ingredients, and the second is a source of heat. Outside of these essentials, there is a lot of variation. You might be looking for a certain colour, material or size, and we're going to help you find them.
Fondues generally consist of melting cheese or chocolate into which tasty morsels can be dipped. There is also the meat fondue option, which involves cooking chunks of meat in hot oil or broth.
The vast majority of fondues will be suitable for all of these styles, so you don't need to worry about getting a different fondue for each. However, some might say that they work better for cheese or perhaps chocolate, so check whether this is specified or not before you buy.
There isn't an enormous amount of choice when it comes to the materials from which fondues are made, but it is still an important decision. It will, in a large part, come down to what you think will look good, but the choice between metal and ceramic is slightly more complicated than this.
Stainless steel is a popular choice, and one that is often lighter, making it easier to move or put away. It is also far less likely to break when dropped than the ceramic alternative.
Choosing a metal doesn't just mean that it has to have the stainless steel finish that you might expect. Stainless steel can have a copper coating which is all the rage at the moment, or you might choose something completely different like cast iron which has a more classic look.
When it comes to fondue sets, it is unlikely ceramic will just be used by itself. The pot might be made from ceramic, but the stand and burner will probably be made from metal.
Ceramic bowls can offer a softer, more homely look that lends some authenticity to your fondue evening, but bear in mind that they can be heavier and – if dropped – they are more likely to break.
A traditional fondue uses real fire, which is part of the excitement of this unique meal. Often, fondues that use real fire use an alcohol burner, which is very easy to control and therefore very safe. They can be filled either with methylated spirits, or packets of burning gel which you can buy separately.
If you want more control over the heat exerted, an electrically-heated fondue is a good idea. These use a heat pad as opposed to a direct flame and normally have a dial which you can use to raise or lower the temperature. This is very convenient, but some might say it is not the true fondue experience.
Though it will depend on the members and appetite of your party and whether the fondue is an extra or the meal itself, it's a good idea to make sure your set is of a sufficient size to provide for everyone. Here are some tips to help you work it out.
This tip is quite obvious, but a small fondue is going to feed fewer people and be more difficult for everyone to tuck in at the same time. If you're just looking for a fondue for two (or maybe even just one) then this isn't an issue, and you might actually want to look for something smaller to reduce waste.
For most people, though, a fondue is the ultimate sharing meal. This could mean having four, five or six people all digging in, and you want to make sure you have enough for everyone.
Frustratingly, there is no standardised way of measuring a fondue. Some will use the circumference of the pot, others the overall volume, and some will just rely on the complete dimensions – stand and all!
A fondue set wouldn't be complete without the little forks used to dip your favourite foods into the molten cheese, chocolate or oil. They can also be a good indicator of how many guests the set is designed to feed.
A standard set tends to come with about six forks, though you can always look for models with a few more for bigger parties. They should have a different colour on the handle to make it much easier to keep track of which one you have been using.
They are simple in design, consisting of a two-prong metal fork that is attached to a long metallic stem. The handles can be made of plastic, wood or metal. If they are made of metal, don't worry, precautions will have been put in place to stop the heat spreading all the way up and potentially burning you.
Whilst the alcohol burner does a good job of keep the fondue pot hot throughout the evening, it often requires a bit of help to get the ingredients melted in the first place. This means starting the mixture on the hob before transferring it to the table.
To make sure that this is possible, check whether the fondue set is compatible with the hob type you have. The most common issue will be with induction hobs, so this is particularly important to check if you have one of these.
We've already discussed what must be included in order for a fondue to work, but what about all the fun extras that aren't essential but make your fondue set a bit easier to use?
This might mean having little pots that you can hold under your item of food whilst transferring it from fondue to mouth, making what is usually an extremely messy meal slightly less so. Or, if you're not much of an experienced fondue cook, look for a set with a bain marie which heats gently and slowly to prevent the contents burning.
After getting very messy and probably having quite a lot of leftovers swimming at the bottom of the fondue pot, it is not always wise to pop it straight into the dishwasher. This is not to say you can't; some models are dishwasher-friendly and will speed up the cleaning process.
Plenty aren't dishwasher-safe, though, and it is important that you hand wash a pot if that is what the instructions say. This will protect the fondue pot for future use.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Premier Stainless Steel Fondue Set | £32.26 Low Mid | This Rotating Set Comes With Everything You Might Need | ||
2 | John Lewis & Partners Ceramic Fondue Set | £39.00 Mid | This Fondue Allows Two Materials to Work Together | ||
3 | Princess Fondue Set | £49.99 Mid | Features a Wooden Frame to Keep Everything in Place | ||
4 | John Lewis Croft Collection Copper Fondue Set | £85.00 High Mid | A Classy Centrepiece for a Grown-Up Fondue Evening | ||
5 | Villeroy & Boch Cast Iron Fondue Set | £29.99 Low Mid | A Fondue That Can Be Used on All Hobs | ||
6 | Severin Fondue and Crêpe Maker|FO2409 | £66.35 High Mid | An Electric Fondue That Gives You Control | ||
7 | MasterClass Cast Iron Fondue Set | £42.82 Mid | A Cast Iron Cream Option That Blends Old and New | ||
8 | Argos Stainless Steel Fondue Set | £30.00 Low Mid | A Simple Fondue Set That Will Do The Job | ||
9 | Paxton and Whitfield Large Cheese Fondue Set | £95.00 High | From the Swiss Alps to Your Dining Room | ||
10 | Boska Cheese Fondue Set | £43.36 Mid | This Mini Set Is Great for Children |
Nothing is forgotten or left out in this fondue set. Not only are there the usual coded forks, but there are also matching spoons, perfect for scraping up those extra bits of chocolate or cheese that have got away.
And what's more, you don't have to worry about where the excess cheese or chocolate has dripped because you'll have your own personal ceramic bowl which will catch anything your mouth doesn't. All you need to add are the ingredients and you're ready to go!
One issue with fondues can be the direct heat on the pot, which can cause the contents to burn. This is particularly true of chocolate, an ingredient that is very sensitive to heat, and overcooking it can spell disaster. This fondue solves that issue by having a bain marie option.
To do this, you put the ingredient you want to melt in the smaller ceramic pot, and place that inside the outer metal pot that is filled with water. The flame heats the water, and the hot water melts the ingredients slowly and perfectly. Great for first-time fondue cooks!
Being electric doesn't automatically have to mean that a fondue set is unattractive. This design cleverly blends a more modern pot in which you can plug a power lead and bamboo, which helps to soften the overall look.
The bamboo also serves a practical purpose: it helps to keep the pot in place when it's heating, which is very important when power leads are in use. Carrying the bamboo theme through the design are the handles on the pot and on the forks, bringing the set together nicely.
The look of this fondue set is very impressive. The copper plating is beautiful and makes for an item that deserves to be put centre-stage at a dinner party. It would also make a wonderful gift, whether for a wedding or otherwise.
As well as looking stunning, this offering from John Lewis's Croft Collection has six forks and two large handles that will make transporting the pot from A to B a breeze. If it's style you're going for, you can't do much better than this fondue set.
This cast iron pot is big enough to feed groups of up to six, so no one has to miss out on the fun. If you think it's necessary to give your fondue ingredients a boost before serving, then don't worry about putting this pot on the hob as it can be used on any.
The base matches the pot in colour and style, meaning they seamlessly fit together not just in practical terms but also on an aesthetic level. This gives the appearance of a more modern-looking fondue set and one that you'll be dying to show off.
This electric option looks quite different from other fondues on this list. Instead of using the standard alcohol burner, it uses a heated base. There is a knob which makes it easy to decide how hot you want to keep it, and the pot is dishwasher-safe. It also comes with a crêpe pan and tools for real French food lovers.
An electric fondue is more convenient in many ways, but it's not for everyone. This one does look more like an electronic kitchen appliance and less like a traditional fondue. It also has the problem of potential confusion stemming from the all-black fork handles.
The cream cast iron pot on the top of this fondue has a homely feel and will fit nicely into most kitchens, plus it's suitable for any type of fondue you fancy. The all-metal forks are sleek and have the coloured ends that you would expect.
For a cast iron pot, this fondue is a bit on the small side, making it harder for everyone to reach in. The attractive off-white pot also looks a bit at odds with the stand, which doesn't match the overall look.
This fondue set is basic, but this makes it very affordable. It will do all the melting required, whether that's cheese or chocolate. It is easy to set up and has six plastic-handled forks which are colour-coded with a good length.
If you're looking for an eye-catching centrepiece to put in the middle of the table, then this isn't the set for you. Whilst it isn't unattractive, it doesn't have any design features that make it stand out.
This smart fondue set is based directly on those that one would find in an alpine chalet. The pan has a large handle that is easy to grab and move around, allowing everyone to dip into the delicious cheesy mixture.
Although the pan shape is great for using on the hob, it doesn't work on induction hobs. This fondue set has also been designed with cheese in mind, so chocolate lovers should look elsewhere for their fondue fix.
If you are just preparing a fondue for one or two other people or having a tapas night, this little kit is a great choice. It is also a good first fondue for kids as it only requires a candle for heating, and this candle is safely hidden away behind the pretty star-print guard.
The use of a candle does mean that the heat is not as powerful as some, so you might struggle to keep the contents molten. It is also quite small, which might make it hard for everyone to have a go. With these points in mind, it does seem a little expensive, though this is due to the brand, a Dutch fondue maker famous for their quality sets.
Whether you fancy chocolate, cheese, or a bit of both, check out the recommendations below for some bonus products to add to your online basket. Getting prepared will mean your fondue night can only lead to sweet success!
No. 1: Premier|Stainless Steel Fondue Set
No. 2: John Lewis & Partners |Ceramic Fondue Set
No. 3: Princess|Fondue Set
No. 4: John Lewis |Croft Collection Copper Fondue Set
No. 5: Villeroy & Boch|Cast Iron Fondue Set
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications