The Best Fondue Pots Of 2023
Fondue, as we know it today, has a surprisingly long history. In fact, the dish was first described in Homer's Iliad almost 3,000 years ago as a concoction made of goat's cheese, flour, and wine. Despite its early origins, fondue didn't become popular until the 1930s when the now-defunct Swiss Cheese Union adopted it as the country's national dish. It wasn't long before fondue made its way across Europe, becoming a hit in the U.S. in the '60s and '70s.
In its most basic form, fondue consists of a pot — also sometimes called a caquelon — of melted cheese. The dish is accompanied by pieces of bread, fruit, or other ingredients, which are dipped into the gooey concoction. Some of the most popular fondue cheeses include Gruyère, fontina, and Emmental (Swiss cheese), although gouda and cheddar are also commonly thrown into the mix. Other ingredients typically used in cheese fondue recipes include wine, brandy, minced garlic, and yellow mustard. And if you aren't into cheese, fondue pots can also be used to melt chocolate and warm up oil and broth.
Ready for a fondue party? Take a look at our list of the best fondue pots of 2023!
How we selected products
Traditionally prepared over an open flame, fondues today are a whole new kettle of fish — or cheese. However, with so many types of fondue pots on the market, you may be forgiven for feeling slightly overwhelmed. And if you aren't quite sure what to look for in a fondue set, we are here to guide the way. In our quest to find the best fondue pots out there, we have spent hours researching the best gadgets on the market. We have also consulted countless community and expert reviews to see how they assess each unit's performance.
When selecting the best fondue pots of 2023, we took into consideration a number of factors. Firstly, we looked at each fondue's power source. Is it electric or does it come with a burner? And is it stovetop- or microwave-friendly? Next, we looked at each caquelon's material and size. Finally, we considered other factors such as ease of use, ease of cleaning, and the value for your money.
Best overall fondue pot
Crafted from brushed stainless steel, the 3-quart Cuisinart electric fondue pot is both sleek and highly functional. Equipped with a 1,000-watt heating element and an adjustable thermostat with eight different settings, the BPA-free gadget is perfect for serving feasts right there on your dining table. The fondue pot is also non-stick and dishwasher-friendly. Plus, the set comes with eight dipping forks designed to sit in the pot's stainless steel fork ring. The Cuisinart electric fondue pot set is backed by a three-year limited warranty.
The Cuisinart electric fondue pot has received 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 7,500 Amazon shoppers, with 84% of buyers awarding it 5 out of 5 stars. One reviewer calls the gadget "wonderful," adding, "This unit is nice enough looking to put right [on] the table. It heats up very quickly and we were also able to turn it down low enough to keep chocolate warm without ruining it. Super easy to clean." On the downside, some reviewers complain that the unit's cord could be longer, however, this is nothing that can't be easily fixed with an extension cord.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Cuisinart electric fondue pot from Amazon starting at $74.99.
Best budget fondue pot
At a little more than $35, the Nostalgia stainless steel electric fondue pot is one of the most affordable electric fondue pots on the market. Made from stainless steel, the 1.5-quart pot comes with a backlit temperature dial, cool-touch handles for easy portability, and a 38-inch cord. Plus, it comes with six color-coded fondue forks to prevent mix-ups and a notched fork rim that keeps them securely in place during dipping. The fondue pot is also available in black, pink, red, and aqua.
Despite its relatively low price, the Nostalgia stainless steel electric fondue pot has been praised on various platforms, receiving 9.2 out of 10 on Don't Waste Your Money and 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon. One shopper recommends the unit, saying, "I searched high and low for the perfect, inexpensive fondue pot after visiting a super-expensive fondue restaurant. Look no further! This is [it]! I use this fondue pot for both cheese and chocolate. It quickly and easily melts both. I also love the fact that you can remove the bowl and wash it." This being said, some customers complain that the fondue pot can burn ingredients.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Nostalgia stainless steel electric fondue pot from Amazon starting at $36.50.
Best fondue pot for a splurge
Engineered to rest over an open flame, the Swissmar Lugano 9-piece fondue set comes with a cast iron melting pot, a wrought iron portable stove, and a stainless steel burner. The 2-quart pot is enameled inside and available in black, red, and blue. It's also versatile since it can be placed on a stovetop. The Swissmar Lugano 9-piece fondue set comes with six three-pronged dipping forks. Fuel must be purchased separately.
According to Nibblers Kitchen, the Swissmar Lugano 9-piece fondue set is both elegant and easy to use. And while the platform acknowledges that the gadget is pricey, it also highlights that the unit ensures even heat distribution and is highly durable. As such, it's little surprise that the fondue set has been rated 8.9 out of 10 on Don't Waste Your Money. In addition, the unit has been awarded an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 600 Amazon customers, with 85% of shoppers rating it 5 out of 5 stars. One satisfied buyer says, "This hefty beauty is well worth the money we spent on it. It holds a ton of cheese and can be used right on the stove to heat up (melt) [ingredients] and then moved to the warming burner that sits on the stand, under the pot. [...] This pot will last a lifetime, no doubts."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Swissmar Lugano 9-piece fondue set from Amazon starting at $119.95.
Best fondue pot for chocolate
Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, the 1-quart Nostalgia stainless steel chocolate fondue fountain features four tiers. This means that you can dip strawberries, marshmallows, apple pieces, and more in rich chocolate as you watch it cascading down to the stainless steel bowl at the bottom. Best of all, the auger-style fountain doesn't require a pump to return the chocolate to the top of the tower. And if you're not a chocolate lover, there's no need to despair because the Nostalgia stainless steel chocolate fondue fountain can also be used with cheese and other sauces.
With 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon from more than 5,600 consumers, the Nostalgia stainless steel chocolate fondue fountain hasn't been rated as well as the other fondue pots on our list. Nevertheless, we think that the unit's unique design makes it a worthy investment. This sentiment is summed up by one reviewer who praises the fondue pot, saying, "The party we used this for, we ran it for four hours straight!!! Honestly, I think it looked nicer the longer it ran. [...] Never had a problem with clumping, splatter, etc. It ran smooth the whole time." Not everybody agrees, however, with some buyers complaining that they needed to thin the chocolate with coconut oil before use and that the fountain was difficult to clean.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Nostalgia stainless steel chocolate fondue fountain from Amazon starting at $59.99.
Best fondue pot for parties
With a 3-quart capacity, the Dash deluxe stainless steel fondue pot makes a great addition to parties and gatherings. Not just large, the electric unit features eight color-coded forks and eight fondue cups that attach to the outside of the melting bowl and can be filled with dipping ingredients. Available in aqua and gray, the fondue base features a temperature control dial to ensure that you never burn your chocolate, cheese, oil, or broth. Meanwhile, the non-stick brushed stainless steel pot comes with a handy fork rack to reduce accidental drips. The removable pot is also safe in the dishwasher.
Overall, the Dash deluxe stainless steel fondue has received positive reviews on different platforms, including 8 out of 10 on Don't Waste Your Money and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One shopper says, "This electric fondue pot is so easy to use and so beautifully made. I can't imagine anyone not loving how well designed it is!" Another reviewer agrees, saying, "Great fondue pot. Love the little food containers for easy dipping. A very good size pot that gets really hot and easy to use." On the downside, some buyers complain that the fondue's heating base can get overly hot and that its cord is too short.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Dash deluxe stainless steel fondue pot from Amazon starting at $59.99.
Best fondue pot for raclette
Invented in the Swiss Alps, raclette is named after the French word racler or "to scrape." And this is very apt since the gooey cheese dish consists of precisely that — melted cheese that's scraped onto dishes, such as ham or cured beef.
Specifically designed for grilling cheese, the Swissmar stelvio stainless steel raclette grill is perfect for trying the savory dish in the comfort of your own home. The electric gadget consists of a granite hot stone for grilling veggies and meat and eight raclette dishes with heat-resistant spatulas for melting cheese. The Swissmar stelvio stainless steel raclette grill comes with a one-year warranty.
Overall, shoppers on Amazon give the Swissmar stelvio stainless steel raclette grill the thumbs up, rating it 4.7 out of 5 stars. One shopper praises the gadget, saying, "So far, I have had raclette for dinner three times this week. My boys love it and so do I. It heats up pretty quickly and evenly. The cheese melts to perfection in seconds while the [meats] and veggies cook to a perfect temperature." Another customer comments that the grill is highly durable, adding, "I bought this grill in 2009. It is now 2021. It is still in perfect shape. We have used it extensively, and plan on continuing to do so for many years."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Swissmar stelvio stainless steel raclette grill from the brand's website starting at $165.
Best ceramic fondue pot
Blending elegance and functionality, the Artestia fondue pot set is bound to become the centerpiece of the table at your next gathering. Accented with a Swiss Alp pattern, the 2.1-quart ceramic fondue pot is suitable for up to eight people. And since it's ceramic, the pot is also scratch-resistant and dishwasher-friendly for easy cleaning. The Artestia fondue pot set comes with six fondue forks, a metal stand, a burner, and a metal base plate for extra safety.
While this product isn't as popular as some of our other choices, the Artestia fondue pot set has been rated 4.7 out of 5 by Amazon shoppers, indicating that most who do buy it are very satisfied with the product. One buyer calls the fondue set "useful, attractive, [and] affordable," elaborating, "The pot is perfectly sized, not too big/not too small, heavy yet easily moved from a range to a warming device, very attractive as the centerpiece, and easy to clean." Another customer concurs, saying, "Worked great for cheese fondue. Started over the stove to melt then moved over [the] gel fuel stand while eating. Easy clean up."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Artestia fondue pot set from Amazon starting at $66.99.
Best fondue pot for cheese
Designed for up to four cheese enthusiasts, the Boska cheese fondue party set comes with a stylish 25-ounce ceramic pan, a stainless steel stand, three tea lights, and four fondue forks. To start your feast, fill the pan with cheese (or chocolate) and place it on a gas stovetop or pop it in the microwave. Once the cheese melts, place the pan on the stand and light the candles to keep the savory goodness runny and warm. Both the pan and fondue forks are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. The Boska cheese fondue party set is backed by a 10-year warranty for complete peace of mind.
Amazon reviewers rate the Boska cheese fondue party set at 4.4 out of 5 stars, with 69% of shoppers giving it 5 out of 5 stars. One reviewer recommends the set, adding that it's "[sturdy] and keeps the cheese mixture hot." Another customer agrees, saying, "No cords, no scraping forks on Teflon. Can vary heat by blowing out an individual candle. Love it!" This being said, some buyers complain that the fondue's base is flimsy and can tip over.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Boska cheese fondue party set from Amazon starting at $39.99.
Best fondue pot for versatility
The Giveneu electric fondue pot set combines a fondue caquelon and a raclette, making it perfect for grill parties and gatherings with friends. Positioned on top of the round raclette grill, the 20-ounce brushed stainless steel fondue pot comes with eight forks. The set also features eight raclette pans for melting cheese, making sauces, or keeping food warm. The Giveneu electric fondue pot set comes with two separate temperature controls — one for the fondue pot and one for the raclette grill.
With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, the Giveneu electric fondue pot set makes a great purchase for those who like a little versatility in their grilling. Perhaps one shopper sums up the gadget's appeal best, saying, "With this very cool appliance, we can cook almost the entire meal at the center of the table. Fondue or broth in the center, vegetables and fish or shrimp on the grill top, and cheese in the raclette pans on the level underneath the top heating element."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Giveneu electric fondue pot set from Amazon starting at $119.99.
Best cast iron fondue pot
Perfect for cheese, chocolate, or broth, the Cuisinart 13-piece cast iron fondue set comes with an enamel-coated cast iron pot to ensure optimal heating and heat retention. To use the set, simply fill the 1.5-quart pot with your desired ingredients and place it on any stovetop. Once the ingredients have been warmed up or melted, transfer the pot to the stainless steel base and light the burner. The Cuisinart 13-piece cast iron fondue set comes with six color-coded fondue forks and is available in either red or white. Plus, it is backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that you are investing in a quality product.
The Cuisinart 13-piece cast iron fondue set has received top marks from Amazon shoppers, who have awarded it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. One reviewer praises the product, saying, "I cook a lot with cast iron and appreciate that it heats evenly, retains heat, and is sturdy. The enamel coating is a nice addition as it makes cleanup quicker and easier. The only pieces in this set that I find 'light-weight' are the forks themselves [...] and the snuffer piece (not a big deal). Everything else is [of] nice quality. The stand is heavy duty and does not rock."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Cuisinart 13-piece cast iron fondue set from Amazon starting at $54.95.