Nothing gets people together quite like a nice fondue party. The ability to dip a variety of different fruits and snacks into cheese and chocolate is just too much to pass up for most people. Though, when the guest list is made and the food is selected, you’re left with the difficult choice of choosing the best fondue pot. Some pots come with an arsenal of different add-ons while others are best for chocolate and not cheese. Rather than driving yourself crazy over which pot to select, you can check out our list of the best fondue pots and get your party started.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Choosing Your Pot
Different models come equipped with different features and there are some main things you should be on the lookout for before you purchase a fondue pot.
Capacity
Depending on how many guests you’re planning to serve or which type of fondue you’d like to indulge in, you should look into the capacity of your pot. Some of the more high-end models have a higher capacity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a good pot on a budget. Most fondue pots come with a set of six to eight forks and the bowl should be able to accommodate that number of people comfortably.
Additions
Be sure that your fondue pot comes with everything you need. Not only will this save you the time and money of having to purchase anything separately, but the best fondue pot will come with its own heating element and forks. It also doesn’t hurt when the forks are color-coded and the pot has a built-in feature that lets guests store the forks with ease. Some also come with their own fuel or cool-touch handles for easy maneuvering and these are the things you should be looking out for.
Overall Needs
Everyone is looking for something different and no two parties are alike, so research your options and choose a pot that best fits your needs. You might not be looking for one that accommodates too many people or you may be interested specifically in electric models only. There are dozens of options out there and you’re sure to find one that best caters to what you’re looking for.
How We Chose The Best Products
Picking the best of anything isn’t easy, but we compiled our list based on in-depth research and customer reviews of the best fondue pots on the market. These pots are top of the line in their category, won’t cost you an arm and a leg to purchase, and can do everything you’re looking for with ease. We break down which ones are best based on their overall performance, their design, and any additional features that might be of interest to consumers.
Best High-End Fondue Pot
Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Maker – $99.99
- Weighs one pound
- 6.12″ x 10.50″ x 7.00″ (LxWxH)
- Dishwasher safe
- Can hold 12 cups
The Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Maker is the answer to your prayers when it comes to finding the best electric fondue pot.
Perhaps one of the best features of this fondue pot is that it can safely hold any kind of fondue, which includes oil, cheese, chocolate, and broth.
Though, when you have that many fondue choices to choose from you’ll need to have an easy and efficient way to adjust the temperatures, which is something else that this fondue pot offers. There are eight different settings that you can control with a temperature dial. Complete with a heated electric base, you can melt your fondue right in the bowl without having to pre-melt anything either. It can reach a maximum temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit and it only takes you about 10-15 minutes to get there.
This pot is stainless steel and the bowl comes with a nonstick interior, which means that you won’t have to worry about a difficult cleanup or having any leftover fondue residue. Due to its stainless steel exterior, you can also safely place this in the dishwasher. This fondue pot might not hold the traditional accessories of a regular fondue pot, but its sleek, lightweight design will fit neatly into your kitchen.
A perfect pot to entertain guests with, this fondue pot comes with a set of eight forks, which already gives it a leg up over others that only offer six. The forks are color-coded so your guests won’t lose track and the bowl comes with eight separate notches that you can place your forks into. This pot also comes with a limited three-year warranty and a recipe book to help you get the best out of your $99.99.
Best Mid-Range Fondue Pot
VonShef Fondue Set – $39.99
- Weighs 9.52 pounds
- 8.7″ x 6.3″ x 8.7″ (LxWxH)
- Easy cleanup
- Can hold 7.5 cups
You needn’t look much further than the VonShef Fondue Set for a beautifully designed pot that is particularly suited for cheese and chocolate.
This fondue pot is made of heat resistant porcelain enamel cast iron and comes in a striking red color. The design alone is enough to make it a standout at your next gathering, but it comes with an array of functions that easily makes it one of the best models out there.
Much like traditional fondue pots, the Vonshef pot comes with a burner that accommodates methylated spirits or solid fondue gel. Not only can you adjust the flames to ensure safety, but the pot also comes with a snuffer and a splash protector ring along the bottom. The ability to adjust the flame makes it easier to keep your fondue melted without having it burn.
It might weigh a little more than the other models listed here, but it’s a good pot to have on hand when guests arrive given the size and capacity. It also comes with six long, color-coded forks and a lifetime warranty.
The one downside to this pot is that cleaning takes a bit longer than ones you can place right in the dishwasher. Though, consumers have mentioned that cleanup is much easier (especially after cheese fondue) once you let the pot soak in the sink for a little while and then attend to it. Stubborn stains are removed with well-known dishwashing tactics, so you won’t need to deal with anything too crazy.
Best Fondue Pot On A Budget
Nostalgia FPS200 6-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot – $27.99
- Weighs 2.5 pounds
- 8.7″ x 8.7″ x 8.3″ (LxWxH)
- Easy cleanup
- Can hold 6 cups
Last but certainly not least is the Nostalgia FPS200 6-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot.
Some people prefer to keep traditions alive with flame-burner fondue pots, but the electric models aren’t something you should dismiss. Equipped with many of the same features as the Cuisinart model, this electric fondue pot is ultimately safer since there’s no open flame and consumers have an adjustable dial to control temperatures. It also comes with cool-touch handles so you don’t need to worry about burning yourself or having to wait until the fondue cools before moving it to the sink.
For this particular pot, you’ll be able to serve chocolate fondues, broths and cheese dips best. Though, you’re safe to use this pot with any type of fondue you wish, including oils.
One of the downfalls of this model is its short power cord. Consumers have noted that the limited space makes it difficult to have a gathering in any ol’ place, which means you may need to keep things confined to where an outlet is available. It’s also not dishwasher-safe, which means manual cleanup after the guests depart. This pot also only comes with a limited one-year warranty. This shouldn’t be enough to deter you from considering this model, however, as its pros outweigh the cons.
Additions include six color-coded forks for guests to use and notches on the rim to help keep them in place. Its modern design is only made better with its blue, light-up temperature dial that not only makes it look much nicer but also makes temperature adjusting easier.
With its high capacity, this pot is a top choice for consumers when they’re looking for the best fondue pot on a budget.
These three models are guaranteed to help you find the best fondue pot for your needs and make your fondue party a success.
