Fondue Pots FAQ

What's included in a fondue set?
Fondue sets generally include a pot, a stand, a heat source, a lid, and forks, although some manufacturers include different elements. Many fondue accessories can be purchased separately, particularly forks. Many sets include a tray to hold bread or fruit for dipping in the fondue as well. Enthusiasts combine prepackaged sets with unique pieces to create a more dynamic presentation, such as pairing modern, geometric forks with a rustic, earthenware pot.

Other than cheese, what else can you put in a fondue pot?
While cheese remains the most popular variety of fondue, fondue pots can be used for a variety of recipes. Dessert fondues of all sorts feature chocolate, butterscotch, or even peanut butter. Some types of fondue pots, particularly those made of materials that tolerate high heat, can be used to make Asian dishes, such as hot pot, which includes thinly sliced meat, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, egg dumplings, and seafood with savory broth. Other styles of fondue exist as well, such as the meaty fondue Bourguignonne.

Of all the available styles, which fondue pot is the best? Fondue pots should ideally be easy to clean and made of a material that distributes and retains heat. High temperature, shock resistant ceramics, enamel-coated cast iron and heavy-duty stainless steel make good choices. For cooking fondue on a stovetop, the best pots feature modern, non-stick coating or a durable surface that can be seasoned to resist stains and burns. What is an electric fondue pot? Electric fondue pots perform two functions. First, the heating element cooks the ingredients of the pot. Then, with the included thermostat control, a chef can serve the fondue in the same pot, taking the dish out to the table or setting up a buffet on a sideboard. Convenient, safe, and adaptable, electric fondue pots combine many attractive features.

What is a fondue fountain?
A fondue fountain is a novel way to serve a dessert fondue. Precooked fondue is poured into the central bowl of the machine, which is equipped with a heating element to maintain temperature and consistency. A small motor conveys the warm liquid up through a series of concentric, tiered spouts. The resulting curtains of flowing, liquid chocolate circulate perpetually through the system. Diners chose from an assortment of cakes, cookies, fruits, and other sweets, then dip them in the warm chocolate.