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Some people say fondue is back, but we’d argue that it really never left. Derived from the French word fondre, which means “to melt," fondue has been around for centuries. In fact, the BBC reports that the first recorded mention of fondue “dates as far back as Homer’s Iliad from around 800 to 725 BC, where it was described as a mixture of goat cheese, wine, and flour.”
But in the U.S., fondue really became popular in the 1960s and '70s as a genius way to use up stale bread before evolving to serve as an umbrella term for any sort of communal hot pot. And today, the trend continues to go strong. After all, who doesn’t love dipping bread, potatoes, and other veggies into a bowl of hot cheese?
For the meltiest results, the best cheese for fondue is creamy and meltable like gouda, fontina, or Gruyère. Use all three if you’re feeling adventurous. But there’s so much more to fondue than just cheesy goodness. You can use your fondue pot to cook various proteins, including steak, chicken, pork, and seafood. And don’t forget about dessert: You can dunk just about anything into some rich, molten chocolate fondue, from classics like fruit, marshmallows, and cookies to more unique vessels like donut fries, ice cream sandwiches, churros, and even potato chips. (Though our personal favorite would have to be a spoon.)
Rather than just using any ole pot or pan, specialized fondue pots, especially electric ones, “regulate the temperature better than leaving them on the stove,” said Nicole Papantoniou, Director of the Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. There’s also the benefit of safety: “Especially if people are dipping in and out of them, they can help prevent accidents. Fondue pots are usually more stable and the heat source is more contained.” To find the best fondue pots, we turned to Papantoniou and the Good Housekeeping Institute for their advice. And, dare we say, we’re pretty fondue of these picks.
It ain’t easy being cheesy: If you’ve found yourself stuck in a fondue rut, we’ve got you covered. Check out these next-level fondue recipes.
Our top picks
- Best Fondue Pot: Swissmar Lugano Fondue Set
- Best Budget Fondue Pot: Nostalgia FPS200 Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot
- Best Splurge Fondue Pot: All-Clad Cast-Aluminum Fondue Pot
- Best Small Fondue Pot: Crate & Barrel Glass and Ceramic Fondue Set
- Best Large Fondue Pot: Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Maker
- Best Ceramic Fondue Pot: BOSKA Holland Tapas Fondue Set
- Best Fondue Pot for Chocolate: Wilton Chocolate Pro Chocolate Fondue Fountain
- Easiest to Use Fondue Pot: Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Fondue Maker
How we picked these products
To find the best fondue pots, we turned to our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who have identified the best brands based on availability, reviews, and reputation. Their team of on-staff experts—which includes all types: engineers! data analysts! registered dietitians!—rigorously put everyday products to the test (and then more and more tests) in their New York City-based labs to determine which ones you can trust.
The Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab has not formally tested fondue sets this year, but you can rest assured that they have extensively researched each of their recommendations to ensure their discerning standards are met, if not exceeded. After sitting down with Papantoniou to discuss her team’s research and fieldwork, we’ve determined that these are the best fondue pots you can buy in 2022.
Swissmar Lugano Fondue Set
Pros
- Compatible with all heat sources
Cons
- Stand can be slippery
Did you know the Swiss Cheese Union declared fondue a national dish of Switzerland in 1930? The look and feel of the Swissmar Lugano Set is so similar to authentic Swiss fondue pots that you just might be fooled into thinking you're dining at the Castle of Gruyères.
“Swissmar is known for good cookware,” said Papantoniou, and this set is no exception. It has everything you need for a classic fondue night, including six three-prong forks with sturdy faux-wood handles and a wrought-iron stand with a matching tray to slide underneath. Note that some users have found the pot to occasionally slide around on the base if it’s not full, so be careful!
The Lugano's enamel-lined cast-iron pot offers a bevy of benefits like easy clean-up, excellent heat distribution, and the ability to cook at both high and low temps, so you can enjoy everything from a spicy Fireball cheese fondue appetizer to a salted caramel dessert fondue.
“The cast-iron pot retains heat well, and it’s enameled, so you don’t have to worry about heating it and you can use it on all heat sources, even your stovetop,” Papantoniou explained. “It’s a really pretty, modern-looking maker, and the [burner] can easily keep things warm. It’s just a very straightforward model.”
After you heat up your chocolate, cheese, broth, or oil on your stovetop, you can ensure the contents of your pot stay melty and gooey by lighting the gel fuel burner attached to the base. (Swissmar recommends using its own Swiss Fire Gel for best results.)
Nostalgia FPS200 Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Unreliable temperature control
To quote Andy Bernard from The Office, “I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them.” We can’t say for sure that the Nostalgia FPS200 Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot will be the source of some beloved memories, but we can say that it’s affordable enough to find out. This unit is proof that you don’t have to dip into your savings to dip some crusty sourdough into a pot of your favorite molten cheese.
Papantoniou hasn’t tested this unit herself, but she agreed that it would make a good budget option: “It’s a good price, it’s electric, it has color-coded forks and comes in different sizes—6-, 8-, and 12-cup—depending on what you’re looking for. It’s pretty stable and has handles so you can move it around, and it seems pretty easy to operate.”
Boasting a 6-cup capacity that can make up to 1.5 quarts of fondue, this sleek-yet-sturdy stainless steel fondue pot even has notches in its rim to hold each of the six included (and color-coded!) forks in place. Furthermore, its design features thoughtful touches like cool-touch handles, a lengthy 38-inch cord, and detachable, dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.
Though some may find the temperature control dial built into the base can be a bit finicky, the Nostalgia FPS200 still offers more versatility than comparable models with the capacity to make large and small adjustments.
All-Clad Cast-Aluminum Fondue Pot
Pros
- Includes cast iron insert
- Versatile
Cons
- Pricey
- Hand-wash only
Double, double toil and trouble… Nothing burns, but everything bubbles in the All-Clad Cast-Aluminum Fondue Pot, which features not one, but two fondue pots for optimal versatility.
This model’s outer 3.5-quart stainless steel pot reaches high enough temperatures for using hot oil or broth, while the 2.5-quart cast iron insert—which is gas-, electric-, ceramic-, induction-, and oven-safe up to 600°F—won’t scorch your cheese or chocolate.
Per Papantoniou: “It’s made of good quality material. It comes with little forks that are different colors, so you know whose is whose, and there’s a steady holder for when they’re not in use.” In fact, the pot’s thoughtful design features a secure-fitting lid with eight perfectly-sized holes to safely store each extra-long fork.
The All-Clad Cast-Aluminum Fondue Pot's burner is attached to its sturdy base for maximum stability, and it’s compatible with both liquid and gel fuel. But although this set may seem to do it all, there are a few caveats. All-Clad warns that the outer pot should never go dry during use, so you’ll need to pour some water in there while using the cast-iron insert. Both pots also offer excellent heat distribution and retention, but it’s good to keep in mind that neither is dishwasher-safe. In fact, the manufacturer advises that you should avoid using harsh detergents and abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool or brillo pads if you want to keep your fondue pot looking sleek and shiny.
TL;DR: The All-Clad Cast-Aluminum Fondue Pot is the way to go if you want to live your most fabulous fondue life (and don’t mind spending a serious chunk of cheddar).
Crate & Barrel Glass and Ceramic Fondue Set
Pros
- Small footprint
- Microwave- and top-rack dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Tealight is not adjustable
Don’t let a lack of storage space ruin your fondue fun. Coming in at six inches wide and just under six inches tall, the compact Crate & Barrel Glass and Ceramic Fondue Set offers an uninterrupted view of your dining experience with its 24-ounce glass bowl—just the right size for a romantic night of fondue for two.
“If I were to buy a fondue maker, this would likely be it because I always like being able to add a little touch to entertaining,” Papantoniou said. “For example, you can just melt down some chocolate chips for chocolate fondue to add a special touch to a dinner. As a New York City apartment dweller, I also like its compact size, which makes it easy to store.”
Whether you choose to make use of the glazed porcelain stand’s cutout design—which has enough room to fit a tealight—or you prefer to just pop the bowl in the microwave, you can be sure this small-but-mighty vessel is a breeze to use. That means no fussing with cords or lighter fluid, and you can even pop it in the top rack of your dishwasher when you’re done eating for easy clean-up! (Just keep in mind that the two included bamboo forks will need to be hand-washed.)
Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Maker
Pros
- 3-quart capacity
- Adjustable heat
Cons
- Short cord
Haters may say there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. If you’d like to personally test that theory on your own (or, you know, if you want a good fondue pot for entertaining), the Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Maker is large and in charge. Perfect for everything from chocolate and cheese to broth and hot oil, the 3-quart, brushed stainless steel pot is dishwasher-safe and features a BPA-free nonstick lining for ultimate cleanability. Plus, it has a wide enough opening to let everyone dip without any fighting—until you’re down to your last dippables, that is.
“I like electric fondue makers because you can regulate them and use them for different things,” Papantoniou noted. “This Cuisinart Maker has a wide opening, so even two people can use it at the same time. You can wash it easily, it has a removable cord for easy storage, the stand is helpful for propping it up and stabilizing it.”
Though some may find the 20-inch cord to be limiting, we appreciated the adjustable temperature probe, which offers eight settings to prepare a wide range of recipes. This model comes equipped with eight fondue forks and an accompanying stainless steel fork rack for easy storage. And if that’s not enough to sway you, the Cuisinart Fondue Maker’s limited 3-year warranty certainly will.
BOSKA Holland Tapas Fondue Set
Pros
- User-friendly
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Not suitable for meat
- Not stovetop- or induction-safe
Established in 1896 near Gouda, Holland, it’s safe to say Boska knows its cheese. The BOSKA Holland Tapas Fondue Set is the definition of simplicity. The thick, ceramic pot is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, eliminating the need to stress and slave over a hot stove. And the oak base uses a tealight to keep your chocolate or cheese warm. This user-friendly kit has everything you need to get started, including four fondue forks, a tealight, and accompanying holder.
“[The Tapas] is made of earthenware, meaning it’s like a pot and it heats gently, which is a good thing,” said Papantoniou. She especially appreciated how the pot conveniently “keeps warm over the tealight after you microwave it. It’s easy to clean because it essentially has an enamel coating, and I like the handles on it—you don’t see a lot of fondue makers with handles, but it’s great for transporting.”
It has a 10-ounce capacity, meaning it can prepare up to six ounces of cheese, chocolate, or other warm sauces. But bear in mind that this unit isn’t suitable for cooking meat and or for use on induction or electric stovetops.
Wilton Chocolate Pro Chocolate Fondue Fountain
Pros
- Large capacity
- Unique, impressive design
Cons
- Only suitable for chocolate
- Utensils not included
Make your Willy Wonka-themed party dreams a reality with the Wilton Chocolate Pro. Perfect for parties or special events, this 16-inch tall chocolate fondue fountain will impress with its ample size, three heat settings (off, warm and flow), unique bowl design, and three well-spaced canopies for easy dipping.
Papantoniou dubbed the Wilton Chocolate Pro “great for entertaining,” but added that there are some caveats to keep in mind: “You do need a lot of chocolate and you have to keep adding to it to ensure it maintains good movement, but this would be a hit at a party. Just remember you can only use it with chocolate, not cheese.”
Your fabulous hosting skills won’t just look effortless; it really is as easy as 1, 2, 3. First, melt your chocolate in the microwave or on your stovetop while you preheat your fountain for 10 minutes. Second, pour the melted chocolate into the fountain. And finally, turn the knob to the “flow” setting and watch your guests be amazed. However, you will need to pick up your own utensils—or just add “BYOU” to your party invitations.
Plus, the Wilton Chocolate Pro's center tube is easy to disassemble, and all removable parts are dishwasher-safe for quick, worry-free cleanup. Oh, and did we mention it can hold up to four pounds of chocolate?
Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Fondue Maker
Pros
- Easy to clean
- User-friendly
Cons
- Short cord
Who says fondue has to be complicated? Not us, and certainly not the Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Fondue Maker, which is by far one of the most user-friendly sets you can get. A magnetic breakaway cord for optimal safety, eight fondue forks, and a fork holder ring are among the plethora of thoughtful features this unit has to offer. However, you'll need to stay within reasonable reach of an outlet, as this electric model's 30-inch cord isn't compatible with extension cords.
The Oster Fondue Maker’s 3-quart pot features a PFOC- and PTFE-free DuraCeramic nonstick coating and is infused with titanium to prevent flaking and peeling—something Papantoniou especially appreciated.
“You can do a lot of different things with it, and it’s easy to clean because the wide base allows it to be wiped out easily,” she remarked. “It’s a good value, and it has a nice holder, so it stays really stable.”
Per Oster, their Fondue Maker cooks up to 30% faster, so you can dedicate that time and energy you’re saving to more important tasks, like experimenting with new recipes. We also appreciated that the adjustable temperature control dial has an easy-to-read guide for which temperature is best for the type of fondue you plan to have—whether that’s cheese, chocolate, or protein—as well as a warming feature to ensure your food is cooked to perfection.
What is the best kind of oil to use for fondue?
The best kind of oil to use for fondue depends on what you plan on cooking, but the general rule of thumb is to go for a more neutral taste.
“You want to do something that has a higher smoke point, like canola, rapeseed, or even peanut oil,” Papantoniou explained.
Regardless of what kind of oil you use, you should never fill your fondue pot more than halfway. Otherwise, you risk an unpleasant mess, if not a potential safety hazard. Because an oil's volume typically increases by about 10 percent when heated, you'll want to have adequate room to prevent it from boiling over or splattering any unsuspecting users.
What is the best fuel for fondue?
The best fuel for fondue depends on how you plan to use it. For cheeses and sweets like chocolate, caramel, or butterscotch, you need just enough heat to keep it perfectly melted without re-solidifying—but not so much that it burns. But when you’re dipping protein or veggies in hot oil or broth, you’ll need more heat to ensure your food is cooked to the proper temperature. To avoid any potential safety hazards or other unpleasant disasters, it's smart to familiarize yourself with the wide range of available options. Then you can be certain you're cooking with a temperature and type of flame that is appropriate for the particular fondue you plan to prepare.
Outside of electric units, one of the most common fuels for fondue is butane, which comes in canisters that you can pick up at most hardware stores. In addition to offering great heat control in a wide range of temperatures, it’s adjustable, versatile, odorless, and safe to use. This option is best for oil or broth, but you can also use it with cheese as long as you keep a close eye on your fondue pot.
Liquid alcohol also serves as a good fuel for fondues because, like butane, it’s nearly odorless, works with most fondue types, and can be purchased at most groceries and drug stores. It’s often used with an adjustable burner, which requires more of a learning curve, but this option’s compatibility with cheese, chocolate, oil, and broth makes it worthwhile if you value versatility.
Another choice is gel fuel, which is a jellied denatured alcohol that typically comes in a can or bottle. (A common brand is Sterno, those little cans of fuel you’d see at buffets.) When used with an adjustable burner unit, it works well for melting cheese and chocolate fondue types, but isn’t as suitable for heating oil or broth.
Depending on your fondue set’s design, you can also use a candle or tealight, but Papantoniou noted “It depends on the material and size of your fondue maker. If your fondue maker comes with a candle or candle holder, then you definitely can use it, but I wouldn’t just go around using a candle for any fondue maker.”
It’s also good to keep in mind that a candle typically only generates enough heat to keep your food warm, not to melt solids into liquids, so you’ll likely need to do some prep work on your stovetop. Fondue sets that use candles are especially useful for chocolate and other dessert fondues, as they're often too delicate to melt over direct heat and should be melted over a double-boiler and then kept warm over a less powerful heat source.
You can even use a hot plate to keep your fondue warm—but, as is the case with candles, you’ll want to verify your pot’s compatibility, as some may not mesh well with these portable cooktops as a heat source.
What are the characteristics of a good fondue pot?
You don’t want to hastily drop some cash on a fondue pot only for it to end up collecting dust in the back of your kitchen cabinet because you didn’t take time to research what type is best suited for your needs. Consider these three factors when shopping for a fondue pot. (Or, dare we say, the fon-dos and fon-don’ts.)
Size: Most people should only need one fondue pot, but if you want the be the host or hostess with the mostest (aka, you want to have different types of fondue available at once), you can pick up as many pots as you like. But from there, you’ll need to choose the right size based on your needs. When shopping for a good fondue pot, “The first thing I would look at is size," Papantoniou advised. "Make sure the size works for you.”
As for the best size for a fondue pot, “It’s really a matter of what you’re doing with it,” said Papantoniou. “A 3-quart model is good enough for most people, or you can go smaller for smaller parties.”
Not only should you consider how many fondue fans you plan to feed, but you should also think about what you plan on making in your fondue pot. For example, you shouldn’t go smaller than three quarts if you plan on using your fondue pot to cook with hot oil or broth. However, if it’s you, yourself, and… well, you, a 12-ounce pot should be enough to enjoy plenty of fondue for one.
Construction: You should take the actual construction of a set’s fondue pot into account, as different materials are more suitable for different needs. Glazed ceramic is a popular choice for its classic look, excellent heat retention, and cleanability.
However, Papantoniou also noted: “Ceramic heats pretty quickly, which can be a double-edged sword.” For example, if you don’t keep a careful eye on your ceramic pot, your chocolate fondue may overheat, resulting in a thick, clumpy texture. Furthermore, ceramic pots are not suitable for hot oil fondue, but they’re a great option if you prefer a classic cheese fondue.
Stainless steel is another solid choice—pun intended. Perfect for cooking with hot oil, it’s durable, yet lightweight, and heats up quickly. But unlike ceramic options, stainless steel fondue pots don’t always distribute heat evenly. This isn’t a deal-breaker for cooking with broth or oil, but these potential hot spots can burn cheese or chocolate. (However, some higher-end fondue pot manufacturers mitigate this risk by including an additional insert made of ceramic, porcelain, or another material.)
And of course, you can’t forget about the holy grail of cookware materials: cast iron.
“Cast iron is absolutely good for fondue because it heats evenly and retains heat well,” explained Papantoniou. “The only thing is cleaning at the end—they’re kind of annoying to clean. You can use soap and water, but you want to maintain the cast iron’s patina. So if it’s not enameled, you will have to re-season it after you wash it.”
Heat source: Another factor to consider is whether you want a manual or electric model. Traditional fondue pots are typically manual units that use an outside fuel source, as we explained earlier. Some people prefer this extra dash of authenticity (and the reassurance that you don’t have to worry about replacing any electrical parts down the line). But it’s important to keep in mind that there is a bit of a learning curve when working with a manual heat source, and you’ll need to keep a closer eye on your food to prevent scorching, fires, and other disasters.
When you think of fondue sets, you’re likely picturing an electric model. As a more contemporary option, many turn to these frustration-free units for their ease of use. They can cook with nearly any food, and their designs often have helpful features like breakaway power cords and adjustable temperature controls and burners—so there’s limited guesswork involved.
“An electric one regulates the temperature better and offers more versatility, so you can use oil or cheese depending on what you’re in the mood for,” explained Papantoniou.
But as is usually the case with modernized cookware and small appliances, all those fancy features often come at an additional cost, whether that’s literally spending some extra dough or making some design compromises, like a smaller size or different pot material, for the sake of convenience. As with any investment, it just depends on what you value most.
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