The 5 Best Fondue Pots Of 2024

Over the years I’ve experimented with quite a few traditional cheese fondue recipes including the classic Swiss, or beer and cheddar, but I’ve also whipped up some more experimental versions like my pesto-laced cheese fondue recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned fondue enthusiast or a newcomer to this delightful dining experience, the right fondue pot can elevate your gatherings to new heights. Check out my top picks for the best fondue pots.

Sommer’s Top Picks:

Reviews of The Best Fondue Pots

1. My Top Pick: All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot

If you want the joy of whipping up a delicious fondue in a pot that’s not only functional but downright stylish, then the All-Clad cast aluminum fondue pot is a great choice. It can be used on many types of stovetop burners (gas, electric, and induction), and is oven-safe up to 600°F, making it a versatile choice for your culinary adventures. Made from durable stainless steel, it has a thick aluminum base and tall, curved sides, making it a rapid-heating marvel for melting cheese or chocolate. The non-stick insert ensures easy cleanup, so you can avoid the hassle of stubborn residue. The lid is a thoughtful touch, featuring a spacious opening for convenient access to your delectable fondue, plus six grooves to hold the color-coded fondue forks between bites. This fondue maker is suitable for cheese, chocolate, oil and broth, and it would be perfect for my Irish Dubliner Fondue. The Specs:

Heating source: Fire gel Material: Stainless steel Stovetop compatibility: Gas, Electric, Induction Capacity: 3.5 quart (pot), 2.5 quart (insert) Size: 7.75 x 9.25 x 9.25 inches

The Pros:

Non-stick insert for easy cleaning Can withstand high heat Splatter guard helps prevent splashes

The Cons:

Hand wash only No fuel included No handles on the insert which can make it hard to transfer

What Others Are Saying Food & Wine and Delish both named the All-Clad Cast Aluminum as the best splurge fondue pot, and Good Housekeeping and Martha Stewart called it the best large fondue pot. Buy the All-Clad Aluminum Fondue Pot:

2. Best Electric Fondue Pot: Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

The Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot is an absolute game changer in the world of versatile and hassle-free entertaining. In addition to the convenience of a quick plug-and-go electric capability, what sets this electric fondue pot apart is the thoughtful inclusion of essential features, such as the stainless steel ring that holds forks in place and helps prevent splattering, plus color coding on each of the eight fondue forks, so guests can easily keep track of the one they used. This sleek, 3-quart capacity pot, packs a powerful 1000-watt punch and is suitable for chocolate, cheese, broth, or oil fondues. What I particularly love about this fondue pot is the adjustable temperature probe with eight settings for the type of ingredients and the passage of time. This allows you to effortlessly master an array of recipes, ensuring your culinary creations are always on point. The Specs:

Heating source: Electric Material: Stainless steel Stovetop compatibility: N/A Capacity: 3 quarts Size: 6.12 x 10.5 x 7.0 inches

The Pros:

Heats up quickly, within 5-10 minutes Easy to use BPA-free Dishwasher safe Limited 3-year warranty

The Cons:

Electric cord is a bit short No lid Not as pretty as traditional cast iron fondue pots

What Others Are Saying Buy the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot:

3. Best Value Fondue Pot: Oster DuraCeramic Electric Fondue Pot

Cooking up to 30% faster, this budget-friendly electric fondue pot is not just a time-saver, but it’s also energy efficient. Not only does the innovative, titanium-infused ceramic coating ensure durability and scratch resistance, but it also makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, this non-stick coating lasts a whopping 8 times longer than traditional non-stick coatings without flaking or peeling. The removable, adjustable temperature control ensures you have the correct heat for every fondue recipe, whether that’s cheese, chocolate, meat, oil, or broth, but it does tend to get very hot, so you’ll need to keep an eye on it. The set includes 8 fondue forks and a fork holder ring, making it a complete package for entertaining. The Specs:

Heating source: Electric Material: Aluminum with ceramic coating Stovetop compatibility: N/A Capacity: 3 quarts Size: 13 x 9 x 5 inches

The Pros:

Budget-friendly price Ceramic interior makes for easy cleaning Not toxic coating Includes magnetic breakaway cord for extra safety

The Cons:

Not dishwasher safe 30-inch cord a little short Gets extremely hot

What Others Are Saying Buy the Oster DuraCeramic Fondue Set:

4. Best Cast Iron Fondue Pot: Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set

If you’re big into cast iron cookware and are looking for a more traditional fondue experience, then the Swissmar Cast Iron Fondue Set is the one for you. What makes this set stand out is its enameled cast iron pot that rests elegantly on a black wrought iron burner stand. The value truly shines through with the inclusion of a paste burner, complete with a 3-ounce fire-gel container, or it can also be used directly on a gas or electric stovetop. The fondue pot is usable on all heat sources and is easy to clean, thanks to the enameled interior requiring no pre-seasoning. It comes with six fondue forks and is suitable for cheese, chocolate, or oil and broth fondues. The Specs:

Heating source: Fire gel Material: Enameled cast iron Stovetop compatibility: gas or electric Capacity: 2 quarts Size: 8.25 x 7 x 7 inches

The Pros:

Aesthetically pleasing Easy to clean Incredibly durable Retains heat really well

The Cons:

Can create hot spots in the middle of the pan Forks aren’t color-coded

What Others Are Saying Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats both named the Swissmar Cast Iron Fondue Set as the best overall traditional fondue pot, and Delish calls it the best fondue pot. Buy the Swissmar Cast Iron Fondue Set:

5. Best Chocolate Fondue Pot: Wilton Pro Chocolate Fondue Fountain

If you’re looking to indulge in chocolate, this 16-inch tall chocolate fondue fountain isn’t you’re classic fondue pot, but is an eye-catching display that is perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any special event. The fountain holds a generous 4 lbs of chocolate, ensuring a steady stream of mouthwatering sweetness ready for dipping fruits, strawberries, cake pops, and more. The practical design features three tiers, allowing you to easily dip a variety of treats, especially when paired with my Nutella Chocolate Fondue. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble and has dishwasher-safe removable parts. The Specs:

Heating source: Electric Material: Plastic, stainless steel Capacity: 4 lb Size: 12 x 12 x 16.75 inches

The Pros:

Fun, theatrical, design Great for parties Easy to use Easy to clean

The Cons:

Only suitable for chocolate No utensils included You need a lot of chocolate (up to four pounds)

What Others Are Saying Buy the Wilton Pro Chocolate Fondue Set:

Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker Staub Cast Iron Mini Fondue Set Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Fondue Pot Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot

Why You Can Trust Me

Hi, I’m Sommer Collier, a skilled recipe developer, food stylist, and writer with a passion for both culinary creativity and global flavors. My main aim is to assist home cooks, like you, in mastering diverse cuisines! Here at A Spicy Perspective, I’ve created a collection of delicious fondue recipes designed to be shared with loved ones. My Sun-dried Tomato Pesto and Fontina Fondue is a personal favorite, but it’s my Nutella Chocolate Fondue that steals the spotlight, earning its well-deserved status as a fan favorite. To make this list, I leveraged my personal experience and love of all things fondue, as well as doing a deep dive into other popular fondue pots on the market. I considered various aspects, including different sizes, material types, ease of cleaning, pricing, customer satisfaction, and design elements, to put together this list of the best fondue pots.

What to Know About Fondue Pots

What to Consider Before Buying a Fondue Set:

Heating Source

Fondue pots can be powered by electricity, fuel gel, or tea lights. Choose the one that aligns with your preferences and available heat sources, keeping in mind that open flames may be too dangerous if you have young kids. Size and Capacity Consider the size of the pot based on the number of people you’ll be serving. A larger capacity is suitable for bigger gatherings, while a smaller one is ideal for intimate settings for two. Material Fondue pots come in various materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron. Each material has its advantages. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, ceramic provides even heat distribution, and cast iron retains heat well but is heavier. If you want to cook your fondue in the same pot that you serve it in, you’ll want to take into account whether the fondue pot can be used on your stovetop. Temperature Control Electric fondue pots offer precise temperature control for a variety of different types of fondues. If you opt for a traditional-style fondue pot, you’ll want to invest in a thermometer to ensure that your ingredients stay heated to the desired level.

How to Use a Fondue Set:

Set Up the Fondue Pot: Place the fondue pot in the center of the table so that it’s within reach of guests. If you’re using liquid fuel, clear away any flammable objects before filling the burner. If you’re using an electric fondue pot, make sure that the cord can reach an electrical outlet and that it’s not in anyone’s way. Prepare Ingredients: Cut items such as bread, apples, potatoes, or other vegetables into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping, and place them around the fondue pot. Set the Temperature: The correct temperature for your fondue pot depends on what type of fondue you’re making. Chocolate fondue should be set to around 110°F, whereas oil for cooking meat fondue needs to be kept at approximately 325°F to properly cook the meat. Setting the temperature on an electric fondue pot is easy, as it usually requires just turning a dial. If you’re using a traditional fondue pot that’s heated with a sterno, you’ll want to prepare your fondue on the stovetop first so that you can bring it to the correct temperature before transferring it to the fondue pot. Dip and Enjoy: Provide long-handled fondue forks for guests to spear and dip their chosen items into the warm mixture. Keep in mind that any foods for dipping should not be left out for longer than two hours, and if you’re serving any meat or seafood, they should be presented in separate shallow bowls on beds of ice so they stay safely chilled. Monitor Temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature throughout the fondue experience, and adjust the heat if needed, either by turning up the dial on your electric fondue pot, or increasing the flame on your gel fuel. Make sure to maintain a proper temperature so that your fondue doesn’t cool down and start to congeal or harden. End of Service: Once the fondue experience is complete, turn off the heat source and let the fondue pot cool completely. Clean the fondue pot according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What’s the Best Cheese for a Fondue Pot?

The best cheese for a fondue pot is a combination of melting cheeses that blend well to create a smooth and flavorful fondue. Traditional Swiss and French recipes often use a mixture of Gruyère and Emmental, which complement each other in terms of flavor and melting properties. Other types of cheese you can use include Comté, Fontina (like in my Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Fondue!), Raclette, Appenzeller, cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack.

What’s the Best Chocolate for a Fondue Pot?

The best chocolate for a fondue pot is high-quality chocolate with a good balance of sweetness and richness. Opt for chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa content for depth of flavor. Dark chocolate varieties, such as semi-sweet or bittersweet, are popular choices as they melt smoothly and offer a more sophisticated taste. You can also experiment with milk chocolate or a combination of dark and milk chocolates to achieve the desired sweetness level. For my Nutella Chocolate Fondue, all I use is Nutella and heavy cream!

Can You Make Fondue in a Crock Pot?

While it’s possible to make fondue in a crockpot, using a dedicated fondue pot is highly recommended for the best results—plus it looks better for serving! If you’re not quite ready to invest in a fondue pot, you can make it in your crock pot by mixing all the ingredients together, cooking it on high, and then reducing the temperature to the “keep warm” setting for serving. Be sure to stir it a few times to ensure that the bottom doesn’t get burned!