To make the most of your new fondue set, discover our really easy cheese fondue recipe, featuring a splash of kirsch, comforting cheddar and nutty gruyère. Boiled new potatoes, chunks of bread, slices of cured meat and pickles all make perfect dipping items to scoop up the sauce.
For a sweeter note, fill the pot with chocolate instead. Try our chocolate fondue recipe with dark chocolate and double cream, or go for a boozy twist with a dash of brandy and luxurious salted caramel. Serve with marshmallows, fresh fruit and biscuits for dunking.
Read on for our picks of the 10 best fondue sets to buy, whether using for cheese or chocolate. Looking for more inspiration? Visit our reviews section and discover over 600 practical buyer’s guides, offering unbiased advice on the equipment worth investing in, including the best cheese gifts or the best cheese hampers for more cheesy inspiration.
What is a fondue set?
A fondue set typically has two designs. There are classic cast iron or stainless steel pots that come with a burner (electric, gel or alcohol-fuelled) underneath, or ceramic models with space for a tealight underneath to heat your chocolate or cheese. They often come with dipping forks, but it is also good to look out for whether the lid has resting slots for the forks in between dipping, how many forks are included and whether there are markers so fondue party members can keep track of theirs.
Best fondue sets at a glance
- Best budget fondue set: KitchenCraft 3-in-1 fondue set, £30.48
- Best stainless steel fondue set: Argos stainless steel fondue set, £30
- Best fondue set for a party: STAUB cast iron fondue set, from £99.95
- Best mini fondue set: Boska tapas fondue set, £16.99
- Best designed fondue set: Artesà deluxe fondue set, £66.95
- Best cast iron fondue set: Le Creuset enamelled cast iron fondue set, £275
- Most versatile fondue set: Princess fondue set, £46.56
- Most traditional fondue set: Swissmar Lugano cast iron cheese fondue set, £89
How to use a fondue set?
Each style of fondue set will have it’s own method – read the instructions carefully before diving in.
For a candle-lit fondue set, simply place a tealight beneath the pot to heat up the chocolate. Keep an eye on the wax in the tealight and replace with a fresh candle as needed.
Burner-operated fondue sets will come with specific instructions. There are two main styles:
- Electric burner – once plugged in, electric models will begin to heat up. Most have adjustable settings to manage heat levels.
- Adjustable burner – gel fondue packets or alcohol can be put into the burner underneath the fondue pot to be lit with a match. Use the lid of the burner to cover some of the flame to manage the heat intensity.
Once lit, place the pot with your ingredients that have been already melted (or melt chocolate directly in the pot) on top of the burner and use the forks to dip.
Best fondue sets and pots to buy in 2023
KitchenCraft 3-in-1 fondue set
Best budget fondue set
At under £50, this 3-in-1 fondue set not only meets tight budgets but is all you need to heat cheese, chocolate or even sauces. It comes with two different fondue bowls; ceramic for a gentler melt and metal to speed it up – both options are designed to be safe and durable. It’s heated by a refillable duel fuel burner. The metal stand is also designed to keep the fondue stable and protect your surfaces. The set includes six colour coded forks, to help avoid any confusion. The compact design is easy to store and perfect for a family gathering or a small party.
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Argos Home stainless steel fondue set
Best stainless steel fondue set
This sleek stainless-steel fondue set from Argos will brighten any table. It includes an alcohol burner and six forks that can be used for cheese and chocolate. A tealight can be used for low heat fondue like chocolate. For a higher heat to melt cheese, pour liquid fuel into the burner and light with a match.
STAUB cast iron fondue set with six forks
Best fondue set for a party
French-made, this fondue set from STAUB comes with six forks. It has an enamel glaze on the base to prevent cheese from sticking (and to help easy clean up). Thanks to its cast iron body, this model should be long-lasting, and evenly distributes the heat to leave you with a smooth cheese sauce, perfect for a long evening of fun.
Available from:
Zwilling (from £99.95)
Boska tapas fondue set
For a fun starter or as part of a winter tapas feast, this mini fondue set from Boska is ideal. It has a melted capacity of 300ml (which is 175g of cheese), so there’s plenty to share, without taking up your whole table or too much kitchen space. The pot sits on a small wooden stand and is kept warm by a tealight. It can also be used for chocolate, or to keep small quantities of sauces and dips warm on the table.
Available from:
Amazon (£16.99)
Artesà deluxe fondue set
Best designed fondue set
Modern yet practical with plenty of extras, this is the definitive party product. It has a revolving base and smart serving bowls for different snacks, meaning guests can spin the base to try them all. As well as the six fondue forks, there are small spoons to serve any extra toppings. It works with both cheese and chocolate – that’s a completely fondue-based dinner party sorted.
Le Creuset enamelled cast iron fondue set
Best cast iron fondue set
Crafted from top-quality cast iron, Le Creuset’s set not only keeps food hot, but the enamelled interior makes it super-easy to clean. Fit for grill, oven, hob and induction, and with an adjustable burner, there are plenty of ways to heat up cheese or chocolate. The 1.6-litre set comes in a striking cerise red with carry handles, so it can be carried to the dining table to take place as an attractive centrepiece. With six wooden and stainless-steel forks fit with coloured tips, you’re all set for a fantastic fondue night. This is the most expensive of our selection – an investment for a die-hard fondue fan.
Available from:
Le Creuset (£275)
Princess fondue set
Most versatile fondue set
This elegant, electric 1.5-litre fondue set has an easy temperature controller, which means you can heat it quickly, and adjust the heat as needed. The aluminium cast iron dish retains heat well and comes with bamboo handles, a housing stand and eight colour coded forks – making it a stylish and practical centrepiece for melted cheese and chocolate alike. It comes with a fondue ring that fits round the top of the pot to allow the forks to rest easily between dips.
Available from:
Amazon (£46.56)
Swissmar Lugano cheese fondue set
Most traditional fondue set
This stylish Swiss-made cast iron fondue set will bring a taste of the alps to your home. The solid pot, measuring 21 x 18cm is held by an ornate stand featuring a burner that can be fuelled with gel capsules. Alternatively, the pot can be put on the stove to heat and transferred to its stand to complete the showstopper look. The nine-person capacity makes it a great option for holding melty loveliness for family and friends.
Available from:
Amazon (£89)
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