Buying a raclette set: A guide to the perfect purchase

Raclette is widely known as one of Switzerland’s national dishes and is especially popular during the winter months. It’s a time when many Swiss families and friends gather to enjoy a meal together. If you don’t yet have the right equipment, it’s definitely worth considering purchasing a raclette set.

We’re happy to help with useful tips. Here you will learn what to look for when buying a set, which mistakes to avoid, and get information about the raclette sets available in Stöckli’s range.

What are the key criteria when buying a raclette set?

When buying a raclette set, the following criteria are particularly important:

• Power
• Temperature control
• Material
• Number of pans
• Additional features

Power of the Raclette Set

The power of the raclette set determines how quickly the device heats the food. The higher the wattage, the faster the cheese in the pans melts. Typically, there is a correlation between the power and the number of people the set can serve simultaneously, since more pans require higher power.

However, very high power also means higher electricity consumption. This is an important consideration when buying a raclette set.

Temperature Control

Good raclette sets allow for stepless temperature adjustment. This lets you control exactly how hot and how quickly the food is heated. If the set lacks temperature control, the food may become too hot or not warm enough.

Material

It is important that a raclette set is made from high-quality materials. Only then can it heat the food reliably and maintain a consistent temperature. Typically, the grill plate is made of non-stick metal, though some sets use natural stone plates.

The materials should also be professionally processed to ensure safe operation.

Number of Pans

A practical aspect when choosing the right raclette set is the number of pans that can be heated simultaneously. Base your decision on the number of people who usually join your meals.

If you rarely invite friends or relatives for a meal, one pan per family member is sufficient. For a family of four, a raclette set with space for four pans is recommended. Singles and couples can buy a set designed for two people.

If you often have guests, it makes sense to buy a raclette set designed for six or eight people. This way, no one has to wait to prepare their food.

Additional Features and Accessories

When choosing a raclette set, the presence of certain extra features can also be decisive. For example, a parking deck on the device allows hot pans to be safely placed.

Some raclette sets come with useful accessories included, such as spatulas that make it easy to remove food from the pans.

Safety

Safety is a crucial factor when using a raclette set, since the device is electric and generates high heat. Excellent build quality is essential, ensuring the set is stable and unlikely to tip over.

The raclette set should also have overheat protection, automatically shutting off if the temperature becomes too high. It should turn off after a period of inactivity to prevent unattended heating. Generally, indicator lights should show whether the device is on or off.

A long, well-insulated power cord is helpful, allowing the set to be placed in the center of the table while preventing short circuits.

Cleaning

After each use, the raclette set should be thoroughly cleaned. A thoughtful design makes this easier. The grill plate and pans should be non-stick, and the interior of the device should be easy to access for cleaning.

Design

For many users, the appearance of the raclette set is a key purchasing criterion. The device should look good on the table, especially when guests are present. After considering the functional criteria, choose the model that appeals to you visually.

Also, ensure the size of the raclette set fits your table. A set that is too large may not suit a smaller table. Keep in mind that plates and bowls with ingredients will also need space on the table.

What are the Most Common Mistakes When Buying a Raclette Set?

The most common mistakes when buying a raclette set occur when the tips mentioned earlier are not considered. For example, the device may be too small for the intended number of people. If you often have guests, it may be worth purchasing a larger raclette set.

Another mistake can be buying a device with insufficient power. This causes the cheese to melt more slowly, and participants have to wait longer for their food.

It can also be a mistake to choose a raclette set that is difficult to clean. Regular cleaning is important to ensure you can use the device for as long as possible. If food residues burn into the coating of the grill plate or pans, they can be damaged. Additionally, leftover food can affect the heating elements of the raclette set.

The Raclette Sets from Stöckli

At Stöckli, we developed and released the world’s first individual-portion raclette oven in 1969. Even today, our raclette sets are among the best available on the market. We offer models suitable for groups of various sizes. The Cheeseboard Twin, for example, is compact and comes with two pans, making it perfect for singles or couples.

The Twinboard is also designed for two people and can be expanded from two to four pan slots with an additional extension device.

Four people can prepare their meals simultaneously with the Cheeseboard Grill, as can be done with the CheeseGrill4. The Cheeseboard Six is designed for six people. The largest raclette set available in our shop is the Cheeseboard V8 Grill, which—as its name suggests—can be used by up to eight people at the same time.

We also offer practical accessories such as spatulas, tongs, and pan holders. Silicone mats for the pans are available as well.

If you have questions about Stöckli raclette sets or any other products in our range, feel free to use our contact form to send us a message. We are also happy to assist you by phone or email.