Fondue sets: What all is included?

It is the experience of enjoying together, of gathering for lively conversations, and of preparing it with your own hands that makes fondue special. Hardly any other dish has such a sociable character. To ensure that a fondue evening is a complete success, the right accessories are essential. Comprehensive fondue sets provide you with all the important utensils.

The Path to a National Dish

Making day-old bread tasty in hot cheese – this idea occurred to several peoples early on. For example, it is said that the ancient Greeks enjoyed a very similar meal. However, the cheese fondue as we know it today can be credited to the Swiss as part of their culinary inventions. How it came about, however, is a matter of debate. There are two different anecdotes regarding the origin of cheese fondue. According to one story, it originated from the creativity of monks. During their fasting period, they were not allowed to consume solid food. So they simply melted cheese, as liquid food did not break the fasting rules, and ate their fill. The second anecdote traces the origin of cheese fondue back to the Kappel Milk Soup. Its story is connected to an important piece of Swiss history: the First Kappel War in the 16th century, which was rooted in a religious conflict. As the leaders of the opposing armies negotiated, the soldiers approached each other. One group brought milk, another brought bread, and together they ate milk soup, which may have later evolved into cheese fondue. The very first written recipe for fondue dates back to 1699. It was written by the Zurich resident Anna Maria Gessner and is the first concrete evidence of the Swiss national dish.

How to Prepare a Cheese Fondue with Fondue Sets

Have you just purchased a new, high-quality fondue set from our online shop? Then you are probably eager to invite your family and friends for a culinary gathering. So what should go into it to turn it into a true taste experience? The list includes:

• Cheese
• White wine
• Starch
• Spices

Choosing the Optimal Cheese

In principle, anything that you and your guests enjoy is allowed. But when it comes to cheese, caution is advised, as not every type is suitable for fondue. The key factors are how long it has been aged and how mature it is. Both influence the protein composition. The more protein it contains, the better the cheese melts. Gruyère, Emmental, and Appenzeller are always a good choice. For a slightly tangy and pleasantly creamy fondue, Vacherin Fribourgeois works wonderfully. Younger cheeses like Edam or Tilsit are less suitable. However, if nothing else is available, you can still achieve a creamy fondue with a few small tips. For example, add a splash of lemon juice. A few slices of processed cheese can also help, as the melting salts bind the mixture. Be careful not to exceed 10 percent processed cheese. When it comes to wine, varieties with a pronounced acidity are recommended. Dry white wines are a good choice. For those wanting to try something different, sparkling wine, beer, or fermented apple juice can also be used. An alcohol-free version can be made with water. For every 400 grams of cheese, add 150 milliliters of liquid and pour it into one of your fondue pans or your fondue pot. Make sure the mixture only simmers lightly on the rechaud and keep it in motion at all times to prevent burning. Placing a heat distribution plate in between minimizes this risk. True to its name, it ensures that the rising heat does not concentrate in one spot but spreads evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Time to Enjoy with Fondue Forks, Fondue Plates, and More

Finally, the fondue is ready to be eaten. The big dipping can begin! The classic, of course, is bread, preferably from the day before. What once started as a way to use up leftovers has a big advantage. You surely know this: you cut fresh bread, and it is soft and fluffy inside. It slips off the fondue forks too easily and disappears into the cheese. Retrieving and spearing the lost pieces is quite a challenge. If you use bread from the previous day, it sticks better to the fondue forks. Don’t worry, it tastes just as good as fresh bread. Which type of bread you choose is entirely up to you. All of them work well for cheese fondue. And what else is excellent for spearing on fondue forks? Potatoes, fresh vegetables, and cooked meat are classics alongside bread on the fondue plate. Basically, any food that sticks to the fondue forks is fair game. The only rule is: it must taste good! And dipped in warm, melted cheese, almost everything does, doesn’t it? Simply fill your fondue plate with the ingredients that make your culinary heart beat faster. Want to avoid a crust forming on the edges of your fondue pot or pan? Then periodically wipe along the edges with the ingredients. However, it is precisely this crust that many connoisseurs consider the highlight. The fondue plates are empty, but there are still some leftovers in the fondue pot or pan? Stir two to three eggs into the remaining cheese mixture and season again. Voilà—there’s something to dip again.

What Do Fondue Sets Consist Of?

We have already mentioned some components of fondue sets, but now we would like to introduce them to you in detail. The fondue pot and fondue pans naturally form the centerpiece of any set, as this is where the cheese mixture goes. This pot is also called a Caquelon. It feels especially rustic when made from ceramic or clay. These materials exude a unique coziness but should be used with care. They are not as heat-resistant as steel or cast-iron fondue pots and pans. However, they are the safer choice because they conduct heat more slowly. This prevents the material from cracking and protects you and your guests from potential hazards. The cheese mixture also melts more slowly in them, reducing the risk of burning. You can enjoy your fondue at a relaxed pace without constantly stirring. Don’t worry: with our high-quality ceramic Caquelons, you are on the safe side and don’t need to fear cracking materials. You may notice fine cracks appearing in the glaze over time, but this is nothing to worry about. They are simply a sign of the Caquelon’s heat resistance. See our Caquelons for more details.

The Rechaud as a Heat Source

Not only are fondue pans or the fondue pot indispensable, but your essential partner is the rechaud. The Caquelon sits on top of it and is kept warm after you have heated its contents on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave. Alternatively, you can heat the cheese mixture directly on the rechaud at the table. This is a small tabletop burner that provides a controlled flame. It consists of a heat-resistant bowl on a stand, which you fill with fuel. Some models, like our Avalon rechaud, even work electrically and can be adjusted continuously. If you want to take a short break, it can be turned off. When hunger returns, it can be easily switched back on. By the way, the term “rechaud” comes from the French word “rechauffer,” which means “to warm” in German. The rechaud has been in use since ancient times, although back then it was primarily heated with glowing coals. Fuel paste, gas, and alcohol burners became increasingly common for heating from the early 19th century onwards.

Why You Should Not Do Without Fondue Forks and Fondue Plates

All fondue sets are only truly complete with fondue forks and fondue plates—naturally matching the fondue pot or pans. Why not just use regular forks and plates? Of course, you can use whatever you like. But these components of the fondue set offer several advantages. Anyone who has ever dipped bread into hot cheese with a regular fork knows the problem: the bread slips off and sinks. The tines of fondue forks are much closer together, holding the ingredients securely. And what are the advantages of fondue plates? They are particularly flat, and some have separate sections for sauces, meat, and other ingredients. This keeps everything organized instead of mixing together. Additionally, they provide a large surface for enjoying the dipped ingredients.

Our Fondue Sets in Focus

In our online shop, we offer our high-quality Fondue Set Tradition Alpaufzug in two different versions. Both consist of a Caquelon and six plates each. All components are made of heat-resistant ceramic and are suitable for use on induction cooktops. They are decorated with illustrations of shepherds and their cows walking through the landscape. In addition, we offer our cheese fondue sets. These include a fondue pot or pans along with a rechaud and six fondue forks. For example, our Titlis fondue set is made of cast iron and features light wooden handles. These create a stylish contrast with the black pot with splash guard and the rechaud. The latter operates with a paste safety burner and can heat cheese fondue for up to three people. Our Bellavista set comes with a pot made of black quality ceramic. It has a capacity of three liters, making it suitable for serving up to six guests.

The Right Accessories for Your Fondue Sets

All components of our fondue sets can also be purchased individually from us if desired. Have more guests shown up than expected, and you don’t have enough fondue forks or plates? No problem—they are also available separately in our range. In addition, we offer accessories for our Classic Rechaud, including fuel paste, replacement wicks, and a snuffer cap. Has the season of mild summer evenings finally arrived? Then feel free to move your fondue evening outdoors to the terrace or garden. However, wind can quickly end the cozy meal, as it extinguishes the burner flame. A wind guard solves this problem. While it is usually not included in fondue sets, it is a worthwhile investment if you enjoy dining outside. All the delicious bread, meat, vegetables, and other ingredients you prepare for dipping can be placed in our bowl carrier. It holds three glass bowls and can be easily passed around, ensuring all ingredients are within reach for every guest. The bowl holder can be folded up, taking up very little space in your cupboard.

Tips for Your Perfect Fondue Evening

Your fondue set should be the star of the show. To ensure there are no unpleasant surprises, we have put together a few final tips for you.

Proper Use

It may seem obvious, but many people skip this step: Read the included instructions. Safety comes first, especially when dealing with fuel paste, spirits, and similar items. Do not put yourself or your guests at unnecessary risk. Take a few minutes to read the instructions carefully. This ensures optimal heat distribution, so the cheese melts neither too quickly (causing it to burn) nor too slowly.

Dare to Try Something New

Classic cheese fondue with bread, potatoes, and the like is a timeless favorite and likely always will be. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try something new to pleasantly surprise your guests. How about a Greek-style fondue with feta? Or an exotic evening with tabbouleh and falafel, or an Italian twist with grilled vegetables for dipping? Dare to serve new ingredients, and your fondue will never be boring. If you need more inspiration, feel free to check out our recipe database.

Never Lose Sight

You’re deeply engaged in conversation, and suddenly the bread disappears from the fondue fork. You forgot to stir the cheese from time to time, and it has burned. You dipped a piece of meat and pulled it out too late because you were distracted, leaving it hard and difficult to chew. Rule number one when enjoying fondue: pay attention to the preparation! Even though this dish is all about socializing, never take your eyes off the ingredients for too long. Only then will your fondue evening truly be enjoyable.

Invest in High-Quality Fondue Sets

The rechaud won’t ignite, the cheese burns immediately in the Caquelon, or it just doesn’t stay warm. How frustrating! Rely on high-quality fondue sets to avoid such disappointments. Inferior products often fail to distribute heat properly, scratch easily inside, or in the worst case, even break.

Premium Kitchen Appliances from A. & J. Stöckli AG

Our history goes back to 1874 when Alfred Stöckli produced the first rechauds and other metal products. As the inventor of the world’s first portioned raclette oven, our company became internationally known in 1969. Today, our range includes numerous kitchen appliances such as the PizzaGrill, the Dörrex, and of course, our fondue sets. All products come with a two-year warranty. You can also be confident that spare parts will be available for up to ten years after purchase. Our repair workshop quickly assists in case of defects, ensuring your social evenings remain a success. We are happy to advise you on all our products and help you find the set that meets your needs. Browse our range and contact us if you have any questions. You can reach us by phone, email, or through our contact form. We also welcome you to visit our store in Netstal personally.