Rechaud, Caquelon and fondue forks belong in every Swiss household

A unmistakably rich, aromatic scent fills the room. Laughter from friends and family echoes through the space as everyone gathers around a large table. At its center sits a fondue pot on a rechaud.

Alongside it, the caquelon releases that very aroma. Satisfied smiles appear on your guests’ faces, and they can hardly wait to dig in. Feeling tempted for a delicious fondue with your loved ones?

Rechauds, caquelons, and fondue forks are a must in every Swiss household. Interestingly, it’s not entirely clear whether the fondue was truly invented in Switzerland. The French and Italians are also contenders, and perhaps even the Greeks. Homer, whose homeland was Greece, wrote about a similar dish almost 3,000 years ago.

Regardless of its origins, by the 17th century, the fondue had made its way to Switzerland. Anna Margaretha Gessner was the first to describe the dish in writing in 1699 under the name "Käss mit Wein."

But the fondue’s widespread popularity owes more to the Swiss army than to her. Similar recipes were found in army cookbooks, and soldiers naturally brought these eating habits home. With clever marketing, fondue gradually became a national dish.

So what do you need for the perfect fondue evening? Three essential components:

• a sufficiently large caquelon
• a suitable rechaud
• fondue forks for every guest

Caquelon – Guardian of the Fondue

First and foremost is, of course, the caquelon. After all, the fondue mixture needs somewhere to go. For a particularly rustic feel, clay and ceramic caquelons are a popular choice. They radiate a cozy, homey atmosphere, which is why they are so beloved. However, caution is needed when using them, as both materials are not very heat-resistant.

For those who prefer to play it safe, a caquelon made of cast iron or steel is ideal. These materials gradually conduct heat, allowing the pot to warm more slowly. This not only prevents the vessel from cracking but also melts the cheese gently. The cheese is less likely to burn, and the fondue can be enjoyed leisurely.

Many caquelons also feature a handle, which makes them easier to handle and lift from the stove or rechaud.

Our Caquelons at a Glance

Looking for a rustic ceramic caquelon? Take a closer look at our Käsefondue Caquelon Tradition Alpaufzug. Made from heat-resistant quality ceramic, it comes in two sizes.

For up to six people, the three-liter version is ideal. For up to four people, a two-liter caquelon is sufficient. The black ceramic caquelon is decorated with a platinum-colored “Alpaufzug” motif, depicting herders leading their cows across the field.

If you prefer a more modern design, consider our Käsefondue Caquelon Elégance. Made of cast iron, it comes in red or black and is suitable for four to six people. Its diagonally cut stainless-steel handle makes it a real eye-catcher.

Our Käsefondue Caquelon Emotion is made from steel enamel, making it very sturdy yet lightweight. With a capacity of 2.6 or 3.3 liters, it serves up to five or six people, depending on the model. Designed by Herbert Forrer, it comes in red or black and features a silver stainless-steel handle.

Finally, one of our most popular products is the Käsefondue Caquelon Tradition, made from heat-resistant quality ceramic. Available for four or six people, it can be used on induction cooktops, though not on full-flex or full-surface induction models.

The Rechaud as a Heat Source

A rechaud allows the caquelon—or more precisely, the fondue inside—to be heated or kept warm. Essentially, it is a small tabletop burner. Its name comes from the French word “rechauffer,” which means “to warm up.”

Rechauds have been in use since ancient times, though they were originally fueled with glowing coals. Since the early 19th century, they have been heated using fuel paste, gas, or spirit burners. Some modern models can even be powered electrically.

Fundamentally, every rechaud consists of a fireproof dish with stand legs. The fuel is placed inside, and the caquelon rests on top.

A Glimpse at Our Product Range

A real eye-catcher in our product range is the Classic Rechaud. The combination of black, copper, and gold draws all attention. This model features a large fuel tank, allowing the fondue to stay warm for a long time.

It also includes an adjustable wick burner. Additionally, a fuel measuring cup and a cap with chain are included. A practical carrying handle adds another visual highlight.

Among our most popular products is the practical folding rechaud. It folds flat for easy storage, taking up minimal space. Designed by Fredi Dubach, this rechaud is made of black aluminum and has three supports.

Thanks to its multifunctional design, it can also be used as a pan or pot trivet. This model is fueled by fuel paste, which we offer in small bottles and three-pack foldable boxes.

The paste burns without soot or odor and contains bio-alcohol made from renewable resources. Refill bottles come with a child-safe dosing cap for maximum safety.

For those who like a rustic yet understated style, there’s our Säntis Rechaud. At over 2,500 meters, Säntis is the highest peak in the Alpstein. And what naturally shouldn’t be missing at the top of the mountain? That’s right—a delicious fondue in a cozy wooden cabin.

The Säntis Rechaud aims to convey that feeling, which is why its base is made from beech wood. The design is minimalist, bringing a modern sense of coziness to the table. This model is also heated using fuel paste.

Fondue Forks – The Essential Accessory

Have you ever wondered why fondue forks even exist? After all, you could just use regular forks, right? You could, indeed, but that usually ends in frustration. The bread—or whatever you are dipping—slips off quickly and ends up at the bottom of the caquelon.

Using fondue forks means you don’t have to deal with lost pieces of bread as often. Some forks even have special prongs that prevent the bread from sliding off.

But all fondue forks have one thing in common: their handles are longer than those of regular forks. This makes dipping into the caquelon much easier, even when the fondue is almost gone. It also minimizes the risk of burning yourself on the edge of the caquelon.

At A. & J. Stöckli AG, we offer a variety of fondue forks, including:

• Alpine fondue forks (with plastic handles and Swarovski elements)
• Cheese fondue forks with wooden handles
• Alpaufzug cheese fondue forks (with plastic handles and decorative motif)
• SwissFork cheese fondue forks made of plastic

Ingredients Coming Together in the Caquelon

Now that the necessary accessories are ready, what exactly goes into a fondue? One thing is clear: cheese! But which one is the right choice? After all, there are countless varieties, which can make it hard to keep track.

In general: the longer a cheese has aged, the better it melts. This is because it breaks down more protein over time. Popular choices include Emmental, Appenzeller, and Gruyère. If you only have younger cheeses at hand, like Edam, there’s a simple trick to still achieve a creamy fondue.

A few drops of lemon juice solve the problem. But be careful not to overdo it—the fondue shouldn’t become unpleasantly sour. Just a small amount is enough to get the desired effect.

Wine is also an essential part of the fondue mixture. Acidic white wines work best. For every 200 g of cheese, add about 75 ml of wine. Then, incorporate cornstarch and spices of your choice, and the fondue is ready.

Of course, bread is the classic dipping option. Nothing beats the taste of a freshly baked loaf. However, fresh bread is not ideal for dipping, as its soft interior tends to slip off the fondue fork. Day-old bread is a better choice. Boiled potatoes or pre-grilled meat are also commonly served alongside fondue.

Creating Shared Cooking Experiences

At A. & J. Stöckli AG, we focus on the experiences behind our products. We don’t just offer high-quality goods, but aim to create special moments that bring joy. On cozy evenings with loved ones, happiness is guaranteed. To support this, we provide the right utensils for the occasion.

Everything you need for a perfect fondue evening is available in our online shop. Or perhaps you prefer a raclette grill or a PizzaGrill? No matter the choice, the focus is on togetherness and creating shared cooking experiences. Everyone sits at the table, reaches for their favorite ingredients, and serves themselves as they wish.

This way, everyone is included, and the host doesn’t spend half the evening alone in the kitchen. The best part: each guest can assemble exactly what they like. The endless search for the perfect dish that pleases everyone finally comes to an end. If you’ve invited friends and family and are looking for the right products for a sociable cooking and dining experience, feel free to browse our online shop or contact us for detailed advice.