What is the purpose of the heat distribution plate?

No social evening passes for many Swiss without a delightful cheese fondue. Warm, creamy cheese, delicious baguette for dipping, and the uniquely savory aroma that spreads—who could resist? But the perfect fondue is only possible with a high-quality fondue set including a heat distribution plate.

Often seen as unnecessary, it is actually the component that ensures an especially even result. It turns the fondue into a true feast. So remember: choose high-quality accessories carefully!

Fondue as a Shared Experience

Usually, it is the host who is responsible for food and drinks. However, when hosting a fondue evening, not only the meal but also its preparation becomes a shared experience. Guests can even help during the preparations, for example by cutting the bread or chopping vegetables.

A fondue evening is not just about the food but also about enjoying it together, which is what makes it so special. Good conversations, laughing together, reminiscing, and sharing a delicious meal—that is what fondue evenings are all about.

There is also the flexibility that few other dishes offer. Each guest decides for themselves what and when to eat. This greatly eases the host’s responsibilities, as you can be sure everyone will enjoy the meal. The endless wondering about which dish will please each guest comes to an end.

How to Prepare a Classic Cheese Fondue Using a Heat Distribution Plate

Of course, the cheese mixture is the star of any fondue. We recommend using the following ingredients:

• a blend of Appenzeller and Gruyère
• a little cornstarch
• a splash of lemon juice
• white wine (75 ml per 200 g of cheese)
• pepper
• nutmeg

All of this goes into the Caquelon, which is often placed directly on the Rechaud — and this is exactly where the mistake happens. The heat distribution plate is missing! You should place this plate on the Rechaud first, and only then put the Caquelon on top. Why is this plate so important? Because, true to its name, it ensures optimal heat distribution.

If the heat focuses on only one spot, there is a high risk of the fondue burning there. You can avoid this only by stirring constantly—but who wants to stir the Caquelon all evening during a lively, social gathering?

If you get caught up in conversation, it can easily be forgotten. Before you know it, the mixture is burnt at the bottom, and the entire fondue might even become inedible. To keep your evening safe from the start, it is best to use a heat distribution plate.

This also pays off afterward, as the Caquelon is much easier to clean when nothing has burnt. Using a heat distribution plate is, of course, not mandatory to enjoy a successful cheese fondue. However, many people who have used one once never want to be without it. Its advantages speak for themselves.

The heat distribution plate from our shop has a diameter of 16 centimeters and is suitable for all ceramic cheese fondue Caquelons, which we offer in various designs.

An Overview of Our Ceramic Caquelons

Ceramic caquelons are especially popular with connoisseurs who enjoy a cozy and rustic atmosphere. Does that appeal to you? Then you will surely like our "Tradition Alpaufzug" cheese fondue caquelon. The black caquelon depicts herders leading their cows across the field. The platinum-colored decoration rests on a black background.

We offer the caquelon in two- and three-liter capacities. Do you want to serve a small group of up to four people? Then a two-liter capacity is sufficient. If up to six guests are to enjoy the fondue, choose the three-liter version.

Another high-quality ceramic option is our "Heidi" caquelon. Switzerland's most famous girl, her family, and her goats are immortalized on it in finest hand painting. The caquelon has a capacity of three liters, enough to satisfy six hungry guests.

Not a fan of motifs, preferring simple and plain designs? Then take a look at our "Tradition" caquelon. It comes in black and white and can serve up to four or six people, respectively.

How important is caquelon care even when using a heat-distribution plate?

Care is always important, no question about it. Even if you use a heat-distribution plate, it does not completely prevent the cheese from sticking and slightly burning. It reduces the risk, but it does not take away all responsibility.

This is especially true if you have not paid attention to gentle cleaning in the past. The inside of the caquelon can quickly develop deep scratches. So how do you clean it properly, ensuring it is completely clean but remains undamaged even when burnt-on cheese is present?

First, wait until the caquelon has completely cooled. Soft residues can simply be wiped out with some kitchen paper. For more stubborn residues, fill the caquelon with cold water and let it soak. Do not leave ceramic caquelons filled with water for too long, as the material can absorb it and, in the worst case, even crack.

Then take a spatula made of wood or plastic to loosen the soaked residues. Never scrape with stainless steel utensils or other hard materials, as this can cause deep scratches. Once scratched, even a heat-distribution plate cannot fully prevent the cheese from burning.

If the cheese residues are particularly stubborn and cannot be removed with these tools, we have a secret tip. Fill the caquelon about three centimeters with water and add a dishwasher tablet.

Let it simmer on the lowest heat on the stove for around 15 minutes. Then the residues will loosen on their own, and you can remove them with a sponge. Alternatively, baking soda and a splash of vinegar dissolved in water also help.

Shared Cooking Experiences with Your Fondue Set and Heat-Distribution Plate

At A. & J. Stöckli AG, we make your culinary evenings a true delight in good company. With our high-quality products, we create the foundation for special moments that you will remember for a long time. They fill you with joy and happiness, and you can share all of this with your loved ones.

In our online shop, you will find everything you need for the perfect fondue evening. With our products, we put sociability at the center. You and your guests gather in the kitchen, prepare everything together, and then sit down at the table. Everyone assembles the menu that tastes best to them and helps themselves to their favorite ingredients.

Our fondue sets make cooking a real breeze. Are you still looking for the right helpers for your next sociable culinary experience? Then browse our online shop and contact us for advice.