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When temperatures start to drop and nights at home call for something cozy, fondue is a fun meal that gets the whole family involved. The Best Fondue Pots are the perfect vessels for melting cheese, warming chocolate, or even braising meat — and a great way to turn an ordinary meal into a special culinary experience.
There are a lot of great fondue pots to choose from. To find the best picks, Meggan and I researched some of the most popular options — including ones we’ve used ourselves — and compared notes. While Meggan’s personal favorite is the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot, we discovered a few other incredible options from brands like Le Creuset and Oster. Check them all out below!
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
- What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot – $60.98 at Amazon
- Best Budget Fondue Pot: Nostalgia 6-Cup Electric Fondue Pot Set – $33.96 at Amazon
- Best Fondue Pot Set: Swissmar 9-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set – $104.95 at Amazon
- Best Electric Fondue Pot: Oster Fondue Pot – $59.99 at Amazon
- Best Cast Iron Fondue Pot: Le Creuset Cast Iron Fondue Pot – $374.96 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Fondue Pots
1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot
The Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot is a mainstay in Meggan’s kitchen. She bought it in 2017 when she was developing her popular chocolate fondue recipe and never looked back. She loves that it can boil liquids in a matter of minutes and has a full dial of “extremely responsive” numerical heat levels. It’s electric, which means no messing with open flames, and its nonstick interior is a breeze to clean (especially because it’s dishwasher safe).
“It has a large capacity (3 quarts), which is great for 8 fondue guests. It comes with 8 poker forks with different colored marks on the bottom of each,” Meggan says. She also adores how pretty it is, noting that it’s an attractive stainless steel fondue pot, especially when it’s surrounded by the included dippers.
Meggan found that as long as you’re careful not to scratch the inside of the pot with the forks, it’ll definitely last a long time.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 3-quarts
- Temperature: Eight temperature settings
- Included: Eight forks, a base, a bowl, a temperature probe, a fork rack, and a recipe booklet
- Material: Stainless steel
- Cleaning and care: Dishwasher-safe
The Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Intuitive to set up and use
- Heats quickly and accurately
The Cons:
- Must be careful not to scratch nonstick interior
What Others are Saying:
This pot was named best overall by Food & Wine, best overall electric by The Spruce Eats, and best large fondue pot by Delish. It also has a near-perfect 4.8-star rating out of almost 8,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot:
2. Best Budget Fondue Pot: Nostalgia 6-Cup Electric Fondue Pot Set
For a much-loved fondue pot at a not-too-expensive price, look to the electric Nostalgia 6-Cup Fondue Pot Set. This pot comes with six forks and has a rotating dial at the base that allows you to customize the temperature for whatever you’re heating up. Because it’s electric, you don’t have to worry about open flames, and its 38-inch cord makes it easy to place it where you need it on your counter or table.
It only has about half the capacity of our top pick, but it still works for entertaining small groups, or even just making a fondue night for yourself.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 1.5-quarts
- Temperature: Dial to control heat
- Included: Six forks, a support ring, and a fondue pot
- Material: Stainless steel
- Cleaning and care: Some parts are dishwasher-safe
The Pros:
- Affordable compared to other fondue pots
- Easy to use
- Electric design
- Cool-touch handles
The Cons:
- Temperature dial may not be as reliable as other options
What Others are Saying:
The Nostalgia Fondue Pot was named the best value option by Cuisine at Home and the best budget pick by Delish. It also has a 4.5-star rating from more than 5,000 Amazon reviews.
Buy the Nostalgia 6-Cup Fondue Pot:
3. Best Swiss Fondue Pot: Swissmar 9-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set
For a traditional fondue experience — open flame and all — your best bet is this Swissmar Fondue Pot Set. It’s shaped like a caquelon (a.k.a. a classic Swiss vessel with a thick, flat bottom) that’s typically used for cheese fondue. The shape helps deliver a delicious, flaky cheese “crust” at the bottom of the pan, but it’s also suitable for melting chocolate. The cast iron material makes for an even heat distribution across the pan, providing a smooth, balanced melt to whatever you decide to put inside.
This pot requires an open flame, so you’ll need to buy a sterno gel fuel flame canister to keep it warm, but reviewers say it’s easy to assemble and use.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 2-quarts
- Temperature: Uses open flame
- Included: Six 3-prong forks, a cast iron pot, a tray, a fondue burner, and a recipe card
- Material: Cast iron
- Cleaning and care: Hand wash
The Pros:
- Cast iron material provides even heat distribution
- Classic Swiss design
The Cons:
- Must buy heat source separately
What Others are Saying:
This Swissmar Fondue Set is named the best overall traditional fondue pot by The Spruce Eats and one of the best by Reviewed. Amazon reviews gave the set a 4.7-star rating from more than 670 reviews.
Buy the Swissmar 9-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Pot:
4. Best Electric Fondue Pot: Oster Titanium Fondue Pot
Thanks to its ceramic construction, 10-level adjustable heat dial, and magnetic breakaway cord, this pick from Oster is one of our favorite electric options. The ceramic design provides even heat distribution, making it suitable for cheese, chocolate, broth, or oil. It comes with eight color-coded forks, and the pot has notches along the side so you have a place to set them when you’re not using them. This makes it easy to entertain a group for dinner (or dessert!).
Some reviewers say the pot’s 30-inch cord can feel a little short. It’s not compatible with extension cords, so you’ll want to make sure that you can set it up relatively close to an outlet. Beyond that, it’s simple to set up and clean thanks to the nonstick interior, making it a great option for an electric fondue pot.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 3-quarts
- Temperature: 10-level adjustable heat dial
- Included: Eight forks, a fork holder ring, a fondue pot with a nonstick interior
- Material: Cast iron
- Cleaning and care: Hand wash
The Pros:
- Easy to set up and clean
- Great to use with a big group
- Nonstick interior
The Cons:
- Short cord
- Hand wash only
What Others are Saying:
This Oster Fondue Pot was called the easiest to use by Delish, the best budget option by Spruce Eats, and the best overall by Cuisine at Home. Amazon reviews gave it a 4.6-star rating from more than 4,000 total reviews.
Buy the Oster Fondue Pot:
5. Best Cast Iron Fondue Pot: Le Creuset Cast Iron Fondue Pot
Looking to impress guests with your fondue setup? If so, check out the famed French-Belgian brand Le Creuset’s Cast Iron Fondue Pot. Although it’s on the smaller side at 2.5 quarts, it’s a stunner when it comes to style and substance. Many reviewers note that it seems like it’s built to last for generations due to the high-quality cast iron, and its sturdy, classic design keeps cheese, chocolate, broth, and sauces warm for hours. Plus, the bright red color looks incredible on a kitchen counter or dining room table.
The pot is designed to be used over an open flame (you’ll need to buy the ethanol heat source separately) but can also be used on a stovetop or in the oven up to 500 degrees F. It also comes with six color-coded forks.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 2.5-quarts
- Temperature: Uses open flame, stovetop, or oven
- Included: Six forks, a pot stand, and a cast iron fondue pot
- Material: Cast iron
- Cleaning and care: Dishwasher-safe
The Pros:
- Sturdy, stylish design
- Standout quality
- Easy to clean enamel interior
The Cons:
- Expensive
- Must buy heat source separately
What Others are Saying:
This Le Creuset Fondue Pot is recommended as the best cast iron fondue set by BBC Good Food.
Buy the Le Creuset Cast Iron Fondue Set:
Other Fondue Pots to Consider
Rival Electric Fondue Pot
This Rival fondue pot is popular among fondue lovers and can be used for cheese, chocolate, oil, or broth. It comes with two color-coded forks, but it’s on the expensive side, and some reviewers note that it’s not that user-friendly. We think there are better options for the same (or lower) price. The Rival Electric Fondue Pot is available at Amazon for $150.
Hamilton Beach Fondue Pot
This electric fondue pot from Hamilton Beach is sure to be a great option for many fondue lovers. It’s affordable, easy to set up, use, and clean, and works well with any kind of fondue-friendly food. The only reason it didn’t make the top of our list is because it doesn’t have quite as many rave reviews as other options, and it lacks features we found in our favorite models—but it’s definitely one we’re keeping an eye on. The Hamilton Beach Fondue Pot is available at Amazon for $34.39.
Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker
The Dash Deluxe Fondue Maker is a unique set that comes with a tray on the side that’s perfect for storing easy-to-grab fondue fixings, from fresh fruit to cake cubes. The tray compartments aren’t very big, though, which means you have to refill them frequently when you’re entertaining. Some reviewers also note that its temperature control can be finicky, and the trays have a tendency to fall off the device if you reach into one with too much force. The Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker is available at Amazon for $59.99.
Why You Can Trust Us
Hi, I’m Sara! I’ve been testing, reviewing, and writing about products for more than four years. I know how to cut through advertising fluff to find great, high-quality items for all kinds of lifestyles and budgets—especially when it comes to food prep items. (You only want the best when you’re making meals for yourself, your friends, and your family, right?)
To find the very best fondue pots, Meggan and I chatted about the qualities and features that great models should have. Then, we researched the product category extensively, reading through food blogs, user reviews on retailer sites, and thinking about our own experiences with making fondue at home. (As is the case with all food-related things, Meggan is a bit of an expert.)
Once we had a list of our top options, we narrowed down our favorites by talking through how each model might suit different needs, depending on what you’re looking for.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Fondue Pot
What to Consider Before Buying a Fondue Pot
Before you invest in a fondue pot, here are some things you’ll want to consider:
Heat source: Most options you’ll come across offer two different options for heat. You can get an electric fondue maker (which means it plugs into the wall and conducts heat through a built-in component at the bottom of the pot) or a traditional fondue pot (which means it’s warmed by a heat canister that creates an open flame that has to be bought separately). The best option for you depends on your preferences.
Most people who like electric fondue pots love that they don’t use an open flame. However, because they have to be plugged in, you have to ensure your fondue setup is close to an outlet. On the flip side, canister-heated fondue pots are great if you don’t want to be bothered with plugs and outlets. That being said, an open flame may not be the best option for homes with young kids or pets.
Size: Think about how you want to use your fondue pot: Do you want to have it handy when you’re entertaining guests, or for one- or two-person nights at home? You’ll want a bigger size if you’re planning to feed lots of people, while a smaller one is a great option if it’s just for you and a roommate, partner, or friend.
Material: Fondue pots normally come in materials like cast iron, stainless steel, nonstick, and ceramic. Reflect on what dish materials you typically like using when you cook, and how it might fit into your lifestyle when you’re using a fondue pot. For example, cast iron pots can be heavy, but they’re great if you don’t want to worry about scratching the bottom of the pot like you might with a nonstick pot, especially with fondue forks.
Ease of Cleaning: Before purchasing, take a look at the pot’s cleaning instructions. If it’s hand wash only (or technically dishwasher safe, but recommended to hand wash), think about how likely you are to actually hand wash something—or whether you’ll avoid using it just because you can’t throw it in the dishwasher.
How Do You Use a Fondue Pot?
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using your fondue pot. In general, though, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
- Place the fondue pot in the middle of a table or serving area so everyone who’s eating fondue has it within reach. (Make sure it’s out of reach of any small kids or pets, too). If you’re using an electric model, ensure that you’re close enough to an outlet and the cord isn’t in anyone’s way. If you’re using a fondue pot with a sterno, clear any potentially flammable objects away from the pot.
- Prep your fixings. Before you heat your fondue, get whatever you’d like to dip in it ready. Place it around the fondue pot within easy reach for everyone at the gathering.
- Set the right temperature. The ideal fondue pot temperature changes based on what you’re making — chocolate fondue needs a relatively cool temp (about 110°F), so the chocolate doesn’t get too runny while braising meat in oil requires about 325 degrees F to cook it thoroughly. If you’re using an electric fondue pot, this usually only requires twisting a dial. If you’re using an open flame, you may want to heat it on a stovetop first so you can reach the exact temperature you need, then transfer it to the sterno.
- Keep the heat going. Make sure your heat stays on (and at the right temperature) the whole time you want to eat. Otherwise, whatever’s inside will start to congeal and solidify as it cools down.
What Chocolate is Best for a Fondue Pot?
You can use whole chocolate bars or chocolate chips for chocolate fondue. But to make the best chocolate fondue, you don’t want just chocolate. Meggan’s chocolate fondue recipe calls for a mix of milk and dark chocolate, plus some heavy cream and vanilla extract. This creates a creamier, more delicious mixture than you’d have with just chocolate on its own.
What is the Best Cheese for a Fondue Pot?
The best cheese for fondue will depend on your preferences, but it can’t hurt to go with a blend of a few different kinds of cheese that melt well, like gouda, gruyère, Emmental, and raclette. When you’re prepping your mixture, you’ll want a few ingredients that aren’t cheese, too. Many recipes call for things like cornstarch, white wine, garlic, or olive oil for better flavor and consistency.
How to Make Fondue Without a Fondue Pot
Not ready to invest in a fondue pot? No problem. You can use any heavy-duty pot set over a gas or electric stove. Start with liquids — so, if you’re using oil, heavy cream, or wine, you’d put those in first — and bring to a low, slow simmer. Then, stir in any solids (your cheese or chocolate) until it’s smooth and creamy.
If you’re boiling oil or broth to cook meat and poultry, bring it to a rapid boil, keeping an eye out for splashes. Once your fondue mixture is ready, it’s best to serve over low heat (such as a Sterno or tealights) to keep it warm.
Cast iron pots are your best bet for making fondue without a dedicated pot because they can hold on to heat for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also transfer fondue to a preheated slow cooker for serving.
The Best Fondue Accompaniments
Now that you have the 411 on the best fondue pots, here are some of Meggan’s recipes for fondue fixings that she recommends for dipping in chocolate or cheese fondue.
Favorite dippers for chocolate fondue
Favorite dippers for cheese fondue
Bread Recipes
No-Knead Bread
Bread Recipes
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Vegetable Recipes
Greek Roasted Potatoes
Italian Recipes
Garlic Bread
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Sara Hendricks is an experienced editor, writer, and product reviewer. She's passionate about all kinds of products, from fitness to fashion to food supplies. You can find her work in Reviewed/USA Today, Refinery29, Insider, and more.