Synonymous with the hearty fare of the Alps, fondue is a shared meal in which diners use long forks to dip cubes of bread into a communal pot of melted cheese. A burner or miniature portable stove is usually used to prevent the cheese from clumping, and the meal is often accompanied by potatoes, crudités or charcuterie.
Originally a Swiss dish, you'll now find fondue on the menu of mountain resorts all over the world, as well as entire restaurants dedicated to this most indulgent of cuisines.
Whether you fell in love with fondue on a skiing holiday or simply can't find enough ways to get cheese into your system, a fondue set lets you recreate the experience in your own home - and its a great alternative to a standard dinner when you're hosting guests.
If you're thinking of buying yourself a set or perhaps gifting one to a cheese-loving friend, read on for our round-up of the best cheese fondue sets available to buy in the UK.
Best fondue sets to buy in the UK
Villeroy & Boch Vivo CW0623 cast iron fondue set
Villeroy & Boch are a trusted name when it comes to homeware, but did you know they make fondue sets? This pot is made entirely of cast iron, meaning you can put it in the oven if you want to pre-heat your ingredients before your guests arrive. With a built-in burner and six forks included, it can be used for cheese, chocolate or any other kind of fondue you want to try. At 18cm wide, it can serve up to six people - just be aware that the burner works best with fondue gel, which you'll need to purchase separately.
STAUB Fondue Set
If you want a traditional-looking fondue set which looks as if it could have come straight out of a mountain lodge, this super-cute cherry red set from Staub is the one for you! Handmade in France from durable cast iron, with a wipe-clean enamel interior to prevent sticking, it's suitable for cheese, chocolate or any other kind of fondue you can dream up.
With a 1.1 litre capacity, this dish could easily serve four people - it comes with four forks, which can be rested when not in use in the handy notches in the rim of the pot. Plus, unlike many sets, this can be used with an induction hob! Also available in black.
ProCook Cast Iron Fondue Set
If it's a cosy fondue for two you're dreaming about, this set could be the answer!
When you're shopping for a fondue set for for a smaller gathering, you'll want to look for pots that are tall and narrow rather than low and wide, to ensure that your fondue mixture stays deep enough to dip down to the last dregs. While this set from ProCook can feed up to six, its shape makes it a great choice for smaller servings, too.
Made of hard-wearing cast iron with an easy to clean enamelled interior, this is a stylish and sturdy option for an intimate soirée.
Paxton and Whitfield Large Cheese Fondue Set
Made in Switzerland, this Paxton & Whitfield large fondue set is made in stylish dark grey ceramic, and comes with six forks ready to host a cheesy feast.
The ceramic pan is suitable for use on the hob (excluding induction hobs), you can get your cheese mixture going on the stovetop before transferring to the stand and using the included gel burner to keep your fondue deliciously smooth. The burner comes with a lid and snuffer, but you'll have to buy your own gel.
Princess 01.173025.02.001 Fondue Set
We love this electric fondue set's rustic-look bamboo stand, sure to transport you to an Alpine chalet - in spirit, at least. The pot itself is made of heat-retaining aluminium, which will help keep your fondue blissfully smooth, with bamboo stay-cool handles for easy manoeuvring and a ring containing rests for the eight included fondue forks. Plus, the aluminium is non-stick, so clean-up won't be a headache.
With a capacity of 1.5 litres, this set will easily feed up to eight people with a fondue of your choice - choose from four temperature settings designed for cheese, chocolate, oil or broth.
Gastroback 1.8 L Stainless Steel Fondue Set
This is the set for the serious fondue enthusiast! This isn't a traditional model, as it uses electricity rather than a burner, but that means the temperature can be adjusted via the front dial for extra control. The pot and stand are mounted on a lazy Susan, for a convenient dining experience. Also included are eight forks and eight stainless steel bowls.
It's also among the largest sets on the market - with a capacity of 1.8l, this pot is practically a cauldron!
If you enjoyed our round-up, check out our other Buyer’s Guides! We’ve got guides to the best freezers, best coffee machines , best washing machines and many more household appliances!
