Swissmar

The difference between raclette and fondue

If you have been looking to invest in a high-quality fondue or raclette set, you may be wondering what the difference is. Both fondue and raclette come from Switzerland (though there are some who believe that raclette actually first originated in France), and both almost always involve melted cheese. So what’s the difference? 

The traditional way to cook in a fondue pot is by melting cheese together with wine or cognac in a large pot. Then, each person at the table would take a long fondue fork and dip a piece of fresh bread into the fondue pot. However, a fondue pot can be used for more than just melting cheese. More decadent foods such as chocolate and caramel can also be melted and combined with things like strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels or sliced bananas. Alternatively, they can be used in place of a hot pot to cook various types of meat in broth. At Arima Homewares, you can buy Swissmar fondue sets made from more traditional ceramic, as well as copper, stainless steel or cast iron. 

Raclette is slightly different but is still a fantastic way to get any party started or make family mealtime fun. Raclette cooking allows you a little more freedom compared to fondue cooking, as you can cook different types of food — both meat and vegetables — on the grill up top while you melt your cheese in a small pan below the grill. Then, once the cheese is melted, you can scrape it off onto your food. At Arima Homewares, we sell the Swissmar 8 Person Valais Raclette Electric Party Grill, which, as the name suggests, offers you the opportunity to put a fun and fresh spin on your next dinner party.  

How to use a Swissmar raclette or fondue set

Whether you prefer to cook with a raclette set or a fondue set, both are entertaining and can be used to cook up some absolutely delicious meals. 

To use a Swissmar fondue set like the popular, traditional-style Swissmar Lugano 9pc Fondue Set, it is best to fully melt the cheese on a hot plate first and then transfer your fondue pot to its rechaud (or stand), so you can serve it to your guests. Beneath the pot, ignite the Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel to keep the cheese warm and melty. The benefit of Swissmar fondue sets is that they are made from high-grade, heavy-duty material. The beautiful, traditional-inspired Lugano, as well as the Swissmar Sierra 11pc Fondue Set, are both made from cast iron, which means they are stovetop and oven safe. There is also the Swissmar 11pc Lausanne Copper Fondue Set, which is made from aesthetically pleasing yet durable stainless steel and copper, as well as the Swissmar Zuri 11pc Stainless Steel Fondue Set, which offers a stainless steel bowl for cooking meat and a ceramic bowl for cheese and chocolate.  

If you think that raclette cooking is something you’d like to try, give the Swissmar 8 Person Valais Raclette Electric Party Grill from Arima Homewares a go. While it may look a little different to the Swissmar fondue sets, it is still very easy and straightforward to use, even for multiple people. Simply turn it on and start cooking. There is no wrong or right way to use your raclette grill — whether you want to grill meats and vegetables up top and cheese down the bottom, or whether you want to grill your cheese directly on top of other foods.

Buy Swissmar online in Australia at Arima Homewares

We’re passionate about high-quality kitchenware and cooking supplies at Arima Homewares. As a company founded by a former chef, we take great pride in sourcing kitchen tools that can help make time spent in the kitchen an absolute pleasure. Because we believe that cooking shouldn’t just be a necessity —  it should be something that you enjoy doing for yourself, family and friends. 

Even though fondue is often saved for a special occasion, there’s no reason why you can’t get your Swissmar fondue set out for a weekday family meal or simply just because. After all, with such high-quality, beautiful sets like the Swissmar Heidi ceramic fondue set available, why wouldn’t you want to cook fondue whenever the chance arises?

If you’re looking to buy Swissmar products in Australia, shop online today at Arima Homewares. Buy Swissmar raclette and fondue sets that will last for years to come and provide plenty of fun and delicious meals.