The Best Fondue Pots, From Vintage to Electric to Full Dipping Sets

To best enjoy fondue, you need a fondue set. Yes, buying single-purpose cooking tools and appliances rarely seems prudent. And yes, you could, of course, melt cheese in a regular pot and call it a day. But — and this is especially true if you’re denoting a special occasion like Valentine’s Day — fondue is one of those culinary projects that’s deserving of both your money and storage space.

A fondue set includes a heating element that ensures the contents of the fondue pot stay melty, thus allowing the dish to become your table’s centerpiece rather than something you have to babysit. The accompanying fondue forks make it possible to cleanly dip all manner of morsels into melted cheese or chocolate, and make the meal an interactive event. While a set is somewhat of a unitasker, you won’t be mad at affording yourself the ability to host fondue-centered gatherings for years to come, whether for an intimate date night or a more raucous dinner party. Here are several options for doing just that.

Best Fondue Set for Al Fresco Dining

If you and your date are looking to create a winter-cozy alcove (what better excuse to cuddle together than over a small fire?) this traditional fondue set from the Swiss brand Swissmar is just begging to be placed on an outdoor picnic table. The enameled cast-iron pot, a Valentine’s Day-appropriate red, rests atop a wrought-iron rechaud (the stand that holds the pot and fondue burner). You’ll have to buy Swissmar-brand fire gel for the fondue burner separately.