Fondue Pots -- Let Your Guests Take Care of the Cooking.

Jan 28th 2012 at 11:08AM by Bill Volk

An easy way to serve your appetizers -- or a beef or chicken entree -- is to use a fondue pot; you set up the hot ingredient and get out of the way. Your guests will take care of the rest, as they cook and eat their way through cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, and desserts like chocolate -- you name it, you can probably stick it in a fondue pot. There's no need for supplemental fuel for this 1000 watt, 3 quart capacity fondue pot -- the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Set ($145). The electrical heating element ensures steady and even heating for your cheeses, chocolates, and oil or broth cooking mediums. The adjustable thermostat has eight temperature settings; the pot itself has a non-stick interior to make cleanup a breeze and, at the top of the pot, a fork ring for the eight included fondue forks.

If you're a traditionalist, this All-Clad Fondue Pot ($220) features the classic burner under a stainless steel pot. The best part? The removable cast aluminum insert that allows you to preheat the contents on your stove top and then keep them warm with the alcohol (not included) burner. You'll note the tripod for the pot is hefty; the better to support the pot with great stability; the individually color-coded stainless steel forks find their home in the fork ring. All of the pieces are dishwasher-safe.

Planning a dinner for just the two of you? This Boska Holland Fondue Set ($20) is all you need to get the meal started. The ceramic pot sits atop a tea light on the mahogany support base; you simply microwave your cheese (or chocolate) for several minutes, transfer the goodies to the pot and the tiny tea light will keep your food warm for several hours. The pot has convenient transport handles, the twin forks will keep you and your significant other well supplied with culinary goodies, and the rest is up to you. The pot is dishwasher-safe, and a damp dishcloth will take care of the hardwood mahogany base. Simplicity.

For more beautiful fondue sets, look here: