A raclette grill pairs a tabletop grill plate with a row of small trays underneath for melting cheese, so guests can grill their own food and melt raclette cheese at the same time. This guide compares 6 genuine raclette grills available to New Zealand shoppers via Amazon, from budget 2-person sets through to premium 8-person party grills.
The Davis & Waddell 8 Person Electric Party Grill is our overall pick, pairing a genuine half grill-stone, half non-stick plate with eight cheese trays and a strong review history. For a smaller, cheaper option, the HYQNG Raclette Table Grill 2-in-1 is a solid budget pick for couples.
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Davis & Waddell 8 Person | Best Overall |
| UNOLD 48730 | Best Premium |
| Princess Raclette 6 Grill Party | Best 3-in-1 Versatility |
| Swissmar Verso 8 Person | Best Indoor/Outdoor |
| HYQNG 2-in-1 | Best Budget for Couples |
| HYQNG 8 Person | Best Budget for Larger Parties |
1. Davis & Waddell 8 Person Electric Party Grill – Best Overall
This is an Amazon’s Choice pick and one of the better-reviewed raclette grills on Amazon Australia, sitting on a 4.1-star rating from 84 shoppers. It is a two-tier tabletop unit built for up to eight people, pairing an upper grill plate with a lower tray of eight individual non-stick mini pans for melting cheese.
The upper plate is genuinely half natural grill stone and half reversible non-stick metal, so one appliance covers steak and vegetables on the stone side, pancakes or eggs on the flat non-stick side, and classic melted raclette cheese in the trays below. A thermostat dial lets the table keep cooking at a steady temperature through a long dinner.
It suits families and groups who want variety from a single appliance without paying premium European brand prices, and the compact 46 x 23cm footprint means it does not dominate a dining table.
Pros
- Amazon’s Choice with a solid 4.1-star rating from 84 reviews
- Two-tier design lets you grill and melt cheese at the same time
- Genuine half grill-stone, half non-stick reversible plate for real material variety
- Free delivery to New Zealand confirmed on the listing
Cons
- Lower wattage (350W) than most rivals, so it may take longer to heat up
- The stone half of the plate needs gentler cleaning than a full non-stick surface
- Compact footprint suits smaller tables more than very large groups
Key specs: Capacity: 8 people, 8 non-stick mini pans · Wattage: 350W · Grill plate: half natural grill stone, half reversible non-stick · Dimensions: 46D x 23W x 15H cm
2. UNOLD 48730 Raclette Finesse Basic – Best Premium
The UNOLD 48730 is a German-made raclette grill for up to eight people and carries the highest customer rating in this guide at 4.8 stars, though from a small sample of nine reviews. It uses a large reversible die-cast aluminium griddle with Greblon non-stick coating, offering a smooth surface on one side and a ribbed grilling surface on the other.
Eight non-stick pans with cool-touch handles sit on an integrated, extendable stainless steel tray underneath, and a continuous temperature dial with an indicator light gives fine control over heat rather than a few fixed settings. The body has non-slip feet and built-in cable storage for tidy after-dinner packing away.
It is aimed at people who want a proper appliance-brand raclette grill rather than a generic import, and who are happy to pay more for that continuous heat control and build quality.
Pros
- Highest rating in this guide at 4.8 stars
- Continuous temperature dial with indicator light for fine heat control
- Large reversible die-cast aluminium plate with Greblon non-stick coating
- Integrated stainless steel pan tray and built-in cable storage
Cons
- The most expensive grill in this guide by a clear margin
- Rating is based on a small number of reviews (9) so far
- Limited stock at time of research, so availability can be tight
Key specs: Capacity: 8 people, 8 non-stick pans · Wattage: 1200W · Grill plate: die-cast aluminium with Greblon non-stick coating · Plate size: approx 38 x 19.5cm
3. Princess Raclette 6 Grill Party 3-in-1 – Best 3-in-1 Versatility
The Princess Raclette 6 Grill Party bills itself as a 3-in-1 appliance, combining a raclette set, a grill and a hot plate in one unit for up to six people. A 30cm non-stick cooking surface sits above six individual pots, so guests can grill their own food while cheese melts underneath.
Cool-touch handles and non-slip feet are built in for safer handling around a dinner table, and every removable part is dishwasher safe, which keeps clean-up simple after a long shared meal. At 800W it runs a little cooler than the larger 8-person units in this guide.
It suits households that want one appliance to double as an everyday hot plate as well as an occasional raclette set, rather than a single-purpose party grill that only comes out a few times a year.
Pros
- 3-in-1 design covers raclette, grilling and a hot plate
- Cool-touch handles and non-slip feet for safer table-top use
- All removable parts are dishwasher safe
- Six individual pots suit a mid-sized dinner party
Cons
- Only 2 customer reviews on the Amazon Australia listing so far
- Lower power (800W) than the larger 8-person grills in this guide
- Plastic and aluminium build feels less premium than the cast iron or stone models
Key specs: Capacity: 6 people, 6 individual pots · Wattage: 800W · Grill plate diameter: approx 30cm · Material: plastic and aluminium, BPA free
4. Swissmar Verso 8 Person Raclette Grill – Best Indoor/Outdoor
Swissmar markets the Verso as its first raclette grill certified for both indoor and outdoor use, built for up to eight people around a reversible cast iron grill top. The cast iron surface offers both a griddle and a grill texture, and the appliance carries a strong 1700W heating element for consistent heat.
Underneath, a two-tier design lets guests grill above while cheese melts or rests in the raclette dishes below, and those dishes use a PFAS-free non-stick coating so they wipe clean easily. Both the grill top and dishes are dishwasher safe, which matters given how often a party grill needs cleaning.
It suits anyone who wants a single raclette grill that can move between an indoor dinner table and an outdoor deck, rather than being limited to one setting.
Pros
- Certified for both indoor and outdoor use
- Powerful 1700W element for fast, even heat
- Reversible cast iron grill top gives two cooking surfaces
- PFAS-free non-stick raclette dishes that are dishwasher safe
Cons
- No customer ratings yet on the Amazon Australia listing to verify long-term durability
- One of the pricier options in this guide
- Cast iron construction adds weight (2.5kg) compared with aluminium alternatives
Key specs: Capacity: 8 people, 8 raclette dishes · Wattage: 1700W · Grill plate: reversible cast iron · Included: 8 raclette dishes, 8 heat-resistant spatulas
5. HYQNG Raclette Table Grill 2-in-1 – Best Budget for Couples
This is a compact 2-in-1 electric raclette grill aimed squarely at couples or small households, pairing a reversible non-stick plate with two individual raclette cheese pans. One side of the plate grills meat and vegetables while the flip side suits pancakes, eggs or crepes.
At 500W it heats up quickly for a smaller unit, and a temperature knob with three settings gives some control over how hard it runs. Two wooden spatulas are included, which are gentler on the non-stick pans than metal utensils.
It suits a date night or a small family meal rather than a big party, since the two-pan capacity is really built for one or two people sharing at once.
Pros
- Compact size suits couples or small tables
- Reversible plate for grilling on one side, pancakes or eggs on the other
- Includes 2 raclette cheese pans and wooden spatulas
- Budget-friendly price for a genuine electric raclette grill
Cons
- No customer reviews yet on the Amazon Australia listing
- Only 2 cheese pans, so it does not scale to a bigger party
- Basic plastic and metal build compared with the premium brand models
Key specs: Capacity: 2-3 people, 2 raclette cheese pans · Wattage: 500W · Grill plate: reversible non-stick · Settings: 3
6. HYQNG Raclette Grill 8 Person – Best Budget for Larger Parties
This is a larger 8-person version of the same 2-in-1 raclette concept, scaled up with eight individual raclette cheese pans instead of two. The reversible plate has a fluted grilling side and a flat side for crepes or eggs, both finished in a PFOA-free non-stick coating.
At 1300W it is rated to reach around 240 degrees Celsius in about 20 minutes, with an adjustable dial to hold a steady temperature once hot. All eight pans and the plate are removable and dishwasher safe, and two wooden spatulas are included for serving.
It suits a bigger family gathering or party on a budget, giving eight people their own cheese pan without paying premium brand prices for that same capacity.
Pros
- Eight individual cheese pans at a lower price than premium 8-person rivals
- Reversible fluted or flat grill plate for grilling or crepes
- Rated to reach around 240°C in about 20 minutes
- Removable, dishwasher-safe pans and plate
Cons
- No customer reviews yet on the Amazon Australia listing
- Generic brand offers less backup support than known appliance brands
- Wooden spatula quality is not detailed beyond being included
Key specs: Capacity: 8 people, 8 individual cheese pans · Wattage: 1300W · Grill plate: reversible non-stick (fluted/flat) · Heat time: approx 240°C in 20 minutes
How to Choose a Raclette Grill
Start with how many people you actually cook for. Sets with two coupelles suit a couple or a quiet night in, while six to eight tray sets are built for family dinners or parties, and buying more capacity than you need just means extra storage space for trays that rarely get used.
Grill plate material makes a real difference to how the appliance feels day to day. Natural grill stone, like the half-stone plate on the Davis & Waddell model, holds heat well and gives a slightly different sear, but usually needs gentler wiping rather than soaking or dishwasher cycles. Non-stick metal or coated aluminium plates, such as the reversible plates on the UNOLD and HYQNG grills, are easier to clean and often dishwasher safe, though they can wear down with heavy use over the years.
Wattage and temperature control decide how quickly the grill heats up and how evenly it holds that heat through a long meal. Lower wattage units around 350 to 500W take longer to reach temperature but suit smaller trays, while 1200 to 1700W units heat faster and are better suited to larger 8-person plates. A continuous temperature dial, like the one on the UNOLD 48730, gives finer control than a simple on/off switch.
For cleaning and storage, look for removable, dishwasher-safe trays and a reversible plate that flips for easy wiping. Compact units with built-in cable storage, like the UNOLD, pack away more neatly between uses than larger cast iron models, which are heavier to lift in and out of a cupboard.
Verdict
For most New Zealand households, the Davis & Waddell 8 Person Electric Party Grill is the easiest overall recommendation, combining a well-reviewed track record, a genuinely varied stone-and-non-stick plate, and confirmed free delivery to New Zealand. Couples or smaller households who do not need eight trays are better served by the HYQNG Raclette Table Grill 2-in-1, which delivers the same melting-cheese experience in a smaller, cheaper package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is raclette cheese?
Raclette is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese, originally from Switzerland, that melts smoothly and evenly when heated. It is traditionally scraped or melted from a wheel over a flame, and a raclette grill’s small trays recreate that melting effect at the table using an electric heating element instead.
How do the coupelles or trays work on a raclette grill?
Each coupelle, or small tray, sits underneath the appliance’s heating element and holds a slice of raclette cheese along with any extras like ham or vegetables. The heat melts the cheese directly in the tray, and once it is bubbling and golden it is tipped straight onto a plate of potatoes or bread.
What can you cook on the top grill plate?
The upper grill plate is used at the same time as the cheese trays and typically handles thin cuts of meat, seafood, and vegetables. Many plates are reversible, with a flat or non-stick side that also works well for eggs, pancakes, or crepes, depending on the model.
How many people does one raclette grill typically serve?
Most household raclette grills are built for two to eight people, based on how many coupelles or trays are included with the unit. Smaller sets with two trays suit a couple or a quick meal, while larger eight-person sets are aimed at family dinners or parties.
How do you clean a raclette grill?
Most trays and non-stick grill plates are removable and dishwasher safe once they have cooled down, which makes clean-up fairly quick. Grill-stone plates usually need gentler care, such as wiping with a damp cloth rather than soaking or scrubbing, to protect the stone surface.
What is the difference between raclette and fondue?
Raclette involves melting individual portions of cheese in small trays under a grill, so each person controls their own serving and often grills meat or vegetables at the same time. Fondue instead melts a shared pot of cheese or oil in the centre of the table, and diners dip food into it on long forks rather than cooking on a separate plate.
