A fondue set is a shared pot, heated by a candle, gel burner or electric base, that keeps melted cheese, chocolate or oil warm at the table while guests dip food on long forks. This guide compares 10 genuine fondue sets available to New Zealand shoppers via Amazon, from classic cast iron gel-burner sets to modern electric pots.
The Cuisinart FP-115RS 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set is our overall pick, backed by nearly 500 reviews and a genuinely stovetop-to-table cast iron pot that handles cheese, chocolate or oil. For a cheaper entry point, the Boska Cheese Fondue Party Set is a well-reviewed budget alternative.
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Cuisinart FP-115RS | Best Overall |
| Swissmar KF-66517 | Best Premium Traditional Swiss |
| Artestia Ceramic | Best Ceramic for Cheese/Chocolate |
| Artesà | Best for All Three Fondue Styles |
| Swissmar Realp | Best for Oil/Broth Fondue |
| Nostalgia FPS6AQ | Best Electric for Larger Parties |
| BOSKA Party Pro | Best Compact for Stovetop Flexibility |
| Boska Cheese Fondue Party Set | Best Budget |
| Andrew James Cast Iron | Best Classic Gel-Burner for Large Groups |
| Davis & Waddell Electric | Best Easy Cleanup (Removable Bowl) |
1. Cuisinart FP-115RS Cast Iron Fondue Set – Best Overall
The Cuisinart FP-115RS is a 13-piece cast iron fondue set finished in red enamel, built to go straight from the stovetop to the table. Because the pot is genuinely cast iron and induction ready, it can be used to melt cheese or chocolate, or heat oil for a meat fondue, before being carried over to the burner stand for serving.
Colour-coded forks are included so everyone at the table can tell their fork apart from the rest, and both the pot and accessories are dishwasher safe once cooled. It is the most reviewed set in this guide by a wide margin, with 490 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, and carries a top-rated badge on the Amazon listing itself.
It suits households that want one dependable set for every style of fondue, and are happy to handle the extra weight that comes with genuine cast iron.
Pros
- Cast iron pot works on any stovetop and is induction ready
- Colour-coded forks avoid mix-ups at the table
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- Backed by hundreds of reviews with a strong 4.7-star average
Cons
- Cast iron pot is heavier to lift and carry than a ceramic or aluminium version
- Stock ran low at time of research
Key specs: Pieces: 13-piece set · Pot material: Cast iron with enamel coating · Heat source: Stovetop, induction ready · Special feature: Dishwasher safe, colour-coded forks
2. Swissmar KF-66517 Cheese Fondue Set – Best Premium Traditional Swiss-Style
The Swissmar KF-66517 is a 2-quart enamelled cast iron pot in a cherry red finish, designed to melt cheese, chocolate or caramel and hold its heat for a long, leisurely fondue session. It can sit on the included rechaud stand over a gel-fuel burner, or be used directly on the stovetop to melt the cheese before moving it to the table.
Six fondue forks and a recipe card are included, and the whole set weighs a substantial 5.4 kilograms, reflecting the solid cast iron build. It is one of the most established sets checked for this guide, with 819 reviews averaging 4.7 stars.
It suits buyers after a traditional, well-reviewed Swiss brand fondue pot, though it sits at the premium end of the price range and stock was limited at time of research.
Pros
- Enamelled cast iron pot retains heat for a long fondue session
- Can rest on the rechaud stand or go straight on the stovetop
- Includes six forks and a recipe card
- 819 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, one of the most reviewed sets checked
Cons
- Among the pricier sets in this guide
- Limited stock at time of research
Key specs: Capacity: 2 quart pot · Forks included: 6, plus recipe card · Heat source: Gel-fuel burner on rechaud stand, or stovetop · Weight: 5.4kg
3. Artestia Ceramic Fondue Set – Best Ceramic for Cheese/Chocolate
This Artestia set pairs a 2.1-quart ceramic pot with a metal stand and burner in a Swiss-inspired design, sized by the brand for four to six people. Ceramic spreads heat evenly across the pot, which the listing says helps stop cheese from scorching or chocolate from clumping.
The set comes complete with six colour-coded forks, so it is ready to use straight out of the box for either a cheese or chocolate fondue night. At 1.76 kilograms it is noticeably lighter to move around than the cast iron sets in this guide.
It suits anyone who wants a traditional-looking Swiss ceramic pot for a family dinner or gift occasion, and it has a solid track record with 149 reviews averaging 4.7 stars.
Pros
- Ceramic pot spreads heat evenly, reducing scorching or clumping
- Sized for four to six people, so no constant refilling
- Complete kit: burner, stand and six colour-coded forks
- Attractive Swiss-style design that doubles as a table centrepiece
Cons
- Ceramic is more fragile than metal if dropped
- Runs on a fuel burner rather than electric, so it needs occasional refuelling during a long session
Key specs: Capacity: 2.1 quart pot, serves 4-6 · Forks included: 6, colour-coded · Heat source: Burner with stand · Pot material: Ceramic
4. Artesà Fondue Set – Best for All Three Fondue Styles
The Artesà set is built around a stainless steel pot with a hammered copper finish, paired with a metal stand, diffuser and a dual fuel burner so it can move between cheese, chocolate, and even hot oil for meat. Six fondue forks are included, and Artesà positions this as a genuinely multi-purpose set rather than one built for a single fondue style.
The copper-toned finish is designed to catch candlelight at the table, and the whole set comes gift boxed with a five-year warranty. The pot and forks can be wiped clean, though the stand and burner should only be washed by hand once fully cooled.
It suits anyone who wants to try all three fondue styles with one pot, and its 4.3-star rating comes from a large base of over 1,200 reviews.
Pros
- Genuinely multi-purpose: cheese, chocolate or hot oil for meat
- Dual fuel burner and metal stand included alongside six forks
- Hammered copper finish looks good under candlelight
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Stand and burner are handwash only once cooled
- Rating sits a little lower at 4.3, though from a much larger 1,217-review base
Key specs: Forks included: 6 · Heat source: Dual fuel burner · Pot material: Stainless steel with hammered copper finish · Warranty: 5 years
5. Swissmar Realp Cast Aluminium Fondue Set – Best for Oil/Broth Fondue
The Swissmar Realp is an 11-piece cast aluminium set with a non-stick coating, which the brand specifically recommends for oil and broth fondue as well as the usual cheese and chocolate. The pot can be preheated on a stovetop for even heat distribution, then transferred to the included rechaud base and burner for serving.
A cast aluminium spatter guard and six numbered forks are included, and the whole set is dishwasher safe, which is a genuine convenience advantage over bare cast iron. At 1.5 litres it comfortably suits a group fondue night.
It suits households keen to try a meat-and-oil fondue night without dealing with cast iron cleanup, though its 4.3-star rating is drawn from a smaller base of 138 reviews and stock was limited at time of research.
Pros
- Purpose-built for oil and broth fondue as well as cheese and chocolate
- Non-stick cast aluminium coating for easier cleanup than bare cast iron
- Can be preheated on the stovetop, then moved to the rechaud base
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- 4.3-star rating from a comparatively smaller 138-review base
- Stock was limited at time of research
Key specs: Capacity: 1.5 litres · Forks included: 6, numbered · Heat source: Rechaud base with burner, stovetop preheat · Pot material: Cast aluminium with non-stick coating
6. Nostalgia FPS6AQ Electric Fondue Pot – Best Electric for Larger Parties
The Nostalgia FPS6AQ is an electric fondue pot with a 6-cup capacity and an adjustable temperature dial, so the fondue can be held at a steady heat rather than managed with a flame. It comes with eight colour-coded forks, more than most sets in this guide, and cool-touch side handles for safer handling once the pot is hot.
Being electric, it needs a power point at the table rather than a candle or gel burner, which suits anyone who wants set-and-forget heat control for a longer party. It is well reviewed, with 650 ratings averaging 4.5 stars, though the listing ships as an Amazon US import so packaging may carry US branding.
It suits larger gatherings where an even, adjustable electric heat and a generous fork count matter more than a traditional candlelit look.
Pros
- Comes with eight colour-coded forks, more than most sets here
- Electric base with adjustable temperature dial, no candles or gel fuel to manage
- Cool-touch side handles for safer handling once hot
- Strong track record with 650 reviews at 4.5 stars
Cons
- Needs a power point nearby, unlike a candle-burner set
- Ships as an Amazon US import, so the box and manual may show US branding
Key specs: Capacity: 6-cup pot · Forks included: 8, colour-coded · Heat source: Electric with adjustable temperature dial · Weight: 1.27kg
7. BOSKA Party Pro Fondue Set – Best Compact for Stovetop Flexibility
The BOSKA Party Pro is a compact cast iron fondue set from the long-running Dutch cheese tools brand, with a pot sized for a fondue meal for three or a lighter snack for six. It is built to work across gas, electric, ceramic and induction stovetops, which gives it more flexibility than fondue pots limited to a single heat source.
The set includes the cast iron pan and stand, a burner and four fondue forks, and both the pan and base are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. It carries a strong 4.6-star rating, albeit from a smaller base of 61 reviews.
It suits smaller households or couples after a compact, flexible cast iron set rather than a large party setup, though buyers wanting to serve more than four people at once will need extra forks.
Pros
- Cast iron pot works on gas, electric, ceramic or induction stovetops
- Compact size suits a smaller table setting
- Dishwasher-safe pot and base
- From a specialist cheese-tools brand with a long history
Cons
- Only four forks included, fewer than most sets in this guide
- Stock was limited at time of research
Key specs: Serves: a fondue meal for 3, or a snack for 6 · Forks included: 4 · Heat source: Gas, electric, ceramic and induction compatible · Pot material: Cast iron
8. Boska Cheese Fondue Party Set – Best Budget
This Boska set uses a ceramic pot that the brand says is microwave safe, so cheese can be melted in the microwave before it even reaches the table burner. It is sized for up to four people and includes a stainless steel base, four fondue forks and three tealight candles to get started straight away.
It is one of the more affordable sets in this guide while still carrying a solid review history, with 683 ratings averaging 4.3 stars, and the whole set is fully dishwasher safe once the candles have burned down.
It suits smaller households or a first fondue set for someone testing out the tradition without a big outlay, though it is not sized for a large party.
Pros
- One of the more affordable options that still clears the quality bar
- Ceramic pot is microwave safe, so cheese can be melted before it reaches the burner
- Fully dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- Well reviewed, with 683 ratings at 4.3 stars
Cons
- Only suits up to four people, so it is not the choice for a larger party
- Tealight candles will need replacing over time
Key specs: Serves: up to 4 people · Forks included: 4 · Heat source: 3 tealight candles · Pot material: Ceramic with stainless steel base, microwave safe
9. Andrew James Cast Iron Fondue Set – Best Classic Gel-Burner Set for Large Groups
The Andrew James set is a classic red enamel cast iron fondue pot with a 1300ml capacity, heated by a gel burner for a traditional candlelit look at the table. It suits either a cheese or a sweet chocolate fondue, and the cast iron construction is built to hold its heat through a long dinner.
Eight different coloured forks are included, one of the more generous fork counts in this guide, so a full table of guests can each keep track of their own fork. A protective plate and non-scratch feet on the stand round out the set.
It suits anyone hosting a bigger group who still wants the classic gel-burner look rather than an electric base, and it carries a solid 4.5-star rating from 248 reviews.
Pros
- Eight colour-coded forks included, ideal for a full table of guests
- Classic red enamel cast iron look with a gel burner for an authentic feel
- Sturdy cast iron construction holds heat well
- Well reviewed, with 248 ratings at 4.5 stars
Cons
- Gel burner fuel is a separate ongoing cost, unlike an electric set
- Cast iron pot is heavier than a ceramic or aluminium equivalent
Key specs: Capacity: 1300ml · Forks included: 8, colour-coded · Heat source: Gel burner · Pot material: Cast iron with red enamel finish
10. Davis & Waddell Electric Fondue Set – Best for Easy Cleanup (Removable Bowl)
The Davis & Waddell Electric Fondue Set is an 11-piece kit built around a matte black base with a removable 1.3-litre stainless steel bowl, which lifts out for serving and makes washing up simpler once the evening winds down. It runs on an electric heating element rather than a candle or gel burner, and the brand backs that element with a 12-month guarantee.
Six colour-coded forks are included, so a group of up to six people can keep track of their own fork through a session of cheese, chocolate or oil-based fondue. The matte black finish and gift box presentation make it a tidy option for a modern kitchen or as a present.
It suits anyone who wants an electric set without extra bells and whistles, though buyers should note the listing is still fairly new with only a handful of reviews so far.
Pros
- Removable 1.3L stainless steel bowl lifts out for easy serving and cleanup
- Six colour-coded forks prevent mix-ups at the table
- Works for cheese, chocolate or oil-based fondue
- Comes gift-boxed with a 12-month guarantee on the heating element
Cons
- Very new listing with only 7 reviews so far, so long-term feedback is limited
- Sits toward the higher end of the price range for an entry-level electric set
Key specs: Capacity: 1.3 litre stainless steel bowl (removable) · Forks included: 6, colour-coded · Heat source: Electric, 12-month guarantee on heating element · Weight: 2.3kg
How to Choose a Fondue Set
Heat source is the first decision to make. A tealight or gel fuel burner gives the classic candlelit fondue look and needs occasional refuelling through a long dinner, while an electric base with a temperature dial holds a steady heat with no flame to manage, which suits chocolate or cheese fondue especially well.
Pot material affects both heat retention and cleanup. Cast iron and enamelled cast iron hold heat for a long session and can often go straight from the stovetop to the burner stand, though they are heavier to lift. Ceramic pots are lighter and spread heat evenly for cheese and chocolate, while cast aluminium with a non-stick coating is a common choice for oil and broth fondue because it resists sticking and is easier to wipe clean.
Forks and capacity matter more than most buyers expect, since a pot might look large but only ship with four forks. Most sets here suit four to six people, while a handful of larger party sets include eight colour-coded forks, worth checking closely if hosting a full table of guests.
Cleaning and storage varies by material. Cast iron and ceramic pots are frequently dishwasher safe once cooled, though some enamelled bowls are handwash only, and forks are almost always dishwasher safe regardless of the pot. A removable bowl or pot, like the ones on the electric sets in this guide, makes serving and washing up noticeably simpler than a fixed one-piece design.
Verdict
For most New Zealand households, the Cuisinart FP-115RS 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set is the easiest all-round recommendation, combining a genuinely stovetop-to-table cast iron pot with the strongest review history checked for this guide. Anyone after a lower-cost entry point should look at the Boska Cheese Fondue Party Set, a microwave-safe ceramic pot well reviewed at a more affordable price, while anyone hosting a bigger table should consider the Nostalgia FPS6AQ Electric Fondue Pot or the Andrew James Cast Iron Fondue Set, both of which include eight forks for a full group of guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cheese, chocolate and oil fondue?
Cheese fondue uses melted cheese, often mixed with wine, into which bread cubes or vegetables are dipped, while chocolate fondue is simply melted chocolate for dipping fruit, marshmallows or biscuits. Oil or broth fondue heats oil or stock to a much higher temperature so guests can cook raw meat, seafood or vegetables right at the table. Each style generally needs its own pot, since leftover cheese or chocolate can affect the flavour of a later oil fondue.
What heat source do fondue sets use?
Most classic fondue sets sit over a small burner that runs on gel fuel, methylated spirits or a tealight candle, giving a gentle, adjustable flame under the pot. Electric fondue sets replace the burner with a plug-in base and a temperature dial, which suits chocolate or cheese fondue that needs steady, lower heat. Oil fondue for meat generally needs the higher, more controllable heat of a stronger fuel burner or an electric base rated for it.
How many people does a fondue set typically serve?
Most fondue sets are designed for four to six people and come with a matching number of forks, though a few compact sets include only four forks. Larger party sets with eight colour-coded forks, whether electric or gel-burner style, suit a bigger table without guests needing to share. As a rule of thumb, it helps to check the fork count on the listing rather than assuming it from the pot size alone.
How do you clean a fondue pot?
Many ceramic and cast iron fondue pots are dishwasher safe once cooled, though some enamelled cast iron bowls are handwash only to protect the coating. Forks are almost always dishwasher safe even when the pot itself is not. It helps to let melted cheese or chocolate cool slightly before washing, since sudden temperature changes can stress enamel or ceramic finishes.
What foods are best for dipping in a fondue?
For cheese fondue, cubed crusty bread, boiled baby potatoes and steamed vegetables all work well. For chocolate fondue, strawberries, banana, marshmallows and plain biscuits are classic choices. For oil or broth fondue, bite-sized pieces of raw beef, chicken or prawns are cooked directly in the hot liquid at the table.
What is the difference between fondue and raclette?
Fondue is a shared pot of melted cheese, chocolate or hot oil into which guests dip food on long forks, while raclette involves individually melting cheese under a grill or on a small tray and scraping it over food such as potatoes or cold meats. Raclette sets typically include a tabletop grill with individual trays rather than a single communal pot. Both are Swiss in origin and popular for the same relaxed, sociable style of dinner, but the equipment and technique are quite different.
