A good fondue set for 2
Written: Dec 23 '04 (Updated Dec 23 '04)
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Pros: Small, cute, dishwasher-safe ceramic pot, perfect for chocolate
Cons: Small, votive candle heating
The Bottom Line: For the price, this is an excellent ceramic fondue pot for two people. It distributes heat well and won't burn your chocolate or cheese.
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| limona's Full Review: Chantal Ceramic Fun-Fondue |
I bought this fondue set as a gift for my mother, who insisted she wanted this particular one, despite the fact that I offered to buy her a bigger one. After I drove 30 miles to buy this one, she decided she wanted a bigger one after all. Considering the (cheap) price and the effort involved in returning it, I decided to keep it for myself. I love it.
Most fondue sets are larger and significantly more expensive. The big thing that sets this little pot apart is its affordability. For the occasional user like me, it is perfect. I actually have a bigger, metal pot that I don't use. This little pot sees more use because it is easy to store and easy to clean. It's fondue without hassle.
This is a fondue set that comes with a 3-cup, ceramic pot; a metal stand; four forks; and a votive candle. The method of heating is the votive candle. Although it comes with four forks, it is clearly geared toward serving two people. I measured a pot diameter of approximately 6".
First, a little bit about fondue pots:
Because ceramic fondue pots do not get as hot as their metal or enamel cousins, they do not become hot enough for broth or oil. What ceramic pots handle very well are cheese and chocolate. In fact, ceramic fondue pots are especially suited to chocolate fondue, which is extremely easy to burn. Ceramic pots generally provide gentle heat that is well-distributed. If you want to make a broth or oil fondue, this is not the pot for you.
Most fondue is actually prepared on the stove-top and is then transferred to the fondue pot, which keeps it at serving temperature. Some fondue pots are stove-top safe, allowing you to prepare the fondue in the pot on the stove and then transfer it to the stand. This one, a small ceramic pot, is not stove-top safe.
My experience:
I have served as many as three people with this fondue pot without problems, though two is really the preferred number unless you have the fondue pot out at a buffet.
In terms of size, 10 ounces of melted chocolate combined with a half-cup of heavy cream and some Grand Marnier fits just fine. This was way more than enough chocolate fondue to feed me, my husband, and our best friend.
The metal stand, in my experience, does not get hot, but I have never used the pot for longer than one hour. Even though the legs stayed cool, they are metal and they look like they might scratch the table if someone slides the fondue pot. I always use a trivet under it.
The first time we made chocolate fondue, I lit the votive and after a couple minutes the chocolate in the middle started to boil. This problem was easily solved by trimming the wick. Using a low flame with chocolate, we haven't had any problems since.
Clean-up is a snap since the pot goes in the dishwasher.
What I love about this fondue pot:
It's size. Three cups is perfect for two people, especially two people finishing off a romantic meal with a chocolate fondue.
The ceramic pot is dishwasher-friendly-- not all fondue pots are.
The color. Mine is a beautiful cobalt blue.
It's perfect for parties. At about $25, you can buy more than one and have multiple dipping options for your guests' pleasure.
What I dislike about this fondue pot:
The votive candle. While the votive candle does the job, it does not heat as evenly as perhaps it could.
The metal stand. While attractive, it would be nice if I didn't worry about the possibility of the feet scratching my table.
In all, I think it is a solid purchase. Don't be deterred by the cheesy name of Fun Fondue on the cover. This pot is not flimsy--it gets the job done well.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 26.95
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Epinions.com ID:
limona
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Location: NC, USA
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
New mother. Wife. Tax accountant. Obsessive shopper. Avid traveler.
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