artknows |
Date: 2005-11-11
The Trudeau electric fondue pot is a triumph of form following function. Being electric it is very convenient to use and arguably safer than "sterno" units. It is versatile and can be used with cheese, meat or dessert fondues. Compared to others presently on the market, it has the distinct advantage of being the only one truly designed for all three types of fondue.
I tested the Rival and the Cuisinart. Both use direct heat technology, which is fine for oil or broth based fondue which require high heat. However, when you cook cheese or dessert you have use a low heat setting. Both units cycle between "on" and "off" at various intervals trying to keep a steady temperature. This creates either rapid boiling or fast cooling. Making a cheese or chocolate fondue with the Rival and Cuisinart is doable, but be prepared to be stirring the pot a lot to prevent scorching the food. The Westinghouse seems to be the same design as the other two, but I have not tried it.
As for the Trudeau it has several nice features. First, the pot is separate from the heating base. This means you can heat the pot in the kitchen and bring it to the table when ready. The heating surface is teflon coated for easy clean up. The unit is also more "upright" than the other electrics which takes up less space on your table, while looking darn good too. IMHO.
However, what gives the Trudeau its distinct advantage is the unique double boiler system where, when making cheese or dessert fondue, you fill the chrome pot with 20 ounces of water and insert a stoneware crock into the pot. The arrangement allows for even heating at lower temperatures which is essential for cheese and chocolate fondues.
For oil or broth fondues, the chrome pot sit atop the direct heat of the heating base as you would expect. Six better than average fondue forks are included along with a fork holder for the chrome pot to keep the forks from sliding around. Another nice feature is the patented electric plug which eliminates the guesswork of knowing which way to insert the plug into the base.
If you want one fondue pot to serve all your needs, this is the one to buy.
Lisa Schmeckpeper |
Date: 2007-11-28
Never thought I really liked Fondue until I went to the Melting Pot for dinner on my birthday. Quite expensive so I decided to try it at home. After much research I picked this pot because of its dual bowl system. You can do cheese, chocolate and broth. This pot kept all of our courses hot enough without scorching. Nicely sized for our family of four. I would buy this pot again if I needed to!
Busy phoenician mountain biking computer nerd |
Date: 2007-12-02
This fondue maker is Fantastic. My wife and I make cheese, chocolate and wine-based fondues and, with the included double - boiler, it does not scorch and keeps a good constant temperature. It heats up quickly and provides an excellent dining experience.
M. Hatfield |
Date: 2008-03-31
Made cheese fondue which turned out great. Dreaded the clean up but it was easy. After letting the ceramic bowl cool, I wiped out the hardened cheese and then placed the bowl in the dishwasher. That was it. Yes, we had to use an extension cord to warm the pot. The variable temperature know is the best part of controlling the fondue mixture.
txkimmers |
Date: 2009-01-05
I did a lot of research before settling on this pot and I am very happy with my choice. We (family) have used it several times and like it so much we are considering purchasing another so we can do even more kinds of fondue in one meal. I have another fondue pot but it uses open flame and I find that being able to adjust the heat with this one is invaluable, not to mention it reduces my worry level when my kids are hovering around it.
I think it's the best one out there for versatility, utility and stylishness.
ETA: After several uses of this wonderful pot, we did order another one. We are looking forward to many home based Melting Pot parties.
