If you’ve never used a fondue pot before, there are some steps and maintenance care tricks you’ll need to know. Be sure to also check out our guide, What is Fondue? To get a breakdown on different fondue pot materials, and features. Read on to learn all about how to use a fondue pot.

What Is a Fondue Pot?

A fondue pot is a small kitchen accessory that is used to heat up dips or sauces like butter or chocolate. Fondue pots typically come with their own heat source to stay warm, and skewers to safely dip your snacks without getting burned.

How to Use a Fondue Pot

There are a few ways to use a fondue pot depending on what kind of fondue night you’re having. Keep reading to learn about the four different ways to prepare fondue.

Steps to Use a Chocolate Fondue Pot

1. Set your fondue pot to a temperature between 115 and 120 degrees. If the chocolate is too hot, it will become too thin and runny. If it is too cold, it will be thick and difficult to dip.
2. Prepare the sweets, fruits, and snacks that are going to be dipped. Some examples for chocolate fondue could be marshmallows, strawberries or pretzels.
3. Cut everything into bite-sized pieces and place them on trays or plates with skewers readily available for everyone to use.
4. Break up or chop your chocolate into quarter sized pieces and place them into the pot. After the chocolate is melted, add in your choice of milk or cream to loosen the consistency of the chocolate until your desired consistency of chocolate fondue is achieved.
5. Keep your pot plugged in and ready to serve, so the chocolate doesn’t cool down and harden.

Steps to Use a Cheese Fondue Pot

1. Heat your fondue pot to 130 degrees.
2. Cube your cheese into 1 inch squares or shred into small pieces.
3. After heating your fondue pot, add your choice of butter, milk, or cream to the pot.
4. Once it's warmed, stir in one handful of cheese at a time. Ensure that it’s fully combined before adding another handful.
5. When all the cheese is melted, serve with bagel chips, baguette slices, or other fruit and vegetables.

Steps to Use a Meat Fondue Pot

1. Different from a melted sauce pot like chocolate or cheese, you can also prepare meat in a fondue pot. The pot acts like a deep fryer making the meat tender and juicy in bubbling oil.
2. First, cut your meat – such as tenderloin, chicken, or even seafood like shrimp or fish – into bite size pieces.
3. Heat your oil mixture to a temperature of 375 degrees.
4. Then pat the meat dry to ensure that no excess liquid will cause the hot oil to splash.
5. Once your oil mixture in the fondue pot has reached a temperature of 375 degrees, place your meats on skewers and dip them into the oil until they’re cooked.

Tip!

Keep meat submerged in the fondue pot for 25-30 seconds for rare, 30-35 seconds for medium and 45-60 seconds for well done.

Steps to Use a Vegetable Fondue Pot

1. First, cut your vegetables into bite size pieces.
2. Then pat them dry to remove any moisture.
3. Heat oil or butter in your fondue pot hot and raise to 325 degrees.
4. Season the veggies like broccoli, zucchini, potatoes or bell peppers, and dip to saute.

Fondue Pot Materials & Features

Fondue pots are the perfect party centerpiece. You can use it as an appetizer to a dinner party or the main event for dip night. There are several kinds of materials and features available for fondue pots including dishwasher safe, electric, or personal size. To learn more about these materials and features, and what may be best for your event, check out our guide The Best Fondue Pots for Entertaining.

How to Clean a Fondue Pot

1. Wait for the pot to cool completely, then scrape out the remaining solid cheese or chocolate.
2. Fill your fondue pot with hot water and dish soap and leave to soak.
3. Let the pot sit for 30 minutes to allow for the soap and water to break down the remaining food particles.
4. Pour out the water in the sink and rinse the pot with warm water.
5. Using the rough side of the sponge, scrub at any remaining cheese or chocolate.
6. Rinse the fondue pot and sponge one last time, then dry it thoroughly with a towel

Fondue pots are an interactive activity to host people for dips and snacks and teaching someone how to use a fondue pot is just as fun. Explore more of our fondue pots and sets to kick off your next dinner party.