So, You’re Having a Fondue …

Appears in
Simply Swiss: 64 Essential Recipes from the Heart of Europe

By Andie Pilot

Published 2025

  • About
What equipment do I need?

You need a fondue pot, called a caquelon. Often made from ceramic or enamel, it allows the cheese to melt slowly. Then, you need a stand and a heating element. The heating element is a metal burner where you can add a flammable gel paste (or maybe you have an electric fondue set, those exist too!). Finally, you’ll need long forks for dipping.

One fork, or two?
Most families dip and eat with one fork each, but if you don’t know your fellow cheese eaters so well, or if you’re feeling unwell, dip with one fork and use another for eating.