Choosing the best raclette grills of 2023
As a self-proclaimed
So take it from me. When it comes to choosing the best
You also need to consider the options and models available, ranging from basic ones to more advanced and specialized designs.
Some familiar names in the industry include Boska, Swissmar and T-fal.
T-fal is a popular French cookware and small appliance manufacturer, but their
All these different choices can make it challenging to choose the best
Don’t worry. I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve owned and tested dozens of different grills over the years, so I can guide you in making the right choice for finding the best
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly go over what they can and cannot do and what features you should consider.
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What is a Raclette Grill?
A
It’s named after raclette cheese, an Alpine cheese traditionally used with the r
Electric raclette grills: For home use
Let’s talk about the versatility of
While it’s no secret that these tabletop grilling appliances are perfect for melting cheese, they can also be used to cook a variety of other foods.
Imagine preparing a spread of bite-sized meats, veggies, potatoes, and seafood for your guests to grill themselves while enjoying the
But the fun doesn’t stop there.
With the individual
So don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipes and explore all the different dishes you can make!
What’s the difference: Raclette grill vs regular tabletop grill or hotplate?
A regular tabletop grill typically has a single, flat cooking surface, like a griddle on which food is grilled, while a hotplate is used to keep food warm or simmer liquids, but they don’t usually have a grilling surface.
So, while all of these appliances are used for tabletop cooking, the main difference between a
The mini skillet pans are placed under the griddle for cooking individual portions of food and melting cheese, making them great for social and interactive dining experiences.
Where are raclette grills popular?
Some people even serve it for casual French Christmas meals.
Luckily,
I’ve seen them described as:
- Party grills
- Tabletop cheese melters.
- Raclette machines
- I’ve even seen some describe them as a type of Korean BBQ grill.
I think they’re described this way in areas where
What you should not use a raclette grill for.
While a
For example, a
Since most have a heating element underneath the griddle, you might think it can be used like a hotplate to simmer liquids or make fondue. Unfortunately, most
Features to Consider for raclette grilling:
When it comes to choosing the best tabletop
By considering all of these features, you’ll be able to choose the best
Let’s take a closer look at some of the features.
Size: How many people can you serve?
Size does matter since it determines the number of people you can serve at once.
Most
8
You can also buy a 2-person
Accessories: The essentials for an excellent raclette experience
These are the accessories that are usually included when you purchase a
- Mini grilling pan: Individual mini grilling pans. Each person should have their own.
- Raclette Scrapers or paddles: Used for scraping the melted cheese off the mini pan and onto your plate (usually made of wood.)
- Additional or bonus accessories: Some multifunctional models, like the ones that can also make cheese fondue, will come with additional accessories.
Constructed with easy-to-wash, sturdy non-stick cast iron. Dishwasher safe. Handles are different colours, so everyone knows which one belongs to whom.
Ideal for placing your grill pan next to your plate so you don't burn the table or muck up the tablecloth.
Cooking Surface: Non-Stick, removable, Reversible Griddle = Easy to clean
The cooking surface of the top griddle plate is another important consideration.
A non-stick surface is ideal for easy cleaning and prevents the cheese from sticking to the grill.
Some models have a removable non-stick griddle and or a removable stone griddle for cooking various meats and veggies. These in particular, are easy to clean and are usually dishwasher safe.
The reversible griddle usually has one side that is ribbed, perfect for making grill marks. The reverse side of the griddle may be flat or have indentations for making
Temperature Control: Adjust for perfect grilling
Temperature control is crucial for
Luckily, most electric grills do come with this feature, but not the basic models.
Power source:
When it comes to heating your
It’s important to consider which power source will work best for you.
Specialty Features & advanced options.
Some models may have additional features such as built-in fans, drip trays, or interchangeable griddles, while others are more basic in their design.
Best Raclette Grill based on features and needs
Now onto the list.
Best multifunction raclette grill
While a budget
Some have a flat surface to cook fondue, while others, you can cook omelettes or
8 mini pans, a 600ML stainless steel fondue pot for cheese fondue. 2 temperature controls for raclette heating element and fondue. 1500w power.
8 heat-resistant mini pans (Serves up to 8 people). Large removable 200 square inch nonstick grill top that's dishwasher save. Variable heat control,
8 Trays and Wooden Spatulas serves 8 people. Adjustable Temperature Dishwasher Safe. No need for two separate kitchen appliances anymore. Comes with a 2 in 1 reversible non-stick griddle. The reverse side has a groove for cooking pancakes or omelettes.
A reversible non-stick griddle with a grooved surface / flat surface is suitable for making crepes, pancakes, and eggs for breakfast. temperature control, 4 individual heat-resistant raclette pans, bottom area can grill skewers or place the raclette pans for heating cheese
This raclette machine is the ultimate cheese melter. It features 8 cheese raclette pans to melt your favourite cheese in minutes. Dishwasher safe Non-stick Grilling Plate and Cooking Stone.
Serves up to 8 People for Parties & Family Fun. Double-Sided Surface: Switch up your menu with grill and griddle on one side and pancakes on the other. 8 Mini Square Nonstick Pans. Adjustable temperature control.
Best raclette grill for a Crowd:
For larger gatherings of 10 people or more, go for a model with multiple heating elements, more individual
Two levels to melt cheese for a total of 16 spots. It only comes with 8 Cheese Melter Pans, 8 Spatulas, so you'll have to buy extra cheese pans if you need more. The 3rd tier has a Removable dishwasher safe non- stick grill plate.
Comes with a removable grill Stone and a removable non-Stick Aluminum griddle plate for Parties and large families. 10 mini cheese pans and variable temperature control.
- Serves a crowd of 10 people at once.
- Variable heat control
- Powerful 1500 Watts
Best space-saving raclette grill:
If you don’t have much counter space or table space to spare, a space-saving
This good-looking raclette grill is great for coking Korean BBQ or a traditional French raclette meal. Has adjustable temperature control, 8 Paddles & 8 Spatulas, and a wooden base.
Creative-looking raclette grill:
Looking for a
Swissmar brand: Aluminum and Stone Grill Top for grilling meat and veggies. Unfold this unique raclette up to 180 degrees to form one long raclette or keep it folded in its square form. Serves up to 8 people.
- No temperature control
8 person raclette grill with 8 mini pans and scrapers. Granite stone grill top, the faux wood base for a stylistic touch. By Swissmar.
Chapeau Tartare “Tartare’s hat”
A tartare hat grill, also known as a volcano grill, hat grill or sombrero grill, is a multifunctional 3 in 1 cone-shaped electric cooking device shaped like a traditional tartare hat.
The cone or the hat part of the grill usually has 20 or so small hooks to attach and grill individual pieces of meat, fish, and vegetables.
The bottom of the hat or the brim acts like a container to catch the cooking juices as they drip down, which turns into a delicious bouillon. You can also place vegetables in the brim to cook with the juices. The lower part of the device is for placing individual pans for melting cheese.
6 person - 6 Cheese Melting Spatula Pans - Non Stick, FREE Recipe Book
Portable Raclette Grills: For RVs, small spaces, and outdoors
Portable
- Portable electric
raclette grills: These are compact and easy to carry and work by plugging them into an electric outlet. They typically have a non-stick surface and adjustable temperature control.
2 enamel pans, 2 spatulas, and a removable grill plate serves 2
- Propane
raclette grills: These are designed to be used outdoors and are powered by propane tanks. They are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for camping, tailgating, or picnics. Cast iron skillet for stovetops or ovens: T he simplest and most portable way to meltraclette cheese is a mini cast iron skillet which you can place on any stove or portable burner. You can use any pan for this, but I recommend mini cast iron pans, which you can place in the oven too.
4-Pack of Pre-Seasoned Miniature cast iron skillet pans. Perfect to melt cheese in on the BBQ grill, on the stove. Also great for cooking eggs, mini cakes and individual-sized desserts.
Raclette grills powered by tea lights: are the most portable and work by placing a candle underneath the griddle. They are lightweight, compact, and perfect for small spaces or use during power outages. But also for camping, picnics or if you just want a small intimate meal.
Enjoy melted cheese anytime, anywhere with this portable single-pan raclette set - no electricity needed, just 3 tea light candles. The base pan is removable and can be placed on a bb grill or on the stove.
2 non-stick pans to melt your favourite cheeses. No electricity. Powered by 4 tea light candles, making it completely portable
Overall, the portability is determined by its size, weight, and power source, and it’s important to choose one that best meets your needs based on the type of cooking or grilling you plan to do and the size of the group you’ll be serving.
Wrapping up how to find the best raclette grill
Whether you prefer a no-frills basic model or a fancy multifunctional
And don’t forget to pair your
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