Fondyushnitsa: what is it and how to choose it?

Fondue is a well-known masterpiece of French cuisine, which you can enjoy right from the pot. Primarily, this dish was a cheese melted in wine. Those at the dinner table took stale pieces of bread and dipped them into the hot cheese mass. Since then, the fondue dish has gone through several stages of transformation, but the container for its preparation has remained unchanged and is simply called “fondue”.

Fondyushnitsa is not just a kitchen utensil, but a real mystery of French cuisine. On the one hand, the fondue container resembles an ordinary kettle, although in fact it is a unique unit that can turn ordinary gatherings into a romantic evening for lovers or a mini-feast for friends. The main feature of the fondyushnitsa is that everyone can feel like a real chef.

In France, fondue is called differently, namely "cakelon". Outwardly, the device really resembles a small bowler hat, raised on three legs. You can put it anywhere - the main thing is that the surface is flat. A burner or candle is installed at the bottom of the tripod.

Thanks to the experiments of French chefs, cheese fondue has been supplemented with meat recipes. It also prepares fish dishes. Accordingly, bowls were made from other materials. Lovers of sweets will appreciate the chocolate fondue boxes, the designs of which are reminiscent of a small fountain.

Today the stores offer a wide variety of fondue dishes, but first of all they differ in the material of making the bowl. It is important to note that a lot depends on the material of the main element of the presented unit:

• the duration of the device's service;
• ease of care;
• heating rate and duration of keeping the set temperature;
• what kind of fondue will be able to cook.

Cast iron tanks have a long service life. They heat up quickly and keep warm inside for quite a long time. You can safely cook fish and meat dishes in them. Cast iron pots are suitable for cooking vegetables, as well as melting even hard cheese. The only drawback of this material is the rapid absorption of odors.

Unlike cast-iron fondue pots, stainless steel pots are lighter in weight, they do not absorb the smells of cooking dishes and have a similar service life. The only drawbacks are the inability to retain heat inside the container and the appearance of carbon deposits on the surface of the bowl when heated.

This material is not able to withstand exposure to high temperatures. Accordingly, fish or meat dishes cannot be cooked in ceramic containers. But it is quite possible to melt cheese or chocolate in a ceramic fondue.

Porcelain is much more expensive than ceramic fondue. However, such a high price corresponds to a spectacular and presentable appearance. Such constructions are usually used for making chocolate fondue.

Glass bowls are much less common on storefronts than porcelain or ceramic structures. Their appearance meets the high demands of aesthetics. Another important plus is the ability to withstand high temperatures.

Metal fondue trays are the least popular. They do not have a long service life, do not retain heat inside, and burn outside. Some argue that metal fondue dishes were invented for teaching cooking skills, nothing more.

In addition to the material, fondue trays vary in size. Small containers are designed for 0.5 liters, and the volume of large ones does not exceed 2.5 liters. In addition to size, fondue constructions are divided according to the type of heating. Each individual variant is characterized by an individual operating principle. Some work from an open flame, others from electricity.

This variation of fondue in the common people is called "burner". In such designs, an open flame from a candle or a burner fueled with gel or specially designed fuel pellets that does not emit an unpleasant odor, smoke and soot are used as a heating element.

The advantages of a fondue burner are mobility, the ability to regulate the power of the flame. The disadvantages include the need to additionally purchase fuel cells.

Electric fondue stands are more in line with the modern world. In such designs, it is possible to regulate the heating power of the container; you can cook different dishes in them. To activate the device, simply plug it into an outlet. Although sometimes the length of the wire turns out to be so short that it will not be possible to do without an extension cord.

The main advantages of electric containers for making fondue include safety during operation, no need to buy fuel, and ease of temperature control. The disadvantages are stationarity and lack of romanticism from the working apparatus.

The modern home appliance market is replete with a variety of fondyushnits, the manufacturers of which are little-known companies. And here everyone has a lot of questions, because buying a rather expensive product of an unknown brand is dangerous. To dispel all doubts, it is suggested that you familiarize yourself with the rating of manufacturers of fondue containers, compiled exclusively on consumer reviews.

Initially, this German brand was engaged in mechanical engineering and the production of spare parts for power equipment. His business went uphill, and after a while AEG entered a large portfolio of such a brand as Electrolux. AEG built-in appliances are represented today by the Electrolux Group, and small ones by ETV.

Among the wide variety of devices produced by AEG, fondue trays are in great demand among consumers. They are distinguished by their high service life, quality and safety. Most often, families with small children make the choice in favor of this manufacturer.

The presented brand was born in the 50s of the last century. Initially, electric grills were produced under this name, and after a while the range of this manufacturer was replenished with various types of household appliances, including fondue dishes.

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find them in Russian stores, since all the brand's products are sold in Switzerland. But if you are lucky enough to get a container for making Koenig fondue, you won't even want to dream of another brand.

This brand is one of the progenitors of high-quality kitchen appliances. Its assortment includes kettles, toasters, electric grills, care appliances and much more. But despite such a wide range of products, consumers were immensely impressed by the devices for making fondue.

Ergonomic, comfortable, beautiful, and most importantly - high-quality fondue dishes, unfortunately, can be found mainly on the German market. In the CIS countries, this product is most often delivered on an individual order.

Quite a common brand that produces small household appliances, dishes, home accessories. It was this company that managed to emphasize modern ergonomics and classic romanticism in the created fondue dishes. The Smile fondue containers are a guarantee of quality and durability.

A well-known German brand that produces premium home appliances. The company entered the Russian Federation in 2000 and immediately won the hearts of consumers. Customers began to sweep away such high-quality advanced equipment from store shelves, especially fondue racks.

Each individual model of a container for cooking fondue differs not only in technical characteristics, but also in a chic appearance that fits perfectly into any kitchen interior design.

A distinctive feature of the presented brand is the high quality of manufactured household appliances. For more than 60 years, this brand has been delighting consumers with excellent products such as waffle makers, deep fryers, grills, and, of course, fondue dishes. The latter, by the way, were to the liking of buyers from European countries. And all thanks to the multifunctionality of fondue, ergonomics and design.

The original German brand was a small family business with only one mini-workshop in the forge. But after a long period of time, Severin became the number one trademark. Today it is a large manufacturer of household appliances, which has won the recognition of consumers due to the quality of products and their long service life.

And it's not just about a kettle with coffee makers. Fondyushnits are in great demand among buyers.The Severin brand offers its customers containers for preparing fondue of different technical characteristics, each of which has many features.

A Dutch manufacturer who has won consumer recognition for producing high quality products to improve the living environment. The main principle of the company is high quality at an affordable price. The fans of this brand are connoisseurs of the French fondue dish, and all because Tristar fondue stands are characterized as the best household appliances that meet consumer requirements.

There are a huge number of fondyushnits in household appliances stores. Some models are equipped with a standard set of accessories, others include a number of auxiliary items, and still others have no add-ons at all. The latter, by the way, are practically not in consumer demand. As for the standard set of accessories, these include the following items.

• Bowler hat - a cooking container, which can be made of ceramics, cast iron, steel, glass or iron. Pots differ in design and volume. Many kettle models are equipped with lids with holes for skewers.
• Skewers - fondue forks, on which bread, fish, meat, fruits and other products are strung.
• Heating element - in this case we are talking about the burner or about the electrical system. The burner is working on an open fire, the fridge is heated by a mini-cooker.
• Stand - a metal or cast iron product, in the center of which there is a place for a burner.

The list of fondue accessories includes:

• bowls - containers for food;
• removable ring - fork holder;
• metal base - the object of protecting the table from heating;
• book with recipes.

The pricing policy for fondue sets differs depending on the items stacked inside. Also, the price of the device is based on the need for the subsequent purchase of additional elements.

However, the safest fuel is gel. The main advantages of this liquid are the absence of soot, unpleasant odor and ease of use. One can of gel is enough for 10-12 applications. But only chocolate and cheese fondue can be heated on it. Unfortunately, gel fuel produces much less heat than alcohol.

Fondue is not an ordinary dish. It is prepared only on special occasions, which means that the process of creating a culinary masterpiece should proceed exclusively on a positive note. However, a positive attitude is only part of a successful cooking. Basically, the quality of the fondue and its parameters are important. That is why when buying a container for making fondue, several nuances must be taken into account.

• The number of people at the feast. The number of skewers that will be present in the set depends on this parameter.
• Bowl volume. For a chocolate fondue, a 0.5 liter caquelon is sufficient. Well, for a cheese or meat dish, models with a volume of 2-2.5 liters should be considered.
• Different variations of fondue. If different types of this French dish will be prepared in a container, you should choose bowls made of cast iron or steel.
• Heating regulation. In this case, it is preferable to choose products where there is a burner adjustment in order to increase or decrease the strength of the fire during cooking.
• Caring for the product. It is important to clarify in advance which cleaning methods can be used for the bowl, as some containers may only be washed by hand.
• Caquelon design. When choosing a fondue dish, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the product so that it fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen.

Each set of fondyushnitsa has instructions for use, which describes the correct operation process.However, the hostesses argue that in order to understand how to use such an unusual device, it is necessary to prepare a culinary masterpiece in it. For example, a classic cheese fondue:

• good cheese cubes go to the bowl;
• white wine and cream are poured there;
• followed by salt, pepper, starch;
• the mixture must be melted over low heat, making sure that the dish does not boil;
• after the products have melted, the burner is removed and the fondue is sent to the dining table.

In fact, nothing complicated, the main thing is not to be distracted from the cooking process.