Tramontina Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Review
First off, this is an absolutely AWESOME fondue set. The best I have ever used, or set eyes to. The all-stainless steel construction is flawless, and the design is simple and elegant. The spinning condiment bowls are an extremely functional touch, and one that I have not seen previously. The set is elegant enough for fine dining, but also tough enough to use with the children. (With appropriate adult supervision, of course.) And when you're stuffed and satisfied, clean-up is a breeze. Just don't use regular scouring powder, which will leave scratches in the stainless steel. (With or without a little dish soap, try Bar Keeper's Friend, Bon Ami or Zud.) And don't sweat the inside bottom of the fondue pot. Oil stains are fine, and in fact make the stainless steel surface less porous and thus more "non stick." Just clean out any crud, which can lead to uneven heating of the oil and impart a bad taste to your cooked food the next time around.
As for cooking with fuel, I would disagree with the reviewer who suggested that temperature is not easily controlled when burning fuel. When done properly, it is not much different than cooking with a gas range. Just don't get lazy and use Sterno cans. The temperature and height of the flame from fuel burned in the burner unit supplied with the set is controlled by twisting the lid. This adjusts the air vents, supplying more or less air to the burning fuel.
And what about duh fuel? Well, despite what you may have heard or read, there is no special fuel needed for the burner unit. There are products for sale with names like "fondue fuel." These are either liquids or slightly viscous gels which can be poured into the burner unit. These speciality fuel products are expensive and unnecessary. All that is needed is a simple compound which is both inexpensive and readily available. That compound is "denatured alcohol." It can be purchased at any hardware store or building supply house like Home Depot. It is typically shelved with the painting supplies.
Whatever you do, DO NOT use any other solvents like paint thinner or acetone. These are not clean burning fuels -- they can produce noxious fumes and some are highly explosive. The same goes for gasoline, which some people use instead of lighter fluid when starting their barbeques, to their potential peril.
Denatured alcohol. That's the ticket. Safe, available and inexpensive. About per quart, which should last for 10+ fondue dinners with your family and friends. (It is axiomatic that one does not fondue alone.)
So, enjoy your fondue. And may you never be without duh fuel ever again.
Tramontina Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Feature
- 18/10 Stainless steel
- Set includes: 2 Qt. Covered Fondue Pot, Splatter Shield, 6 Sauce Bowls, 6 Color-Coded Fondue Forks, Chrome-Plated Carousel, Burner
- Carousel is 15 3/4" Diameter, overall height 11"
- Pot has stay cool handles
- Uses fondue fuel, not included
Tramontina Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Overview
There's a lot to like, even love, about this fondue ensemble. The stainless steel pot has a lid and can go directly on the stove for heating. The sauce bowls fit neatly into the arms of a carousel which spins around so everyone can dip without having to bother a neighbor to pass the sauce. In sleek chrome and stainless steel, this fondue will outfit your table with chic style.
Tramontina Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Specifications
Years ago the Swiss survived harsh winters by relying on locally made foods, including cheeses. But as the winter wore on, the cheese became dryer. Out of necessity came fondue, French for "to melt or blend." Today, we love to eat fondue not because we have to, but because it's so tasty--and fun. It's one of the few socially acceptable ways to play with your food. Dip breads and apple slices in melted cheese, or try tantalizing strawberries, bananas, and pound cake dipped in chocolate. This elegant Tramontina 16-piece set provides everything you'll need for a fondue party. It's dishwasher-safe, but Tramontina recommends hand drying immediately after the rinse cycle. --Linda Dahlstrom
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Customer Reviews
tramontina deluxe stainless steel fondue - Joyce A. Hammock -
I haven't used it as yet. I am waiting for a christmas party--it is very pretty and I can not wait to use it. I wish it had the ceramic insert to warm cheese and chocolate. I have been looking for an insert but I haven't found one yet. The insert would make it absolutely perfect.
Looks so pretty, everything STICKS so well.... - D. Carsey -
I've had this for 4 years and while it's absolutely beautiful and makes a great presentation it really has limited uses. Cheese is horrible. Because of the fondue fuel mechanism you have no control over the heat. The nice heavy stainless steel pot, does NOT have a non-stick coating. The cheese burns at the bottom or gets cold and turns to lead. Chocolate will work, but again you have to constantly watch the fuel, which is also hard to find in the store.
The best use though is if you are boiling or frying meat and using the dishes for sauces to dip the meat in. I recently discovered a wonderful Caribbean boil method that is an awesomely healthy way to have a fondue. It also works great if you are frying meat with it. BUT you have to constantly keep an eye on the fuel. It goes out frequently.
fabulous for fondue! - Stephanie - Fayetteville, NC USA
My husband gave this set to me as a gift and I absolutely love it! Cheese, chocolate and even cooking different meats in a stock. The versatility is endless. The notched lid works great to hold items that may need a while to cook.Also another great feature is the spinning tray with 6 cups to put everything from fruit to veggies to sauces.Great for fondue novice and pro!!
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 13, 2010 11:50:03
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