Which Raclette Grill Is Best for You?
A raclette grill is a great way to bring everyone together around the table, allowing guests to grill veg, melt cheese and enjoy a relaxed and interactive dining experience. Inspired by traditional Swiss Raclette, these electric tabletop grills are ideal for fun family meals, dinner parties as well as hosting and entertaining from home.
At Cooks Professional, our collection includes an 8 Person Raclette Grill with Non-Stick Metal Plate, an 8 Person Raclette Grill with Natural Stone Plate and a 2-in-1 Raclette Grill and Fondue Set. Each offers a different way to enjoy tabletop cooking, whether you're grilling meat and vegetables, melting raclette cheese or preparing a chocolate fondue.
This raclette and fondue buying guide helps you compare the different models, cooking surfaces and features to help you choose the best raclette grill for your home.
Which raclette grill is best for you?
All three Cooks Professional raclette grills are designed for up to eight people, with individual mini pans for melting cheese and cooking smaller portions. The main differences are their cooking surfaces and additional functions.
| Model | Cooking surface | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Person Raclette Grill with Metal Plate | Non-stick metal plate | Everyday tabletop grilling, easy cleaning and entertaining |
| 8 Person Raclette Grill with Natural Stone Plate | Natural granite stone | Grilling steak, seafood and vegetables on a traditional Swiss stone surface |
| 2-in-1 Raclette Grill & Fondue Set | Non-stick metal plate and fondue pot | Raclette meals, cheese fondue, chocolate fondue and versatile entertaining |
Let's dive into how these different models will fit best into your household.
Non-Stick Metal Raclette Grill: Easy tabletop cooking
Our Cooks Professional 8 Person Electric Raclette Grill with Non-Stick Metal Plate is designed for convenient, interactive dining. The non-stick metal grill plate provides even heat distribution for cooking vegetables, meat and fish, while eight individual raclette pans allow guests to melt cheese and prepare their own portions underneath.
With an adjustable thermostat, you can control the cooking temperature to suit different ingredients. The PFOA-free, non-stick surface also makes food release and cleaning straightforward. The grill comes with eight mini pans and wooden spatulas, making it ideal for entertaining family and friends.
Best for: Dinner parties, family meals, everyday tabletop grilling and easy cleaning.
Natural Stone Raclette Grill: Traditional stone grilling
A natural stone raclette grill offers a different tabletop cooking experience, using a solid granite surface to cook ingredients with steady, evenly distributed heat. Our Cooks Professional 8 Person Raclette Grill with Natural Stone Plate is ideal for grilling steak, seafood and fresh vegetables while melting cheese in the individual pans below.
The adjustable temperature control allows you to manage the heat, while the removable stone plate can be cleaned with warm soapy water once completely cooled. With eight raclette pans and wooden spatulas included, it's a practical and authentic Swiss choice for sharing meals around the table.
Best for: Steak, seafood, vegetables, traditional alpine dining and hosting.
2-in-1 Raclette Grill & Fondue Set: Versatile entertaining
If you're looking for a raclette grill and fondue maker in one appliance, our Cooks Professional 2-in-1 Raclette Grill and Fondue Set offers additional cooking possibilities. Combining a non-stick tabletop grill with a fondue pot, it allows you to prepare grilled meats, vegetables and melted cheese alongside cheese fondue or broth-based dipping recipes. The dipping pot also makes for great chocolate fondues, whilst melting smores and sweet treats on the raclette grill.
Designed for up to eight people, the set includes individual raclette pans, wooden spatulas and fondue forks, so everyone can get stuck in. The adjustable temperature control makes it easy to switch between different cooking requirements, while the non-stick surfaces help make cleaning straightforward and efficient.
Best for: Cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, family gatherings, dinner parties and multifunctional tabletop cooking.
Stone vs metal raclette grill: What's the difference?
One of the most common questions when buying a raclette grill is whether to choose a natural stone or non-stick metal cooking plate. Both are suitable for grilling a variety of ingredients, but they offer slightly different cooking experiences.
| Feature | Natural Stone Plate | Non-Stick Metal Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking surface | Solid granite stone | PFOA-free non-stick metal |
| Heat retention | Retains heat well | Generally heats and responds more quickly |
| Cooking style | Steady, gradual grilling | Responsive everyday grilling |
| Cleaning | Hand wash once cooled | Easy-clean non-stick surface |
| Best for | Steak, seafood and vegetables | Meat, vegetables, fish and everyday use |
A natural stone raclette grill is a good choice if you prefer steady heat and more traditional stone cooking. A non-stick metal raclette grill is particularly convenient if you want responsive temperature control and straightforward cleaning.
What can you cook on a raclette grill?
An electric raclette grill is suitable for much more than melting cheese. The combination of a tabletop grill and individual mini pans makes it easy to prepare a variety of ingredients at the same time.
Popular raclette food ideas include:
- Raclette cheese: Melt in the individual pans and serve over boiled potatoes, bread or vegetables.
- Meat: Grill thinly sliced steak, chicken or other suitable cuts, ensuring they're cooked thoroughly.
- Vegetables: Try mushrooms, peppers, courgettes and asparagus.
- Seafood: Cook prawns or small pieces of fish on the grill plate.
- Mini pan recipes: Prepare melted cheese combinations, small portions of vegetables or warmed toppings.
- Fondue: With the 2-in-1 model, enjoy melted cheese, chocolate or suitable broth-based recipes.
For a traditional Swiss-inspired raclette meal, serve melted cheese with boiled potatoes, cornichons and cured meats, as well as a selection of seasonal veggies that are good for grilling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best raclette grill to buy?
The best raclette grill depends on your preferred cooking surface and how you plan to use it. A non-stick metal raclette grill is convenient for everyday cooking and easy cleaning, while a natural stone raclette grill offers steady heat retention. For additional versatility, a 2-in-1 raclette and fondue set allows you to grill and prepare fondue using one appliance.
What is the difference between a raclette grill and a fondue set?
A raclette grill uses a heated cooking plate and individual pans to grill food and melt cheese. A fondue set uses a heated pot for dipping ingredients into melted cheese, chocolate or broth. The Cooks Professional 2-in-1 Raclette and Fondue Set combines both functions in one tabletop appliance.
Can you cook meat on a raclette grill?
Yes, electric raclette grills are suitable for cooking thinly sliced meats, including steak and chicken, as well as seafood and vegetables. Cut ingredients into manageable portions and ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before eating.
How many people can use a raclette grill?
Raclette grills are available in different sizes, commonly accommodating between two and eight people. All three Cooks Professional raclette grill models are designed for up to eight people, making them suitable for family dinners and entertaining guests.
What cheese is best for a raclette grill?
Traditional Swiss raclette cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and has a rich, creamy flavour. Other good melting cheeses include Gruyère, Emmental and mature Cheddar, although their flavours and textures will differ.
Find the Best Raclette Grill with Cooks Professional
Whether you're planning a relaxed family dinner or entertaining friends, a Cooks Professional raclette grill makes shared dining simple and enjoyable.
Explore our 8 Person Raclette Grills with Natural Stone or Non-Stick Metal Plates, or choose our 2-in-1 Raclette and Fondue Set for even more ways to cook, melt and share around the table.