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Everyone has enjoyed a fun fondue dinner out, but many don’t know there is an even better way to even melted cheese and much more right at home.
Popular in Europe and steadily becoming more well-known in the United States, raclette grills are the epitome of versatility and convenience.
Not only can they melt a variety of foods beyond just cheese or chocolate, they can also easily fit in your home kitchen and are an excellent option for throwing a winning dinner party.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Raclette Grills
Comparison Chart of the Best Raclette Grills
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What is a Raclette Grill?
Traditionally from Switzerland, raclette grills are indoor party grills designed to cook a wide variety of food for many people at once and make a great addition to any kitchen.
They typically have two levels: a lower level of individual raclette cooking units and an upper level for grilling bread, vegetables, meat, seafood, and more.
You can grill your favorite food and melt the cheese on them all together in a single, portable unit small enough to fit on your kitchen table.
Raclette grills are also healthier than many alternatives because they are usually made with nonstick surfaces and don’t require that you add oil to the pan before cooking.
How to Spot a Great Raclette Grill
So what features should you look out for when purchasing a raclette grill? Some of the most important components to consider are the maintenance, material, and added features.
Low Maintenance
An important aspect of any kitchen appliance is how easy it is to clean and maintain.
Some models to avoid are ones that have to be completely hand-washed or include pieces with tiny nooks and crannies that are nearly impossible to thoroughly clean.
Instead, look for a model that includes at least a few dishwasher-safe parts with an overall body that can easily be cleaned with a sponge and water.
Milliard 8-Person Grill
Long-Lasting Materials
Whenever you buy a grill, you want to make sure it is a worthwhile investment that will last. If the grill is made from cheap materials, it won’t last long or cook food as well.
The best models have a granite cooking stone surface, which is long-lasting and locks flavor into the food.
Loaded With Extra Features
Every raclette grill will be able to melt cheese and grill food, but some models include add-on features that make them stand above the rest.
Be on the lookout for extras like precise temperature controls, power status lights for increased safety, or included spatulas that coordinate with each individual raclette pan.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Raclette Grills
Here are the top three raclette grills:
Review of the Best Raclette Grills
With a more thorough understanding of what to look for in a great raclette grill, let’s look at a few of our favorite models.
Best Overall:
Milliard 8-Person Raclette
Pros
Cons
The Milliard is an excellent option for any party or big gathering, serving up to eight people at once.
Unlike some products, it is rectangular in shape with two shelves. Along with the eight personalized cheese pans, it also comes with eight wooden spatulas.
You can cook a range of food on it to douse in melted cheese, including meat, vegetables, and seafood. It is constructed with a non-stick surface for simple cleanup and healthier cooking.
The reversible grill top has a flat granite stone side and a grill side, so you have the option of searing food or cooking it slowly on an even surface.
There is also an indicator light that illuminates when the grill is on, so you’ll never forget to turn it off when you’re done.
Bottom Line
This model cooks slower than some of the other models, but its design also allows for a variety of cooking methods. Considering its compact and lightweight design, it is able to serve a lot of people.
Runner-up:
Swissmar Raclette Grill
Pros
Cons
The Swissmar, like the Milliard, has a rectangular shape with two shelves and serves eight people.
Its granite stone grill top measures 9 x 14 inches and overall it weighs 12 pounds, as well as boasting 1200 watts of power. Each raclette pan comes with a matching spatula, adding up to eight of each in total.
It is available in several different colors, including red, black, and silver. It can take a little while to warm up but cooks evenly and quickly once it is ready. It’s recommended to turn it on about 30 minutes before you want to start cooking.
Bottom Line
The Swissmar takes a little extra planning, but once it heats up and gets going, it can cook a variety of foods for eight to ten people in no time.
Best for the Money:
NutriChef Raclette Grill
Pros
Cons
This raclette grill includes has a metal grill and stone plate to cook meat and vegetables, with the standard pans below for melting the cheese. It is designed to serve large groups with eight spatulas and skewers.
It includes an adjustable rotary temperature control with a LED indicator light. It uses about 1200 watts of power and is a little heavier than other models at 16.26 pounds.
Bottom Line
The NutriChef Grill stands out for its versatility. Providing different types of grilling surfaces and differently-sized metal trays, you can easily customize it for each specific dish. Like many raclette grills, it heats slowly at first but gets very hot once it has been on for a while.
4. Salton 8-Person Raclette Grill
Pros
Cons
The Salton has an immersible grill plate and a nonstick surface, both of which make for easy and simple cleanup.
It includes an adjustable temperature control and power indicator light.
The Salton is very lightweight and portable at a mere 8.85 pounds but still allows you to cook for a large group of people with eight spatulas and eight large cheese pans.
Bottom Line
While the Salton can easily melt enough cheese for eight people at a time, it cannot hold the same amount of food on its grilling surface, so that part of the process may take some extra time. That being said, this is an excellent model that is easy to use for a very affordable price.
5. Gourmia Raclette Grill
Pros
Cons
This model includes a cone-shaped top section for grilling meat and vegetables, along with a bowl for broths and steaming.
Most importantly, there are six raclette pans for melting cheese. The body of the grill features a non-stick coating for easy cooking and cleaning. It is all contained in a compact seven-pound unit and is easy to transport.
The temperature is a simple, adjustable knob-style temperature control. All you have to do is plug the grill in, turn the knob to the desired temperature, and you’re ready to start cooking.
Bottom Line
The Gourmia is a lightweight and easy-to-use model that will fit perfectly in any home kitchen. Though it’s cord is a little short, it’s nothing that can’t be fixed with an extension cord to be able to use this convenient, versatile raclette grill.
What to Cook on a Raclette Grill
There are many delicious recipes you can make on a raclette grill, like sausages, beef fillets, grilled vegetables, cheese, etc. Raclettes are loved for a variety of delicious foods. To make them, you need to follow the following steps.
1. Get some raclette cheese and cut it according to the tray size under the raclette grill.
2. Turn on the grill and set it on medium-high heat.
3. Use some oil to brush the plate.
4. Now you can grill meat and vegetables on your hot grill plate.
5. Place the raclette cheese on the small trays and put it under the heating element while the meat and vegetables cook.
6. By now, the cheese should have melted, and you can serve it on warm potatoes, or place it over grilled vegetables.
7. Keep an eye on the meat while you deal with your cheese, so you don’t overcook it.
Now you can enjoy your raclette with your loved ones.
Pros and Cons of Raclette Grills
Although raclette grills help you make the most delicious recipes, it’s still important to weigh their pros and cons. By knowing both aspects, you can make the right choice.
Pros
Some pros of raclette grills are as follows:
Ease of Use
The best raclette grills are incredibly easy to use and take care of. Some are designed in such a way that you can explore your learning curve with them, while others are intuitive enough.
Heats Quickly
The grill plate will heat up relatively quickly. Granite grill tops are an excellent choice because they are usually fast and uniformly heated. You're also sure to love variable heat control integrated into the design for maximum comfort.
Versatility
Most raclette grills are fitted with a non-stick, often removable smoking surface or gas stove on which the food is perfectly grilled. Many versions may have a plain grilling surface, and others have grilling ridges.
For flexibility, there are versions with a flat section as well as ridges on the cooking surface.
Throwing a raclette grill party is easy! (Source)
Cons
Now that we have considered the pros, we should also look at the cons as well:
Not Dishwasher Safe
Most such grills are not dishwasher-safe, which makes it a hassle to clean, otherwise, you have to go for a more expensive option.
How to Use a Raclette Grill
- Most raclette grills take some time to heat up. For most models, it is recommended to turn the grill on about 30 minutes before you really want to start using it to cook.
- Safely check that the temperature of the grill is warm enough and then add the vegetables, meat, or other food that will serve as the main course onto the grill.
- Once those are cooking, add the cheese and any additional ingredients into the raclette tray and slide it onto the surface below the heating element.
- After the cheese melts and the other food is done grilling, you’re ready to eat!
- Make sure to turn the grill off once you’re done cooking.
Conclusion
With a simple, straightforward design and delicious results, raclette grills are an excellent addition to any dinner party or social gathering.
There are many different models and factors to consider, and it’s important to find the best grill for you and your needs.
We hope this article helped you choose the perfect raclette grill for your next get-together!
