What is a raclette maker and a raclette grill? What can you cook in it and how to choose it correctly?

Tickets to Switzerland are expensive, but you want to try the national dish?

You can go to a restaurant, pay a hefty sum, or you can buy a raclette maker and cook raclette and other grilled dishes.

This article will help an experienced housewife and a beginner in cooking choose a raclette maker.

Raclette is the nephew of fondue, made from cheese (50% fat), which is first melted, then potatoes, meat, seafood, and vegetables are added . This is also the name of the cheese from which the dish is prepared.

Grill raclette

Made of two levels. On the first one there are small frying pans (4-8 pieces) or one large one; Raclette is prepared here.

On the second level, snacks are fried . It is stone or metal (aluminum, iron) or double (iron, stone). Meat is cooked on stone tiles and vegetables are cooked on aluminum tiles.

Stay up to date! There are double-sided top panels, on the second side there is space for frying flatbreads and pancakes.

Swiss people prefer to drink Raclette with green tea or wine.

General recommendations

1. Choose a raclette maker with a power of 1000 W or more.
2. It is desirable that it has 3 temperature modes (moderate, medium and hot heating).
3. It is better to choose a raclette maker with a stone for those who like to cook meat snacks with cheese, and with a non-stick metal top for those who prefer vegetables.
4. It’s good if there is a groove for fat along the edges of the raclette dish.

Of course, a raclette maker is not an essential kitchen appliance. But if you want to spice up your evenings or have a cozy time with friends, the raclette maker will be an excellent choice.

— Author — Yulia Spiridonova, website www.sympaty.net – Beautiful and Successful Copying of this article is prohibited!

Pros and cons of the device

Advantages

• quick cooking;
• enchanting, the dish is prepared before your eyes;
• compact, smaller in size than grills;
• multifunctionality, convenient to cook meat, pancakes, etc.;
• frying without oil, suitable for children and people with stomach problems;
• Easy to control, no need to light a fire.

Flaws

• possibility of getting burned;
• A small portion is prepared, you have to wait for the next one;
• expensive ingredients for cooking Raclette.

How to use a raclette gun

Before using it for the first time, you should study the design of the device. A raclette grill has several heating panels that are designed to cook specific foods. The top plate is adapted for frying meat, fish, vegetables, sandwiches, sausages, etc. The bottom plate is for melting cheese and other products.

When laying out ingredients on a heated surface, you need to take into account the set temperature and the purpose of the products. If necessary, you can cook several dishes at the same time. Each plate is covered with a special layer, thanks to which food will not stick to the surface.

How to choose a raclette grill?

Power

A 300-400 W raclette maker takes a long time to cook and costs up to 2000 rubles.
A 1000-1200 W device will cook quickly, but the price is up to 10,000. Optimally 800-900 W, it won’t hurt your wallet and your drool won’t flow onto the floor.

Control

It is better to choose a raclette maker with one lever to turn it off and another to regulate the heating strength, it is convenient and simple.

Temperature regulation

Cheeses have different melting temperatures, so you don’t burn them or wait; there are models with adjustable heat.

Non-stick layer

Remember! A high-quality non-stick coating is a must: no burning on food, easy to clean.

The wire to any grill should be long and thick.

How to choose a raclette maker

To buy a grill raclette maker, it is important to comprehensively select a product based on several indicators - performance, size, ability to adjust temperature, presence of a non-stick layer. Let's look at each point in detail to understand what we're talking about.

Power

This parameter determines the performance of the device, the speed and intensity of heating. On average, today those models that indicate 900-1000 W and higher are in demand. This will be enough for high-quality, uniform roasting.

Size

This indicator is selected taking into account the quantity for which the model is intended. The larger the workspace and the capacity of the components (pans, baking sheets), the more products will fit. Shape and weight don't matter much, it's a matter of convenience.

Temperature adjustment

All the nominees presented in the top rating are equipped with such a useful option - adjusting the heating level. It can be smooth or multi-level (on average 3 modes). This expands the functionality, allowing you to prepare different dishes.

Non-stick coating

Pay attention to what materials the frying surfaces are made of. Thanks to the presence of a Teflon layer, meat, fish, and vegetables will not stick, even if you do not use oil. This is not only useful, but also important for adherents of proper nutrition.

Review of the best models

Clatronic RG 3517

Two surfaces: for raclette and grill.

Mechanical control, there is a heating temperature switch with a light bulb.

The set contains eight pans and spatulas.

power	1400 W
weight	2.95 kg
slab area	3864 cm²
size (W*D*H)	43*13*34 cm
body material	metal

Advantages

• heat-insulated handles;
• rubberized legs;
• warranty up to one year;
• Cool-Touch housing.

Flaws

• the height between surfaces is not adjustable;
• there is no removable tray for fat;
• Food is burning on a stone stove.

Russell Hobbs 21000-56

The set includes a lower tier, a stone grill panel, and a panel with compartments for pancakes. Eight mini-pans and spatulas.

The fat drains into a compartment that is pulled out and washed. The raclette maker is portable during cooking due to its non-heating handles.

power	1200 W
weight	7.937 kg
slab area	2000 cm²
size (W*D*H)	15.8*34.5*46.8 cm
body material	metal

Advantages

• temperature adjustment;
• there are heating and adjustment lights;
• quick heating, the stone heats up in 10 minutes;
• The panels are dishwasher safe.

Flaws

• consumes a lot of electricity;
• short wire;
• When cooking, the tier under the grill sag.

Grill-raclette Clatronic RG 3518

The grill panel is made of two parts: stone for fish, grooved for meat and vegetables.

The set contains 8 frying pans with spatulas.

Mechanical control, blue indicator allows you to smoothly adjust the heating temperature.

power	1400 W
weight	4.9 kg
slab area	1058 cm²
size (W*D*H)	15*46.5*23.5 cm
body material	metal

Advantages

• non-stick coating
• long wire;
• removable plates are easy to clean;
• The pans have heat-insulated holders.

Flaws

• low heat;
• the anti-scorch coating is peeling off;
• small slab sizes.

Steba RC 3 raclette grill

The top grill is made of high-quality stone that does not scratch. Made in Germany.

The raclette maker can be placed both on the table and on the ground due to its rubberized legs. There is a double-sided cast iron tray.

power	1450 W
weight	9.4 kg
slab area	1554 cm²
size (W*D*H)	21*74*22 cm
body material	metal

Advantages

• the stone is washed in the dishwasher;
• the handles of the pans do not heat up;
• heating adjustment;
• built-in cord compartment.

Flaws

• high price (up to 14,000);
• There are a lot of fakes on the market, order only on the official website.

Grill-raclette Clatronic RG 3592

There is manual control of heating strength. The set includes two Raclette frying pans. There is a tray where grease drains.

The raclette maker is designed for dinner for two; it cannot cook meat due to its low power.

power	350 W
weight	1.87 kg
slab area	215.2 cm²
size (W*D*H)	30*10.5*10.5 cm
body material	metal

Advantages

• rubberized legs;
• low price (1500);
• light weight, compact;
• The plates can be washed in the dishwasher.
• fast heating;

Flaws

• servings for two people;
• does not fry the meat;
• short cord.

Steba RC 3 Plus chrome

This is a combined raclette maker, on the second tier there is a ribbed and smooth cast iron plate, and there is also a stone plate.

During cooking, juice and fat flow into the compartment, which is pulled out and washed. German quality.

power	1450 W
weight	9.4
slab area	676 cm²
size (W*D*H)	36*36*14 cm
body material	natural stone, metal

Advantages

• the stone is washed in the dishwasher;
• long cord;
• non-stick coating;
• cable compartment.

Flaws

• high price (up to 14,000);
• no blades included in the set.

Popular device models

Not all well-known brands of household appliances offer raclette holders. Those wishing to buy such a device may have difficulty choosing a brand and model. We offer a short review based on reviews from the owners of these gadgets, unusual for Russian cuisine.

Severin RG 2341

This device belongs to the raclette grill and has a 2-tier combined surface. On top there is a natural stone for frying without oil and a metal corrugated frying pan, on the bottom the raclette maker is equipped with 4 recesses for baking pancakes. The metal has a non-stick coating. The set includes 8 portioned pans for softening cheese. The device is equipped with a thermostat. Power consumption 1400 W, weight about 5 kg. The working surfaces are removable, which makes cleaning easier after using the device. The price is in the range of 3,000 – 4,000 rubles.

Atlanta ATH-176

A practical and convenient electrical appliance, designed for the needs of a small family, which is equipped with overheating protection. The working surface has a non-stick coating. For raclette there are 2 portion forms with thermal insulating handles. The power of the device is 400 W, the weight is just under 1 kg. The cost is about 1,500 rubles.

Due to its compactness, this raclette holder is suitable for romantic parties of a young married couple; you can take it with you on a trip.

Tefal RE 220712

The model line of the popular French brand includes several variants of rectangular and round raclette bowls. The lower cost of the devices is 4,500 rubles, the price depends on the level of equipment of the device. User videos often describe the Tefal RE 220712 model - this is a round raclette holder. It contains 6 molds for portion-wise softening of cheese. The non-stick triangular tools have insulated handles. There is also a grill panel with a non-stick coating and a proprietary thermospot, signaling the readiness of the heated working surface to begin the frying process. The device is equipped with a convenient spatula for removing the softened cheese mass. Power is 850 W.

Rating of popular models

Before purchasing, it is recommended to study the power and dimensions of the device, its configuration and functionality.

Consider the rating of popular models:

1. Grill-raclette Kitfort KT-1651. Power - 1500 W, mechanical control, non-stick coating. Suitable for preparing vegetable and vegetarian dishes. There is an option to adjust the temperature, eight pans. The grill surface is stone. Additionally there is a panel for pancakes and a recipe book. Weight - 7.8 kg. The device is easy to clean. Price - about 5000 rubles.
2. Grill-raclette Clatronic RG 3517 . Power - 1400 W, weight - 2.5 kg, mechanical control and temperature adjustment. The set includes eight mini baking sheets and eight wooden spatulas. Suitable for preparing meat and fish dishes for the whole family. Housewives note its compactness and light weight; the device is convenient to store in a small kitchen or take with you to a country house. Price - 2400 rubles.
3. Raclette grill Tristar RA-2990. Power - 500 W, stone working surface, weight - 2.5 kg. Users note the fast cooking time, compactness and ease of care. The cost is about 2600 rubles.
4. Grill raclette fondue Ariete 793 PARTY TIME. 3 in 1 device with a power of 1200 W. Metal body, non-stick coating. The set includes eight convenient spatulas; users note the ease of use. The cost is about 7,000 rubles.
5. Raclette maker WMF KITCHEN minis 0415100011. Power - 370 W, an excellent option for preparing dinner for two. The raclette maker prepares not only cheese dishes, but also chocolate fondue, toast, and eggs. Includes two non-stick frying pans, a bowl and two fondue hangers. Price - about 5000 rubles.

TTM Party 1/4 raclette holder deserves special attention Power - 600 W, country of production - Switzerland. This device does not look like traditional raclette makers. It looks like a stand with a heating element on top. TTM Party 1/4 is suitable for use in cafes or restaurants. The price is about 22,000 rubles.

Rating of the best models

You can always choose the best among classic and professional raclette makers. The table shows the best models in their price category that can now be purchased on the household appliances market.

Characteristics	Clatronic RG 3517	Russell Hobbs 21000-56	Clatronic RG 3518	Steba RC 3	Clatronic RG 3592	Steba RC 3 Plus chrome
Power	1400 W	1200 W	1400 W	1450 W	350 W	1450 W
Control type	Mechanical	Mechanical	Mechanical	Mechanical	Mechanical	Mechanical
Number of pans	8	8	8	8	2	8
Frying panel material	Metal	Metal Stone	Metal Stone	Stone	Metal	Stone Metal
Type of frying panels	Smooth Grill	Smooth Grill With oval recesses	Smooth Grill	Smooth	Grill	Grill Smooth
Form	Round	Round	Rectangular	Square	Rectangular	Square
Work surface size	40.5×30 cm	22.2×49.8×40.2 cm	46x23 cm	14x36x36 cm	10x29x10 cm	14x36x36 cm
Color	Black	Black	Black	Black	Grey	Black Steel
On sale	2015	2016	2016	2017	2017	2018

The ideal raclette maker will not only add new dishes to your arsenal with which you can often delight your friends and family, but will also become a real assistant in the kitchen. Despite the price and equipment of this device, with proper use and proper care it will serve the owner for many years.

Clatronic RG 3517

A model with a grill that supports two types of frying. The top plate is divided into two parts - one is corrugated, and the second is smooth, like a regular frying pan. This will help you cook three types of dishes at once, without leaving one appliance. The top plate is removable, so washing it will be very convenient.

The design is equipped with a thermostat with smooth temperature control. Thanks to its round shape, it has 8 pans for melting cheese. The kit also includes 8 special spatulas for scraping cheese without damaging the non-stick coating.

Russell Hobbs 21000-56

This model boasts that it has 4 frying surfaces. The owner has access to 3 plates:

• stone;
• grill + smooth;
• for frying mini pancakes.

It has an oval shape and holds 8 pans for making cheese. Temperature modes are switched by a mechanical lever. If you need a multifunctional device, this option is ideal. It can heat up to 200 degrees, but some chefs think that this is not enough for cooking on a stone.

It is worth considering that the stone plate takes a long time to heat up. Therefore, for quality cooking, you need to wait until it heats up to the required temperature.

Clatronic RG 3518

This tabletop raclette maker has a square shape and two cooking plates that are installed at the same time - stone and metal. The set includes 4 frying pans. The grill surface has extra-deep grooves that are great for grilling large pieces of meat or fish.

The stone is natural, you can cook on it without using oil. Metal parts are coated with non-stick coating.

Steba RC 3

A good raclette maker with a stone plate for frying, made in Germany. It has a square shape, but pans can be placed on all sides, like their round counterparts. Therefore, this model also includes 8 pieces. Additionally, there is a plate with a grill, which not only has a non-stick coating, but is also protected from scratches, which significantly increases the life expectancy of the device.

Clatronic RG 3592

Small, inexpensive model with two removable plates. If you are not sure whether you need such a device in your kitchen, but buying a standard raclette maker is expensive, this is the best option. The set includes two non-stick frying pans. It has a mechanical control type and low power. There is a metal grill plate with a non-stick coating on top.

Steba RC 3 Plus chrome

This is a beautiful chrome model that comes with a sauce tray. Of all the raclette makers presented here, it has the largest temperature range - from 50 to 220 degrees. It also has built-in overheating protection - when a critical temperature is reached, it simply disconnects from the network. The package includes 2 surfaces - stone and grill, as well as 8 frying pans installed on 3 sides.