Raclette is a communal dish, meaning there are usually several participants at such a meal, often as many participants as there are pans available. Before thinking about the meal itself, you need to select a raclette set that suits your needs and expectations. It's not just the number of pans that should be considered! Here are the main selection criteria for these sets, listed by Charles, a consultant at the Quebec City store, which we suggest you consider when making your choice.

Practical Criteria Only

Number of Pan Spaces

Most sets have six or eight spaces, with the corresponding number of pans. Sets with two or four spaces are less common. You should select an appliance with as many or more pan spaces than there are people in your family or guests who might partake in a raclette meal.

Shape of the Appliance

Choosing an appliance based solely on its aesthetics isn't the primary criterion. In fact, this should be a secondary or even tertiary consideration. Opt for an appliance that won't hinder the diners during the meal. Appliances that mimic the shape of the table are the best option in this regard. Round appliances are very practical if you have a table of the same shape, making the pans easily accessible regardless of where one sits. Rectangular and oval models, also very common, are known as face-to-face formats, and they pair excellently with rectangular and oval tables.

Components and Accessories

Raclette sets share similar features, with some including a variety of accessories. All are composed of a heating plate and pans. There are three types of plates: the non-stick plate, the stone plate, and the cast iron plate, all removable. Their distinctive traits are explained in the following section. Some sets come with dishes, grilling drawers, tongs, or scrapers. The latter two, very practical, are designed not to damage the non-stick surfaces.

Heating Plate

The non-stick heating plate is the easiest to maintain among the three options, as food does not stick strongly to it. You can use a raclette set with a non-stick plate for any meal of your choice – breakfast, lunch, or dinner – and for any desired type of dish. However, it deteriorates over time due to repeated exposure to heat. The coating is not eternally resistant and can potentially be harmful to health. Stone and cast iron plates are durable; repeated use does not lead to their deterioration, and they pose no health risks. They conduct heat well, distributing it evenly across the surface, though they are somewhat difficult to clean since food sticks to these materials. Make sure to use a high smoke point oil or another fat under the food to minimize sticking to these plates.

Power

It's important to get a powerful appliance. The higher the power, the hotter it gets, resulting in better coloring and cooking of the food. Charles recommends that the selected appliance have a power rating of 1200 to 1500 watts. Most raclette sets fall within this range.

Charles's Suggestions

Raclette can be interpreted in various ways by those who own a raclette set or frequently participate in a raclette meal. Raclette sets are very versatile due to their two cooking zones, suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The theme of the meal can vary each time you use the set. Besides traditional raclette with meat, seafood, charcuterie, and cheese, Charles suggests:

• Eggs, bacon, French toast, pancakes, and any other food that can be quickly cooked on a hot plate for breakfast;
• Sliced beef, chicken, shrimp, bean sprouts, bok choy, green onions, and sauces for a personalized Asian stir-fry;
• Chicken, peppers, and onions cooked on the plate, then placed on tortillas, rolled up with cheese, salsa, and sour cream for delicious fajitas!

Numerous Options to Consider

Considering there are three types of heating plates and appliances in three different shapes, there's a wide variety of models available. Keep in mind the information provided by Charles when researching to select a raclette set, and chances are you'll be satisfied. If you also want to take into account the recommendations of individuals who are well-versed in these appliances, visit one of our stores to discuss them with one of our consultants!