Do you want to enjoy a tasty raclette? Don’t you know what it is? We tell you. It is an excellent Swiss cheese that should be eaten melted. The process to obtain it is as follows: the cheese is cut in half and then heated by bringing it closer to the fire or, in our specific case, to resistance.
Once the layer starts to melt, you will scrape it off to flatten it. The raclette machine is nothing more than a multifunction appliance that allows the simultaneous preparation of different dishes.
Right below are some of the best Raclette machines.
![Cooking for Good Times: Super Delicious, Super Simple [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PQ6b35rsL.jpg)
Buyer Guide to Choose Raclette Machines
More than the traditional plate, it resembles a real economic miniature kitchen with which you can do a little bit of everything. The difference with an ordinary hob is that it should be positioned in the center of the table thanks to its small size and lightweight.
How Does It Work?
Although many people confuse it with a very simple grill, a raclette is not just that. There are several things in one such as various types of plates (such as soapstone or non-stick grill plates, pans to heat different types of cheese and dishes with the molds for making crepes).
It is multifunctional and versatile that will entertain your whole family and animate your evenings. Its name derives from the Swiss cheese called raclette, which is eaten right after being heated and when its internal part begins to melt completely.
The raclette plate is usually made on two floors (although there maybe even more), where one part is used to make grilled meat or fish, and the other part is used to put and melt the cheese and has a certain number of pans. Little ones that are heated.
Many who have never used one like it doesn’t even know what to cook on raclette. But we can say that the only limit can be your imagination. With the non-slip feet, place your electric raclette on any type of surface.
Connect the cable to the electricity socket and start the fun. You can use the grill or the stone that is on the surface, below you will find places for crepes and at the bottom of the pademelons. On the surface in the center, many may have the opportunity to put a pot to make the Fondue.
Various Models
Specific models can be distinguished by the type with which the hob is made. Some can be removed, and others turned, some are smooth, and some are striped. Not to mention different materials such as cast iron, glass, natural stone, stainless steel, and other non-stick materials.
The larger the raclette, the more space it takes up, but at the same time, it can also be enough for a dinner of eight people. If you are only two of you will undoubtedly take a smaller model that is enough for your needs.
Plate and soapstone – you can easily choose the models that have the grill incorporated. If one day you don’t feel like making only melted cheese together with a mixture of all the other things, you can always opt for excellent grilled meat, or you can use soapstone, which is a natural material, and once heated it will give results incredible.
Some models even have half the surface in the grill plate and the other half in soapstone, so you can combine the two as you like.
- Plate and Fondue – you can use the grill as always and then put a pan to make your favorite Fondue or to keep something that has been previously cooked warm and can be used both as a side dish for your main meal and as a dessert.
- Crepes Yes or No – many models also allow you to have a unique cooking surface that has small or large circular shapes and which are subsequently heated. The dough for the pancakes you have previously prepared is put inside, and so you can also have one more thing.
- Raclette for Cheese Shape – has a specific shape and is a stable structure where a whole cheese shape is placed. By heating it directly, the heart of the cheese melts becomes soft and excellent to eat.
- Ovalle or Rectangular – the shape is also essential for the fact that it is placed on the table, and an overall model certainly fits better on a round table and takes up less space allowing all diners to use it.
Main Functions and Extra Accessories
Not only the simple on and off button that almost all appliances that run on electricity have but also other functions that can drastically simplify the use of this, which has now become the real protagonist of all the parties that are held at home.
First of all, we can speak of a thermostat that can be adjusted and is used for more precise cooking and indeed manages to reduce the possible burns of a lunch or dinner. Some foods must be cooked at shallow temperatures, while others must only be seared at a high and lively temperature. Perfect cooking is all we want and look for.
Various lights that light up instead serve to indicate whether our appliance is heating up or if it has already reached the desired temperature in order to start cooking. Some are also enabled for the keep warm function.
It is a product that is already widely used in Switzerland and France, and for some years it has also quickly gained a place in Italian homes. Although it has many cooking modes and possibilities, it is not at all a problematic appliance to use, and in any case, in the beginning, you can always read the instructions until you take your hand and customize it in your own way.
As for accessories that are sometimes supplied or can always be taken online, you will find:
- Wooden Scoops – which are used to leave each diner the freedom to serve himself and at the same time to turn the food without the possibility of the plates scratching or damaging
- Longer Cable – to give you the possibility to connect it to the socket without problems since it must be in the middle of the table and at the same time access to the electrical socket
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Raclette Temperature Be Changed?
Yes, the raclette temperature can be changed, and you can customize it as you like. It depends a lot on the different types of food you use for cooking but also on your habit and taste in the kitchen. Surely you can meet all your needs.
Is the Plate Large Enough to Cook Two or Three Pieces of Meat?
Plate size depends on the model. They are usually quite large, and you can quickly cook both meat and fish, sausages or vegetables. As a quantity, without problems, you can cook at least two or three pieces of beef (also talking about the size of the chops).
Will It Be Very Heavy to Move?
The raclette is by no means challenging to move. Its weight ranging from about 5 to 8 kilos is more than average for such an appliance. Plainly you will put it in the middle of the table once you decide to organize a nice party in the company of your friends and speaking clearly it is more than easy to move and bring from one place to another (to move it once you are finished).
Does It Smoke if Used Indoors?
Absolutely not. A raclette machine is specially made to be used in the home as a kitchen appliance like any other. Just because it has the function of a grill, fondues, and the possibility of cooking meat and fish, you must not confuse it with the external barbecue that makes smoke because it uses wood. Raclette does everything smoke-free and cooks in a healthy and perfect way.
Can I Use It on The Wooden Table or Does It Heat Up?
Even if it is one that heats and cooks, at the same time, you can put it on the wooden table without problems. It does not heat up to such a point (mainly not the underside that rests on the surfaces) so as not to be able to put it in the middle of the table. Indeed, the most beautiful thing is to be able to put it in the center and that everyone prepares his small pan, the piece of meat or fish that he likes best, etc.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Meat or Fish?
The waiting time is minimal. Once you turn on the electric raclette and when it is finally heated and ready for use, just place the piece of meat you prefer, and in 10 or 15 minutes, you can have a very tasty and delicious dish on your plate. Very quick also to make many pieces of meat (if you have invited many friends home for dinner).
Can You Have a Dinner for 6 or 8 People?
Well, yes, it is also without problems. All raclette has 6 to 8 pans available that you can put under the grill to be able to make your own fondues. Whether someone just wants it with cheese and mushrooms and someone else with melted cheese, bacon, and corn. Each of your guests will be able to put whatever they want. And the top part will be free to put at least 2 or 3 medium-sized fish, prawns or meat.
Does It Turn Itself Off when It Reaches Temperature?
One of the functions that a raclette machine has is the fact that it has an internal thermostat that regulates the temperature. It means that it is you who decide how high or low the cooking will be, and once that temperature is reached, the appliance switches off (goes into stand by). When it needs to be warmed up again, it turns on back by itself.
