Customer Reviews

Michael Graves Design™ Fondue Set

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Aside from the other reviewers' complaints about the lack of recipes or instructions, having used this with a standard sterno can or tea-candle, I can attest that the little incredient cups are a bit too small, and trying to clean the pot (especially after using cheese) is extremely difficult. We quite literally cut our wrists tryint to scrub the interior out. The top opening is sharp with little notches, so you really have to watch out with your sponge and bare wrists. We're not sure if we'll ever use this again- and most certainly would not recommend it unless it's on sale.

I received this fondue pot as a Christmas gift, only to be disappointed to find that it did not come with ANY instructions.... nothing that tells you how to put it together, what fuel to use, etc. Also, there were no recipes, and no fuel pot. I went back to Target to look at the ones they had there, and they also did not have the above mentioned items. I also could not find any fuel or fuel pots sold for this item. Without instructions, I would have no idea how to use it, so I will be returning it. I bought another fondue pot instead.

I agree with the other reviewers that it does not take a rocket scientist. I, myself, had not used a fondue pot in years when I purchased this one. I had no problem making it work. I located a fuel holder at target (just down the isle from the pot) and purchased it as an add- on. I also bought a fondue cookbook and found sterno at a local sporting goods store. I added oil and let it heat up slowly in the pot itself, chopped up some meats, filled the dishes with great dips and was ready to go.... It is brilliant! I love the revolving sauce dishes. As those of you that entertain know, it is all about simplicity. This allows every guest to choose the sauce they desire without having to get up or move the dishes around. I do recommend that if you are using this for cheese, that you grease the inside for easy clean up.

I received this lovely gift for Xmas LAST YEAR and have not yet been able to use it due to no instructions or a burner. It would of been very nice to have at least an idea of how to get started. I also have not yet been able to find a burner-the main reason why I have not yet used it-everytime I visit Target-which is at least 3x a month- I search and search, find nothing and nobody there seems to know or care what I am looking for...very frustrating. Other then that it is a beautiful set and my husband is patiently waiting for me to use it

I love fondue parties and own multiple fondue pots. The biggest fault with the Graves set is the abscence of a burner set. I like using the Graves set because it looks so nice and I like the revolving serving dishes(although small). When I use it though I actually use a burner cover from another set. You can not just use an open can of Sterno or the like because you can not modulate the heat. Even with the proper heat I usually reserve this set for broth or oil fondues as cheese or chocolate are hard to clean. I would only reccomend cheese or chocolate to a fondue pot that is a double boiler. Williams & Sonoma has a great set. Even with moderated heat, hot spots are hard to avoid on the Graves set burning cheese or chocolate. If you take these things into consideration and can get other fondue accesories I would not hesitiate buying this set as it is very stylish.

While fondue is very easy, "fill-dip-eat" are not the only instructions. LA forgot about "heat". I see this is where most of the disgruntled comments are coming in. Add mine. Even the sales clerk at my local Target store couldn't figure out what to sell me for this product, and if she couldn't figure it out, then why would you figure we end-consumers could? Most products suggest specific accessories to use so as to not harm the finish or damage the product itself. I'm not willing to take the chance on using the wrong heating source, so have followed the advice to email Wilton for help. My advice to Target is to sell the heating source right next to the fondue set. THAT would be the pracical and easy solution to this problem that is making us all so frustrated. Target gets more sales revenue. We don't have to get frustrated with gifts that we can't use immediately. As for me, I already know I will truly enjoy this product once I find the correct heat source to use. I cannot rank it high, though. The product might be great, but a consumer service help-line (or simple written instructions)is surely needed.

I recieved this as a wedding gift several years ago, and had not attempted to use this item since then. Upon opening the box the week prior to New Year's I discovered there were no instructions. Having zero fondue experience I wanted to obtain these. I assumed that I would be able to locate them on the web, but couldn't. Per other users suggestions, I emailed a representative at Michael Graves to assist me. They did send the directions via email, however it was after New Year's and I was forced to purchase a set with instructions for the party. I will post a following of the instructions that Michael Graves sent me:


1) Place fondue set on a heat-resistant, level tabletop or other sturdy, flat surface.
2) Place canned fuel in stand before lighting in center with a match.
3) For best results, prepare the fondue in the fondue pot on the stove top on low heat, then carefully transfer pot to the stand with the burner lit.
4) Make sure pot fits securely on the stand.
5) When completely cool, remove the fondue pot from the stand.
6) Remove all contents from pot and rinse.
7) Wash pot and splash guard by hand, using warm, soapy water.
8) Fondue forks are dishwasher safe.
9) Wipe cooled stand with a damp cloth, or wash in hot, soapy water if needed and dry thoroughly.
!! CAUTION: !!
This fondue set is designer to use canned cooking fuel, as a heat source. Do not use liquid fuel. Use pot holders to transfer hot fondue pot to lit burner. Make sure the canned heat isn't too high before transferring pot. Keep fondue set out of the reach of children and always store burner in a childe safe place. Never eat directly off of the fondue fork. Always use your fondue set in a well-ventilated area.

In addition, the Michael Graves fondue set was designed to use a canned fuel burner, "canned heat", one of the most well known brands is "Sterno". This canned fuel should be readily available at your local hardware, camping, or catering supply store. The proper size is the 2 hour, 2.6 OZ., (about 2 inches in diameter with a green label) can. If making a cheese or chocolate fondue use 1-2 tea light candles. This lower amount of heat will keep your ingredients from scorching.

Hopefully this will help the next person with this dilemma.

It may not take a rocket scientist to figure out how to use this fondue set, but a few, simple instructions would have been nice. I registered for another fondue set....which came with instructions....on my bridal registry at Target. I was excited to see that someone had upgraded my gift to the Michael Graves set, but was very frustrated when I found no instructions. I've dined at fondue restaraunts, but never prepared it myself, and would have appreciated a few, simple instructions. My husband went to the Michael Graves website and emailed them about the problem. They were quick to respond, and mailed us a set of instructions. :)

I received this as a wedding gift and was also concerned about not having instructions. I contacted the Customer Service department at Target.com, and was directed to the Wilton site to ask for instructions (www.wilton.com). They are the manufacturers of the Fondue Pot. I e-mailed the Customer Service department of Wilton with the e-mail address provided on the Wilton web site, and included my mailing address and desire for an instruction booklet for the Michael Graves fondue pot. They were very happy to mail me a copy of the instructions for the fondue pot.

I found that by warming up chocolate fondue on low on the stovetop, and then placing the chocolate in the fondue pot over three tealight candles, the fondue pot worked very well. (I put 12oz of Baker's White Chocolate, 5 oz evaporated milk, and 1 tbsp of vanilla and baked in a saucepan on low for about 4-5 minutes, and it made an excellent fondue).

If you are concerned about recipes, I have found multiple yummy recipes online. They also make many different books that can be purchased via amazon.com, such as:

The 125 Best Fondue Recipes -- by Ilana Simon; Paperback
Fabulous Fondues -- by Fred It's Fun to Fondue Kerner; Paperback
The Book of Fondues -- by Lesley MacKley, Leslie MacKley; Paperback

Put in a search for fondue and 60 books come up as of February 2003.

A fondue pot is not a "machine". Instructions? Fill. Dip. Eat.