In short: the Lagrange Transparence 079401 is aimed at families of four who want raclette with no grill and no plate. The takeaways: 500 W, deep raclette pans, a removable top glass and a tray to keep the potatoes warm.
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Key specs
| Feature | Lagrange Transparence 079401 |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric raclette grill with no grill plate: raclette pans only |
| Number of people | 4 |
| Power | 500 W according to the Lagrange product page |
| Trays and coating | Glass trays with stainless steel rims; cast aluminum raclette pans with a non-stick coating |
| Dimensions and weight | 29 x 20.8 x 15.6 cm, 2.9 kg |
| Included accessories | 4 raclette pans; no spatula included (set of 8 wooden spatulas sold separately by Lagrange) |
| Care | Top glass and raclette pans dishwasher-safe according to Lagrange |
| Warranty | 2 years + 1 free extra year according to Lagrange; spare parts available for 5 years |
| Manufacturing | Made outside Europe according to Lagrange; fixed 2 m cord |
Our take
On paper, this is the updated version of a French classic: it keeps the glass trays that let you watch the cheese melt, and finally makes the top glass removable. According to Lagrange, you just unscrew the column caps, then put it in the dishwasher with the raclette pans. Anyone who has ever scrubbed baked-on cheese off a fixed glass panel will see the appeal. The top tray keeps the potatoes warm, and the lower level holds the raclette pans between rounds.
One thing to know: Lagrange lists 500 W for this model, whereas the older 009404 was rated at 600 W on Amazon.fr and in the manual. So that’s a little less power for the same number of guests, and the sources we checked don’t say whether the melting suffers. Another detail: Lagrange may be a French manufacturer, but the product page for this model says it is made outside Europe, while other raclette grills from the brand carry the Made in France label.
What we like
- No plate: raclette, and nothing but raclette
- Removable, dishwasher-safe top glass
- Deep raclette pans, pan rest and warming tray
- 2 + 1 year warranty, spare parts for 5 years
Things to consider
- The glass doesn’t cook: no grilling possible
- 500 W, versus 600 W for the previous version
- Made outside Europe
- Fixed cord
On video
Video: LAGRANGE Electroménager on YouTube. Official brand video on the Transparence range, Minéral version; it does not necessarily show this exact model.
Video: Monsieur Combine on YouTube. A creator’s review of the Transparence range; the size shown may differ from this model.
Video: NeozOne on YouTube. Test published by NeozOne on the 4-person Transparence, shared as an outside account.
Who is it for?
For a family of four, or a couple who entertains now and then and prefers a table free of grill smoke. Not for fans of seared meat, or for anyone expecting a multi-function machine: here, you melt cheese, with a certain flair for showmanship.
Alternatives
- Lagrange Transparence 009204: the little sister for two.
- Lagrange Transparence 079601: the same machine with six raclette pans.
- Cookut Lumi set of 4: four candle-powered raclette pans, no outlet needed.
To compare, read our selection of traditional raclette grills.
Recipes to make with it
- Traditional raclette, the natural home turf of a machine with no plate.
- Chocolate raclette, a sweet version to melt in the raclette pans.
- Half-wheel raclette, to compare with the other great way of doing it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook meat on the glass?
No. The Lagrange FAQ states that the Transparence glass is not designed for direct cooking. The top tray is for keeping the potatoes warm, in a suitable dish.
How powerful is the 079401?
500 W, according to the Lagrange product page. The older 009404 model was rated at 600 W.
Is it dishwasher-safe?
According to Lagrange, the removable top glass and the raclette pans can go in the dishwasher.
