In short: the electric Savoyard hat is for tables of 4 to 6 people who want to grill meat on a dome, cook it in a broth and melt raclette underneath, all with a single appliance. Our number one pick is the Rosenstein & Söhne NX3214, because its broth channel is clearly designed for fondue and its 6 pans are included.
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The electric Savoyard hat, the volcano that serves three meals at once
The first time you see a Savoyard hat on a table, you wonder whether it is a kitchen appliance or a modern sculpture. A domed bulge in the center, a channel all around it, and sometimes raclette pans slipped into the base. The principle is clever: you grill thin slices of meat on top of the dome, the juices run into the channel where a broth simmers, and the vegetables cook in that broth, which gets more flavorful with every slice. Add raclette underneath and you have enough to keep a table busy for three hours.
You will come across it under several names: Savoyard hat, Tatar hat, Tartar hat, even “volcano.” It is the same spirit, said to be inherited from Central Asian grills and adopted by the Alps which, as everyone knows, adopt anything that can be eaten with cheese. We compared the electric models available on Amazon.fr based on manufacturers’ and retailers’ product pages and buyer reviews. We don’t claim to have tested them all: we tell you what we take away on paper, along with the points that make us wince.
To learn everything about this tradition and how to serve it, read our article on the Savoyard hat. Here, we are talking gear.
Our selection at a glance
| Model | Best for | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Rosenstein & Söhne NX3214 | Broth and fondue lovers | 1500 W, 6 people, broth channel, 6 pans |
| Klarstein Taste Volcano | Raclette fans first and foremost | 1500 W, removable dome, granite and metal surface, continuous thermostat |
| Syntrox Germany RAC-TAT-1500W | Those who want a compact size | 1500 W, 6 people, 32 x 30 x 28.5 cm |
1. Rosenstein & Söhne NX3214: the real 3-in-1 for broth, grill and raclette
This is the model that best matches our idea of the Savoyard hat. The distributor describes a 1500 W non-stick dome with a large channel that collects the cooking juices and can hold a light broth for a Chinese-style fondue or for cooking vegetables. Underneath, a raclette base heated by an electric coil holds 6 included pans. The temperature adjusts continuously, with a power indicator light. The stated dimensions, 33 x 32 x 30 cm, make it an appliance that sits proudly in the middle of the table without taking over. On Amazon, most reviews are positive, but one buyer reports a hat that heats poorly while the raclette works fine: worth checking on delivery. What we take away: the most complete choice for making our Savoyard hat recipe with meat and broth.
Strengths
- Channel designed for broth and fondue
- 6 raclette pans included
- Continuously adjustable temperature
- Non-stick coating on the dome and the pans
Things to consider
- One review reports a dome that barely heats
- 2.8 kg according to Pearl, 2.2 kg on the Amazon listing
- Dishwasher compatibility not specified
2. Klarstein Taste Volcano: the volcano that doesn’t forget the raclette
The Taste Volcano lives up to its name. Klarstein states 1500 W, a removable Tatar hat and, when you take off the dome, a cooking surface combining granite stone and a metal plate, tabletop grill style. The thermostat adjusts continuously and an indicator light shows heating. The appliance measures about 30.6 cm in diameter by 28.5 cm high and weighs around 2.3 kg, which makes it easy to pull out for an impromptu evening. According to the manufacturer’s FAQ, the pans and the plate are generally dishwasher-safe, and the base is cleaned with a damp sponge. One buyer warns that cleaning the hat takes patience, even after a night of soaking. What we take away: a good compromise if raclette remains the star of the evening and the hat is a bonus.
Strengths
- Removable dome: a tabletop grill when you take it off
- Granite and metal surface
- Continuously adjustable thermostat, heating indicator light
Things to consider
- 6 pans in Klarstein’s package contents (8 mentioned elsewhere on its page)
- The rim mostly collects grease: less generous for a real broth
- Cleaning the dome is tedious according to reviews
3. Syntrox Germany RAC-TAT-1500W: the compact hat
Syntrox is a German brand specializing in convivial kitchen appliances, and its Tatar hat follows the classic formula: 1500 W, 6 people, a dome for grilling and a raclette base. Retailers mention a non-stick coating and adjustable temperature. At 32 x 30 x 28.5 cm, it is a bit more compact than the Rosenstein, which matters when the table also has to hold the cured meats board, the basket of potatoes and the bottle of Savoie wine. Syntrox lists six pans in the box; French-language reviews, however, are scarce. What we take away: a credible alternative, as long as you read the product page carefully when ordering.
Strengths
- Compact size for a table of six
- Non-stick coating, adjustable temperature
Things to consider
- 6 pans included (Syntrox)
- Little information on the broth channel
How to choose your Savoyard hat
The broth channel
This is the heart of the Savoyard hat. A wide, deep channel lets you simmer a real broth and cook vegetables and meat in it. A simple rim collects the grease but limits the fondue side.
The built-in raclette
Most electric models add a raclette base with 6 pans. Check that they are included, and know that traditional machines remain better suited if cheese is your only obsession.
Power and adjustment
1500 W is the norm for heating both the dome and the broth. A continuously adjustable thermostat keeps you from turning your beef slices into shoe leather.
Cleaning
A removable, non-stick dome will save you a good half hour the next day. A tip from an old hand: soak the dome as soon as the meal is over, not at lunchtime the next day.
Recipes to make with it
- The Savoyard hat: origin, how it works and tips
- Savoyard hat recipe with meat and broth
- The best cheeses for the raclette part
- 2-in-1 raclette and fondue machines, if the dome doesn’t convince you
Frequently asked questions
Savoyard hat, Tatar hat: what is the difference?
None as far as the equipment goes. “Tatar hat” or “Tartar hat” is the historical name, “Savoyard hat” the alpine version, often associated with raclette. On Amazon, search for both terms.
Which broth should you put in the channel?
A light chicken or beef broth, with a splash of white wine and a few herbs. It will get richer from the meat juices throughout the meal: don’t salt it too much at the start.
How much meat should you plan per person?
Count on 150 to 200 g of thinly sliced meat per adult if raclette is also on the menu. Thin slices cook in a few seconds on the dome.
Can you use an electric Savoyard hat outdoors?
On a covered terrace with a suitable outlet, yes. For the great outdoors, the fuel-paste version or our page on nomad raclette will be more practical.
