In short: the Hamilton Beach 86202 is aimed at hosts who want a single electric fondue pot for cheese, chocolate, broth or oil, with no flame to watch. What we take away: 2.8 L, a PFAS-free nonstick ceramic interior, 6 forks and a 150 to 400°F temperature range, but a North American 120 V appliance that cannot be used on 230 V in France and Europe without a transformer.
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Hamilton Beach 86202 at a glance
| Feature | Hamilton Beach 86202 |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric fondue pot with temperature control |
| Number of people | 6 forks included (no number of guests stated) |
| Power | 600 W at 120 V ~ 60 Hz, polarized US plug (Hamilton Beach): built for North America, not usable on 230 V European mains without a transformer |
| Pot and coating | 3 quarts, or 2.8 L; PFAS-free nonstick ceramic interior |
| Settings | 150 to 400°F, or roughly 65 to 205°C, according to Hamilton Beach |
| Dimensions and weight | 14.5 x 8.8 x 5.2 in (about 37 x 22 x 13 cm) (Hamilton Beach); shipping weight 4.3 lb (about 2 kg) (Hamilton Beach) |
| Included accessories | 6 color-coded forks and a fork ring |
| Care | No parts are dishwasher-safe: hand-wash pot, forks and fork ring; wipe the probe with a damp cloth (Hamilton Beach) |
| Warranty | 1 year in the US, 5 years in Canada (Hamilton Beach); valid only for products bought and used in the US and Canada, void if used on a voltage other than 120 V |
| Made in | Not stated by Hamilton Beach |
Our takeaways
On paper, the 86202 ticks the all-purpose appliance box: you set the temperature precisely, from 150 to 400°F, and go from cheese fondue to chocolate fondue, even broth or oil, without changing gear. The 2.8 L pot has a PFAS-free nonstick ceramic coating, which spares you from spending the end of the night scraping Gruyère off the bottom. The 6 forks are color-coded, which puts an end to the classic “that’s my fork, no it’s mine”.
The big point of caution is where the model comes from. Hamilton Beach states 600 W at 120 V ~ 60 Hz, with a polarized US plug: this is an appliance for North America. In France and the rest of Europe, on 230 V, it is not suitable without a step-down transformer, and the manual forbids plug adapters. If you live in Europe, choose an electric fondue pot designed for 230 V instead. The warranty follows the same logic: 1 year in the US, 5 years in Canada, valid only for purchase and use there. As for cleaning, nothing is dishwasher safe: the pot, forks and fork ring are washed by hand, and the probe is wiped with a damp cloth. One more clarification: one of our older articles mentioned twelve forks, but every listing we read says six.
Strengths
- Precise temperature control, from chocolate to oil
- 2.8 L pot, PFAS-free ceramic interior
- 6 color-coded forks and a fork ring
- No flame to watch
Things to consider
- North American 120 V appliance: not usable in France or Europe without a transformer, choose a 230 V electric fondue instead
- Polarized US plug, plug adapters forbidden by the manual
- Nothing is dishwasher safe
- Warranty (1 year in the US, 5 years in Canada) valid only for purchase and use there
Video
Video: Your Home on YouTube. A creator tests a 3-quart Hamilton Beach electric fondue pot in a copper finish; whether it matches the gray 86202 has not been verified.
Video: TefalFrance on YouTube. Official Tefal video on another electric fondue pot, the Colormania, to see the same type of appliance.
Who is it for?
For those who alternate between cheese fondue, chocolate fondue and fondue bourguignonne and want a single electric appliance, adjustable to the degree. For tables of four to six, with its 6 forks. Note: this applies to North America. For use in France or elsewhere in Europe, the appliance is not suitable without a transformer; pick a 230 V electric fondue instead.
On the other hand, if you want an appliance designed for the French market, with an after-sales service that is easy to reach, or if you dream of a Savoyard flame fondue in cast iron, look at the alternatives below instead.
Alternatives
- Tefal Easy Fondue EF261800: 800 W electric fondue pot for 6, adjustable thermostat, sold in France.
- Le Creuset 2 L fondue set: flame-heated enameled cast iron, made in France.
- Staub 20 cm fondue set: enameled cast iron, 6 forks, stand and burner.
To compare electric, cast iron and ceramic, read our comparison of fondue pots, and for dessert, our selection of chocolate fondue makers.
Recipes to make with it
- Chocolate raclette, to make the most of the low temperature setting.
- Traditional raclette, if your table ends up preferring raclette pans.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Hamilton Beach 86202 work in France?
Not without a transformer. Hamilton Beach states 600 W at 120 V ~ 60 Hz with a polarized US plug: the appliance must not be plugged into a French 230 V outlet, and the manual forbids plug adapters. The warranty (1 year in the US, 5 years in Canada) only covers purchase and use in those countries. In Europe, a 230 V electric fondue is the better choice.
How many forks are included?
Six color-coded forks, with a fork ring, according to Hamilton Beach and retailers.
What is the temperature range?
Hamilton Beach states a 150 to 400°F setting, or roughly 65 to 205°C, enough to go from melted chocolate to hot oil.
