In short: the Swissmar Nordic is a no-electricity raclette set for picnics, patios and tables where the nearest outlet is thirty feet away. What we take away: a foldable stand, a non-stick pan that goes in the dishwasher, a spatula and tealight candles, all in a gift box.
This article contains Amazon affiliate links: if you buy through these links, Raclette Club earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
At a glance
| Feature | Swissmar Nordic |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable tealight-candle raclette, foldable stand |
| Number of people | Not stated by Swissmar; a single raclette dish, designed for one or two people |
| Power | No electricity: 3 tealight candles according to retailers |
| Plates and coating | Black steel stand, large non-stick pan |
| Settings | None |
| Dimensions and weight | 30 x 9.5 x 6.5 cm according to Swissmar’s dimension drawing (Amazon.com says 18 x 8 x 6 cm); weight not stated |
| Included accessories | Foldable stand, pan, heat-resistant spatula, tealight candles, gift box |
| Care | Dishwasher-safe pan |
| Warranty | 1 year according to a Canadian retailer |
| Manufacturing | China according to a US retailer |
Swissmar Nordic: our takeaway
The Nordic is raclette boiled down to the essentials: a small steel stand that unfolds, a few tealight candles underneath, a non-stick pan on top, and a spatula to slide the cheese onto the potato. No cord, no outlet, no dodgy power strip snaking under the tablecloth. On paper, it’s made for the autumn picnic, the cabin with no electricity, the patio or the end of the table where you want to stretch out the aperitif. Swissmar, a brand known for its raclette grills and fondue sets, sells it in a gift box, which also makes it a nice idea for a cheese-loving friend.
We do have to be honest about what three candles can do: melting takes longer than with an electric machine, and a thin slice melts much better than a big chunk. This is a raclette you enjoy slowly, chatting, not an assembly line for eight hungry guests. The pan goes in the dishwasher, which saves you from scraping burnt cheese by hand the next day. Worth noting: Swissmar has joined the Zyliss brand, and its products may now show up under that name at some retailers.
Strengths
- No outlet needed: ideal outdoors
- Foldable stand, easy to carry
- Non-stick dishwasher-safe pan
- Gift box, spatula and candles included
Things to consider
- Slower melting than an electric machine
- A single pan: for one to two people
- Candles to buy again regularly
- Exact capacity not stated by retailers
Video
Video: Cookut on YouTube. Official Cookut video of another foldable candle raclette, the same principle as the Nordic, from a different brand.
Video: Pearl fr on YouTube. A demonstration of another candle-powered raclette for two by the retailer Pearl, the same type of product.
Video: swissmar by zyliss on YouTube. Official Swissmar video (in English) about its electric raclette grills, to get to know the brand; this is not the Nordic.
Who is it for?
For picnics, mountain-hut hikes, patios and balconies without an outlet, and for couples who like to take their time. Also as a gift, thanks to its box. On the other hand, for a real raclette night for six or more, it’s not the right tool: an electric machine with pans will go much faster. And if you’re the impatient type when the cheese is slow to melt, choose an electric mini raclette.
Alternatives
- Kuhn Rikon Mini Raclette : a Swiss stainless steel set heated with a tealight candle.
- TAMARIT raclette à bougie pour 2 : a portable candle kit with two pans, spatulas and a storage bag.
- Artesà Mini Raclette : a metal stand, one pan, a spatula and two candles, for an individual raclette.
To compare all models of the same type, read our comparison of portable raclette sets.
Recipes to make with it
- Traditional raclette, in small portions, suited to a single pan.
- Barbecue raclette, for evenings outdoors.
- Chocolate raclette, a sweet version that melts fast, even over a candle.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Swissmar Nordic work without electricity?
Yes. It is heated by tealight candles, three according to retailers, placed under the pan. No outlet is needed.
Is the pan dishwasher-safe?
Yes, according to the Amazon.com listing and a Canadian retailer, the non-stick pan is dishwasher-safe.
How long does it take to melt the cheese?
Longer than with an electric machine. Retailers give no timing; a thin slice melts faster than a thick piece.
