In short: the Swissmar Tandem is for duos who want a fondue or raclette without a power outlet, at the chalet, on a day out or at the corner of a table. What stands out: a stand heated by tealight candles, a small caquelon (fondue pot), a non-stick raclette pan, a spatula and 2 forks, for 1 or 2 people.
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Quick facts about the Swissmar Tandem
| Feature | Swissmar Tandem |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable 2-in-1 fondue and raclette set, heated by tealight candles |
| Number of people | 1 to 2 |
| Power | No electricity: tealight candles |
| Caquelon and pan | Pot of about 16 oz (nearly 0.5 L) according to a retailer; one non-stick raclette pan; pot material not stated by Swissmar |
| Model number | KF-00448 (Swissmar), same reference on the Amazon France offer |
| Dimensions and weight | Not stated by Swissmar |
| Included accessories | Stand, caquelon, raclette pan, spatula, 2 fondue forks, 4 tealight candles |
| Care | Stand wiped with a damp cloth, pan hand-washed according to a retailer |
| Warranty | Not stated by Swissmar |
| Made in | Not stated by Swissmar |
Our takeaway
On paper, the Tandem answers a question every cheese fan has asked on a weekend evening at the chalet: how do you make a fondue without an electric appliance or a gel burner? Here, tealight candles do the job, under a stand that holds either the small caquelon or the raclette pan. You start by dipping your bread, you finish by scraping your slice, or the other way around depending on your mood. The set is sold for one or two people, which is honest: with a caquelon of about half a liter, you will not be feeding a rugby team.
You need to know what to expect with a candle: the heat is gentle, according to the retailers’ descriptions, and the cheese melts at its own pace, not at the pace of a 1000 W heating element. It is an appliance for atmosphere more than performance, ideal for an aperitif or a light dinner. For care, a wipe of the stand and a hand wash of the pan. One last point: Swissmar gives neither dimensions nor weight, but the Amazon France offer does carry the manufacturer’s reference KF-00448.
Strengths
- Fondue and raclette in one small set
- No outlet or electricity needed, heats with tealight candles
- Spatula, 2 forks and 4 candles included
- Duo format that is easy to take along
Things to consider
- For 1 or 2 people only
- Gentle heat: the cheese takes its time to melt
- Dimensions, weight and caquelon material not found
- Model number match with the Amazon.com offer to be confirmed
On video
Video: L’AVANT GARDISTE on YouTube. A retailer presents another candle-powered fondue and raclette set: the same type of product, not the Swissmar Tandem.
Video: Pearl fr on YouTube. A retailer demonstrates another candle-powered raclette for two, to see how the heating works.
Video: swissmar by zyliss on YouTube. Official Swissmar video (in French) on its range of electric raclette grills, not on the candle-powered Tandem.
Who is it for?
For couples, hikers dining at the mountain hut, students without much of a kitchen and anyone who wants a little impromptu fondue on the coffee table. Also as a gift for a friend who swears they have “no room for a raclette grill.”
On the other hand, for a real raclette night for six, or if you want the cheese to melt in two minutes, move along: an electric appliance will be far better suited.
Alternatives
- Boska Partyclette ToGo Oslo : tealight-candle raclette with a non-stick pan and spatula, no electricity.
- Kuhn Rikon Mini Raclette : stainless steel frame heated by a tealight candle.
- Swissmar Nordic : the candle-powered raclette from the same brand, with a frame that folds flat.
To compare all the cordless models, read our selection of portable raclette grills, and for dinners for two, our selection of raclette grills for two.
Recipes to make with it
- Traditional raclette, scaled down for two.
- Chocolate raclette, for a candlelit dessert.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Swissmar Tandem work without electricity?
Yes. It heats with tealight candles; 4 candles are included according to the retailers.
How many people is it designed for?
For 1 to 2 people. The caquelon holds about 16 oz, nearly half a liter, according to a retailer.
Can you make fondue and raclette at the same time?
Retailers describe it as a 2-in-1 set with a caquelon and a pan on one stand; the manual will say whether both can heat together or one after the other.
