Table of Contents
The 7 Best Raclette Grills You Can Actually Buy Right Now
Finding the best raclette grill is harder than it looks. Walk into any kitchen store or scroll through Amazon and you’ll find dozens of options — some with stone tops, some with reversible grills, some barely big enough for two people, and some that could feed a small wedding. We tested seven of the most popular models to cut through the noise and tell you which ones actually deliver that perfect melted cheese experience.
Whether you’re hosting a winter dinner party or just want a cozy meal for two, the right grill makes all the difference. Here’s what we found.
How We Tested These Raclette Grills
Each grill in this roundup was tested over multiple sessions — not just a quick unboxing. We loaded up the pans with a mix of cheeses (more on that below), grilled vegetables, meats, and bread directly on the top surface. Then we ate, cleaned up, and did it all over again.
Our testing criteria broke down into four main areas. Heat distribution was the most important: uneven heat means some pans melting beautifully while others sit lukewarm. We mapped surface temperatures using an infrared thermometer after a 10-minute preheat. Build quality covered everything from cord length and plug stability to how the heating element held up over repeated use. Ease of cleaning was evaluated right after cooking — because nobody wants to scrub hardened cheese at midnight. And finally, capacity: we counted usable pans and measured the actual grill surface, not just the claimed specs.
What separates a great raclette grill from a mediocre one comes down to three things: the heating element (consistent wattage around 1200–1400W is the sweet spot for home use), the surface material (non-stick aluminum vs. natural stone vs. cast iron all behave differently), and real capacity — meaning how many people can actually cook simultaneously without elbowing each other.
Best Raclette Grills at a Glance
| Model | Price Range | Capacity | Surface Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swissmar Swivel Raclette | $$ | 8 pans | Non-stick grill | 9.4/10 |
| Artestia Electric Raclette | $ | 8 pans | Non-stick grill | 8.2/10 |
| Cuisinart 3-in-1 Grill | $$ | 8 pans | Stone + grill | 9.0/10 |
| Swissmar Bernese | $$$ | 8 pans | Granite stone | 9.1/10 |
| Boska Oslo Raclette | $ | 4 pans | Non-stick grill | 8.5/10 |
| Trudeau Festive Stone | $$ | 8 pans | Stone top | 8.8/10 |
| Swissmar Lugano 2 | $ | 2 pans | Non-stick grill | 8.9/10 |
1. Best Overall — Swissmar Swivel 8-Person Raclette Party Grill
The Swissmar Swivel has been the standard recommendation in raclette circles for years, and after thorough testing, it’s easy to see why. The reversible non-stick grill plate rotates 180 degrees — a design detail that sounds gimmicky but turns out to be genuinely useful when you want to push cooked items to one side while fresh ingredients go on the other. The 1200W heating element delivered impressively even heat across all eight individual trays during testing, with only minor variation at the outermost corners. Build quality feels solid and European — this isn’t a grill that wobbles or slides around the table. The spatulas that come included are actually good, which is rarer than you’d think in this category. Cleanup is straightforward: the non-stick surface wipes clean without drama, and the trays are dishwasher-safe.
What We Love
- Swivel design makes cooking and serving at the same time genuinely easy
- Even heat distribution across all 8 pans — no cold corners
- Sturdy construction that feels built to last more than one season
- Comes with 8 high-quality scrapers included
Things to Consider
- The grill surface isn’t stone, so you won’t get that rustic sear that stone tops offer
- Slightly pricier than entry-level models, though the quality gap justifies it
Who Is It For?
Anyone who wants a reliable, easy-to-use raclette grill for regular dinner parties of up to 8 people. It’s the right choice if you want something that works well right out of the box without fuss.
2. Best Budget — Artestia Electric Raclette Grill Set
If you want to host a proper raclette night without spending a lot of money, the Artestia is the honest answer. At roughly half the price of the Swissmar, it serves 8 people with a full set of pans, and it performs better than its price tag suggests. The 1200W heating element reaches temperature in about 8 minutes and holds it consistently enough for a good meal. The non-stick coating on both the grill plate and the individual trays held up well through repeated testing without any sticking issues on our end. The build is plastic-heavy, which does make it feel less premium — but it’s sturdy enough to survive regular use. Spatulas are thin and functional. The grill surface is smaller than the Swissmar, so you’ll need to coordinate cooking in batches if everyone wants to grill at once.
What We Love
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for occasional use
- Full 8-pan capacity — no need to take turns
- Non-stick surfaces clean up easily
Things to Consider
- The plastic housing feels less durable long-term compared to metal-framed models
- Grill surface area is modest — large cuts of meat need to be trimmed down
Who Is It For?
Perfect for people who want to try raclette without a major investment, or for households that host once or twice a year. A great gift option too.
3. Best for Large Groups — Cuisinart 3-in-1 Raclette Grill
The Cuisinart 3-in-1 earns its spot in this roundup not just because of size, but because of flexibility. It ships with a reversible grill/griddle plate and a separate granite stone top, which means you can configure it differently depending on who’s coming to dinner. For large groups, the combination of a spacious top surface and 8 individual cheese trays underneath means 8 people can cook simultaneously without waiting. The 1500W element is the highest wattage in this roundup, and it shows — recovery time after placing cold food on the surface is noticeably faster than lower-wattage competitors. The granite stone performs well with meats and holds heat steadily. One thing we appreciated: the height-adjustable legs make it easier to use at different table heights, which matters more than you’d think during a long meal.
What We Love
- 1500W heating element handles large cooking loads without temperature drops
- Comes with both a stone top and a reversible grill/griddle
- Adjustable legs — a small detail that makes it genuinely more versatile
- Large surface area accommodates different foods cooking simultaneously
Things to Consider
- Heavier and bulkier to store than other models in this roundup
- The stone top requires seasoning before first use
Who Is It For?
Families and hosts who regularly cook for groups of 6–8 or more, and who want a grill that works for raclette, fondue, and general tabletop grilling throughout the year.
A raclette grill isn’t just a cooking appliance — it’s the reason your dinner guests are still at the table two hours after the food is gone.
4. Best Premium — Swissmar Bernese Granite Stone Raclette Grill
The Swissmar Bernese is what you buy when you want a raclette grill that also happens to look good on the table. The natural granite stone top is the star here — it sears meat beautifully, develops a natural non-stick surface with use, and adds a visual warmth that no painted metal plate can match. The construction is noticeably more substantial than anything else we tested: the base is solid, the trays feel weighted, and the included wood-handled spatulas are the nicest in this roundup by some margin. Heat distribution on the stone was even, though the stone itself takes longer to reach cooking temperature (around 15 minutes compared to 8–10 for standard grills). The 1200W element is consistent and reliable. This is a grill that gets better with age as the stone naturally seasons.
What We Love
- Genuine granite stone top with excellent heat retention
- Premium build quality — this feels like it will last 10+ years
- Beautiful table presence; it looks as good as the food tastes
- Natural non-stick surface improves with each use
Things to Consider
- Higher price point — you’re paying for materials and craftsmanship
- Longer preheat time required for the stone to reach optimal temperature
Who Is It For?
Raclette enthusiasts who host regularly and want an heirloom-quality grill. Also a thoughtful wedding or housewarming gift for someone who loves to entertain.
5. Best Compact — Boska Oslo Raclette Grill for 4
Not everyone needs an 8-person setup, and the Boska Oslo makes a strong case for rightsizing your grill. Designed for groups of 4, it takes up significantly less table and storage space while still delivering a proper raclette experience. The non-stick grill surface is proportionally well-sized, heat distribution was even across all 4 trays in testing, and the 700W element reaches temperature faster than larger models. What we liked most is that it doesn’t feel like a compromise — the build is solid, the trays have a good depth for cheese, and the spatulas are better than average for this size category. The cord is also a reasonable length, which matters when you’re working with a crowded dining table. For apartments or smaller households, this is a genuinely smart buy.
What We Love
- Compact footprint — easy to store and use in smaller spaces
- Fast preheat thanks to lower wattage relative to surface area
- Quality build for its size and price point
Things to Consider
- Only 4 trays — not suitable when guests arrive and the group grows
- Grill surface is small, limiting how much you can cook on top at once
Who Is It For?
Ideal for couples or households of 3–4 people who want the full raclette ritual without dedicating shelf space to a large appliance.
6. Best with Stone Top — Trudeau Festive Stone Raclette Grill
The Trudeau Festive sits at an interesting middle point: it offers a natural stone cooking surface at a price closer to mid-range than premium. The volcanic stone top is the main selling point — it distributes heat naturally and creates a slightly more rustic cooking experience than a coated metal plate. During testing, meats developed a better crust on the stone than on the non-stick surfaces in this roundup, and cleanup involved a quick wipe rather than soaking. The 8 cheese trays heated evenly, and the grill reached a comfortable melting temperature within about 12 minutes. The base is lighter than the Swissmar Bernese but still feels stable on the table. The included spatulas are adequate but not exceptional. Overall, if you want stone cooking without the Swissmar price tag, this is a solid middle ground.
What We Love
- Natural stone cooking surface at a mid-range price
- Better meat searing than non-stick alternatives at this price point
- Full 8-person capacity with evenly heating trays
Things to Consider
- Lighter base construction than premium stone models
- Stone needs care — avoid sudden temperature shocks or it can crack over time
Who Is It For?
Anyone who wants the cooking quality of stone without the premium price tag. A good choice for confident cooks who are comfortable caring for natural stone surfaces.
7. Best for Couples — Swissmar Lugano 2-Person Raclette Grill
The Swissmar Lugano 2 is a purpose-built raclette grill for two, and it gets the format exactly right. The footprint is small enough to sit comfortably between two place settings without dominating the table. Two generously sized individual cheese trays sit beneath a grill surface large enough for a few pieces of meat or vegetables at a time. The 600W element heats quickly and maintains temperature well for a two-person cooking pace. The build carries Swissmar’s usual quality — it doesn’t feel like a miniaturized compromise the way some two-person units do. Cleanup is quick: both trays and the grill plate wipe clean with minimal effort. For weeknight raclette dinners or romantic winter evenings, this is the grill that makes the most sense. It stores in a drawer, which alone might be the most practical selling point.
What We Love
- Perfect scale for two people — nothing wasted, nothing missing
- Swissmar quality at a small-format price point
- Stores in a kitchen drawer — genuinely convenient for regular use
- Heats up fast and maintains steady temperature throughout the meal
Things to Consider
- Not expandable — the moment a third person joins dinner, you need a different grill
- Small grill surface means cooking in turns when you want more than 2–3 items at once
Who Is It For?
Couples, solo cooks who occasionally invite one friend, or anyone living in a smaller space who wants raclette as a regular weeknight ritual rather than a special event.
Raclette Grill Buying Guide
Electric vs Traditional: Which Is Right for You?
Traditional raclette uses a half-wheel of cheese held next to an open flame or infrared heat element, scraped directly onto plates as it melts. It’s theatrical and produces beautiful results, but it requires an actual raclette half-wheel (which can be expensive and hard to find), and the equipment is bulkier and more expensive. Electric tabletop raclette grills are the practical choice for most home cooks — they work with standard sliced raclette cheese, they heat individual pans that everyone controls at their own pace, and they double as a tabletop grill for meats and vegetables simultaneously. Unless you’re deeply committed to the traditional Alpine experience and have reliable access to half-wheels of cheese, an electric grill is the right call for home use.
Key Features to Look For
Wattage matters more than most product descriptions let on. For 8 pans, you want at least 1200W — anything lower and you’ll notice slow recovery time when multiple cold pans hit the heating element at once. 1400–1500W is better if you cook proteins on the top surface simultaneously. For non-stick vs stone surfaces: non-stick is easier to maintain and heats faster, but stone gives better searing on meats and develops character over time. If you want to cook a good variety of raclette meats, a stone or cast iron top will reward the effort. The number of trays should match your typical group size — 8 trays for 8 people is obvious, but also check the tray depth, since shallower trays overflow more easily with runny cheeses. Temperature control (adjustable vs single-setting) is worth paying attention to: adjustable control lets you fine-tune between the cheese-melting temperature and the meat-searing temperature.
How Many People Will You Serve?
A simple rule: buy for the largest group you realistically cook for, not the average. Running two small grills side by side is messier and more annoying than having one grill with a few unused pans. For 1–2 people, a 2-pan grill is genuinely practical and takes up almost no space. For 3–4 people, consider a 4-pan model or a smaller 8-pan unit — the latter gives you more surface area for cooking. For 5–8 people, a full 8-pan grill is the standard choice. For groups larger than 8, you’ll either need two grills or a specialty commercial-style unit. Also think about where you’ll store it: a large 8-person grill with a stone top weighs several kilograms and won’t slide into most kitchen cabinets easily. Storage is a real factor in how often you’ll actually use it.
How to Use a Raclette Grill
First use requires a few minutes of prep regardless of which model you choose. If you have a stone top, season it by rubbing it lightly with cooking oil and heating it for 15 minutes before placing any food on it. For non-stick surfaces, a light wipe with a damp cloth is enough. Plug the grill in, set it to medium-high, and give it 10–15 minutes to reach temperature. The indicator light on most models will let you know when it’s ready.
Place your ingredients on the table before turning it on: sliced raclette cheese in the pans (filling them about two-thirds full), your chosen proteins on a cutting board, vegetables, pickled accompaniments, and bread. Once the grill is hot, everyone loads their pan with cheese and slides it under the heating element. While the cheese melts, people grill their own meats and vegetables on top. When the cheese bubbles and browns slightly at the edges, it’s ready to be poured over whatever’s on your plate.
For the full experience, make sure you’ve got the right accompaniments lined up. Our guide to the best raclette side dishes covers everything from traditional cornichons and baby potatoes to more creative pairings that work surprisingly well. And if you want to round out the table, the ideas in our raclette accessories guide — from cheese boards to proper scrapers — are genuinely worth the look.
FAQ
What is the best way to clean a raclette grill?
The best approach is to clean it while it’s still slightly warm — not hot, but warm enough that any hardened cheese is still pliable. For the individual pans, a soft cloth or silicone scraper is all you need for non-stick surfaces; most are dishwasher-safe but hand washing prolongs the coating. For stone tops, avoid soap entirely — a damp cloth with a little coarse salt works well for stuck-on bits. Never submerge a stone top in water or put it through a dishwasher. The heating element and base should only ever be wiped down with a damp cloth; no submersion, ever. If cheese has hardened onto the grill surface, soak a cloth in warm water and lay it over the surface for a few minutes before wiping.
Do I need to open a window when using a raclette grill indoors?
It depends on your space. Raclette produces smoke — especially when proteins hit a hot stone or grill surface — and in a small room with poor airflow, that smoke can accumulate quickly. In a typical dining room or open-plan kitchen, a nearby window cracked open or a kitchen extractor fan running is usually enough. In very small apartments or rooms with low ceilings, you may want to open a window wider and position the grill near the opening if possible. The cheese itself doesn’t produce much smoke, but the grilled meats and vegetables certainly do. If smoke is a consistent issue, cooking at a slightly lower temperature and using leaner cuts of meat reduces it significantly. It’s also one of the reasons outdoor raclette in summer is such a pleasure — airflow takes care of itself.
Whether you’re just discovering raclette or upgrading from an older grill, choosing the best raclette grill for your household comes down to matching the right capacity and surface type to how you actually eat. The Swissmar Swivel remains our overall pick for most people — but every model on this list earns its place for specific situations. Cook often, share generously, and keep the cheese coming.
