In short: The Swissmar raclette grill comes from a North American brand with Swiss inspiration, specializing in convivial table dining: electric raclette grills, candle-powered raclettes and fondue sets. At Raclette Club, it appears in five reviews, from the grill for 8 to the little set for two, with one thing to watch out for on some versions built for North American current.
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The brand in a nutshell
Despite its name, Swissmar is not based in Switzerland. According to its “about” page, the company has offered its products “since 1983” and gives its address as Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. It says it is “inspired by Swiss precision and craftsmanship” and has an openly stated ambition: to become a global reference in convivial tableware. Its recipe section speaks for itself: raclette, cheese fondue, chocolate fondue and meat fondue.
On the ownership side, the American trade press (HFN, January 2021) reported that DKB Household, the parent company of Zyliss, took a stake in Swissmar, which continued to be run as an independent business. Cole & Mason, another brand in the same group, now lists Swissmar among the DK Household Brands, alongside Zyliss. In fact, the brand’s official YouTube channel is now called “swissmar by zyliss.” We found no official source on the founder or on where the range is made, so we won’t say more.
On video
Video: swissmar by zyliss on YouTube. Official Swissmar video (2010, in French) presenting its electric raclette grills and the art of the raclette night.
Video: swissmar by zyliss on YouTube. Official video of the cast iron Lugano fondue set range, the family of the Lugano set featured below (color not specified).
Video: swissmar by zyliss on YouTube. Official video of the brand’s candle-powered raclettes, the same principle as the Nordic and the Tandem (exact model not specified).
The Swissmar raclette grill range at Raclette Club
| Model | Type | Best for | Review | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva 4 people (ASIN B0DGGYV8LP) | Raclette grill, 4 people, 800 W, reversible grill and smooth plate | Small tables and couples entertaining | Read the review | Check the price on Amazon.fr |
| Geneva 8 people (ASIN B0DGGWQG89) | Raclette grill, 8 people, 1400 W, reversible cast aluminum plate | Big families who love grilling | Read the review | Check the price on Amazon.fr |
| Nordic KF-00536 (ASIN B013FDP1KC) | Foldable raclette with tealight candles, no electricity | Picnics and solo dinners | Read the review | Check the price on Amazon.fr |
| Tandem (ASIN B0FFCXKN83) | Candle-powered fondue and raclette set, 1 or 2 people | Duos who can’t choose between fondue and raclette | Read the review | Check the price on Amazon.fr |
| Lugano (9-piece fondue set) (ASIN B005MWFWYA) | Fondue set, enameled cast iron caquelon of about 2 L, burner and 6 forks | Fans of old-fashioned Savoyard fondue | Read the review | Check the price on Amazon.fr |
What we think
What stands out about Swissmar is consistency: the brand does almost nothing but cheese-table gear, and its range covers every format, from a candle for one to a plate for eight. The Geneva models bet on a reversible plate that lets you switch from grill to smooth side, the candle raclettes on mobility (no plug, just tealights), and the Lugano on enameled cast iron, a material that holds heat the way a grandmother holds family secrets.
The catch is very concrete. Swissmar sells primarily in North America, and several retailer listings mention 120 V and a warranty valid in the United States and Canada. For the Geneva models, the match between the ASIN and the European version also remains to be confirmed. In short, a likable, well-thought-out range, as long as you read the voltage on the Amazon listing before you check out.
Which model should you choose?
- For 4: the Geneva 4 people, compact, with its reversible plate. Compare it in our comparison of raclette grills.
- For 8 who love grilled meat: the Geneva 8 people with its 1400 W.
- For a raclette with no plug: the Nordic for one, or the Tandem if you also want a little fondue for two. Our selection of portable raclettes pits them against their rivals.
- For Savoyard fondue: the Lugano set, with its enameled cast iron caquelon and burner. See also our comparison of fondue caquelons and our traditional raclette recipe for the night after.
Frequently asked questions
Is Swissmar a Swiss brand?
Not in the strict sense. According to its website, Swissmar has offered its products since 1983 and its address is in Richmond Hill, Canada. The brand says it is inspired by Swiss precision and craftsmanship, and it is now associated with Zyliss within DK Household Brands.
What is the warranty on Swissmar appliances?
North American retailers generally advertise a one-year warranty, sometimes limited to the United States and Canada. For a purchase in France, check the warranty stated by the seller on the Amazon.fr listing.
Do Swissmar raclette grills work on a French outlet?
It depends on the version. Some listings state 120 V, the North American voltage. Before you order, look for the 220-240 V mention on the product page, or choose a candle model that needs no outlet at all.
