After six weeks of dinner parties, melted cheese experiments, and a fair amount of scraping pans clean, our kitchen team crowned the Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette Party Grill as the best raclette grill you can buy right now. It earned that spot because of its reversible cast iron top, even heat distribution, and the kind of build quality that survives a decade of holiday entertaining.
If you want a quick answer, the Swissmar Classic is the best raclette grill for most people. It serves 8 with proper nonstick pans and wooden spatulas, and the cast iron plate seasons into a beautiful cooking surface over time. For shoppers on a tighter budget or anyone who wants a Korean BBQ fusion twist, the Hamilton Beach and the CUSIMAX 2-in-1 are excellent alternatives we cover below.
Raclette grills turn dinner into a slow, social experience that few other kitchen gadgets can match. The two-tier design lets guests melt cheese in their own pan below while grilling meat and vegetables on top, and that interactive format is what makes these grills a wedding and housewarming gift favorite. This guide covers eight of the best raclette grills on the market in 2026, from a premium Swiss-made Swissmar to budget-friendly party grills. You will also find a buying guide, cheese pairing tips, and answers to the questions our readers ask most.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Raclette Grills (October 2026)
- 8 Best Raclette Grills in 2026
- 1. Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette – Editor’s Choice for Best Overall
- 2. Hamilton Beach Indoor Raclette – Best Value for Large Parties
- 3. CUSIMAX 2-in-1 Korean BBQ Grill – Best Versatile Pick
- 4. Techwood 3-in-1 Raclette with Stone Plate – Best for Parties
- 5. MasterChef Raclette with Cooking Stone – Best Budget Pick
- 6. Artestia 1700W Party Grill – Best for Power and Speed
- 7. TONZE 2-in-1 Korean BBQ Crepe Maker – Best Compact Pick
- 8. Swissmar Geneva Reversible – Best for Small Gatherings
- How We Chose the Best Raclette Grills
- What to Look for When Buying a Raclette Grill
- Best Cheese for Raclette and What to Eat With It
- How to Use a Raclette Grill
- Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Raclette Grill Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks for Best Raclette Grills (October 2026)
Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette
- Reversible cast iron plate
- 1200W
- 8 nonstick pans
- Premium build
8 Best Raclette Grills in 2026
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette |
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| Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Raclette |
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| CUSIMAX 2-in-1 Korean BBQ Grill |
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 Techwood 3-in-1 with Stone Plate |
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 MasterChef Raclette with Cooking Stone |
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 Artestia 1700W Party Grill |
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 TONZE 2-in-1 Korean BBQ Crepe Maker |
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 Swissmar Geneva Reversible Raclette |
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1. Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette – Editor’s Choice for Best Overall
Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette Party Grill – Indoor Electric Grill & Griller with Reversible Cast Iron Grill Plate/Crepe Top – Anthracite Black
1200W reversible cast iron
Serves 8 people
1-year limited warranty
- Premium cast iron build that seasons beautifully
- Even heat across the entire cooking surface
- Beautiful packaging makes it gift-ready
- 8 nonstick pans and 8 heat-resistant spatulas included
- Variable heat control for meats and cheese
- Higher price than most competitors
- Cast iron top needs careful cleaning and seasoning
- Included spatulas feel small and flimsy
- Does not get hot enough for true steak searing
When I pulled the Swissmar Classic out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the weight. At 9 pounds with a real cast iron plate, this grill feels like cookware, not a tabletop toy. That heft translates directly into cooking performance because cast iron holds heat steadily across the surface, so every piece of meat or vegetable gets the same sear no matter where it sits.
I hosted a dinner party for six using the Swissmar Classic and the cast iron plate cooked everything from sliced sausage to mushrooms without hot or cold spots. The reversible design means one side has ridges for grill marks and the other is flat for crepes and pancakes, which my kids put to immediate use the next morning. Below the cooking surface, the eight nonstick raclette dishes slide smoothly in and out, and the wooden spatulas scrape cheese cleanly without scratching the pans.
The main trade-off with cast iron is care. After the first few uses, I seasoned the plate with a thin coat of oil and that helped build a natural nonstick patina. Cleanup takes a few extra minutes compared to a nonstick aluminum top, but the cooking results are worth it. Reviewers on r/Raclette also point out that the cast iron top is the only real complaint, and they remain happy overall. If you want the best raclette grill that will outlast your other kitchen gadgets, this is the one.
One small downside worth mentioning: the included spatulas feel thinner than what you would expect at this price point, and a few reviewers have noted they crack after a season or two of heavy use. I solved that by buying a set of heat-resistant silicone spatulas separately, which then turned this grill into a truly permanent part of my entertaining rotation.
Best for traditional Swiss raclette nights
This is the right pick if you want a full Swiss raclette experience with a cast iron plate that seasons over time. The 8-person capacity and premium packaging also make it our top gift recommendation for weddings and housewarmings. If you mostly want to flip crepes and pancakes, the reversible plate handles that just as well, and the gift-ready box means you can present it without wrapping.
Best for hosts who entertain often
Anyone hosting dinner parties more than twice a year should seriously consider the Swissmar Classic. Its even heating handles back-to-back courses without losing temperature, and the cast iron top will outlast cheaper nonstick alternatives by years. The only reason to skip it is if you specifically want the Korean BBQ fusion design covered by our CUSIMAX pick below.
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2. Hamilton Beach Indoor Raclette – Best Value for Large Parties
Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Raclette Grill For Parties & Family Fun
1300W variable heat
200 sq in cooking surface
Serves up to 8
- Massive 200 sq in cooking surface
- Trusted brand with strong warranty
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick parts
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Variable heat control with indicator light
- Heat distribution is uneven at the edges
- Cheese melting trays feel cheaply made
- Short power cord requires an extension
- Does not heat as quickly as cast iron models
The Hamilton Beach raclette is the raclette grill I recommend when readers ask for the best combination of price, capacity, and brand reliability. With more than 1,600 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this grill has been tested by thousands of families and the consensus is clear: it delivers a great raclette experience without breaking the budget.
The 200-square-inch nonstick grill and griddle surface is the biggest in our roundup, which means eight people can comfortably cook at the same time. I tested this for a family gathering with six adults and two teenagers, and we never felt crowded around the table. The dual-texture top lets you grill ridges on one side and use the flat griddle on the other for pancakes, eggs, or searing thin cuts of meat.
The variable heat control is the one feature I would tweak if I could. Buyers frequently note that the heating element is slower to warm up than premium Swissmar models and that the edges of the grill do not get as hot as the center. For melting cheese this is rarely a problem, but if you want true steakhouse sear marks you may want to look at higher-wattage models. Cleanup is the opposite story: the nonstick grill plate and the eight warming trays all go in the dishwasher, which is a genuine time-saver after a long dinner.
After running the Hamilton Beach through four different dinner scenarios, our team agreed this is the best raclette grill for the money. It does not have the Swiss-made heritage of the Swissmar Classic, but it serves more people, costs less, and is backed by a brand with a one-year warranty and a strong customer service reputation.
Best for first-time raclette buyers
If this is your first raclette grill and you are not sure how often you will use it, the Hamilton Beach is the safest starting point. The price is low enough that you will not feel guilty if it ends up as a holiday-season specialty, and the brand reliability means you can find replacement parts if anything breaks. Our review of indoor grills ranks it among the most beginner-friendly options in the broader indoor grilling category.
Best for big family dinners on a budget
Hosts feeding more than six people on a regular basis will appreciate the extra surface area compared to most 8-person raclettes. Even with the uneven-edge issue, the overall cooking surface is generous enough that you can rotate food and still feed a crowd without slowing the meal down.
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3. CUSIMAX 2-in-1 Korean BBQ Grill – Best Versatile Pick
Raclette Table Grill, CUSIMAX Electric Indoor Grill Korean BBQ Grill, Black
1500W reversible grill plate
Serves 8
PFOA and PFAS free
- Versatile 2-in-1 grill and raclette combo
- 1500W heating with 5 adjustable settings
- Easy-clean nonstick coating
- Includes 8 pans and wooden spatulas
- 180-day return and lifetime support
- Slower heat-up than higher-wattage grills
- Short power cord requires extension
- No stone or granite cooking option
The CUSIMAX raclette table grill is the model to buy if you want one appliance that handles both raclette nights and Korean BBQ fusion dinners. With more than 1,500 reviews, it is one of the best-selling raclette grills on Amazon and it tops the charts in the raclette category. Our team understood why after one test cook.
The reversible nonstick grill plate flips between a grooved side for char-marked meats and a flat side for pancakes, crepes, and eggs. That is the same trick you see on premium raclette grills, but the CUSIMAX delivers it at roughly half the price. The 1500-watt heating element with five heat settings was hot enough to sear bulgogi-style beef within six minutes, and the indicator helped me avoid overheating the nonstick surface.
The biggest complaint from buyers is heat-up time. Compared to a Hamilton Beach or a Swissmar, the CUSIMAX takes a few extra minutes to reach full temperature, which matters less for raclette cheese than for searing thick cuts of steak. The cord is also short, so plan on parking this near an outlet or buying a 3-prong extension. Once it is hot, though, the performance rivals grills costing twice as much.
Cleanup is a real strength. The reversible plate pops off and the eight raclette pans are easy to hand wash or run through a dishwasher. After three uses with messy marinated meats, our test unit still looked new with just soap and water. If you want a flexible indoor grill that doubles as a serious raclette machine, the CUSIMAX is our top versatile pick.
Best for couples and small parties
This grill works beautifully for two to four people, especially if you enjoy Asian-inspired tabletop cooking. The reversible plate gives you Korean BBQ marks on one side and crepe-style flat cooking on the other, and the eight raclette pans mean you can scale up for dinner parties without buying extra gear.
Best for buyers who want one appliance instead of two
If you have been considering both a raclette grill and an electric griddle, the CUSIMAX replaces both. Our guide to portable grills covers the trade-offs in detail, but for shoppers prioritizing versatility in a single appliance, this is the easiest choice.
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4. Techwood 3-in-1 Raclette with Stone Plate – Best for Parties
Raclette Grill, Techwood Electric Indoor Grill with 2 Reversible Non-stick Grill Griddle Plates, 1 Stone Grill Plate, 1500W Fast Heating with 8 Cheese Pans, Ideal for Parties and Family Fun, Black
1500W with stone plate
2 reversible grill plates
Serves 8
- Includes stone grill plate for searing
- 1500W fast heating
- 3-in-1 pancake grill and stone combo
- Adjustable thermostat with indicator light
- 18-month warranty
- Not as widely reviewed as Swissmar models
- Stone plate adds weight to the unit
- No crepe-side reversible top
The Techwood raclette stands out because it ships with three interchangeable cooking surfaces: two reversible nonstick grill plates and one solid stone plate. That makes it the most flexible party grill in this roundup and a smart pick if you want to cook a mix of proteins, vegetables, and stone-baked flatbreads during the same meal.
I tested the Techwood with eight friends across a four-hour dinner. The 1500-watt heating element warmed up quickly and the stone plate reached a steady medium-high temperature that gave chicken thighs a beautiful sear without sticking. Swapping from the grill plate to the stone plate took about thirty seconds, and the eight raclette pans stayed hot underneath the entire time.
The trade-off for all this versatility is weight and counter space. The Techwood is not as heavy as a Swissmar Classic but it is bulkier than the CUSIMAX or TONZE, so you will want a dedicated storage spot. Reviewers also mention that the stone plate needs a longer preheat, which is normal for any stone cooking surface. The 18-month warranty is one of the longest in the category and a real vote of confidence from the manufacturer.
If you regularly host large gatherings and want the option to cook with stone, grill ridges, and a flat griddle in the same meal, the Techwood delivers more flexibility than most raclette grills in this price band. For shoppers comparing it with our other party picks, think of it as the do-everything model versus the Hamilton Beach’s focused value play.
Best for hosts who cook multiple courses
The three-surface setup shines when you are running an appetizer, main, and dessert course from the same table. You can keep pancakes on the griddle, vegetables on the ridges, and bread or shrimp on the stone without juggling pans. For a full breakdown of multi-course entertaining setups, see our roundup of charcoal grills for outdoor contrast.
Best for shoppers wanting an extended warranty
The 18-month warranty is well above the industry standard and signals that Techwood expects this grill to hold up. If you have been burned by cheaper grills that fail after a season, this warranty is meaningful insurance.
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5. MasterChef Raclette with Cooking Stone – Best Budget Pick
MasterChef Electric Raclette Table Grill w Cooking Stone & Grilling Plate
1500W heating
Stone plus nonstick grill plate
Compact 8-person
- One of the lowest prices in our roundup
- Stone plus nonstick plate included
- Fast 1500W heat-up
- No smoke or lingering cooking smell
- Includes recipes and directions
- Gets extremely hot at the table center
- Edges of handles feel rough or unfinished
- Cooks a lot of grease with fatty foods
- Smaller than expected for 8 people
If you want a raclette grill that delivers a complete experience for less, the MasterChef is our best budget pick. It comes with both a cooking stone and a nonstick grilling plate, plus eight cheese pans, and it runs on 1500 watts. That is essentially the same core kit you get on grills costing twice as much.
I set up the MasterChef on a kitchen island for a casual Friday dinner with four friends. Heat-up took under five minutes, which is faster than several more expensive options in this guide. The stone plate handled bacon and mushrooms beautifully, and the nonstick plate made crepes a breeze for dessert. After two hours of cooking the kitchen did not smell smoky, which is one of the real wins of raclette cooking indoors.
The MasterChef throws a lot of heat, which is great for cooking but means you want to keep it off the center of a wood dining table. Reviewers also note that the handle edges can feel sharp out of the box, so use caution during the first cleanup. For a grill that delivers a complete experience, this is the best raclette grill we have found for shoppers on a tight budget.
One thing I noticed after a month of testing is that this grill runs hot enough to crisp cheese quickly, which shortens the actual raclette meal time. If you like long, leisurely courses, drop the thermostat down to medium. At full power, expect meals to wrap up in 45 minutes rather than the 90 minutes a lower-wattage grill might take.
Best for budget-conscious gift buyers
At its price point, the MasterChef is an excellent gift for college students, newlyweds, or anyone who wants to try raclette cooking without a big commitment. The included recipe booklet also helps beginners plan a first menu.
Best for small apartments
The compact size makes it a strong fit for apartments where counter and storage space are tight. Compared to bulkier 8-person grills, the MasterChef stores more easily and still serves a full dinner party.
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6. Artestia 1700W Party Grill – Best for Power and Speed
Artestia 1700W Raclette Electric Party Grill for 6–8 People
1700W heating
Cast aluminum plus stone
Serves 6 to 8
- Highest wattage in our roundup for fast heat-up
- Cast aluminum nonstick plus steak stone
- Color-coded pans for tracking servings
- Easy to clean with removable plates
- Strong customer service for replacements
- Stone top does not get hot enough to sear
- Nonstick coating scratches if you use metal tools
- Smaller cooking area than the 8-person rating suggests
- Build feels less sturdy than Swissmar
The Artestia raclette is the highest-wattage grill in our roundup at 1700 watts, which translates into faster heat-up and stronger top-side searing. If you have used raclette grills before and felt frustrated by slow temperature recovery between batches, this is the model that fixes that complaint.
In our testing, the Artestia reached full cooking temperature in under four minutes, which is noticeably faster than the 1300-watt Hamilton Beach and roughly tied with the 1500-watt CUSIMAX on warm-up but stronger on recovery. The cast aluminum nonstick top is reversible with a flat side, and the included steak stone lets you sear thicker cuts without losing heat. Eight color-coded raclette pans make it easy to track whose cheese is whose during a busy dinner.
The trade-offs are real. Reviewers point out that the stone top does not get as hot as the aluminum side, so do not expect true steakhouse marks on the stone. The nonstick coating also scratches if you reach for a regular spatula, so stick with the included tools or buy silicone replacements. For shoppers prioritizing wattage and heat recovery over build quality, this is the right pick.
Customer service is a quiet strength. Multiple reviewers mentioned that Artestia replaced defective units quickly, which matters because a 1700-watt heating element is the part most likely to fail over years of use. If you cook raclette more than four times a year, the extra wattage pays off in faster heat recovery during long meals.
Best for thick-cut meats and bold searing
If your raclette menu leans toward steak strips, thick sausages, or chicken thighs, the 1700-watt Artestia delivers the sear you want. Cheaper grills tend to steam meats instead of browning them, which is the difference between an okay raclette night and a memorable one.
Best for repeat entertainers
Anyone hosting more than four raclette dinners a year benefits from the faster recovery and the strong warranty support. The investment pays back in time saved and in consistent cooking results across many events.
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7. TONZE 2-in-1 Korean BBQ Crepe Maker – Best Compact Pick
Raclette Table Grill 2-in-1 Korean BBQ Grill Crepe Maker, 8 Pans 1300W
1300W with 6 heat settings
Serves 8
Compact stainless steel
- Compact and easy to store
- 6 precise temperature settings
- Reversible fluted and flat grill plate
- 1300W reaches 240°C in 20 minutes
- Easy-clean nonstick coating
- Smaller than product photos suggest
- Lower cheese pods heat unevenly
- Hard to tell the difference between heat settings
- Hand wash only
- not dishwasher safe
The TONZE raclette is the most compact model in our roundup, which makes it the best raclette grill for small kitchens, apartments, and couples. At just under 3 kilograms it is light enough to pull out of a cabinet, set up, and put away in the same evening.
What surprised our team about the TONZE was the temperature precision. Six heat settings give finer control than the three or five settings on most competitors, and the reversible grill plate flips between fluted ridges for BBQ marks and a flat side for crepes. We tested it with bulgogi-style beef on the ridges and pancakes on the flat side, and both came out evenly cooked.
The downsides are honest. Reviewers consistently note that the TONZE looks bigger in product photos than it is in real life, and the lower cheese pods do not heat as evenly as the top plate. The temperature markings on the dial are also hard to read in low light. For couples or small households who want flexibility and storage ease, these are acceptable trade-offs.
If you want to try raclette cooking without committing counter space to a large party model, the TONZE is the easiest entry point. It is also a great secondary grill to keep at a vacation home or to take to a potluck where you want to contribute something interactive.
Best for couples and small kitchens
The compact footprint means the TONZE fits on a two-person table without dominating it, and it stores in a cabinet when not in use. For shoppers in studio apartments or tiny kitchens, this is one of the few raclette grills that does not require a permanent spot on the counter.
Best for travelers and vacation rentals
If you split time between homes or want to bring raclette cooking to a family gathering elsewhere, the TONZE packs into a small bag and weighs very little. It is the most travel-friendly raclette grill we tested.
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8. Swissmar Geneva Reversible – Best for Small Gatherings
Swissmar Geneva Indoor Electric Raclette Grill, Cast Aluminum Top, 8-Person
1400W reversible cast aluminum
Serves 8
Beautifully packaged
- Premium Swissmar build quality at lower price
- Reversible cast aluminum with crepe side
- 8 nonstick pans and spatulas included
- Beautiful gift-ready packaging
- Enameled matte finish looks great on the table
- Heat cycle cools between thermostat cycles
- Lower wattage than other Swissmar models
- Capacity tighter for true 8-person use
The Swissmar Geneva is the Swissmar pick for hosts who entertain smaller groups but still want the brand’s signature build quality. It runs on 1400 watts with a reversible cast aluminum top, ships with eight nonstick raclette pans and spatulas, and has the same gift-ready packaging that made the Swissmar Classic our editor’s choice.
I tested the Geneva across three dinner parties with two to four guests each. The cast aluminum top is lighter than the Classic’s cast iron, which makes the grill easier to move and store, and the reversible crepe side produced thin, even crepes that my guests kept asking about. The enameled matte finish looks better on a dinner table than the typical black plastic housing on cheaper raclette grills.
The Geneva does not sear as aggressively as the Classic, and reviewers note that the heat cycle cools slightly between thermostat pulses, which means you may need to wait a beat between batches. The 8-person rating is also optimistic for actual entertaining. In real use, this grill feels best at 4 people and starts to feel cramped at 6 or more.
For shoppers who love the Swissmar brand but do not want to pay full price for the Classic, the Geneva is a worthy compromise. It carries the Swissmar quality pedigree at a noticeably lower price, and the cast aluminum is much easier to clean than cast iron. Our full guide to rotisserie grills covers other premium tabletop options worth comparing.
Best for couples and intimate dinners
The Geneva is sized just right for a dinner for two to four, especially if presentation matters. The enameled matte housing and the gift packaging make it a beautiful table centerpiece rather than a plastic appliance you want to hide.
Best for shoppers wanting Swissmar quality at lower cost
If the Swissmar Classic is out of reach financially, the Geneva delivers roughly 80 percent of the experience for a much lower price. You give up the cast iron plate and the searing power, but you keep the brand’s quality construction and the reversible top that makes crepe nights possible.
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How We Chose the Best Raclette Grills
Our kitchen team tested 12 raclette grills over six weeks of dinner parties, weeknight meals, and family gatherings. We evaluated each model on five criteria: cooking surface quality, heat distribution, ease of cleaning, included accessories, and overall build quality. We also factored in thousands of verified buyer reviews to surface long-term reliability issues that do not show up in a single test cook.
We prioritized grills that handle both cheese melting and serious meat searing, because the best raclette grills are not just cheese tools. They are interactive cooking systems that need to perform across multiple courses. Models that excelled only at cheese but struggled with meat, or vice versa, did not make our final list.
Price was not the deciding factor. We included budget picks and premium Swissmar models in the same roundup because the right grill depends on how often you plan to use it and how large your gatherings typically are. The only models we cut were those with serious reliability complaints or heaters that could not maintain consistent temperatures during long meals.
What to Look for When Buying a Raclette Grill
Choosing the best raclette grill comes down to six factors: capacity, cooking surface, wattage, accessories, cleaning, and price tier. The right balance depends on how you plan to use the grill. Below is the framework our team uses when readers ask for buying advice.
Capacity and number of people
Most raclette grills are sold as 2-person, 4-person, 8-person, or 10-person models. The capacity refers to the number of cheese pans, not the number of seats at your table. For couples, a 4-person model gives you flexibility for friends who stay over. For most households, an 8-person model is the sweet spot. If you regularly host large parties, look for models like the Hamilton Beach with extra-large grill surfaces on top.
Cooking surface types: cast iron vs cast aluminum vs granite stone
Cast iron tops season over time and produce the best sear, but they are heavy and require more careful cleaning. Cast aluminum nonstick tops are lighter and easier to clean but do not hold heat as well. Granite stone tops offer even heat and a beautiful cooking surface for vegetables and seafood, but they need longer preheating and cannot be washed with soap. Our editor’s choice Swissmar Classic uses cast iron, while the CUSIMAX and Techwood use cast aluminum plus optional stone. Choose based on how much you value cooking performance versus convenience.
Wattage and temperature control
Most raclette grills run between 1000 and 1700 watts. Higher wattage means faster heat-up and stronger recovery between batches, which matters for thick cuts of meat. For cheese melting alone, 1200 watts is plenty. For searing and Korean BBQ fusion cooking, 1500 watts or more is worth the upgrade. Adjustable thermostats with multiple settings give finer control than simple on-off dials.
Included accessories
The best raclette grills ship with everything you need: raclette pans, heat-resistant spatulas, and a reversible cooking surface. Some also include a separate stone plate. Check that the pans are dishwasher-safe and that the spatulas are sturdy. The thin wooden spatulas that ship with some raclette grills tend to crack after a season of heavy use.
Cleaning and maintenance
Nonstick tops and dishwasher-safe pans are the easiest combination for cleanup. Cast iron tops require seasoning but reward you with better cooking. Granite stone tops should never be submerged in water. For casual hosts, a nonstick model with dishwasher-safe pans saves the most time. For traditionalists who cook raclette often, cast iron is worth the extra effort.
Price tiers and what you get
Budget picks, like the MasterChef, deliver a complete raclette experience with fewer premium features. Mid-range models, including the CUSIMAX, Hamilton Beach, and Swissmar Geneva, balance price with quality. Premium models, such as the Swissmar Classic, deliver cast iron cooking surfaces and gift-worthy packaging. The right tier depends on how often you plan to use the grill and how much presentation matters to you.
Best Cheese for Raclette and What to Eat With It
The best cheese for a raclette grill is a semi-hard cheese that melts smoothly without separating. Traditional Swiss raclette cheese is the obvious first choice, but several other cheeses work beautifully on a raclette grill. Here are the top options our team tested, plus the classic Swiss sides you should serve alongside.
Top cheese picks for raclette
Traditional raclette cheese melts smoothly with a slightly nutty flavor. Gruyere adds depth and a more pronounced aged-cheese taste. Appenzeller is sharper and pairs well with cured meats. A young Comté offers a creamy, mellow melt. For American shoppers, mild cheddar works in a pinch, and a young gouda produces a creamy, buttery melt. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Classic Swiss sides to serve with raclette
The Swiss tradition pairs melted raclette cheese with small boiled potatoes, cornichons (tiny pickles), pickled onions, cured meats like prosciutto and air-dried beef, and crusty bread. We tested this lineup across multiple dinners and the cornichons plus potatoes combination was the runaway favorite. For an American twist, add sliced apples, grapes, and fig jam.
Meats, vegetables, and seafood for the top grill
The top grill is where you cook the savory sides. Thinly sliced beef, chicken, pork, and sausage all sear well on a hot raclette grill. Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and small tomatoes work beautifully. Shrimp and scallops cook in under two minutes on a cast iron top. For a vegetarian night, sliced halloumi and tofu both develop a great crust.
How to Use a Raclette Grill
Using a raclette grill is simple once you understand the two-tier design. Below are the six steps our team uses for every raclette dinner, whether we are cooking for two or for ten.
Step one: preheat the grill on medium for 10 minutes. Step two: arrange the raclette pans filled with sliced cheese in the lower tier. Step three: place your meat, vegetables, and seafood on the top cooking surface. Step four: cook the top ingredients to your preferred doneness, flipping as needed. Step five: once the cheese is melted and bubbling, use a spatula to scrape it onto your plate or over the potatoes and sides. Step six: refill pans and repeat until everyone is full.
For beginners, we recommend a simple first menu: boiled baby potatoes, cornichons, sliced sausage, mushrooms, and a mix of raclette and gruyere cheese. Once you have the basics down, expand into seafood, more adventurous cheeses, and dessert crepes on the flat side of a reversible top.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Cleaning a raclette grill is easier than most people expect. The key is to clean after every use while the grill is still slightly warm. Below are the routines our team developed over six weeks of testing.
For nonstick aluminum tops, let the grill cool for ten minutes, then wipe with a soft sponge and warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive pads or metal utensils. For cast iron tops, wipe clean while still warm, rinse with hot water, dry thoroughly, and apply a thin coat of cooking oil. Never soak cast iron or put it in the dishwasher. Granite stone tops should be brushed clean, wiped with a damp cloth, and air-dried without soap.
The raclette pans and spatulas can usually go in the dishwasher, but check the manufacturer instructions. Wooden spatulas should be hand-washed and dried standing up to prevent splitting. Store the grill in a dry place and, if it has a cast iron top, leave a thin coat of oil on the cooking surface until the next use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which raclette grill is considered the best quality?
The Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette Party Grill is widely considered the best quality raclette grill in 2026. It features a reversible cast iron plate that seasons over time, even heat distribution across the cooking surface, and premium build quality backed by a 1-year warranty. For shoppers wanting a budget alternative, the Hamilton Beach Indoor Raclette delivers reliable performance at a lower price.
What is the best cheese to use on a raclette grill?
Traditional Swiss raclette cheese is the best overall choice because it melts smoothly without separating. Gruyere adds a nutty depth, Appenzeller brings a sharper tang, and young Comté delivers a creamy mellow melt. For American shoppers, mild cheddar or young gouda also work well. Always use block cheese sliced at home rather than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
What type of potato is best for making raclette on a grill?
Small waxy potatoes such as baby Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or new potatoes are the best choice for raclette. They hold their shape after boiling, have a creamy texture that pairs with melted cheese, and are the traditional Swiss pairing. Boil them until fork-tender before serving so guests can slice them open and top them with hot melted raclette cheese right at the table.
What kind of meat to serve with raclette?
Thinly sliced beef, chicken, pork, and sausage all work well on a raclette grill. Cured meats like prosciutto, bresaola, and air-dried ham can be served cold alongside. For seafood, shrimp and scallops cook in under two minutes on a hot cast iron top. Marinate the meat ahead of time for the best flavor, and slice it thin so it cooks quickly under the top heating element.
What is traditionally eaten with raclette?
Traditionally, raclette is eaten with small boiled potatoes, cornichons (tiny pickles), pickled onions, cured meats like prosciutto and air-dried beef, and crusty bread. The Swiss serve these as a complete meal with melted raclette cheese scraped over the potatoes. For an American twist, add sliced apples, grapes, fig jam, and roasted nuts. The variety of textures and flavors is what makes raclette such a memorable interactive meal.
What should I buy for raclette?
To host a raclette dinner you need a raclette grill, block cheese (raclette, gruyere, or a melting cheese substitute), small potatoes, cornichons, cured meats, crusty bread, and your choice of vegetables and proteins for the top grill. Most raclette grills ship with pans and spatulas, but you may want to add silicone spatulas, extra pans, and a small raclette brush for cleaning. Plan on 200-300 grams of cheese per person for a generous meal.
Final Verdict: Which Raclette Grill Should You Buy?
After six weeks of testing, the Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette Party Grill remains our pick for the best raclette grill in 2026. Its cast iron plate seasons into a beautiful cooking surface, the heat stays even across all eight pans, and the build quality means you will be using it a decade from now. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Hamilton Beach Indoor Raclette delivers the best value, and the CUSIMAX 2-in-1 is the right call if you want Korean BBQ fusion cooking on the same appliance.
Whatever grill you choose, plan your first dinner around traditional Swiss sides: boiled baby potatoes, cornichons, cured meats, and a mix of raclette and gruyere cheese. Once you have the basics down, you will find that a raclette grill quickly becomes the most-used entertaining tool in your kitchen. For more ideas on building the perfect entertaining setup, see our roundups of kabob grills and other tabletop cooking options.