A raclette grill is a tabletop party cooker with two levels. Small pans of cheese slide under a heating element on the lower level, and a grill plate or stone on top cooks thin slices of meat, shrimp and vegetables. Everyone at the table cooks their own plate, scrapes the melted cheese over potatoes or tortillas, and goes back for more.
That makes it a different tool from a contact grill or a Korean barbecue plate. What matters is how many pans it holds, what the top is made of, and how easy the whole thing is to clean after a long dinner. This guide covers the raclette grills sold in the US, on standard 120-volt power, and what each one does well.
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Quick verdict: which raclette grill to buy
For most tables, the best raclette grill is the Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette with a cast iron top: eight pans, a reversible grill and crepe plate, and a plate Swissmar says can also go in the oven or on a barbecue. If you want to sear on stone, choose the Swissmar Stelvio with a granite top. If cleanup decides it, the Hamilton Beach Raclette Party Grill has a PFAS-free nonstick plate and pans that Hamilton Beach lists as dishwasher safe.
Below, the five standouts side by side, then all eight grills in full.
Five raclette grills side by side
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of host, with the specifications each maker or listing states. All eight grills are reviewed in full below.
| Raclette grill | Best for | Top | Pans | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most dinner parties | Reversible cast iron grill/crepe | 8 nonstick pans | View on Amazon | |
Swissmar Stelvio 8-Person Raclette, Granite Stone TopBest stone top
|
Searing on stone | Granite stone | 8 pans | View on Amazon |
Hamilton Beach Raclette Party GrillEasiest cleanup
|
Dishwasher cleanup | PFAS-free nonstick grill/griddle | 8 warming trays | View on Amazon |
Swissmar Geneva 4-Person RacletteBest for small groups
|
Couples and small families | Reversible nonstick cast aluminum grill/crepe | 4 nonstick pans | View on Amazon |
Swissmar Venti 8-Person Raclette with Smoke ExtractorBest for less smoke
|
Apartments, small dining rooms | Cast aluminum, ceramic nonstick | Serves up to 8 | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best raclette grill
These eight grills are all built around the raclette idea: pans of cheese below, a cooking top above, and the whole meal happening at the table. They differ in the top (cast iron, cast aluminum, nonstick or granite stone), in how many people they feed, and in how much work they are to clean. Swissmar shows up often because, as Swissmar itself says, it offers the largest selection of raclette grills, but each Swissmar pick here answers a different need. None of these grills appear on our best indoor grill list, which covers contact grills and smokeless grills for everyday cooking.
1. Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette, Cast Iron Top – A Cast Iron Plate That Flips to Crepes
This is the traditional raclette party grill: an anthracite base, eight nonstick pans that slide under the element, and a reversible cast iron plate on top. One side has grill ridges for steak strips, chicken and peppers; the flat side is for crepes, eggs or warming tortillas.
Swissmar lists 1,200 watts with variable heat control, so you can keep the cheese gently bubbling or turn it up when the top needs to sear. The cast iron plate is the reason to choose it. Cast iron holds heat when a pile of cold meat lands on it, and Swissmar says the plate can also go in the oven or on a barbecue, so it earns its drawer space outside raclette night.
Seasoning the plate is not required, Swissmar says, but it recommends it. A light coat of oil before the first use and after washing keeps food from sticking and protects the iron. The raclette pans themselves are nonstick, so use the included heat-resistant spatulas rather than metal forks to scrape them.
For a taco-night twist, put sliced Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese in the pans, grill rajas and chorizo on top, and spoon it all into warm tortillas. It eats like a table of small queso fundidos.
Why we like it
- Reversible cast iron top with a grill side and a crepe side
- Eight nonstick raclette dishes and eight heat-resistant spatulas included
- 1,200 watts with variable heat control
- Swissmar says the plate is safe in the oven and on a barbecue
- 1-year limited warranty valid in the US and Canada
Key specifications
| Model | KF-77040 |
|---|---|
| Serves / pans | 8 people, 8 nonstick pans |
| Top | Reversible cast iron, grill and crepe sides |
| Power | 1,200 W, variable heat |
| Voltage | North American model (warranty valid in US and Canada) |
| Cleaning | Season the cast iron plate; dishwasher use not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
| Included | 8 pans, 8 spatulas |
Why we recommend it
It suits a host who wants the classic raclette dinner for six to eight people and a top that sears properly. Cast iron is heavy and slow to change temperature, which is exactly what you want when guests keep adding cold food.
Skip it if you do not want to oil a plate after washing; the nonstick Hamilton Beach is less work.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cast iron holds heat for searing
- Grill and crepe sides on one plate
- Plate also works in the oven or on a barbecue
Cons
- Cast iron needs seasoning to stay at its best
- Dishwasher use not stated
2. Swissmar Stelvio 8-Person Raclette, Granite Stone Top – Sear on Natural Stone
The Stelvio swaps the metal plate for a slab of granite. A stone top is the other traditional way to cook at a raclette table: it heats slowly, holds that heat, and lets thin slices of beef, shrimp or vegetables sear with very little oil.
The base is brushed stainless steel and holds eight raclette pans, with eight spatulas in the box. Canadian retailers Chef Supplies and Best Buy Canada list it at 1,200 watts and 120 volts, with a stone of about 9.5 by 14.5 inches. Swissmar gives a 1-year limited warranty.
Stone needs patience. Let it preheat fully before the first slices go on, and give it time to cool before you wash it, because a sudden temperature change is hard on stone. Chef Supplies notes that small cracks in the granite are normal and are not covered by the warranty, so treat it gently and never plunge it into cold water.
There is no crepe side here, so if you want pancakes or eggs on the same machine, the cast iron Classic is the better fit.
Why we like it
- Granite stone top for searing thin cuts
- Eight pans and eight spatulas included
- 1,200 watts, 120 volts per Canadian retailers
- Brushed stainless steel base
Key specifications
| Model | KF-77081 |
|---|---|
| Serves / pans | 8 people, 8 pans |
| Top | Granite stone, about 9.5 x 14.5 inches (retailers) |
| Power | 1,200 W, variable heat (retailers) |
| Voltage | 120 V (retailers) |
| Cleaning | Let the stone cool before washing; dishwasher use not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year limited; stone cracks excluded (Chef Supplies) |
| Included | 8 pans, 8 spatulas |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a stone top: it suits steak, shrimp and vegetables cooked in small batches, with the cheese melting below.
Skip it if you are hard on equipment; granite can crack and the warranty does not cover it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Natural stone sears with little oil
- Holds heat well once hot
- Stainless steel base
Cons
- Slow to preheat
- Stone cracks are not under warranty
- No crepe or griddle side
3. Hamilton Beach Raclette Party Grill – Dishwasher-Safe Plate and Trays
Hamilton Beach built this one for easy parties. The top is a 200-square-inch dual-texture grill and griddle with a PFAS-free nonstick coating, and below it sit eight individual warming trays for cheese, sauces or anything that needs to stay warm.
The selling point is cleanup. Hamilton Beach lists the nonstick plate, the trays and the accessories as dishwasher safe, which matters after a long dinner when every tray has a crust of cheese in it. An indicator light shows when the grill is on, a small detail that helps when the table is crowded and the cord is out of sight.
Retailers list it at 1,300 watts and 120 volts. Variable heat lets you keep cheese warm at a low setting or turn it up to sear shrimp. Nonstick coatings last longer with wooden or silicone tools, so keep metal tongs off the plate.
Why we like it
- Plate, trays and accessories listed as dishwasher safe
- 200-square-inch PFAS-free nonstick grill and griddle surface
- Eight warming trays
- Indicator light shows when it is on
Key specifications
| Model | 31612MN-MX |
|---|---|
| Serves / pans | Up to 8 people, 8 warming trays |
| Top | PFAS-free nonstick, dual-texture grill/griddle, 200 sq in |
| Power | 1,300 W, variable heat (retailers) |
| Voltage | 120 V (retailer) |
| Cleaning | Plate, trays and accessories dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Included | 8 warming trays, accessories |
Why we recommend it
It suits families and hosts who would rather load the dishwasher than scrub cast iron, and who want a big nonstick surface for mixed fajita-style fillings.
Skip it if you want a stone or cast iron top for hard searing; nonstick is gentler and less durable at high heat.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Large 200-square-inch surface
- PFAS-free nonstick coating
Cons
- Nonstick needs gentle tools
- No stone or cast iron option
4. Swissmar Geneva 4-Person Raclette – A Compact Grill for Two to Four
Eight pans is a lot of grill for two people. The Geneva 4-person is Swissmar’s compact answer: four nonstick raclette pans, four heat-resistant spatulas, and a reversible cast aluminum top with a grill side and a crepe side. Swissmar’s user manual describes that top as nonstick; the “enameled matte finish” in the listing refers to its outer finish.
The base is stainless steel with black accents and has variable heat control. Swissmar says the aluminum plate can also go in the oven or on a barbecue, and, as with the Classic, seasoning the plate is not required but recommended. Aluminum heats up faster than cast iron and is lighter to lift off for washing.
A small grill also means less to store between uses, which matters if raclette is a winter treat rather than a weekly dinner. Swissmar does not state wattage for this model on the listing, so check the box rating if you plan to share an outlet with other appliances.
Why we like it
- Sized for two to four people
- Reversible cast aluminum grill and crepe top
- Variable heat control on a stainless steel base
- Plate can also go in the oven or on a barbecue, per Swissmar
Key specifications
| Model | KF-84020 |
|---|---|
| Serves / pans | 4 people, 4 nonstick pans |
| Top | Reversible cast aluminum, nonstick (Swissmar manual) |
| Power | Not stated |
| Voltage | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Seasoning recommended; dishwasher use not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Included | 4 pans, 4 spatulas |
Why we recommend it
It suits couples, small families and anyone with limited cabinet space who still wants the full raclette setup with a grill top.
Skip it if you host more than four; an eight-pan grill avoids a queue at the cheese.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact and lighter to store
- Grill and crepe sides
- Variable heat
Cons
- Only four pans
- Wattage and warranty not stated on the listing
5. Swissmar Venti 8-Person Raclette with Smoke Extractor – Filters Smoke at the Table
Grilling meat at the dinner table puts smoke and cooking smells in the room. The Venti is Swissmar’s answer: a raclette grill with a built-in smoke extractor, grease and carbon filters, and a two-speed fan.
Swissmar describes a two-tier ventilation system with separately adjustable extraction for the grill level and the pan level. The cooking plates are cast aluminum with an ILAG ceramic nonstick coating, and a dual-zone tray lets you rest finished dishes on one level while others cook. The listing gives 1,500 watts and a 2-year warranty, the longest stated among these picks.
This is a new model, so there is little independent reporting on it yet. Filters are a running part of any extractor, so check how to get replacements before you buy. Ceramic nonstick, like any coating, lasts longer with wooden or silicone tools.
Why we like it
- Built-in smoke extractor with grease and carbon filters
- Two-speed fan, adjustable by zone
- ILAG ceramic nonstick on cast aluminum plates
- 2-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | KF-88030 |
|---|---|
| Serves / pans | Up to 8 people; pan count not stated |
| Top | Cast aluminum, ILAG ceramic nonstick |
| Power | 1,500 W |
| Voltage | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Grease and carbon filters; dishwasher use not stated |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Included | Smoke extractor, dual-zone dish tray |
Why we recommend it
It suits apartment dwellers and anyone hosting in a small dining room where grill smoke would linger.
Skip it if you mostly melt cheese and warm vegetables; a simpler grill makes little smoke and has no filters to replace.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pulls smoke through filters at the table
- Longest stated warranty here
- Ceramic nonstick plates
Cons
- Filters add upkeep
- New model with little outside reporting
6. Artestia 1700W Raclette Party Grill – Nonstick Plate and Granite Stone
If you cannot choose between a metal plate and a stone, Artestia includes both. The listing describes a nonstick plate and a granite plate for this 6-to-8-person grill, with adjustable temperature and a 1,700-watt element, the joint highest wattage on this page.
That gives you a choice each night: the nonstick plate for eggs, crepes and quick vegetables, the stone for searing thin steak or shrimp. Artestia says the plates are removable, which makes washing easier. Treat the stone the same way as any granite top: preheat it slowly and let it cool before it meets water.
Artestia is a smaller brand than Swissmar or Hamilton Beach, and its listing leaves out several details, including voltage, pan count and warranty. Check the box and manual for those when it arrives.
Why we like it
- Comes with both a nonstick plate and a granite plate
- 1,700-watt element with adjustable temperature
- Serves 6 to 8 people
- Removable plates
Key specifications
| Model | AR-89001 |
|---|---|
| Serves / pans | 6 to 8 people; pan count not stated |
| Top | Nonstick plate and granite plate |
| Power | 1,700 W, adjustable temperature |
| Voltage | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Removable plates; dishwasher use not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Included | Two cooking tops |
Why we recommend it
It suits hosts who want to try both stone and nonstick cooking without buying two machines.
Skip it if you want a maker that states every spec up front; the Swissmar grills are better documented.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two cooking tops included
- High wattage
- Removable plates
Cons
- Voltage, pan count and warranty not stated
- Two plates to store
7. Swissmar Verso 8-Person Raclette – Certified for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Most raclette grills are meant for the dining table. Swissmar says the Verso is certified for both indoor and outdoor use, which lets you take the party to a covered patio on a mild evening and keep the grill smoke outside.
It is Swissmar’s most powerful raclette at 1,700 watts, with a reversible cast iron top that has a grill side and a griddle side. The two-tier design lets you grill on top while dishes melt or rest below, for up to eight people. Swissmar lists the raclette dishes as having a PFAS-free nonstick coating and says the grill top and dishes are dishwasher safe; with cast iron, a hand wash and a wipe of oil still keeps the seasoning in better shape.
Unlike the larger electric grills on our best indoor-outdoor electric grill page, this is still a raclette, built around pans of cheese rather than burgers.
Why we like it
- Certified for indoor and outdoor use, per Swissmar
- 1,700 watts, Swissmar’s most powerful raclette
- Reversible cast iron grill and griddle top
- PFAS-free nonstick raclette dishes
Key specifications
| Model | KF-88025 |
|---|---|
| Serves / pans | Up to 8 people; pan count not stated |
| Top | Reversible cast iron, grill and griddle sides |
| Power | 1,700 W, adjustable temperature |
| Voltage | Not stated |
| Cleaning | Grill top and dishes listed as dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Included | PFAS-free nonstick dishes, burner |
Why we recommend it
It suits Houston hosts who would rather grill on a covered patio for much of the year and still want a proper cast iron top.
Skip it if your raclette nights are always indoors; the Classic does the same job for less outlay.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Outdoor-rated
- High wattage for quick searing
- Cast iron top
Cons
- Warranty not stated on the listing
- Heavier than aluminum-top models
8. BOSKA Raclette Mini 2-Person – A Small Melter on 110 Volts
BOSKA, which also trades as Boska Holland, makes cheese tools, and its Mini is the smallest grill here: a compact electric raclette for one or two people. It comes with two nonstick pans, two spatulas and a removable nonstick grill plate on top.
The listing states 110-volt power, so this is the US version rather than a European import. The pans, grill plate and spatulas all come off for washing. It is a good size for a weeknight snack of melted cheese over boiled potatoes, pickles and onions, which BOSKA names as the traditional sides, or for a quick plate of melted queso and warm tortillas for two.
The grill plate is small, so treat this as a cheese melter with a little cooking space rather than a full grill.
Why we like it
- Sized for one or two people
- 110-volt US power stated on the listing
- Removable nonstick grill plate, pans and spatulas
- From a maker that specializes in cheese tools
Key specifications
| Model | 851110 |
|---|---|
| Serves / pans | 1 to 2 people, 2 nonstick pans |
| Top | Removable nonstick grill plate |
| Power | Not stated |
| Voltage | 110 V |
| Cleaning | Pans, plate and spatulas remove to clean |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Included | 2 pans, 2 spatulas |
Why we recommend it
It suits couples and small kitchens that want melted cheese at the table without storing a party-size grill.
Skip it if you want to grill meat for a group; the top is too small for that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Small and easy to store
- US voltage stated
- Everything removes for washing
Cons
- Only two pans
- Small grill plate
How to choose a raclette grill
Count the pans, not the claims. The number of pans is the number of people who can melt cheese at once. Eight is standard for a party; four suits a couple or a small family; two is a snack. Swissmar and Hamilton Beach sell their 8-pan grills with a full set of spatulas.
Pick the top for how you cook. Cast iron (Swissmar Classic, Verso) holds heat and sears well but needs seasoning. Cast aluminum (Geneva, Venti) heats faster and weighs less. Nonstick (Hamilton Beach) is easiest to clean. Granite stone (Stelvio, Artestia) sears thin cuts with little oil but needs a slow preheat and a slow cool-down, and can crack.
Check the power and the plug. Buy a grill sold for 120-volt North American outlets. Many raclette grills sold online are European 220–240-volt models. Wattage on this page runs from 1,200 to 1,700 watts; a high-wattage grill is best on its own circuit, away from a coffee maker or space heater.
Plan for cleanup. Cheese bakes onto pans. Dishwasher-safe pans (Hamilton Beach, Verso) save real time. For any nonstick pan or plate, soak it in warm soapy water, use a soft sponge, and keep metal tools off the coating. Cast iron gets a hand wash, a dry and a thin coat of oil.
Think about smoke. Melting cheese makes little smoke; grilling fatty meat makes plenty. In a small room, cook lean cuts, keep a window open, or look at a model with a built-in extractor such as the Venti.
How we chose these eight raclette grills
We started from the makers that sell raclette grills for North American power: Swissmar, Hamilton Beach, BOSKA and Artestia. We also looked for Severin and T-fal raclettes: Severin’s only Amazon US listing was scarce in stock, and we found no T-fal raclette grill for sale there. We checked every pick for stock with the Amazon Creators API and took specifications from each listing, with power and voltage figures from Canadian and US retailers where the listing left them out. Where a detail was missing, the spec table says “Not stated”. We left out European-voltage imports, unbranded sellers and grills that were only scarce in stock. We also searched the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall pages for these brands’ raclette grills and found no recall. We did not use these grills ourselves; the picks rest on specifications and maker information.
Raclette grill questions, answered
What cheese works in a raclette grill?
Raclette cheese is the traditional choice, but any good melting cheese works. For a Mexican-style table, Oaxaca, Chihuahua and asadero melt smoothly; our guide to Mexican cheeses explains which ones melt and which ones stay firm.
Is a raclette grill the same as queso fundido?
Not quite, but they are cousins. Queso fundido is cheese melted in one dish, often with chorizo or rajas; raclette melts small portions for each guest. The difference between queso and queso fundido is covered in queso vs. queso fundido.
Granite stone or nonstick plate: which is better?
Stone sears thin meat with little oil and holds heat, but it preheats slowly and can crack. Nonstick heats quickly, handles eggs and crepes, and washes up easily, but it needs gentle tools. If you want both, the Artestia ships with one of each.
Can I use a raclette grill for Korean barbecue?
For thin slices, yes, but a dedicated Korean barbecue grill has a bigger cooking area and better grease drainage. See the best indoor Korean BBQ grill if that is your main use.
How do I clean raclette pans?
Let them cool, soak them in warm soapy water to loosen baked-on cheese, then wipe with a soft sponge. Check whether your maker lists the pans as dishwasher safe; Hamilton Beach and Swissmar’s Verso do.
Our pick for raclette night
For most tables, buy the Swissmar Classic with its cast iron top: eight pans, a grill side and a crepe side, and a plate that keeps its heat. Choose the Stelvio for a stone top, the Hamilton Beach for dishwasher cleanup, and the Geneva 4-person or BOSKA Mini for small households.
If you want a grill for everyday cooking rather than parties, start with our guide to the best indoor grill. For warming tortillas alongside the raclette, see the best comal for tortillas.
And if you would rather someone else melted the cheese tonight, see the menu or call to order.