Let's talk about the raclette, retro step-sibling to the fondue pot • Offbeat Home & Life

Last month, our friends, the hot architects brought their vintage raclette over to have dinner. (Yes, the same hot architects whose wedding I crashed last summer. They've become friends, and in fact we're hiring them to help us with our condo remodel). So, have you ever seen one of these things before? I had not. It's basically this portable double-decker hot plate, with these special little dishes you use to melt a shit load of cheese over veggies and/or meat. You then scrape the hot, oozing, deliciously cheese-greasy mess onto bread (or I guess just straight into your mouth).

Total Chef 2-in-1 Raclette Grill and Fondue Set

Biströ BISTRÖ Fondue Pot Set,1.3L Fondue Pot Electric Set with Raclette,Grill Plate,6 Fondue Forks,8 Small Nonstick Pans,Thermostat Controlled Fondue Set for Melting Chocolate,Cheese : : Home

Total Chef 8 Person Raclette and Cheese Fondue Set with Granite Stone, Non-Stick Electric Indoor Grill, Tabletop Cooking, Accessories Included, Ideal for Holidays and Family Dinners, Black : Home & Kitchen