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Europe

Raclette Grill

Switzerland, France (Savoy region)

A tabletop electric grill with small individual pans beneath a heating element, used to melt raclette cheese for scraping onto potatoes and other accompaniments, while the grill's top surface simultaneously cooks small portions of meat and vegetables.

Material & Construction

Electric heating element with a nonstick or stone grilling surface on top and small metal pans (coupelles) beneath for individual cheese portions.

Traditional Uses

A communal, extended tabletop meal centered on melting raclette cheese and grilling small portions of meat and vegetables, similar in social structure to fondue.

Modern Availability / Equivalents

Widely available internationally, particularly popular as a specialty appliance in France and Switzerland during winter months; a broiler and small oven-safe dishes can approximate the cheese-melting function without the integrated tabletop grilling surface.

Care & Maintenance

Standard care for electric grilling appliances; individual cheese pans should be washed promptly to prevent hardened cheese residue.