Few dishes bring people together around the table like raclette, where everyone melts their own cheese in a little pan and grills sides on a shared plate. The best raclette grills differ in what you only feel at the table: the number of pans, the power, the plate type and how easily they clean up after dinner. We went through the market and picked seven raclette grills, from compact ones for two to large ones for ten people, with grill, stone and ceramic plates. This guide is for anyone who loves relaxed shared dinners and wants a grill that suits their group and budget.
All the raclette grills in this roundup have a non-stick plate and pans for melting cheese. All prices in the tables are live prices from Amazon.de at the time of writing and can change. The number of pans usually matches the number of people the unit is designed for.
Quick overview
| # | Model | People | Plate | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tefal Raclette 3-in-1 | 10 | Grill + plancha | 94,99 € | Versatility |
| 2 | WMF Lono Raclette | 8 | Ceramic | 149,99 € | Premium design |
| 3 | Klarstein Steaklette | 8 | Stone 4-in-1 | 66,99 € | Stone cooking |
| 4 | Russell Hobbs Raclette | 8 | Stone + grill | 59,99 € | All in one |
| 5 | Severin Raclette-Grill | 8 | Grill | 49,99 € | Value |
| 6 | Rommelsbacher RC 800 | 4 | Grill | 95,59 € | Smaller groups |
| 7 | Tefal Plug & Share | 2 | Grill | 39,99 € | Couples |
1. Tefal Raclette 3-in-1
Photo: Tefal, Amazon
If you want one unit that covers everything, Tefal's 3-in-1 model combines the classic raclette function, a regular grill and a plancha for cooking on a smooth plate. That means you melt cheese in the pans while grilling meat, vegetables or pancakes on the top plate at the same time, all in one place. With a capacity for up to 10 people, it is the real deal for larger families and groups.
The non-stick plate and pans go in the dishwasher, which is a big relief after a cheese dinner. The thermo-signal shows when the plate is ready for cooking, so you do not guess. Tefal is known for reliability, and this model earns it with versatility. It has no natural stone plate, but for most people the grill and plancha cover all needs.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 10 people |
| Plate | Grill + plancha, 3-in-1 |
| Care | Dishwasher-safe |
| Signal | Thermo-signal |
| Brand | Tefal |
Pros: versatile 3-in-1 unit for a large group, plate and pans dishwasher-safe, known reliable brand Tefal.
Cons: pricier than basic models, no natural stone plate.
Our opinion: If you often host a larger group and do not want to think about which plate to buy, this Tefal solves it all at once. The plancha is a nice bonus for those who like to cook beyond raclette evenings. For a couple it is too big, but for family and guests it is hard to beat.
2. WMF Lono Raclette
Photo: WMF, Amazon
The WMF Lono is for those who want their raclette grill to look as good as it works. The Cromargan stainless-steel body feels premium and is easy to maintain, and the ceramic grill plate cooks without sticking and spreads heat evenly. Temperature control goes up to 210 degrees, so you precisely control how much the cheese and sides cook.
A practical detail is the shelf under the plate where you rest pans until their turn. The price is the highest on the list, but for someone who values design and material quality, this is a unit that stays on the table for years. Some users mention that the bottom of the pans gets quite hot, which you should watch when lifting them out.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 people |
| Material | Cromargan steel |
| Plate | Ceramic, non-stick |
| Temperature | Up to 210°C |
| Extra | Pan shelf |
Pros: top-tier build and Cromargan material, ceramic non-stick plate, shelf for resting pans.
Cons: high price, pan bottoms get hot for some users.
Our opinion: If it matters to you that the unit looks good on the table and lasts, the WMF Lono is worth every cent. The ceramic plate and Cromargan steel are a level above average. For occasional use it may be a luxury, but for someone who often hosts raclette evenings it will be a joy.
3. Klarstein Steaklette
Photo: Klarstein, Amazon
For lovers of cooking on stone, the Klarstein Steaklette offers a natural granite plate that cooks without a drop of oil and retains heat. The stone gives meat and vegetables that characteristic flavour a metal plate cannot, and it is healthier because it needs no fat. The unit comes as a 4-in-1 with extra plates, so alongside the stone you also get options for pancakes and other dishes.
The 1500-watt power and stepless control give enough control for eight people. The stone plate has one compromise: it heats slower than metal, so it takes some patience at the start of the evening. The unit is also heavier, but for the price you get a lot of equipment and versatility other models lack.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 people |
| Plate | Granite stone, 4-in-1 |
| Power | 1500 W |
| Control | Stepless |
| Accessories | Extra plates |
Pros: natural stone for oil-free cooking, several interchangeable plates (4-in-1), good ratio of price to equipment.
Cons: stone plate heats slower, heavier unit.
Our opinion: If you love the flavour of stone-cooked food and want variety, the Steaklette gives a lot for the money. The extra plates mean you use it beyond the classic raclette evening. Just be patient while the stone heats up because that takes longer than with metal plates.
4. Russell Hobbs Raclette
Photo: Russell Hobbs, Amazon
If you cannot decide between stone and a classic grill, Russell Hobbs gives you both in one kit. In the box are a natural stone with a juice groove and a reversible plate that has a flat surface on one side and a ribbed one on the other. So for one evening you choose stone, for another a classic grill, depending on mood and dish.
Along with eight pans come wooden spatulas, and stepless temperature control gives command over cooking. All parts that touch food go in the dishwasher. The only practical downside is that two plates take up a bit more storage space. For the price, the versatility is excellent.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 people |
| Plates | Stone + reversible grill |
| Accessories | 8 pans, wooden spatulas |
| Control | Stepless |
| Care | Dishwasher-safe |
Pros: stone and reversible grill plate in the kit, stepless temperature control, parts dishwasher-safe.
Cons: plates take up storage space.
Our opinion: For someone who likes to switch cooking styles, Russell Hobbs is a smart choice because you get two plates in one. Stone for relaxed cooking, grill for speed. If you have room to store both plates, you will struggle to find a more versatile unit at this price.
5. Severin Raclette-Grill
Photo: Severin, Amazon
Not everyone needs a premium unit for a few evenings a year, and here Severin hits the right measure. For a price under 50 euros you get a solid raclette for eight people with a non-stick grill plate and eight pans. The shape is designed so the unit is reachable from all sides of the table, so everyone easily grabs both a pan and a spot on the plate.
As a basic model it has no stone plate or advanced extras, but it does exactly what it should: melts cheese and grills sides without complications. Cleaning is simple because the plate and pans come off easily. For students, young couples or those just trying raclette, this is a reasonable and cheap entry into shared dinners.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 people |
| Plate | Non-stick grill |
| Pans | 8 |
| Shape | Reachable from all sides |
| Cleaning | Simple |
Pros: very affordable price, shape ideal for socialising, simple cleaning.
Cons: simpler design, no stone plate.
Our opinion: If you need raclette occasionally and do not want to spend too much, Severin is a smart buy. It lacks the luxury of premium models, but for eight people it does the job without trouble. Ideal for a first raclette or a student flat.
6. Rommelsbacher RC 800
Photo: Rommelsbacher, Amazon
For a smaller group of two to four, big units for eight are often needlessly bulky. The Rommelsbacher RC 800 solves that with a compact format for four people, but without giving up quality. The body is brushed cast aluminium that feels premium, and the cast aluminium plate with Xylan Plus coating spreads heat evenly.
An interesting detail is the modularity: you can connect several units and expand capacity when a larger group arrives. That means the unit grows with your needs. It has only four pans, so for a big party it is not the first choice, and the price is a touch higher for that size. But for a couple or small family who want quality, it is a smart investment.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 people, expandable |
| Material | Brushed cast aluminium |
| Plate | Cast aluminium, Xylan Plus |
| Pans | 4 |
| Expansion | Connect units |
Pros: quality cast aluminium body and plate, modularly expandable by connecting units, compact for a smaller group.
Cons: only 4 pans, pricier for its size.
Our opinion: For couples and small families who do not want a bulky unit, the RC 800 offers German quality in a compact form. The connect option means you do not outgrow it when more guests arrive. It is pricier for its size, but the build justifies it.
7. Tefal Plug & Share
Photo: Tefal, Amazon
For couples and singles, big raclette grills make no sense, and here the Tefal Plug & Share shows a clever solution. The basic kit for two people has two pans and a small grill plate, enough for an intimate dinner for two. It is compact and stores easily, and the price under 40 euros makes it the most accessible entry into the raclette world.
The most interesting part is the modularity: the unit has an integrated socket to connect extra units, so when company arrives several units work as one big one, up to ten people. The 400-watt power is modest for a big grill, but for two people it is quite enough. For those who start small but want a growth option, this is an ideal solution.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 people, expandable to 10 |
| Power | 400 W |
| Pans | 2 |
| System | Integrated socket |
| Format | Compact |
Pros: compact and ideal for couples, modularly expandable to 10 people, affordable and easy to clean.
Cons: low power for a big grill, only 2 pans in the basic kit.
Our opinion: For a couple who want raclette without a bulky unit, Plug & Share is a bullseye. You start with one, and when company arrives you buy more units and connect them. The power is modest, but for two it is quite enough, and the modularity is a genuinely clever idea.
Conclusion
The best raclette grills are chosen first by the number of people, then by plate type and budget, so we split the picks by purpose rather than crowning a single winner. For versatility and a big group there is the Tefal Raclette 3-in-1, for premium design the WMF Lono, and for couples the Tefal Plug & Share.
| Category | Recommendation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Most versatile | Tefal Raclette 3-in-1 | 94,99 € |
| Premium design | WMF Lono Raclette | 149,99 € |
| For stone cooking | Klarstein Steaklette | 66,99 € |
| All in one | Russell Hobbs Raclette | 59,99 € |
| Best value | Severin Raclette-Grill | 49,99 € |
| For smaller groups | Rommelsbacher RC 800 | 95,59 € |
| For couples | Tefal Plug & Share | 39,99 € |
Before buying, think about how many people you usually host because the number of pans determines everything else. For a couple a small model is enough, and for family and guests choose ones for eight to ten people. If you love variety, a stone or reversible plate gives more options, while a grill plate means faster heating and easier cleaning. Good raclette grills last for years, so it pays to match the size and plate to your habits.
How to choose raclette grills
When choosing raclette grills, the first question is the number of people. Good raclette grills come in sizes from two to ten pans, so first estimate how many people you usually host. The number of pans usually matches the number of guests, so for a couple choose a model with two pans, and for a larger group ones with eight or ten. Some models like the Tefal Plug & Share expand by connecting several units.
The second is the plate type. A metal grill plate heats fast and cleans easily, stone cooks without fat and gives a special flavour but heats slower, and reversible and ceramic plates combine the advantages. The third is power and control: stronger units heat faster, and stepless control gives better command. If you love shared cooking at the table, see our guide to contact grills, and for a festive mood the best mulled wine pots.
Frequently asked questions
How many people should a raclette grill be for?
The number of pans matches the number of people, so for a couple choose a model for 2, and for family and guests ones for 8 to 10. Some units like the Tefal Plug & Share expand by connecting several units.
What cheese is used for raclette?
The classic choice is Swiss or French raclette cheese that melts easily, but gouda, emmental or young gouda also work well. Cut the cheese into slices about half a centimetre thick so it melts evenly in the pan.
What is the difference between a stone and a grill plate on a raclette grill?
A stone plate cooks without fat and retains heat but heats slower, while a metal grill plate heats faster and cleans easier. Some models offer both or a reversible plate.
How do you clean a raclette grill?
After cooling, wash the pans and the removable plate with warm water or in the dishwasher if they are suitable. Wipe the heating unit with a damp cloth and never submerge it in water, and clean a stone plate without harsh detergents.
What can you cook on a raclette grill?
Besides melted cheese, on the top plate you grill meat, fish, sausages, vegetables and mushrooms, and in the pans you gratin potatoes, eggs and vegetables. Units with a plancha or stone plate offer even more options.
How we tested and chose
We relied on a combination of comparisons and data on availability in the European market. We consulted German testing portals such as Stiftung Warentest and Chip, which test raclette grills in real conditions, along with technical data from WMF, Tefal and Klarstein.
We chose models to cover the full range of needs: from compact ones for two, through versatile ones for eight to ten, to models with stone and reversible plates. We checked each model against criteria of the number of people, power, plate type, temperature control and value for money. All prices listed are live prices from Amazon.de at the time of writing.