Top 10 Raclette Grills — Best Overall + Best Value in 2027

1. Swissmar Classic Raclette KF-77045

This ranks first because it pairs the most forgiving cooking surface with the most complete eight-person kit at $159.95. The granite stone plate heats slowly and evenly, so crowded tables don't create cold spots, and the 1,200-watt element runs through a true variable thermostat rather than an on/off switch. It ships with eight ceramic-coated nonstick trays, now PFAS-free, plus eight heat-resistant spatulas.

This is for hosts who run raclette nights every winter and want one purchase to cover a decade. You trade money and preheat patience — granite needs several extra minutes to come up to temperature — for even heat and build quality. Against the Stelvio directly below, it gives up the brushed stainless body and outdoor rating, but costs $40 less and cooks identically. The stone is the reason to buy it.

2. Swissmar Stelvio KF-77081

It ranks second because it delivers the same granite-stone cooking as the Classic in a brushed stainless steel body rated for both indoor and outdoor use, at $199.95. The larger footprint and element hold temperature steady even with all eight trays loaded, and the stone top doubles as a crepe surface. It serves eight with eight trays and spatulas, and works for samgyupsal-style Korean BBQ nights.

This suits people who entertain often and want the grill to look like a centerpiece rather than an appliance. You pay $40 more than the Classic KF-77045 above for the stainless shell and outdoor rating, not for better cooking — the stone performance is comparable. It is also the heaviest and bulkiest unit here to store. Skip it if your raclette lives in a cabinet eleven months a year.

3. Hamilton Beach 31612-MX

It ranks third on price-to-performance alone: $59.99 buys eight place settings and 1,300 watts, roughly a third of the Swissmar Classic's cost. The 200-square-inch dual-texture nonstick top is half ridged for grill marks and half flat for eggs and crepes, and eight nonstick warming trays plus a spatula are included. Grill top, trays, and spatula are all dishwasher safe, and the coating is PFAS-free.

This is the right first raclette grill for anyone unsure how often they will use it. You give up the granite stone for a metal griddle, and the plastic base feels less substantial than the Swissmar bodies ranked above. Compared with the NutriChef below, it costs $5 less and has more wattage but no stone plate at all. The dishwasher-safe parts genuinely change how often it gets used.

4. NutriChef PKGRST54 Two-Tier Raclette

It ranks fourth for putting a granite stone plate and a metal grill on the same two-tier deck at $65.31. The eight cheese trays slide underneath, a 1,200-watt element feeds both surfaces, and a rotary temperature dial controls the heat. The kit adds eight paddles and eight skewers for kebab-style cooking. Stone for delicate fish, metal for a hard sear, running simultaneously, is genuinely useful at this price.

This fits budget hosts who want surface versatility more than brand longevity. The coating durability trails Swissmar over multiple seasons and the trays run slightly small. Against the Hamilton Beach directly above, it costs $5 more and drops 100 watts but adds the stone plate and skewers. Against the Milliard below at twice the price, the build is lighter but the surface combination is nearly identical.

5. Artestia 2-in-1 Deluxe Raclette

It ranks fifth for raw output: a 1,700-watt element, the most powerful here, driving both a reversible cast-aluminum nonstick plate and a high-density granite stone, each measuring 18.3" x 9.2". The stone reaches roughly 375°F, and an adjustable thermostat with indicator light keeps it controlled. The reversible top gives grill marks on one side and a flat crepe surface on the other. It serves eight at $129.99.

This is for crowds that hate waiting between rounds and tables with room to spare. The 18.3-inch footprint demands real space, and the stainless body shows fingerprints. Compared with the NutriChef above, it costs about twice as much but adds 500 watts, a much larger surface, and an extended cord. High wattage matters less than even distribution — buy this for the size, not the number.

6. Milliard DR928 Deluxe Raclette

It ranks sixth as the mid-priced version of the stone-plus-reversible combination, at $129.99 for eight settings. The granite cooking stone heats slowly and evenly for delicate items, and the reversible nonstick grilling surface handles searing and flat-top work. Eight nonstick cheese pans and paddles are included, and an adjustable temperature dial covers everything from gentle cheese-melting to a proper grill sear. Build feels more substantial than budget units.

This is a family grill for hosts who want both surfaces without paying Swissmar money. No skewers come in the box, and the thermostat markings are vague enough that you learn the dial by feel. Against the Artestia above at the same $129.99, it gives up 500 watts and a much larger cooking area. Against the NutriChef, it costs roughly double for a sturdier body.

7. Cuisinart CR-8 Raclette Grill

It ranks seventh because it covers the fundamentals reliably at $99.95 without a stone plate. Eight raclette dishes with heat-resistant handles and eight spatulas serve a full table, and the nonstick cast-metal reversible grill/griddle plate handles both searing and flat-top duty with adjustable temperature control. Cuisinart's nonstick coatings clean up predictably, which is the practical reason people pick this over cheaper metal-top units.

This is for buyers who want a known kitchen brand and warranty support rather than the best cooking surface. Heat output sits mid-pack and there is no granite option at any price in this model. Compared with the Milliard above, it costs $30 less but drops the stone entirely. Compared with the Cusimax below, you pay $20 more essentially for the brand and cleanup reliability.

8. Cusimax 2-in-1 Electric Raclette

It ranks eighth as a $79.99 dual-purpose unit: a reversible nonstick plate with a grill side and a flat crepe side, adjustable temperature control, and eight paddles. The flat surface handles eggs, pancakes, and crepes well enough to replace a separate crepe maker. It nominally serves eight but the compact footprint suits smaller gatherings, and it stores more easily than any eight-person grill above it.

This is for couples and small groups who want raclette occasionally and crepes regularly. It is metal-only with no stone plate, and heat runs slightly uneven toward the edges. Against the Cuisinart CR-8 above, it saves $20 and matches the reversible-plate concept but without the brand's cleanup track record. Against the Hamilton Beach at $59.99, it costs more for a smaller, more flexible package.

9. Boska Partyclette XL

It ranks ninth because it uses no electricity at all, melting cheese over 16 tealights in a European oak frame at $99.99. It serves eight with eight nonstick pans and eight spatulas, and needs no outlet, which makes it the only unit here that works on a patio, a campsite, or a table where a cord would ruin the setup. The oak frame is a genuine object rather than an appliance.

This is for ambiance-first hosts and outdoor tables, not for cooking. There is no grilling surface — no meats, no vegetables, no crepes — and tealight heat is gentle and slow compared with any 1,200-watt element ranked above. Against the Cusimax, you pay $20 more and lose all grilling capability. Buy it as a second raclette setup, not as your only one.

10. Swissmar KF-77046 Cast Iron Raclette

It ranks tenth on price rather than capability: $179.95 for a specialist surface. The reversible cast iron grill/crepe plate retains heat better than any stone or aluminum top here and delivers restaurant-grade grill marks. Everything else is standard Swissmar — eight place settings, eight nonstick trays, eight spatulas, variable heat control, and a 1,200-watt element in the same proven body as the Classic KF-77045.

This is for sear purists who care more about crust on steak than about convenience. Cast iron needs seasoning and careful drying, and it is the heaviest top on this list to lift, wash, and store. Against the Classic KF-77045 at $159.95, you pay $20 more and swap forgiving even granite heat for aggressive heat retention. Most hosts are better served by the stone.

How we ranked these

We scored every grill on the things that show up at a loaded table: heat performance across the top plate and the eight cheese trays (25%), place-setting capacity (20%), grill surface material — granite stone versus reversible metal (15%), build quality and nonstick tray durability (15%), temperature control (15%), and price-to-performance (10%).

Hands-on notes from Wirecutter, Serious Eats, The Spruce Eats, Good Housekeeping and CNET were cross-checked against Swissmar, Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart and Boska spec sheets.

We deliberately ignored headline wattage as a ranking signal on its own. A well-distributed 1,200-watt element beats a poorly engineered 1,700-watt one, so power only counted where even distribution backed it up. We also discounted brushed-steel styling, accessory counts padded with skewers, and star-rating averages, which reward novelty buyers who used a grill once. Marketing claims without a spec sheet or tested result behind them were dropped entirely.

What to look for

Capacity and surface material decide this, not brand. Eight place settings is the standard party build — Swissmar, Hamilton Beach, NutriChef, Milliard, Cuisinart and Boska all seat eight — so the real fork is granite stone versus reversible metal. Stone heats slowly and evenly and forgives a crowded table with delicate fish; cast iron and cast aluminum sear harder and add a flat crepe side. NutriChef and Milliard hand you both surfaces in one box.

The common mistake is paying for wattage and stainless instead of thermostat quality and tray coatings. A true variable thermostat lets you sear on top while cheese melts gently underneath; an on/off switch forces one compromise temperature. Cheap nonstick trays stick and flake within a season, which is why PFAS-free coatings matter more than the badge on the base. The $59.99 Hamilton Beach outvalues plenty of $130 units on exactly these terms.

Related questions

How much table space does an eight-person raclette grill need?

Plan for a footprint roughly 18 to 20 inches wide plus clearance for eight people to slide trays underneath. The Artestia's plates alone measure 18.3 by 9.2 inches, and the Stelvio's larger body needs more. Measure your table and your cabinet before buying — storage defeats more raclette grills than performance does.

Is the Boska Partyclette XL worth it without electricity?

At $99.99 it buys ambiance, not versatility. Sixteen tealights under a European oak frame melt cheese for eight with no cord, which makes it the only pick here suited to patios, campsites, and power-free tables. But there is no hot grilling surface, so meats and vegetables need a separate pan. Buy it as a second grill.

Why does the Swissmar Classic cost nearly three times the Hamilton Beach?

You pay for the granite stone plate, the variable thermostat, and a body built to survive a decade of dinner parties. The $59.99 Hamilton Beach matches it on capacity and beats it on wattage at 1,300, but uses a metal griddle and a plastic base. Both seat eight; only one is a permanent fixture.

What is the difference between the Swissmar KF-77045 and KF-77046?

Same 1,200-watt eight-person body, different top. The KF-77045 at $159.95 uses a granite stone that heats slowly and evenly. The KF-77046 at $179.95 swaps in a reversible cast iron grill and crepe plate for superior searing and heat retention. Choose stone for gentle even cooking, cast iron for restaurant-grade grill marks.

Can one grill handle raclette, Korean BBQ, and crepes?

Yes. The Swissmar Stelvio doubles as a samgyupsal-style griller with its granite stone crepe top, and the Cusimax, Artestia and Swissmar cast iron models all use reversible plates with a flat crepe-and-egg side. A separate crepe maker is unnecessary if you pick a reversible-plate model.

Do the two-surface grills actually cook better?

The NutriChef PKGRST54 and Milliard DR928 give you granite stone and metal simultaneously, so delicate fish cooks gently on stone while steak sears on metal. That is genuinely useful at a mixed table. The tradeoff is coating durability — both trail Swissmar over several seasons, and NutriChef's trays run slightly small.

How do I clean a raclette grill without wrecking the coating?

Hamilton Beach's grill top, eight trays and spatula are all dishwasher safe, which is rare at any price. Granite and cast iron tops should be hand-cleaned; cast iron additionally needs seasoning and careful drying. Never put a stone plate through a dishwasher, and skip abrasive pads on any nonstick tray.

Is 1,700 watts better than 1,200 watts for raclette?

Only if the heat spreads evenly. The Artestia's 1,700 watts sear fast and reach roughly 375°F on the stone, which suits impatient crowds. But the 1,200-watt Swissmar ranks first here because distribution beats raw output. Even heat across a fully loaded eight-tray table matters more than the number on the box.

FAQ

What is the best raclette grill overall in 2027?

The Swissmar Classic 8-Person Raclette Party Grill (KF-77045) at $159.95. It seats eight, ships with eight PFAS-free ceramic-coated trays and spatulas, and uses a granite stone plate driven by a 1,200-watt element with true variable heat control. The stone takes a few extra minutes to preheat, but the build lasts a decade of hosting.

What is the best value raclette grill?

The Hamilton Beach Raclette Party Grill (31612-MX) at $59.99. It seats eight, runs 1,300 watts, and uses a 200-square-inch dual-texture nonstick grill and griddle — half ridged, half flat. The top, eight trays and spatula are dishwasher safe. You give up the granite stone for roughly a third of the Swissmar price.

How many people should a raclette grill serve?

Most party grills are built for eight place settings, which suits dinner parties and large families. Couples or small households can get by with a four-person model or a compact 2-in-1 like the Cusimax, since you rarely need eight trays at a smaller table. Match tray count to your typical gathering, not your largest one.

Is a granite stone or a reversible metal plate better?

Granite heats slowly and evenly and forgives delicate fish and crowded tables. A reversible cast aluminum or cast iron plate sears harder and adds a flat crepe side. Neither wins outright — which is why the NutriChef PKGRST54 and Milliard DR928 include both surfaces in one grill.

What wattage do I need for an eight-person grill?

Look for 1,200 to 1,700 watts. The Hamilton Beach runs 1,300 watts and the Artestia hits 1,700, while the top-ranked Swissmar uses 1,200. Even heat distribution matters more than the headline number — a well-engineered 1,200-watt unit outperforms a poorly designed 1,700-watt one at a fully loaded table.

Are the cheese trays nonstick and dishwasher safe?

The best grills use PFAS-free nonstick trays, including the Swissmar Classic and Hamilton Beach. Hamilton Beach goes furthest — its grill top, trays and spatula are all dishwasher safe. Stone tops should generally be hand-cleaned, and cast iron plates need seasoning plus careful drying to avoid rust.

Can I use a raclette grill outdoors?

Most electric models are indoor-rated. The Swissmar Stelvio (KF-77081) at $199.95 is rated for both indoor and outdoor use behind a brushed stainless body, and the Boska Partyclette XL runs on 16 tealights with no cord at all — the only truly portable option here for patios and campsites.

Do I need a separate crepe maker?

No. Several grills include a reversible plate with a flat crepe-and-egg side, including the Cusimax 2-in-1, the Artestia Deluxe, and the Swissmar KF-77046 cast iron model. One appliance covers raclette, tabletop grilling, pancakes and crepes, which is worth more than the price gap on most nights.

Which raclette grill sears meat best?

The Swissmar KF-77046 at $179.95, with its reversible cast iron grill and crepe plate. Cast iron retains heat better than stone or thin metal and delivers restaurant-grade grill marks. The Artestia's 1,700-watt element is a close second for raw speed. Cast iron is the heaviest top here to handle and store.

Is a variable thermostat worth paying extra for?

Yes — it is one of the clearest quality dividers. A true variable thermostat lets you sear on the top surface while cheese melts gently in the trays below, instead of settling for one compromise temperature. The Swissmar models, NutriChef's rotary dial, and Artestia's indicator-light thermostat all offer real control.

Sources

• https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
• https://www.seriouseats.com/
• https://www.thespruceeats.com/
• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/
• https://www.cnet.com/
• https://hamiltonbeach.com/raclette-portable-party-grill-31612-mx
• https://www.amazon.com/Artestia-Electric-Raclette-Non-Stick-Reversible/dp/B01AD3HLH8
• https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Raclette-Reversible-Non-Stick-Grilling/dp/B00WZNUN6G
• https://www.walmart.com/ip/Boska-Holland-Partyclette-XL-Cheese-Melting-Tea-Light-Raclette-Set-with-8-pans/792879706
• https://www.amazon.ca/Swissmar-KF-77045-Classic-Raclette-Granite/dp/B000RWHFQS

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