Andrew James Electric Raclette Hotplate Party Non Stick Grill Machine, Oval Stone Hot Plate Cooks Evenly and Retains Heat, 8 Fondue Cheese Pans and Wooden Spatulas Set, 1200W, Thermostat Control

I first came across the idea of cooking on a hot stone at the table when on holiday in Canada and it was a really fun meal. Never really saw anything suitable to use here until I came across the Andrew James Raclettes. I did take a while to decide which one to purchase and I am so glad I decided to go for the 8 person model as this gives you ample room for cooking.One advantage the raclette has over the hot stones is that it is electric so you are not having to keep reheating the stone - you are in control of the temperature. We were having fish and meat so we had a fondue going too so we could keep the cooking of meat/fish separate.There is a fair bit of prep beforehand. I cut the different meats/fish into small pieces (they cook quicker on the stone) and I had them marinating in different things. As well as marinating the meat/fish there are veggie items to chop/slice and cold meats and cheeses to put out for the raclette trays. Once the prep is done it is just a case of getting everything on the table and letting people do their own selection/cooking.I have to say this is a quality product from a quality supplier. It looks good and it is good. The stone is not dishwasher safe and does require a little effort to clean but it is not too difficult.If you are not familiar with raclette it is not easy to get a cookbook (unless you speak German). If you look closely you will find almost all the raclette books are in German. However, it is not too difficult to work out and a lot of fun to experiment. I did have a fondue book which gave me ideas for marinades for the meat/fish.The one thing I would stress is you need space. The 8 person model is substantial in size but I purchased the mini boards too so everyone used them plus a small plate which helped. Also had the various platters on the table with the meat/fish/veg etc.The favorite seemed to be the little raclette trays that go under the stone. In these you can add meat, sliced veg such as peppers, mushrooms and top with raclette cheese. If you cannot get raclette cheese emmental is a good substitute.It was so enjoyable other family members are looking to buy one too. One warning - keep it out of the reach of tiny fingers. This stone does get and stay very hot. Just common sense really but just make sure any little hands are out of reach.If you are prepared for the prep work it is a lot of fun and you can really relax once everything is on the table.

My daughter has one that she brought to my house to use for dinner one night really enjoyed the experience so decided rather than borrow hers I bought one used last night with visiting friends cooks really well and a very social thing to share so lots of talking and cooking I think my friends are now going to buy one to as they thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

Greta product, just wish I bought a round one instead. Heats up quickly and cooks well on the stone. The stone is heavy, just make sure you clean it straight after use otherwise it may stain the stone.

I bought this hot stone grill after a ski-ing holiday when the kids loved cooking their own food at a raclette restaurant. I thought it was very reasonably priced at c. £60. It arrived within a couple of days, much quicker than it said when I placed the order. It is quite large to store in a cupboard and and is a very solid piece of equipment.We have used it for up to 5 people so far and it is definitely big enough to feed everyone. I love the little dishes underneath which we used to cook beans & cheese for the kids and a mixture of onions, peppers & cheese for the adults. Although the stone grill does smoke for a few minutes when you first switch it on and add some oil, this doesn't last long. I find it best to cook a mixture of meats (duck is brilliant as it is quite a fatty meat & helps stops everything else from sticking, especially chicken) and add a little oil with a kitchen roll each time you add new meat.The stone is removable and is very easy to wash - if you soak it for about 10 mins you don't even need to scrub it - and the little dishes are extremely easy to clean. The only one negative is the cable is a bit short and doesn't reach from our table in the centre of the room to the wall socket but this is easily fixed with an extension cable. Overall an excellent product and I would definitely recommend it.

We have used the raclette a few times now, the children love it to cook their fajitas on. We have had two dinner parties and the guests love it and are going to buy one themselves. Did a starter of Asparagus wrapped in palma ham, which they melted raclette cheese on little dishes that go under the stone. Did meat and prawns on the stone for main with pickles, salads, cous cows and even little apple crumbles and tried baked Alaska on the little trays for the baked alaska used pre cooked meringue then spooned ice cream on the top then topped with uncooked meringue it was delicious, they are not too many recipe books around but once your up and running your imagination can run riot. I found it easy to clean just in hot soapy water, we had a crack in our stone and Andrew James replaced it no quibble great service and very quick delivery.We are going to buy another one so that four people can use the raclette at a time if you have a dinner party for 8.

Brilliant easy to use and clean. Great size and easy to cook your food on and share with friends.

I can’t stop eating. Very recommended

This was given as a present to my daughter and she gave us supper using it the other day for the first time. It was easy to set up and it all worked perfectly. The stone on top takes a little longer than the grill bit underneath which heats the cheese, but that was fine - we just laid on some chorizo slices, which gradually heated up to a sizzle and went perfectly with the melted cheese and the side dishes of new potatoes and salad.