Party On. How To Use Your Raclette Grill

Reinvented for the modern era, a Raclette Grill is the perfect addition to your next dinner party or social gathering. Designed for several people to cook at once, these indoor party grills offer unique tabletop entertainment, healthy preparation, and mouth watering results. The cooking surface at the top offers tons of room for grilling meat, fish, vegetables and more, and eight dishes underneath will allow you to melt cheese or warm other sauces.

Combine top and bottom ingredients to enjoy unique combinations that anyone would love. You can make traditional Swiss recipes, or you can get creative to come up with your own. Thanks to the reversible grill plate, you will have two types of cooking surfaces, one smooth, and one with raised ridges.

Using one of these appliances is pretty simple, but continue reading to learn everything about your model, and also find out how to maximize potential, and ensure longevity.

Models Covered

Any raclette grill will be pretty similar, but these instructions are specific to the Swissmar brand, and covers the following model numbers:

• KF-77071
• KF-77070
• KF-77040
• KF-77041
• KF-77045
• KF-77043
• KF-77081
• KF-77080

NOTE: All of the above models are functionally similar. Size, power, and most features will be the same. The main difference will be the cooking surface it comes with, and the other difference will be the color or finish of the main appliance.

Raclette History

Popular for centuries in Switzerland, traditional raclette is a delectable cheese dish that originated in the Swiss farming community hundreds of years ago. During the warm summer months, shepherds would travel with their herds, high into the mountains where grazing conditions were better. Because they were required to carry any supplies they brought, they would keep it limited, and only bring basics like flour, potatoes, pickles, and a round of cheese produced by their own cows.

Long evenings in front of the fire were improved by this new way of eating, sharing and socializing. The cheese was cut in two, and one half would be placed on a rock, close to the fire. As the cheese slowly heated, it would begin to bubble and liquefy. Just before it dripped down into the flames, it would be removed from the hot stone, and the scraped onto a plate of potatoes and pickles.

The extended preparation encouraged conversation, and helped to pass the time, and the delicious combination of melted cheese and anything else, easily improved the simple ingredients they brought with them.

The word “Raclette” comes from the French word “racler” meaning “to scrape off”. From these humble beginnings, the Raclette tradition was born.

Technical Data

• Basic appliance for electrical outlet: 120V / 60Hz / 1200W
• CUL Approved
• Reversible cast aluminum nonstick grill plate, enameled cast iron grill plate or hot stone (model dependent)
• Variable temperature control

Parts Diagram

WARNING: Do not operate your grill if the cord or plug is damaged. If you notice any malfunction or defect, immediately disconnect the cord from the electrical outlet and contact the manufacturer. If repair is necessary, do not attempt yourself. Any repairs should be performed by a qualified person. This product comes with a one year warranty, and is completely protected against any manufacturing defects.

Important Safety Precautions

• READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO USE
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Always turn off before you unplug it.
• Unplug when not in use, and prior to any cleaning.
• If switching, flipping or removing the grill plate, allow to cool completely first.
• Keep cord away from any heat source.
• Do not immerse grill or cord in water or other liquids.
• Do not touch any hot surfaces. Always use knobs and handles provided.
• Never carry it when it’s still hot. Use extreme caution when moving while it’s still holding hot oil or other liquids.
• Never place a cloth or other flammable objects near it while it’s still hot.
• When placing raclette dishes in their spot, ensure that the handles are facing away from the heating element.
• Only use heat resistant spatulas when removing food from the grill.
• Place hot raclette dishes on a heat resistant surface, or a compatible dish holder.
• Do not use it for anything but its intended use.
• Do not use outside.
• Do not let cord hang over the edge of your table or counter.
• Do not place near hot gas, electric burner, or inside your oven.
• Connect to properly grounded outlet to prevent possibility of shock.
• Only cook on the removable plate, and make sure it is installed properly first.

Set Up And Starting

1. To prepare for setup, remove all parts from the box, and ensure that all pieces, 1-6 are included. See diagram for parts  list. PLEASE NOTE: Different models will come with different cooking surfaces. Each set will include ONE, and it will be cast aluminum, cast iron, or granite depending on which model you purchase.
2. Thoroughly wash grill plate or hot stone, the raclette dishes and the spatulas prior to use. Wipe dry once clean.
3. To set it up, simply align the grill plate or stone with the side supports, then secure into position.
4. Once grilling surface is installed, place the raclette dishes onto the tray surface underneath.
5. Plug the electrical cord into any standard outlet.
6. If cooking food that is marinated, lightly oil or grease the grill plate.
7. Never use non-stick cooking spray because it will burn onto the surface.
8. Preheat Cast aluminum grill plate for 8-10 minutes at the highest setting, then turn down to your required level for the dish you are making.
9. Preheat cast iron grill plate for 15 minutes at the highest setting, then reduce to cooking temperature.
10. Preheat hot stone for 20 minutes at the highest setting, or preheat in your oven to finish faster. If transferring from oven, be sure to use oven mitts.

Cleaning Instructions

1. Unplug an allow to cool prior to cleaning.
2. Wipe down with damp cloth. Do not submerge in water.
3. Wash grill plate, hot stone, dishes and spatulas in warm water, using a mild detergent. If grill plate is cast iron, dry immediately after washing.
4. Do not use steel wool, wire brushes or abrasive cleansers. If stubborn grime is encountered, leave to soak.
5. When cleaning the hot stone, a stainless steel scraper or scouring pad work well.

Recipes And Suggestions

Continue reading for general cooking tips and recipe ideas. Experiment with these to become familiar with the cooking techniques that work well, then get creative to discover food combinations that your friends and family will enjoy even more. As with any type of cooking, fresh, high quality ingredients will always result in great tasting food with ideal consistency.

Traditional Swiss Raclette

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. small new potatoes
• 1 1/2 lbs Swiss raclette cheese, cut into slices

Serves: 8

Side Dishes:

A selection or dried meats, proscuitto, parma ham, baguettes, gherkins, pickled onions and fresh pepper.

Directions:

1. Wash the potatoes, and boil them with skin on until cooked.
2. Place the potatoes, cheese and other side dishes on the table.
3. Place a slice of cheese into the raclette dish for each person, then position under the grill to melt.
4. Once cheese melts, scrape onto each person’s plate of potatoes, gherkins, and pickled onions.
5. Grin fresh pepper over the top, and enjoy with dried meats and baguette.
6. Serve with a light white whine or your preferred beverage of choice.
7. Tip: Try with other cheeses like Tilsit, Grey Alp, Appenzeller or Emmental.

Appetizer & Side Dish Ideas

Cheese Toast

1. Lightly toast slices of french bread on top of the grill plate.
2. Make sure the slices are no thicker than 3/4″ thick.
3. Once toasted, place into a raclette dish.
4. If desired, sprinkle with white wine.
5. Cover toast with a slice of cheese, then slide the dish under the grill.
6. Cook for 5-6 minutes.
7. Tip: Add thin slices of bacon, ham, sliced mushrooms or onion rings to the grill top and cook at the same time to serve on top of your toast.

Grilled Potatoes

1. Pre-boil potatoes, then slice lengthwise.
2. Grill on high for a few minutes on each side, then add to a raclette dish.
3. Place a piece of cheese over the top, then slide under the grill to melt.
4. Once cheese turns to liquid, remove and serve.
5. Tip: Add your favorite spices under the cheese for added flavor.

Quesadillas

1. Grill red and green peppers, mushrooms and onions on the grill plate.
2. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese in a raclette dish and slide under the grill until it melts.
3. Place a tortilla on the grill top, then fill with grilled veggies.
4. Scrape melted cheese over the top.
5. Fold tortilla over and then flip so both sides get browned.
6. Cut into triangles to serve.
7. Tip: If desired add in your favorite meat or spices. Experiment with different cheeses for a variety of flavors.

Main Dish Ideas

Meat

1. Cut meats into bite-size pieces.
2. Depending on the thickness, grill for about 2-4 minutes on each side.
3. For a variety, try marinating prior to cooking.
4. When cooking larger pieces, timing will be about 15 minutes for each side.

Fish and Seafood

1. Because they are more sensitive to heat, fish and seafood should not be cooked over heat that is too high.
2. When cooking thick fillets, lightly oil the surface and grill at a medium heat setting.

Shish Kabobs

1. Cut meat and veggies into bite-size pieces.
2. Add to wooden skewers and grill for 3-5 minutes.
3. Use beef or chicken with vegetables like cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and peppers.
4. For an alternative, try ham with peppers and pineapple, or substitute shrimp or salmon instead of traditional meats.

Desserts

Savoy-Style Pears

1. Peel, halve and core the pears, then slice into thin pieces.
2. Melt butter in a raclette dish and arrange the pears in a fan shape on top.
3. Sprinkle with sugar and cook on the top of the grill until the fruit is soft. Pour some cream over them, then slide the pans under the grill and cook until the sauce caramelizes.
4. Tip: You can use apples instead, and you can add cinnamon for added flavor.

Orange Cake

1. Lightly toast both sides of a slice of sponge cake on top of the grill.
2. Place into a raclette dish and sprinkle with orange liqueur.
3. Slice an orange thinly, remove the pith, cut in half, then arrange overlapping on top of the cake slice.
4. Sprinkle with course, raw sugar, and bake under grill for 5-6 minutes.
5. Tip: substitute peaches instead off oranges for a fresh summer treat.

Crepes

Prepare the batter ahead of time, and store until ready for fast and effortless results.

Yield: ~20 crepes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 3 eggs

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together and let sit for 45 minutes.
2. Heat up the crêpe top(reverse side of grill plate) to medium high.
3. Pour batter and allow to spread until crêpe cavity is filled.
4. Fry for about 30 seconds, then flip using a heat-resistant, and nonabrasive spatula.
5. Fry for another 30 seconds, then remove.

Savory Crepes

1. Serve as a main course. Use the batter recipe above, but eliminate the sugar.
2. Add fresh herbs to the batter and cook as detailed above.
3. Fill with mushrooms, chicken or baby shrimp an scallops cooked in sauce.
4. Fold and serve warm.

Dessert Crepes

Crepes Wilhelmina

1. Drizzle each crêpe with some cherry brandy and fill with two teaspoons of vanilla ice cream.
2. Fold over to serve.

Crepes Garbo

1. Drizzle brandy over canned peach slices and use as a filling.
2. Fold crêpe over and serve with hot chocolate sauce and whipped cream on top.

Tip: The crepe side of the grill plate can also be used for omelets, tacos or flat bread too.

Products Mentioned

• Classic Raclette Party Grill – Buy One ^[1]
• Cast Iron Raclette Grill – Buy One ^[2]

Tip Contents

• History ^[3]
• Parts Diagram ^[4]
• Safety ^[5]
• Set Up ^[6]
• Cleaning ^[7]
• Traditional Raclette Recipe ^[8]
• Side Dish Recipes ^[9]
• Main Course Recipes ^[10]
• Dessert Ideas ^[11]
• Crepes ^[12]