WMF Lono Raclette Grill review: compact, polished and built for four

WMF Lono Raclette Grill at a glance

Important for US buyers: this is a 220-volt model

I want to put this first, because it matters more than anything else in this review.

The WMF Lono listing on Amazon.com is the European version of the grill.

Amazon lists it at 220 volts and 870 watts, and the product title is in German.

At the time of writing, it is sold and shipped by a third-party seller, with about $60 in shipping and a delivery window of several weeks to the US.

Standard outlets in the US and Canada supply about 120 volts.

A 220-volt appliance will not work properly on a 120-volt outlet, and European plugs do not fit US sockets.

To use it in the US, you would need a step-up voltage converter rated comfortably above 870 watts, not just a plug adapter.

A plug adapter alone is not enough and can be dangerous.

For most US readers, that makes a 120-volt raclette grill from a brand like Swissmar the more practical choice.

If you live in Europe, the UK with an adapter, or another 220–240-volt region, the rest of this review applies directly.

Why I looked closely at the WMF Lono

Most raclette grills are built for eight people.

That is great for parties, but too big for a quiet dinner for two or a small family.

The WMF Lono is one of the better-known compact options, made by WMF, a German kitchenware brand known for its Cromargan stainless steel.

I wanted to know whether the WMF name translates into a better raclette, and how it compares with bigger, cheaper grills.

I went through WMF's product information, the Amazon listing details and a large sample of owner reviews from Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands.

As a former restaurant cook, I looked closely at heat, handling and cleanup, the details that decide whether a raclette comes out of the cupboard again.

Illustration: the Lono is compact enough to leave out on the counter or store in a cupboard.

What the WMF Lono actually is

The WMF Lono Raclette Grill is a compact electric raclette for up to four people.

It has a brushed, matte Cromargan stainless steel body, WMF's name for its 18/10 stainless steel.

On top sits a reversible non-stick grill plate.

One side is ribbed for grilling meat and vegetables with grill marks.

The other side is flat for more delicate food, such as thin slices, eggs or small pancakes.

Underneath, a heating element melts cheese in four individual pans.

Four spatulas are included.

The grill has adjustable temperature control and an indicator light.

A practical detail that owners appreciate is a parking area for pans that are not in use.

The Amazon listing rates it at 870 watts.

Build quality and design

Build quality is where the WMF clearly stands out.

A German owner who specifically looked for a smaller raclette said the build is top-notch, with a housing that feels high-quality and sturdy, unlike cheap models.

A French owner praised the superb finish and noted that the pan handles do not come loose, unlike another brand he had used.

A Spanish owner simply called it super quality and a reference brand.

The matte stainless body looks elegant on a dining table, and it does not look like a party gadget.

Owners also say the side walls block heat well, so the body stays cool enough to sit directly on the table.

One owner who already had a WMF raclette bought a second one because he liked it so much.

Illustration: the matte stainless body looks at home on a dining table.

Cooking performance

Owners are consistently happy with how the Lono cooks.

Heat-up and evenness

Most owners say it heats quickly and evenly.

One German owner said the grill plate gets hot fast and evenly, and another called it very powerful and quick to heat.

A French owner said it heats fast and that the adjustable temperature lets everyone eat at their own pace.

One owner disagreed and found that it takes a long time to reach temperature, so results may vary with how high you set it.

The reversible plate

The two-sided plate adds flexibility.

Use the ribbed side for meat, sausages and vegetables, and the flat side for thin slices, shrimp or eggs.

One owner said both sides are easy to use and easy to clean.

Another found the round depression in the middle of the flat side odd and would have preferred a fully flat surface.

The pans

The four raclette pans are solid.

One owner described them as massive, while another felt they were too light for their heavy handles, so they could tip over.

Fill pans evenly and do not overload them with toppings.

Size: is it big enough?

WMF rates the Lono for four people.

Owners agree it is perfect for two and fine for four.

One German owner said it is fine for four and more than perfect for two.

Another uses it mainly for two and said the size is ideal, with enough space on the plate and a table that does not feel crowded.

A Dutch owner with a family of three found it smaller than expected, but was otherwise happy.

If you regularly host five or more people, an 8-person raclette is a better choice.

If you mostly cook for two to four and want something that does not take over the cupboard, the compact size is a real advantage.

Cleaning and care

Easy cleaning is one of the most praised features.

One owner called it the absolute highlight, saying many raclette grills are hard to clean but this one is quick and effortless.

Let the grill cool fully before cleaning.

Wipe the non-stick plate with a soft sponge and warm soapy water, and avoid metal scrapers or abrasive pads.

Wash the pans and spatulas by hand to protect their coating.

Wipe the stainless body with a damp cloth and dry it, and never submerge the base.

Use only the included plastic or wooden spatulas on the non-stick surfaces.

Illustration: owners say the non-stick plate wipes clean quickly after dinner.

Known issues

Complaints are few, but they are worth knowing.

• Warm pan handles: One owner noticed the pan handles get quite warm when the pans sit in the parking area.
• Missing parts: One owner received a unit missing a small rubber stopper, which made the grill plate wobble. Another had to return a unit with no spatulas.
• Heat-up time: One owner found it slow to reach temperature.
• Cable: One owner criticized the quality of the power cable.
• Flat side design: One owner disliked the round dip in the flat side of the plate.

Check that all parts are in the box when your grill arrives.

Because the Amazon.com listing is sold by a third-party seller, getting replacement parts may be harder than buying from a local WMF retailer.

Hosting a raclette dinner for two to four

A compact raclette changes the occasion.

Instead of a big party, it becomes a relaxed weeknight or weekend dinner.

Here is what to prepare for four people.

• Cheese: About 150–200 grams of raclette cheese per person, sliced to fit the pans.
• Potatoes: Small waxy potatoes, boiled in their skins and kept warm.
• Grill items: Thin slices of beef, chicken or pork, sausages, shrimp, mushrooms, peppers and zucchini.
• Pickles: Cornichons and pickled onions cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Extras: Cured ham, crusty bread and a simple green salad.

Slice everything thinly so it cooks quickly on the plate.

Preheat the grill for 10 to 15 minutes before you start.

Use the flat side of the plate for thin slices and the ribbed side for sausages and vegetables.

A French owner said the adjustable temperature lets everyone eat at their own pace, which is exactly how a raclette evening should feel.

What US buyers should look for instead

If you live in the US and like the idea of a compact raclette, look for these features in a 120-volt model.

• 120-volt rating: It should be listed for US outlets and ideally UL or ETL certified.
• 4-person size: Four pans keep the grill compact for small households.
• Reversible plate: A grill side and a flat or crêpe side add flexibility.
• Adjustable heat: A temperature dial gives you more control than an on/off switch.
• Pan parking: A shelf or rest for unused pans keeps the table tidy.

Swissmar makes several 4-person raclettes for the US market, including models with reversible non-stick tops.

They do not have the same premium stainless finish as the WMF, but they plug straight into a US outlet and are often cheaper.

What owners say

The Lono has an impressive average of 4.8 out of 5 from about 1,400 global ratings.

At the time of writing, there are no reviews from US buyers on the listing, which is another sign that it is aimed at European customers.

European owners praise the build, the design, the even heat, the easy cleanup and the compact size.

One owner wrote back after more than a year of use to say it was still a very good product.

The few critical reviews mention the size for larger families, warm pan handles, missing small parts and a slow warm-up for one owner.

Overall, the owner feedback is among the strongest of any raclette grill I looked at.

For buyers in the right region, it is an easy recommendation.

Is the WMF Lono worth the money?

In Europe, the Lono is a premium compact raclette, and owners feel the build quality justifies the price.

On Amazon.com, the picture is different.

At about $179 plus around $60 shipping at the time of writing, plus the cost of a voltage converter, it becomes an expensive option for US buyers.

For that money, US readers can buy a 120-volt raclette that plugs straight into the wall.

If you live in a 220–240-volt country or already have suitable power, the WMF is a lovely, long-lasting choice for small households.

Prices and sellers change, so check the current listing on Amazon for price, seller and voltage before you buy.

Illustration: the Lono suits relaxed raclette evenings for two to four people.

WMF Lono specifications

From WMF's product information and the Amazon product page.

WMF Lono vs 8-person raclette vs 120 V compact raclette

Here is how the Lono compares with the alternatives US and European buyers usually consider.