Why do the cool-touch handles on my raclette feel warm?

Cool-touch handles are designed to stay easier to hold, but they can still feel warm after prolonged cooking. Stop using the appliance if the handles become hot enough to discomfort you, because that may indicate unusual heat transfer.

1. Check whether the handles were touched during heating. Heat from the plate, pans or nearby metal parts can spread gradually. Expected result: the handles feel warm, not hot.
2. Reduce the cooking intensity. Use smaller portions and avoid running the appliance at full load for too long. Expected result: the handles remain more comfortable to touch.
3. Keep pans and plates correctly seated. Poorly fitted parts can transfer more heat to surrounding components. Expected result: a correctly fitted set keeps handle warmth lower.
4. Check for grease build-up near the handle area. Clean only when the appliance is cool. Expected result: the handle area no longer feels sticky or heat-retentive.
5. Stop using the raclette if the handles become unexpectedly hot, if the plastic softens, or if you smell melting material. Contact the retailer or store where it was purchased.

Some models in this range include cool-touch handles, which help reduce contact heat but do not make the appliance cold. That means warmth can still happen during normal use, but anything beyond that should be treated as a warning sign.