Fondue Torching: Is It Necessary Or Just A Gimmick?

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. While it may seem like a simple dish, there are actually several ways to prepare and serve fondue, each with its own unique set of tools and techniques. One of the most important considerations when making fondue is the heat source used to keep the fondue pot warm. While some types of fondue, such as chocolate or dessert fondues, only require a small tea light candle, other types, like hot oil, broth, or cheese fondue, require a much higher heat source. This is where the question of whether or not you need a torch comes into play.

Fondue fuel options: alcohol, gel, or liquid

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. While it may seem like a simple dish, there are a few things to consider when preparing this meal, especially when it comes to fuel options. The type of fondue you are preparing will dictate the type of fuel you will need.

For chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues, the dipping sauce is typically melted on a stovetop and then transferred to a fondue pot to keep it warm. These fondues require lower temperatures, so unscented tea light candles are a suitable option for fuel.

On the other hand, meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures. For these types of fondue, you will need a fondue pot that can withstand high heat, as well as a different type of burner and fuel. You have a few options for fuel when it comes to these higher-temperature fondues: gel fuel, liquid fuel (alcohol), or a butane burner.

Gel fuel typically comes in cartridges or tins and is a convenient option for hot oil, broth, or cheese fondue. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of fondue pot you are using. Liquid alcohol fuel, such as the blue liquid fondue fuel, can also be used for hot oil and broth fondues. It creates more heat than gel fuel, so be sure to adjust the openings on your burner accordingly to control the flame size. However, liquid alcohol fuel cannot be purchased online and must be sourced from a local store.

Lastly, butane burners are a more expensive option but offer a more adjustable heat source. They are typically sold separately as an additional accessory.

Lighting an alcohol or gel burner

Fondue sets usually come with alcohol burners that use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to light an alcohol or gel burner for your fondue:

Lighting an Alcohol Burner

• Take the burner away from the fondue pot to a safe area, like a kitchen counter.
• Fill the burner base with 2-3 ounces of fuel. Use 2 ounces for 1 hour of burning time and up to 3 ounces for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Place the burner cover on top of the base and set the burner on the fondue stand.
• Remove the burner cover.
• Ensure that all flammable materials are away from the burner, such as napkins or paper.
• Use a lighted match to ignite the fuel. Bring the match towards the hole in the centre of the burner until the fuel catches the flame.
• Adjust the flame by exposing or covering more holes in the top of the burner.
• To extinguish the flame, place the burner cover on top of the burner base.
• Always wait for the burner to cool down before refilling it with more fuel.

Lighting a Gel Burner

• Remove the bottom half of the fondue burner.
• Insert a gel cartridge into the metal casing. Alternatively, pour the gel directly into the bottom of the burner.
• Place the top of the fondue burner with the opening for air on top of the bottom part.
• Cover with the burner lid and leave the holes wide open.
• Light the fuel with a match or a lighter.
• Adjust the burner holes as needed.
• To extinguish the flame, simply put the cover on the burner.

Safety Tips:

• Always use the right type of fondue pot and fuel.
• Never fill the burner while it is still hot and never overfill it.
• Wipe off any spilled fuel immediately.
• Be cautious when using liquid alcohol as it is highly flammable and can easily spill.
• Do not use methylated spirits for fuel instead of liquid alcohol, as it may contain added denaturants that are unhealthy to inhale when burnt indoors.

Safety measures when using fondue fuel

When using fondue fuel, there are several safety measures that should be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience. Here are some detailed instructions for safe fondue fuel handling:

Selecting the Right Fuel:

Different types of fondue fuel are available, such as isopropyl alcohol, gelled fuel, or liquid alcohol. Choose a fuel that is compatible with your fondue set. If using isopropyl alcohol, opt for a concentration of at least 90% to ensure optimal burning efficiency.

Filling the Burner:

Fill the fondue burner with the recommended amount of fuel. Typically, 2 ounces of fuel will burn for about an hour, while 3 ounces can provide up to an hour and a half of burning time. Avoid overfilling the burner to prevent spills and safety hazards.

Igniting the Flame:

Use a long lighter or a long-reach match to ignite the fuel. Always exercise caution to prevent burns, and never lean over the flame during ignition. Ensure that the burner is placed on a stable surface before lighting.

Adjusting the Flame:

Most fondue burners have adjustable controls to regulate the flame's intensity. Adjust the flame to the desired level to maintain the optimal temperature for your fondue. Be cautious when adjusting the flame to avoid accidental burns.

Monitoring the Burner:

Always keep a close eye on the burner while it is in use. Never leave it unattended, especially if there are children or pets nearby. Ensure that the burner is kept away from flammable materials and that the flame is extinguished before leaving the area.

Extinguishing the Flame:

To safely extinguish the flame, use the burner's snuffer or cover it with a metal plate. Do not attempt to blow out the flame. Wait for the burner to cool down completely before refilling or handling it. Ensure that the flame is entirely out before storing the burner.

Ventilation:

When using fondue fuel, especially indoors, ensure proper ventilation in the area. Burning fuel can produce fumes, so it is important to maintain a well-ventilated space to prevent their accumulation.

Cleanliness and Maintenance:

Regularly clean and maintain your fondue burner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep the burner free from stains, discoloration, and residue. Proper cleaning ensures the burner functions optimally and lasts longer.

By following these safety measures, you can confidently enjoy your fondue experience without compromising safety. Always refer to the instruction manual provided with your fondue set for specific guidelines related to your particular burner.

Using a candle for chocolate, caramel, or dessert fondue

Number of Tea Light Candles

The number of tea light candles you'll need depends on the amount of fondue you're melting and how quickly you want it to be ready. For a standard dessert fondue pot that holds about 1 1/2 cups of fondue, use 2-3 tea light candles. If you're in a hurry, using an additional tea light candle will help speed up the melting process.

Melting the Fondue

When melting chocolate or caramel for your fondue, it's important to do it slowly and gently to avoid burning or seizing. You can place your fondue pot directly on a stove burner or use a double boiler. Stir frequently to ensure even melting. Once the fondue is melted, transfer it to the fondue dish with the tea light candles to keep it warm.

Stirring and Dipping

It's important to stir your fondue frequently, especially if you're using a candle as a heat source. The heat from the candle may not be distributed evenly, so stirring helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the fondue. When dipping, be sure to use fondue-safe utensils such as long-stemmed forks or skewers.

Dipping Options

The great thing about chocolate, caramel, or dessert fondue is the variety of dipping options you can offer your guests. Fresh fruit is always a popular choice, with options like strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and oranges. For chocolate fondue, you can also offer pretzels, bacon strips, cake pieces, brownies, cookies, or Rice Krispy treats. For caramel fondue, frozen cheesecake squares or pound cake cubes are delicious options.

Presentation

Fondue is a fun and interactive dessert, so presentation matters! Arrange your dipping options attractively around the fondue pot, and consider adding a few decorative touches to the table. For caramel fondue, you can drizzle the caramel with a spoonful of heavy cream and lightly swirl it with a fork for a pretty pattern and extra creaminess.

Blowtorches for cooking

Blowtorches are a fun and versatile tool to have in the kitchen, and can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks. While they are not essential, they can be used to create a range of interesting dishes and add a level of sophistication to your cooking.

Blowtorches are great for creating a crunchy, caramelised topping on desserts such as crème brûlée, or for adding a sophisticated twist to a classic like s'mores. They can also be used to sear fish, giving it a different flavour and texture, or to roast peppers to add to pizzas or antipasto. For a quick and easy breakfast, you can even use a blowtorch to cook French toast, giving it a lovely dimpled brown colour.

Blowtorches are also handy for tasks such as lighting candles or getting a charcoal grill fired up. They can be used to create a range of effects, from a subtle sear to a full-on blaze, depending on the intensity of the flame and the length of time you apply it for.

When purchasing a blowtorch, it is important to consider factors such as ease of use, safety features, flame intensity, and weight. Some models can be heavy and awkward to store, while others are lightweight and easy to stash in a drawer. You can also choose between refillable butane torches and those that use propane cylinders.

Frequently asked questions