Sterno Canned Heat: The Perfect Fondue Pot Companion?

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to cook and eat with friends and family. Fondue sets come with a pot, a stand, and a burner which goes underneath the stand to heat the pot. The burner can be fuelled by alcohol, butane, electricity, Sterno (gel fuel), or tea light candles. Sterno is a brand name for fuel in a small container and comes in solid fuel tins or as a pourable gel fuel in bottles. It is a convenient alternative heat source for fondue pots, but it may not offer the temperature control needed for certain types of fondue, such as cheese fondue. For fondues that require high heat, such as meat fondue, it is recommended to start the broth or oil on the stove and then transfer it to the fondue pot.

Sterno is a brand name for fuel in a small container

Sterno is a brand name for fuel sold in a small container. It is a form of jellied, denatured alcohol, designed to be burned directly in its can. It is commonly used for heating chafing dishes and fondue pots, as well as for portable stoves and emergency heat sources. Sterno is also used with toy and model steam engines and other external combustion engines.

The fuel is typically ignited with a match or lighter and extinguished by covering the can with a lid or any non-combustible cover to deprive the flame of oxygen. Sterno is available in different burn times, ranging from 2 to 6 hours, and costs around $1-5 per can. It is important to note that only varieties designed for caterers are safe to burn indoors, while other types require adequate ventilation due to the production of carbon monoxide.

Sterno has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century. It was discovered as a byproduct of the nitrocellulose manufacturing process and was originally manufactured by S. Sternau & Co. of Brooklyn, New York, who created chafing dishes, coffee percolators, and similar appliances. The name "Sterno" is derived from the company's name and was first used for their "Sterno-Inferno" alcohol burner. Over the years, Sterno has changed hands several times and is now owned by Sterno Products, a portfolio company of Westar Capital LLC, based in Corona, California.

Sterno is composed of ethanol, methanol, water, and an amphoteric oxide gelling agent. In recent times, a safety dye has been added to give it a distinct pink colour, serving as a warning against consumption. Despite being poisonous, there have been instances of people drinking Sterno to get intoxicated, which can have severe health consequences, including permanent blindness due to optic nerve damage.

When using Sterno, it is crucial to follow safety precautions. It should be stored in a cool, dry location, away from foodstuffs, oxidising agents, acidic materials, and alkalis. Always ensure proper ventilation and functioning carbon monoxide detectors when burning Sterno indoors. Additionally, exercise caution when extinguishing the flame by smothering it, as the can may become extremely hot.

Sterno is a gelled alcohol

Sterno is a brand name for fuel in a container, often used for camping stoves and chafing dishes. It is a gelled alcohol, also known as canned heat, and comes in a small metal can. The gelled alcohol is made by mixing alcohol with calcium acetate. Sterno is a popular brand name in chafing fuels and many other brands are modelled after it or are, in fact, manufactured by Sterno.

Gelled alcohol stoves are popular and easy to find as they are mass-produced as chafing fuels. They are a safer option than liquid alcohol-fuel stoves as they are less volatile and spill-proof. However, they may not be able to achieve temperatures high enough to cook food.

Sterno's Green Ethanol Gel has been used for over 100 years as a food warming solution by catering professionals and home entertainers. It is ideal for fondues, smores, beverage urns and portable stoves. Each can burns for 45 minutes and the gel is a cleaner-burning bio-based fuel that is safe for cooking.

Sterno is a good option for a fondue pot, as long as the correct size can is used. The gelled form is safer than the liquid form, which can be dangerous if overfilled and spilled.

Liquid Sterno is just alcohol

Sterno is a brand of jellied, denatured alcohol sold in and meant to be burned directly in its can. It is used as a fuel for heating chafing dishes in buffets and serving fondue. Sterno is made from ethanol denatured by adding methanol, water, and an amphoteric oxide gelling agent, plus, in recent decades, a safety dye that gives it a characteristic pink colour. The methanol is added to denature the product, which is intended to make it too toxic for consumption.

Sterno is safe for cooking

Sterno canned heat is a great option for indoor cooking and comes in a variety of burn times (anywhere from 2-6 hours) and costs ($1-5 a can). It is a disposable version of the alcohol burner commonly used by caterers to keep hot foods at serving temperature. The cans are filled with forms of alcohol or a purplish gel (petroleum product) that is flammable but does not burn quickly.

Sterno canned heat is safe to use for cooking, but it is important to follow some safety precautions. Here are some tips to ensure safe use:

• Always use Sterno canned heat in a well-ventilated area, even if the product is designed for indoor use.
• Make sure to read the label and only use cans that specify they are safe for indoor burning.
• Provide adequate ventilation and have working carbon monoxide detectors nearby when using Sterno canned heat.
• Use caution as the flame may be almost invisible in some lighting conditions.
• Do not blow on the flames to extinguish them. Instead, smother the flame with the lid provided.
• Allow the can to cool completely before replacing the lid, as it will be difficult to remove next time if it is still hot.
• Be careful not to spill any of the flammable liquid when handling the product.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Sterno's website also mentions that their cooking gels are clean-burning, non-toxic, water-soluble, and biodegradable, making them a safe choice for cooking.

Sterno is flameless

Sterno is a flameless heat source, which is ideal for use with fondue pots. It is a brand of jellied, denatured alcohol, designed to be burned directly in its can. The flame is typically lit with a match or lighter and extinguished by placing the lid over the can to starve it of oxygen. Sterno is a popular choice for both commercial food services and home entertainment. Its primary uses include heating chafing dishes for buffets and serving fondue.

Sterno is an excellent option for those seeking a flameless heat source, as it offers several benefits. Firstly, it is easy to use and convenient, providing a neat and tidy source of heat. The cans are also compact and portable, making them ideal for camping and emergency preparedness. Additionally, Sterno is a safe option as it resists spilling if accidentally tipped over. The Smart Can technology adds to its safety features, indicating when the can is too hot to handle.

Another advantage of Sterno is its longevity. Each can provides a consistent burn time of up to two hours, making it ideal for entertaining and catering. It delivers maximum heat quickly and keeps food in the safe temperature zone for extended periods. Furthermore, Sterno is environmentally friendly. The formula is biodegradable and water-soluble, making it safe for disposal, and the steel cans are made from recyclable metal.

Sterno is a reliable and trusted brand, synonymous with quality and performance in food heating and warming for over a century. The company offers a comprehensive line of portable warming products, including flameless options, catering to the hospitality and retail markets. Their commitment to excellence ensures perfect performance every time.

In summary, Sterno is a flameless heat source that is safe, effective, and convenient for a variety of applications, including fondue pots. With its ease of use, longevity, and environmental considerations, it is a popular choice for those seeking a reliable heat source for food warming.

Frequently asked questions