Fondue Fuel: How Much Do You Need For A Fun Night?

The amount of fuel needed for a fondue kit depends on the type of fondue being prepared and the type of burner being used. Fondue fuel typically comes in liquid or gel form, with liquid fuel creating more heat than gel fuel. For a chocolate, caramel, or dessert fondue, an unscented tea light candle is sufficient to keep the fondue warm. Meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues, on the other hand, require higher temperatures. For these types of fondue, a burner that uses gel or alcohol fuel is needed. The amount of liquid fuel needed is typically around 2 to 3 ounces, providing up to 1 hour and 30 minutes of burning time. It's important to note that liquid alcohol fuel can be dangerous due to its flammability and spill risk, so fondue gel fuel is often a safer alternative.

Fondue Fuel Characteristics

Fondue fuel types: gel, liquid alcohol, or tea lights

When preparing fondue, it is important to use the right type of fondue pot and the right type of fondue fuel. The type of fuel you use depends on the type of fondue you are preparing.

For chocolate, butterscotch, coffee, and other dessert fondues, the key is to keep the liquid warm enough to stop it from solidifying. The best fuel to use is a simple, unscented tealight candle. These candles are lit about two to three inches from the bottom of the pan or melting dish to keep the temperature at the optimum level. They will keep burning for 4 to 5 hours and present none of the dangers associated with liquid fuels.

For cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, you need a fuel that burns at a higher temperature than what can be achieved using tea lights. Liquid alcohol is a good fuel option for these types of fondues as it burns practically without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. It is available from most groceries and drug stores and can be used for lamps and cleaning purposes as well. You will need a special fondue burner to use alcohol fuel and special care must be taken not to spill the liquid fuel, especially near flames.

Gel fuel is essentially a jelly-like form of alcohol. Gram for gram, gel fuel burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol, though it will burn for longer. The gel can be poured into a normal fondue burner and used in the same way as liquid fuel. The main advantage of gel fuel over liquid fuel is the increased safety. The higher viscosity means that the gel is less likely to spill from the bottle or burner and will not run if it is spilled. This means there is less danger of fire and if a fire is caused, it will be less dangerous than the kind associated with liquid fuel.

How much fondue fuel to use

The amount of fondue fuel you use depends on the type of fondue you are making, the type of burner you have, and the type of fuel you are using.

Fondue sets typically come with alcohol burners, which use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel. You can also use a butane burner, but these are usually more expensive and need to be purchased separately.

If you are making a chocolate, caramel, or dessert fondue, you only need a small unscented tea light candle to keep the mixture warm.

For meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues, you will need a higher temperature than tea lights can provide. Hot oil and broth-based fondues require high heat to keep the liquid warm enough to cook meat. Cheese fondue also requires high heat to keep the cheese liquefied. For these types of fondue, you can use liquid alcohol or gel fuel.

When using liquid alcohol fuel, fill the burner base with 2 to 3 ounces of fuel. Use 2 ounces for 1 hour of burning time, and up to 3 ounces for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Make sure to follow safety precautions when using liquid alcohol fuel, as it is highly flammable and can easily be spilled. Always use a match to light the fuel, and keep flammable materials away from the burner.

Gel fuel is often a safer alternative to liquid alcohol fuel. You can use gel fuel cartridges or pour the gel directly into the burner. Follow the instructions provided with your fondue burner for specific details on how to use gel fuel with your burner.

How to light a fondue burner

To light a fondue burner, you'll first need to ensure you have the right type of fondue pot and fuel. If you're using a gel fuel burner, you can use fire starters that are suitable for indoor use, such as Fire Dragon Fuel. If you're using an alcohol burner, you can use liquid alcohol fuel, but note that this is highly flammable and cannot be purchased online.

• Take the burner away from the fondue pot and place it on a safe work area, like a kitchen counter.
• If you are refilling the burner, wait for it to cool down, then carefully pour the liquid fuel into the bottom of the burner. Stop pouring when the liquid reaches the holes or mesh.
• If you've spilled any fuel on the burner, wipe it off.
• Bring the refilled burner (unlit) back to the table and place it underneath your fondue pot.
• Ensure that all flammable materials, such as napkins and paper, are away from the burner.
• Open the air holes to the maximum width.
• Carefully bring a lit match to the holes.
• Once the burner is lit, discard the used match.
• Adjust the openings to achieve your desired temperature.

If you are using a gel fuel burner, follow the same steps as above, but note that not all burners have a removable bottom half, so do not force yours to open. Instead, insert a gel cartridge into the metal casing, then place the top of the burner with the opening for air on top. If you are not using a gel cartridge, remove the bottom portion and pour the gel directly into the burner.

For chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues, you only need a small unscented tea light to keep your fondue warm. Light the tea light with a lighter or a match.

Where to buy fondue fuel

When it comes to buying fondue fuel, there are a few options to consider. The type of fondue you are planning to make will determine the kind of fuel you need. Chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues only require a small unscented tea light to keep the mixture warm, whereas meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures.

Fondue fuel typically comes in liquid or gel form, and can be purchased online or in-store. Here are some places where you can buy fondue fuel:

• Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of fondue fuel options, including gel fuel cans, liquid fuel, and fuel capsules. Some brands available on Amazon include Swissmar, Boska, Cuisinox, Sterno, Gas One, and Trudeau.
• Walmart: Walmart also offers fondue fuel options, such as the Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel 3 Ounce Fondue Fuel Tin and the Sterno 2 Pack 2.25 Hour Gel Fuel.
• Local grocery stores: If you are looking for liquid alcohol fuel, you may be able to find it at your local grocery store, usually near the BBQ supplies.
• Specialty kitchen stores: Stores that specialise in kitchen equipment and supplies may also carry fondue fuel.

It is important to note that liquid alcohol fuel cannot be purchased online due to its highly flammable nature, so you will need to source it locally. Always follow safety instructions when using fondue fuel, and ensure that it is compatible with your fondue burner.

Fondue fuel safety

Fondue fuels come in different types, and it is important to use the right one for your fondue burner. Using the wrong fuel can be unsafe and lead to unpleasant consequences.

For chocolate, butterscotch, coffee, and other dessert fondues, an unscented tealight candle is best. It keeps the liquid warm without the dangers associated with liquid fuels. Burn the candle about two to three inches from the bottom of the pan to maintain the optimum temperature.

For cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, a higher temperature is required than what tea lights can provide. Liquid alcohol is a good option as it burns without odour and will not leave soot stains on the pan. However, it must be handled with care as it is highly flammable and can easily spill. Always use a special fondue burner for alcohol fuel and never fill the burner while it is still hot or overfill it. Only pour the liquid fuel into the bottom part of the burner and stop when it reaches the holes or mesh. Wipe off any spills, and keep flammable materials away from the burner.

Gel fuel is a safer alternative to liquid alcohol as it is less likely to spill and will not run if knocked over. It can be used in a normal fondue burner and provides a longer burn time. Chafing fuels are also gel-based and come in screw-top tins that can be burned, extinguished, and reused. However, they may be less aesthetically pleasing and offer less precise temperature control than a proper fondue set.

Newer fondue sets may use pressurised butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control, easy reuse, and no odour. This option is generally safe as long as the canister is handled with care and not exposed to drastic air pressure changes.

Frequently asked questions