The Art Of Fondue: Mastering Gel Fuel Techniques

Fondue fuel comes in both liquid and gel form. The type of fuel you need depends on the type of fondue you are making. For example, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue only require a small tea light candle to keep the melted dipping sauce warm. Meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues, on the other hand, require higher temperatures and a different type of fondue burner. Some burners require gel fuel cartridges, while others use liquid fuel or pourable gelled fondue fuel. Liquid fuel creates more heat than gel fuel, so it is better suited for hot oil and broth fondue. Gel fuel, on the other hand, works well for cheese fondue. Fondue fuel can be purchased online or at some local grocery stores, typically near the BBQ supplies.

Gel fuel vs liquid fuel

When it comes to gel fuel vs liquid fuel for your fondue, there are several factors to consider. Both types of fuel are readily available and suitable for fondue sets, but they have different properties that may make one type more preferable for your needs.

Firstly, liquid alcohol fuel burns at a higher temperature than gel fuel. This makes liquid fuel ideal for cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, which require higher temperatures than those used for dessert fondues. However, liquid fuel also carries a higher risk of spillage, which can be dangerous.

Gel fuel, on the other hand, is a jelly-like form of alcohol that has a lower burn temperature but burns for longer. Gram for gram, gel fuel will give out less heat than liquid fuel. This makes it more suitable for dessert fondues or even cheese fondue, where a lower temperature is required. The main advantage of gel fuel is safety. Its higher viscosity means it is less likely to spill and will not run if it is knocked over, reducing the risk of fire.

Another option is chafing fuel, which is also a type of gel fuel but comes in screw-top tins that can be burned, extinguished, and reused. These are less aesthetically pleasing than a fondue set and offer less precise temperature control.

Additionally, newer fondue sets may use pressurised butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control and is very safe, provided the canister is not mishandled or exposed to dramatic changes in air pressure.

In summary, the type of fuel you choose for your fondue depends on the temperature you require and your safety preferences. Liquid fuel burns hotter but carries a higher risk of spillage, while gel fuel is safer and burns longer but at a lower temperature. Chafing fuel and butane gas are also options, depending on your specific needs and fondue setup. Always ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for your fondue burner and use the correct type of fuel to avoid mishaps.

How to light gel fuel

To light gel fuel for a fondue, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, ensure you are using the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Check that the gel fuel you have purchased is suitable for indoor use and fondue/chafing dishes.

Next, you will need to fill the burner base with fuel. Use 2 ounces of gel fuel for 1 hour of burning time, or 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. Then, remove the burner cover.

Now you can light the burner. Use a match to ignite the fuel by bringing it towards the hole in the centre of the burner. Once the fuel has caught the flame, you can discard the used match. Adjust the openings in the burner to reach your desired temperature—a larger opening will create a higher heat.

When you have finished using the fondue, simply put the cover on the burner to smother the flame.

Where to buy gel fuel

If you're looking to buy gel fuel for your fondue, there are a number of online and in-store options available to you.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of gel fuel products, including fondue fuel gel, ethanol chafing dish fuel, and gel fuel cans for fire bowls and fireplaces. Amazon offers free delivery on orders over $35 for Prime members, with some products also offering the option of faster delivery for an additional cost.

Walmart

Walmart stocks gel fuel for fondue, chafing fuel, and ethanol gel chafing fuel. They offer a range of pack sizes, from 2-packs to 24-packs, and their products are competitively priced.

Target

Target also offers gel fuel products, although their specific product range is unclear.

In-store

If you're looking to purchase gel fuel in-store, you may be able to find it at your local grocery store. One source mentions Kroger and Publix as potential options, although another notes that they were unable to find gel fuel on the store apps. Additionally, you may be able to find gel fuel at your local pharmacy, as one source mentions that 91% Isopropyl Alcohol can be used as fondue fuel and is available at many pharmacies.

How much gel fuel to use

The amount of gel fuel you need for your fondue depends on the type of fondue you are making, the type of burner you are using, and the desired temperature.

For chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues, you only need to keep the fondue warm, so a small tea light candle should suffice. These types of fondue do not require gel fuel.

For cheese, meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues, you will need a higher temperature. If your fondue pot is designed for high heat, you can use a burner that works with gel fuel, liquid fuel (alcohol), or both.

Liquid fuel creates more heat than gel fuel, so it is better for hot oil and broth fondue. If using liquid fuel, pour about 90 ml or 3 oz into the bottom of the burner. Be careful not to spill any of the flammable liquid.

If using gel fuel, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of burner and fondue fuel you are using. You can purchase gel fuel in cans or bottles, with burn times ranging from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.

What type of fondue burner to use

When preparing a gel fondue, it is important to use the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Fondue fuel comes in liquid and gel form, and both are suitable for gel fondue. However, liquid alcohol is highly flammable and can be dangerous due to its spillability. Fondue gel fuel is often a safer alternative.

If using liquid alcohol, always take the burner away from the fondue pot to a safe area, like a kitchen counter, and ensure it has completely cooled off before refilling. Never overfill the burner, and stop pouring when the liquid level reaches the holes or mesh. Wipe off any spills, and ensure all flammable materials are cleared from the area before lighting.

If using gel fuel, you will need a fondue burner with a removable bottom half. Remove the bottom portion and insert a gel cartridge into the metal casing. Then, place the top of the burner, which has the opening for air, onto the bottom part. If you are not using a gel cartridge, simply pour the gel directly into the bottom of the fondue burner.

It is important to note that not all burners have a removable bottom half, so do not force yours to open. Always read the product descriptions and instructions carefully to ensure safe use.

Frequently asked questions