Lighting Fondue Gel: A Safe And Easy Guide

Fondue is a fun way to enjoy a meal with friends, but it's important to know how to light your fondue burner safely. The type of fondue will determine the type of fuel you need. For example, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue only need to be kept warm, so a small tea light candle will suffice. Meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues, on the other hand, require higher temperatures, so you'll need a different type of fondue burner, such as one that uses gel fuel or alcohol fuel. If you're using gel fuel, simply place the gel cartridge or pack into the fondue burner base, remove the foil lid, cover with the burner lid, and light with a match. For liquid alcohol fuel, take the burner to a safe area, fill it with 2-3 ounces of fuel, return it to the stand, and light with a match.

How to Light Fondue Gel

Using tea light candles for chocolate and caramel fondue

Fondue is a Swiss tradition that started as a way for poor farmers to use up their last scraps of food in winter. The word "fondue" comes from a French word that means "to melt." Fondue sets usually come with a burning apparatus, but tea light candles can also be used to melt chocolate and keep it warm.

Tea light candles are ideal for chocolate and caramel fondue because they provide a small amount of heat to keep the fondue warm and in a liquid state without burning it. To use tea light candles for chocolate or caramel fondue, start by preparing your fondue on the stove using a double boiler or two pots (a small pot placed inside a larger one containing water). Once your fondue is ready, transfer it to a fondue pot. Place a tea light candle on the burner about 2-3 inches from the bottom of the pot and light it with a match or lighter. The number of tea light candles you use will depend on the amount of chocolate or caramel you are melting and how quickly you want your fondue to be ready. Use 2-3 tea lights for a fondue pot that holds about 1 1/2 cups of fondue, which is a good quantity for 2-4 people.

Make sure to stir your fondue frequently to prevent it from burning or forming a ball close to the heat source. You can also add a small amount of cream to your chocolate fondue to help keep it smooth and creamy. When your fondue is ready, you can dip various foods into it, such as pretzels, bacon strips, cake pieces, brownies, cookies, Rice Krispy treats, or fresh fruit.

It is important to use unscented tea light candles for chocolate and caramel fondue, as scented candles can affect the taste of the fondue. Additionally, always take safety precautions when using tea light candles for fondue. Keep flammable materials away from the candles, and never leave the candles unattended.

Lighting gel fuel with a match

Before you begin, ensure you have the correct fondue pot and fuel. Fondue gel fuel is often sold in single-use packs with foil lids. These are convenient and safe to use. Place your fondue pot on a stable surface, preferably a table low enough that guests won't knock it over while reaching for food. Keep flammable materials, such as napkins and paper, away from the burner.

Now, you can start the process of lighting the gel fuel:

• Open the gel fuel pack and remove the foil lid.
• Place the open pack into the fondue burner base.
• Cover the pack with the burner lid, ensuring the lid has holes for ventilation.
• Use a match to carefully light the gel fuel through the holes in the burner lid. Be cautious when handling the match to avoid burns.
• Adjust the burner holes to regulate the temperature. A larger opening will result in higher heat.

When you're finished with the fondue, simply cover the burner to extinguish the flame. This is a safe and easy way to enjoy a fondue meal without the mess and danger of spilling liquid fuel.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fondue burner and fuel type, and enjoy your fondue experience!

Using liquid alcohol fuel

Here's how to use liquid alcohol fuel with your fondue set:

First, make sure you're using the right type of fondue pot and burner. Most fondue sets come with alcohol burners, but not all. If you're using a gel burner, for example, you may not be able to use liquid alcohol fuel.

Next, fill the burner base with 2 to 3 ounces of liquid alcohol 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 firmly on the fondue stand. Then remove the burner cover.

Now you're ready to light the burner. Use only a lighted match to ignite the fuel. Bring the match toward the hole in the centre of the burner until the fuel catches the flame. Be careful not to burn yourself!

To raise or lower the flame, move the handle on the base of the burner to expose or cover the air holes in the top. The larger the opening, the higher the heat.

When you're finished, simply place the burner cover on top of the burner base to put out the flame.

Always wait for the burner to cool down before refilling it with more fuel. And make sure to wipe up any fuel spills immediately.

Safety measures when lighting fondue gel

Fondue burners are a fun way to enjoy a meal with friends and family, but it is important to follow safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Here are some detailed safety instructions to follow when lighting fondue gel:

• Always ensure you are using the correct type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Using the wrong type of pot or fuel can be dangerous and may cause damage.
• When refilling the burner with gel fuel, always allow it to cool down first. Never refill a hot burner as this can be extremely dangerous.
• Never overfill the burner. Overfilling can lead to spillage, which is hazardous when dealing with flammable substances.
• Wipe off any spilled fuel immediately with a paper towel. Spilled fuel can easily ignite and cause a fire, so ensure all surfaces are clean and dry before proceeding.
• Keep the burner away from flammable materials such as napkins, paper, and clothing. It is important to maintain a safe distance between the burner and any flammable items to reduce the risk of fire.
• Always use a matchstick to light the burner. Do not use a lighter as it may cause a dangerous flare-up or explosion.
• To extinguish the flame, cover the burner with its lid. Never use your mouth to blow out the flame as this may cause an explosion.
• Always use fondue burners in a well-ventilated area. Inhaling fumes from the burning gel fuel can be unhealthy.
• Never leave the burner unattended, especially if there are children or pets nearby. Supervision is crucial to prevent accidents.
• Ensure the burner has completely cooled down before moving it. Allowing it to burn out and cool prevents the risk of spillage or accidental contact with flammable objects.

By following these safety measures, you can confidently enjoy your fondue experience without worrying about potential hazards.

Using a Sterno burner

Sterno is a brand name for fuel that comes in small tins or as a pourable gel fuel in bottles. It is a good option for cooking fondues, but it won't reach the same high heat as alcohol or butane. If you are using Sterno fuel, you may need to start cooking your broth or oil on the stove and then transfer it to your fondue pot.

To use a Sterno burner, first, place it under your fondue pot. Then, light it with a match. Make sure to put the cover on the burner and smother the fire when you are done eating.

Sterno burners are a good option if you have misplaced the burner for your fondue pot. They are also useful if you are unable to find gel fuel for your fondue burner, as liquid alcohol fuel cannot be purchased online.

Frequently asked questions