Lighting Sterno For Fondue: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to light sterno for fondue

Sterno is a brand of canned heat cooking fuel used to keep food warm in fondue pots. It comes in small tins of solid fuel or as a pourable gel fuel in bottles. To light Sterno, first, remove the protective seal from the can, using a screwdriver or table knife. If your Sterno has a wick, pull it up for easier lighting. Place the can of Sterno into the holder cup beneath your fondue pot and close the lid of the holder cup. When it's time to use it, open the lid, and light the can using a butane lighter or match. Leave the lid open all the way for the maximum temperature, or adjust the flame by closing the lid slightly.

Characteristics Values
Brand Sterno
Type of fuel Canned heat cooking fuel
Use Keep food warm in food-holding vessels
Temperature 165 degrees Fahrenheit
Composition Alcohol-and-water-based gel (made with ethanol and methanol)
Wick Yes
Open flame Yes
Protective seal Yes
Placement Underneath the fondue pot
Lid Yes
Lighting Butane lighter or match

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Sterno is a brand of canned heat cooking fuel

Sterno is a popular choice for both commercial food service and home entertainment. It has a variety of uses, including heating food, boiling water, and even as a space heater in an emergency. It is safe to use indoors with adequate ventilation and is known for its long burn time, typically up to two hours per can. The fuel produces a visible flame and sufficient heat for cooking, making it a reliable option for those without access to traditional cooking methods.

When using Sterno, it is important to follow safety precautions. The fuel should always be stored in a cool, dry location, away from ignition sources and other flammable materials. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation when burning Sterno, as it may release small amounts of carbon monoxide. Additionally, users should be cautious when handling the cans, as they can become extremely hot.

Sterno is an excellent option for those seeking a safe, portable, and relatively inexpensive heat source for cooking, especially in emergency situations or when traditional power sources are unavailable. Its long burn time and ease of use make it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor heating and cooking needs.

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It's used to keep food warm in fondue pots

Sterno is a brand of canned heat cooking fuel used to keep food warm in fondue pots. It is a gelled alcohol-based fuel that comes in small tins or bottles and is placed in a burner underneath the fondue pot. The burner has a lid with adjustable air holes to control the flame and temperature. Sterno is ideal for "cooking" fondues that require high temperatures, such as meat, seafood, and hot oil fondues.

To use Sterno for a fondue pot, follow these steps:

  • Remove the protective seal from the can of Sterno using a screwdriver or table knife.
  • If your Sterno has a wick, pull it up from the top of the fuel well for easier lighting. If using gel-based Sterno, skip this step.
  • Rinse and dry your hands to remove any fuel residue.
  • Place the can of Sterno into the holder cup beneath your fondue pot and close the lid until ready for use.
  • When ready, open the lid of the holder cup and light the Sterno with a butane lighter or match.
  • Leave the lid open all the way for maximum heat, or adjust the flame by partially closing the lid.
  • To extinguish the flame, simply close the lid of the Sterno holder cup completely.

It is important to exercise caution when lighting and using Sterno, as with any open flame. Always follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer and ensure proper ventilation during use. Additionally, make sure to use the correct type of fuel specified by the manufacturer of your fondue pot.

Sterno is a convenient and effective way to keep your fondue warm and enjoyable for your guests. By following the proper lighting and safety procedures, you can create a delightful and safe fondue experience.

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It comes in a solid fuel or pourable gel form

Sterno is a brand of canned heat cooking fuel used to keep food warm in food-holding vessels, such as chafing dishes, fondue pots, and camping stoves. It comes in a solid fuel or pourable gel form.

The solid fuel comes in small tins, while the gel fuel comes in bottles. The gel fuel is made from alcohol and water and is pink in colour. It is important to note that liquid fuel creates more heat than gel fuel, so if your burner supports both, you may want to use liquid fuel for hot oil and broth fondue.

To light Sterno, first, remove the protective seal from the can using a screwdriver or table knife. If using a gel-based fuel, skip the next step. If using a wick-based fuel, pull up on the wick located on the top of the fuel well for easier lighting. After handling the fuel, be sure to rinse and dry your hands thoroughly.

Place the can of Sterno into the holder cup beneath your fondue pot and close the lid until you are ready to use it. When it's time, open the lid and light the Sterno using a butane lighter or a match. You can leave the lid open all the way or adjust the flame by closing the lid slightly. To extinguish the flame, simply close the lid of the Sterno holder cup completely.

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It's made with ethanol and methanol

Sterno, a brand of jellied, denatured alcohol, is a popular fuel choice for fondue. It is designed to be burned directly in its can, and its primary use is as a fuel for heating chafing dishes and fondues. It is also used for portable stoves and as an emergency heat source. Sterno is made from ethanol, which is denatured by adding methanol, water, and an amphoteric oxide gelling agent. The methanol is added to make the product too toxic for consumption, and a safety dye is also added, giving it a characteristic pink colour.

To light Sterno for fondue, follow these steps:

  • Place the Sterno fuel can underneath your fondue pot.
  • Use a match or a lighter to carefully ignite the fuel.
  • Ensure that you have adequate ventilation in the room, as burning Sterno can release toxic fumes.
  • Adjust the air holes on the burner to control the temperature. The larger the opening, the higher the heat.
  • When you are finished using the fondue, simply cover the burner to extinguish the flame.

It is important to note that Sterno contains methyl alcohol, which makes it poisonous. Never consume Sterno, as it can cause serious health issues, including permanent blindness due to optic nerve damage. Always keep Sterno and other fuels out of the reach of children and pets.

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It can be lit with a butane lighter or match

Sterno is a brand of canned heat cooking fuel used to keep food warm in fondue pots. It can be lit with a butane lighter or a match.

Sterno comes in two forms: a wick-based version and a gel-based version. If you are using the wick-based version, you will need to remove the protective seal from the can of Sterno using a screwdriver or table knife. Then, pull up on the wick for easier lighting. If you are using the gel-based version, skip the step of pulling up the wick. Instead, simply remove the protective seal from the can.

Regardless of the version you are using, it is important to rinse your hands under cool water after handling the can of Sterno to remove any fuel residue. Dry your hands thoroughly before proceeding.

Once the can is prepared, place it into the holder cup beneath your fondue pot. Close the lid of the Sterno holder cup until you are ready to use it. When it's time to start the fondue, open the lid of the holder cup and light the Sterno with a butane lighter or a match.

You can leave the lid of the Sterno holder cup open all the way for maximum heat, or you can adjust the flame by partially closing the lid. To extinguish the flame, simply close the lid of the Sterno holder cup completely.

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Frequently asked questions

Sterno is a brand of canned heat cooking fuel used for fondue pots. To light Sterno, first, remove the protective seal from the can using a screwdriver or table knife. If your Sterno has a wick, pull it up for easier lighting. Place the can in the holder cup beneath your fondue pot and close the lid until you're ready to use it. When it's time, open the lid and light the can using a butane lighter or a match.

As with any open flame, caution should be used when lighting Sterno. Make sure to rinse your hands after handling the fuel and dry them thoroughly before lighting. Never use a sharp knife to pry open the protective covering on a can of Sterno.

The type of fuel you use depends on the type of fondue you are making. Chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue only require a small tea light candle to stay warm. Meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures. Fondue fuel options include liquid alcohol, gel fuel, and Sterno (solid fuel in small tins or pourable gel fuel in bottles).

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