Lighting Your Fondue Set: A Quick Guide

Fondue is a fun and social way to enjoy a meal, but it's important to know how to light your fondue set safely. Fondue sets usually consist of a small alcohol burner that sits underneath a pot of sauce, keeping it warm. The burner is a small metal container with a lid that has holes and a handle for regulating the size of the holes. It often contains an absorbent pad or mesh. Before lighting, it's important to ensure you are using the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Liquid alcohol is the most common fuel, but it is highly flammable and must be handled with care. It is readily available from pharmacies and supermarkets but cannot be purchased online. Fondue gel fuel is a good alternative, as it is less likely to spill. Tea light candles are suitable for chocolate and caramel sauces, but for cheese fondue, a higher temperature is required. Once the fuel is in the burner, simply light with a match or a lighter.

How to Light Up a Fondue Set

Using tea light candles

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin, gather all the ingredients you need for your fondue. For a chocolate fondue, you'll need chocolate chips, heavy cream, and any additional ingredients like marshmallows or flavourings. For a cheese fondue, you'll need shredded cheese, wine or milk, lemon juice, and a thickener like flour or cornstarch.

Step 2: Melt the Ingredients

Start by melting your ingredients in a double boiler on your stove. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth and creamy fondue. Once melted, transfer the mixture to your fondue pot. You can also prepare your fondue directly in the fondue pot, but it may take longer to melt.

Step 3: Prepare the Fondue Pot

Take your fondue pot and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Some fondue pots come with a stand or base, while others can be placed directly on the table. Ensure the pot is stable and secure before proceeding.

Step 4: Light the Tea Light Candle

Place an unscented tea light candle below the fondue pot. You can usually find the space for the candle at the base of the pot. Light the candle with a match or a lighter, being careful not to burn yourself. Once the candle is lit, blow out the match and safely dispose of it.

Step 5: Add the Fondue to the Pot

Now, carefully pour your melted fondue mixture into the fondue pot. If you melted the ingredients directly in the pot, simply give it a quick stir to ensure everything is combined.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Fondue

Your fondue set is now lit up and ready to use! Dip your favourite fruits, breads, or treats into the warm, melted fondue. Be sure to stir the fondue occasionally to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pot. Enjoy your delicious fondue creation!

Remember to always exercise caution when handling lit candles and hot ingredients. Keep children and pets away from the fondue set, and never leave the lit candle unattended.

Lighting an alcohol burner

• Ensure you are using the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel.
• Take the burner away from the fondue pot to a safe area, like a kitchen counter.
• If you are refilling the burner, wait for it to cool down.
• Carefully pour the liquid alcohol into the bottom of the burner. Stop pouring when the fuel reaches the holes or mesh.
• Wipe off any spilled fuel with a paper towel.
• Place the burner underneath the fondue pot, ensuring that all spills are wiped and that there is no flammable material nearby.
• Open the air holes on the burner lid to the maximum opening.
• Bring a lit match or lighter close to the holes to ignite the fuel.
• Discard the used match or lighter.
• Adjust the openings to achieve the desired temperature.

It is important to note that liquid alcohol is highly flammable and can be dangerous due to its spillability. Therefore, always exercise caution when handling and lighting an alcohol burner for a fondue set.

Using gel fuel

To use gel fuel, start by checking that your fondue burner is compatible with gel fuel. Some burners have a removable bottom half, which is designed to hold a gel cartridge. If your burner doesn't have a removable bottom, do not try to force it open. Instead, remove the bottom portion with the surface that has holes or a mesh screen, and pour the gel directly into the fondue burner.

When handling gel fuel, always exercise caution. Make sure to read the instructions on the package carefully and follow any safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Keep flammable materials, such as napkins or paper, away from the burner.

To light the gel fuel, simply use a match or a sparker. If using a match, bring the lit match towards the holes in the burner until the fuel catches the flame. You can adjust the flame by exposing or covering more holes in the top of the burner. To extinguish the flame, simply place the cover on the burner, and it will smother the fire.

Remember to always allow the burner to cool down before refilling it with more fuel. By following these instructions, you can safely enjoy your fondue experience with gel fuel.

Safety measures

To ensure safety when lighting a fondue burner, it is important to follow these measures:

Firstly, always use the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. If you are unsure, check the manufacturer's instructions and product descriptions to ensure you are using the correct equipment and fuel. Some fuels, such as liquid alcohol, are highly flammable and should be handled with caution. Fondue gel fuel or gel burners are often safer alternatives.

When refilling the burner, it is crucial to wait for it to cool down before adding more fuel. Never fill the burner while it is still hot or overfill it. Always remove the burner from the fondue pot and place it in a safe area, such as a kitchen counter, before refilling. Wipe off any spilled fuel around or on the burner, and ensure there are no flammable materials nearby.

If using liquid alcohol, carefully pour it into the bottom of the burner until it reaches the holes or mesh. If using gel fuel, you may need to remove the bottom half of the burner and insert a gel cartridge or pour the gel directly into the burner, depending on the design of your equipment.

Once the burner is refilled, bring it back to the table and place it underneath the fondue pot. Check again to ensure that there are no flammable materials nearby and that no fuel has been spilled on the way. Open the air holes to the maximum and use a lit match or lighter to carefully ignite the burner.

After lighting the burner, adjust the openings to achieve the desired temperature. Always keep an eye on the flame and fuel level, and never leave the burner unattended. When you have finished using the fondue, simply cover the burner to extinguish the flame.

In addition to these measures, there are some general safety tips to keep in mind when hosting a fondue. It is recommended to provide one fondue burner and saucepan set for every 4-6 guests to avoid crowding. Always place the burner and saucepan on a table that is lower than the guests to prevent accidental knocking or tangling of forks. Ensure that children are supervised at all times, and never leave them unattended near the fondue setup.

Fondue set preparation

Choose the Right Fondue Set and Fuel:

Start by selecting the appropriate fondue pot and fuel type. Fondue sets typically use either liquid alcohol or gel fuel. Alcohol burners are the most common and provide a clean, odourless flame. However, they are highly flammable, so handle them with care. Alternatively, gel fuel is a safer option as it is less likely to spill.

Prepare the Fondue Pot:

Before using your fondue pot for the first time, remove all labels and clean it thoroughly with a mild detergent. You can enhance the flavour of your fondue by rubbing the pot with garlic or shallots, creating an aromatic base.

Fill the Burner with Fuel:

When filling the burner, never fill it to the top. Always leave some space at the top to avoid overfilling. If using liquid alcohol, carefully pour it into the burner base. Use 2 ounces of fuel for 1 hour of burning time or 3 ounces for 1 hour and 30 minutes. If using gel fuel, you can insert a gel cartridge or pour the gel directly into the burner.

Place the Burner and Pot:

Set the burner firmly on the fondue stand and cover it with the burner lid. Place the fondue pot on top of the burner. Ensure that the burner is cool before placing the pot on top to avoid any accidents. Check that there is no flammable material nearby.

Light the Burner:

Use a match or a lighter to carefully ignite the fuel. Bring the lit match or lighter close to the hole in the centre of the burner until the fuel catches the flame. If using gel fuel, follow the instructions on the package for lighting.

Adjust the Flame:

You can adjust the flame by exposing or covering the holes in the top of the burner. To raise or lower the flame, move the handle on the base of the burner. This will allow you to control the temperature according to your fondue's needs.

Safety Precautions:

Always wait for the burner to cool down before refilling it with fuel. Wipe up any fuel spills immediately with a paper towel. Keep the burner away from the pot when refilling, and never fill the burner near the pot or flammable objects. Ensure the fondue set is placed on a stable, level surface to avoid accidental knocking or spilling.

Fondue Cooking Tips:

Always start with a gentle heat and gradually increase the flame. Add your ingredients one at a time, stirring regularly, especially when making a cheese fondue. If using a chocolate or caramel fondue, prepare the sauce on the stove first and then transfer it to the fondue pot to keep it warm.

Frequently asked questions