Unlocking The Fondue Burner: A Step-By-Step Guide To Opening

Fondue is a fun and tasty way to enjoy a meal with friends, but it's important to know how to use your fondue set safely. Fondue burners are also known as chafing dish burners and they use various heat sources such as alcohol, gel, fuel, and tea lights. Before you start, make sure you're using the right type of fondue pot and fuel. The type of liquid you use will depend on what you want to prepare. For example, a dessert fondue pot is smaller and can only use tea light candles, whereas a cheese fondue pot has a wide mouth that can contain alcohol and fuel-lighting liquid.

Using tea light candles

To use tea light candles for your fondue, you'll first need to make your fondue on the stove. You can use a double boiler or two pots (a small pot inside a larger one containing water). Once your fondue is ready, transfer it to your fondue pot. Place an unscented tea light candle on the burner, about 2-3 inches from the bottom of the saucepan, and light it with a match or a lighter. The flame should burn for up to three hours, keeping your fondue warm and melted.

If you're making a cheese fondue, you'll need a higher temperature than tea light candles can provide. In this case, you would also make the fondue on the stovetop and then transfer it to the fondue pot when your guests are ready to eat.

A few safety tips to keep in mind: always use unscented tea light candles, and make sure to prepare your fondue on the stove before transferring it to the fondue pot. Additionally, be careful not to spill any hot fondue, and keep flammable materials away from the flame.

Using liquid alcohol

• Take the burner away from the fondue pot and place it in a safe work area, like a kitchen counter.
• If you are refilling the burner, wait for it to cool down completely. Then, carefully pour 2-3 ounces of liquid alcohol into the bottom of the burner. This amount of fuel will burn for 1 hour (2 ounces) or 1 hour and 30 minutes (3 ounces).
• If you are using the burner for the first time, or if you have cleaned it recently, place the burner cover on top of the base and set the burner on the fondue stand. Then, remove the burner cover.
• Make sure there is no flammable material nearby, like napkins or paper.
• Open the air holes in the burner lid to the maximum opening.
• Use a matchstick to ignite the fuel. Bring the match towards the hole in the centre of the burner until the fuel catches the flame. Do not use a lighter, as this may cause a flame explosion.
• To increase the flame, raise the handle. To reduce the flame, lower the handle.
• To put out the flame, set the burner cover on top of the burner base.
• Always wait for the burner to cool down completely before refilling it with more fuel.

Remember to follow safety measures when using a fondue burner. Keep the burner on a flared surface, away from clothes or other flammable items. Use the burner in a well-ventilated area, and never leave an empty fondue pot while the burner is on, as this can cause an explosion.

Using gel fuel

To use gel fuel, you will need to check if your burner is compatible with gel fuel cartridges. If it is, your burner will have a removable bottom half. Remove this bottom half and insert a gel cartridge into the metal casing. Then, place the top of the fondue burner, which has the opening for air, onto the bottom part. If your burner does not have a removable bottom half, do not force it open. Instead, simply pour the gel fuel directly into the bottom of the burner.

When filling your fondue burner, ensure you do not overfill it. The burner should have holes or a mesh surface with an absorbent pad inside. Stop pouring when the level of the gel reaches the holes or mesh. Wipe away any spills, and ensure all flammable materials are cleared away from the burner.

Once the gel fuel is in the burner, you can light it. Simply bring a lit match to the holes, and your burner will ignite. You can adjust the temperature by covering or exposing more of the holes. When you are finished, place the cover on the burner to extinguish the flame.

Safety measures

To ensure safety when opening and using a fondue burner, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is crucial to use the correct type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. If you are unsure, refer to the product instructions or seek advice from a specialist retailer. Fondue fuel typically comes in liquid alcohol or gel form. While liquid alcohol is cheaper and easier to ignite, it is highly flammable and prone to spills. Fondue gel fuel is often a safer alternative, but it is important to choose a variety that is suitable for indoor use and specifically designed for fondue, chafing dishes, or similar applications.

When refilling the burner, always allow it to cool down completely before adding more fuel. Remove the burner from the fondue pot and place it in a safe area, such as a kitchen counter. Carefully pour the fuel into the burner, being mindful not to overfill it. Stop pouring when the liquid level reaches the holes or mesh inside the burner. Wipe off any spills on the burner or surrounding areas.

Before igniting the burner, ensure that all flammable materials, such as napkins, paper, or curtains, are well away from the burner. Use only a lighted match to ignite the fuel. Hold the match close to the hole in the centre of the burner until the fuel catches the flame. Once lit, discard the used match immediately. Do not leave the burner unattended while it is burning.

To adjust the flame's intensity, you can usually expose or cover more holes in the top of the burner. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fondue burner model.

When you have finished using the fondue burner, simply place the cover on the burner to extinguish the flame safely.

Cleaning the fondue burner

Firstly, it is important to note that you should always wait for the burner to cool down before attempting to clean it. Once it has reached room temperature, you can begin the cleaning process. If you have a spillage, wipe it off with a cloth or paper towel. Ensure you do this carefully and thoroughly, as the fuel can be highly flammable.

Next, if your fondue burner has a removable bottom half, carefully detach it. This will give you access to the fuel container, which may have a mesh surface or a surface with holes. If there is any leftover fuel in the container, carefully pour it out, ensuring you do it in a well-ventilated area, and dispose of it safely. Do not pour the fuel down the sink, as it can be harmful to your pipes and the environment.

Once the fuel container is empty, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the entire burner, including the container and any surfaces with holes or mesh. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any residue or buildup. If there is any stubborn residue, you can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub it away. Ensure the burner is completely dry before proceeding.

Finally, if your fondue burner has a removable bottom half, carefully attach it back onto the burner. Your fondue burner is now clean and ready for your next fondue adventure!

Remember always to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your specific fondue burner, as different models may have varying requirements.

Frequently asked questions