Fondue Pot Fuel: Filling Your Burner Safely

Fondue fuel comes in liquid and gel forms. The type of fuel you use depends on the type of fondue pot you have. For example, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue only require a small unscented tea light, whereas meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures. If you are using liquid alcohol fuel, you should fill the burner base with 2 to 3 ounces of fuel, depending on the desired burn time. You should also ensure that all flammable materials are kept away from the burner and that it has cooled down before refilling.

Using a gel fuel burner

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Before you begin, ensure you are in a safe work area, like a kitchen counter, and have all the necessary items within reach. This includes your gel fuel burner, fondue pot, gel fuel, and a lit match.

Step 2: Check Compatibility

Not all fondue burners are compatible with gel fuel, so check your burner's instructions or manufacturer guidelines to ensure it is safe to use with gel fuel. Some burners have a removable bottom half that accommodates gel fuel cartridges, while others require pouring gel fuel directly into the burner.

Step 3: Prepare the Gel Fuel Burner

If your burner uses gel fuel cartridges, insert a cartridge into the metal casing. If your burner requires pouring gel fuel, wait for the burner to cool down, then remove the bottom portion with the holes or mesh surface. Pour the gel fuel directly into the bottom of the burner until it reaches just below the holes or mesh. Wipe off any spills.

Step 4: Place the Fondue Pot

Place the fondue pot on top of the burner. Ensure that all flammable materials are away from the burner and the surrounding area.

Step 5: Light the Burner

Open the air holes on the burner to the maximum setting. Carefully bring a lit match to the holes, and light the burner. Once lit, adjust the openings to achieve your desired temperature.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Fondue

Your gel fuel burner will keep your fondue warm throughout your meal. When you're finished, simply cover the burner to extinguish the flame. Remember to handle the burner with care and follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Using an alcohol burner

Step 1: Prepare the Alcohol Burner

Firstly, ensure your alcohol burner is cool before refilling. Never fill the burner while it's still hot. Remove the burner from the fondue pot and place it on a safe, flat surface like a kitchen counter. If you're refilling, wait for the burner to cool down completely.

Step 2: Fill with Fuel

Carefully pour liquid alcohol into the bottom of the burner. Most burners require about 2-3 ounces of fuel, which should be enough for 1-1.5 hours of burning time. Do not overfill the burner. Stop pouring when the liquid level reaches the holes or mesh inside the burner. Wipe off any spills around or on the burner with a cloth or paper towel.

Step 3: Return the Burner to the Fondue Pot

Once you've filled the burner, bring it back to the fondue pot. Place the burner underneath the pot, ensuring it's stable and secure. Make sure all flammable materials, such as napkins or paper, are cleared away from the burner.

Step 4: Lighting the Burner

Now, you're ready to light the burner. Use only a lit match to ignite the fuel. Hold the lit match close to the holes in the burner until the fuel catches the flame. Do not use a lighter, as it can be dangerous. Once lit, adjust the openings or holes to control the flame size and desired temperature.

Step 5: Extinguishing the Burner

When you're finished using the fondue pot, simply place the cover on the burner to extinguish the flame. Allow the burner to cool down completely before attempting to refuel.

Safety Precautions:

• Always use the correct type of fuel for your fondue burner.
• Never overfill the burner or add fuel while it's still lit.
• Wipe away any spills to prevent accidents.
• Keep flammable materials away from the burner.
• Use a match to light the burner, not a lighter.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fondue burner.

How to light a fondue burner

To light a fondue burner, you'll first need to ensure you have the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Fondue sets usually come with alcohol burners that use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel. You can also use fondue gel fuel or fire starters suitable for indoor use, such as Fire Dragon Fuel.

Prepare the burner:

• If you are using a liquid alcohol burner, fill the burner base with 2 to 3 ounces of 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 on a stable surface, such as a fondue stand.
• If you are using a gel fuel burner, some burners have a removable bottom half where you can insert a gel cartridge. If your burner doesn't have a removable bottom, pour the gel fuel directly into the burner.

Light the burner:

• Remove the burner cover.
• Use a lighted match to ignite the fuel. Bring the match towards the hole in the centre of the burner until the fuel catches the flame.
• If using a gel fuel burner, follow the same lighting instructions as for an alcohol burner.

Adjust the flame:

• Once the burner is lit, discard the used match.
• Adjust the openings in the burner to control the desired temperature. Exposing more holes will increase the flame and heat, while covering the holes will lower the flame.

Extinguish the flame:

• When you are finished using the fondue, simply cover the burner to smother the flame.
• Alternatively, you can use the burner cover to extinguish the flame by setting it on top of the burner base.

Always follow safety precautions when using a fondue burner. Keep flammable materials away from the burner, and never fill or refill an alcohol burner while it is still hot. Allow the burner to cool down before refilling, and wipe up any spills before lighting.

How to refill a fondue burner

Fondue burners use either liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel. It's important to note that you should always use the type of fuel indicated by the manufacturer of your fondue burner.

Safety First

When refilling your fondue burner, safety should be your top priority. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always wait for the burner to cool off before refilling it.
• Never overfill the burner.
• Wipe off any spilled fuel from the burner or the table.
• Keep flammable materials, such as napkins and paper, away from the burner.

Refilling a Liquid Alcohol Burner

If you're using a liquid alcohol burner, follow these steps:

• Take the burner away from the fondue pot to a safe work area, like a kitchen counter.
• Pour 2 to 3 ounces of liquid alcohol fuel into the bottom of the burner. The amount of fuel will depend on the desired burning time—use 2 ounces for 1 hour and up to 3 ounces for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Stop pouring when the liquid level approaches the holes or mesh in the burner.
• Return the burner to a stable position under the fondue pot.
• Use a match to light the burner. Bring the match towards the hole in the centre of the burner until the fuel catches the flame.
• Adjust the openings to control the desired temperature. Exposing more holes will increase the heat, while covering them will lower it.
• To extinguish the flame, simply place the burner cover on top of the burner base.

Refilling a Gel Burner

If you're using a gel burner, the process is slightly different:

• Remove the bottom half of the burner, which contains the fuel.
• Insert a gel cartridge into the metal casing.
• Place the top half of the burner, with the opening for air, on top of the bottom part.
• If you don't have a gel cartridge, pour gel fuel directly into the bottom of the burner.
• Return the top half of the burner and light it using a match.
• You can adjust the temperature by covering or exposing the air holes.
• To extinguish the flame, place the cover on the burner.

Alternative Fuels

In case you're unable to find the recommended fuel or are in a pinch, there are some alternative options you can consider:

• "Sterno" fuel: This is a type of fuel that comes in a container and can be placed under your fondue pot.
• Fire Dragon Fuel: This is an indoor fire starter that can be used if you're unable to find your regular gel fondue fuel.

Remember, always read the descriptions and instructions carefully to ensure that the fuel you're using is suitable for fondue and indoor use.

What to do if you've misplaced your burner

If you've misplaced your fondue pot burner, there are a few alternative options you can consider:

Firstly, it's important to determine the type of fondue you intend to make. Chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues require lower temperatures, so a small unscented tea light candle can be used as a simple alternative. You can prepare your fondue on a stovetop using a double boiler or two pots (a small pot in a larger one containing water), and then transfer it to your fondue pot to keep it warm.

For hot oil, broth, or cheese fondue, which require higher temperatures, you may be able to use a "Sterno" type of burner. Sterno is a brand name for fuel in a container. Simply place it under your fondue pot and light it.

If you're unable to find a suitable alternative burner, you could consider using a different cooking method altogether. For example, some fondue pots can be placed directly on an induction hob, allowing you to cook and keep your fondue warm. Alternatively, you could use your oven to bake bread and then enjoy it with your personalized fondue.

It's important to prioritize safety when working with alternative burners or cooking methods. Always ensure that flammable materials are kept away from heat sources, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for any equipment you use.

Frequently asked questions