The Art Of Adding Gel To Your Fondue Pot

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience, perfect for sharing with friends and family. To get started, you'll need to gather your supplies: a fondue pot, a heat source, fondue gel, and your chosen dippers. The heat source can vary, from a Sterno can to a tealight candle or a small electric burner. If you're using a Sterno can, be sure to use a heat-resistant container to avoid melting the plastic. Once you've prepped your fondue pot, it's time to add the gel, being careful not to overfill it. Allow the gel to melt, and you're ready to start dipping!

How to put gel into a fondue pot

Using a Sterno can

Sterno is a brand name for fuel in a container. It is a gelled alcohol product that comes in small cans. It is a popular fuel source for fondue pots.

To use a Sterno can, first ensure that your fondue pot is designed to accommodate the size of the can. Remove the lid of the can and place the can in the designated space underneath your fondue pot. Light the gel with a match or a sparker. If your fondue set comes with a lid to adjust the flame, you can use it to control the heat. When you are done, simply cover the Sterno can with its lid to extinguish the flame.

Sterno cans are a convenient and safe option for fondue fuel as they are less likely to spill than liquid fuel. However, it is important to note that the gelled alcohol in Sterno cans is toxic and should not be ingested.

If you are unable to find Sterno cans, you can use gel fuel as an alternative. Simply pour the gel fuel into the designated space for fuel in your fondue pot and light it.

Using a tealight candle

Step 1: Choose the Right Fondue Pot

Select a fondue pot that is specifically designed for dessert fondue. These pots are typically smaller and shallower than those used for cheese or broth/oil fondue. They usually have a space for a tealight candle as the heat source.

Step 2: Prepare the Fondue Ingredients

Choose your desired fondue recipe, such as chocolate, Nutella, or caramel fondue. Gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare the fondue on a stovetop before transferring it to the fondue pot. You can melt the ingredients in a double boiler or a small pot placed inside a larger pot of boiling water.

Step 3: Transfer to Fondue Pot

Once your fondue is ready, transfer it to the fondue pot. Place the pot on a stable surface, such as a wooden cutting board or a heat-resistant mat, to avoid damaging your table or cloth.

Step 4: Light the Tealight Candle

Place an unscented tealight candle below the fondue pot. Use a match or a lighter to light the candle, being careful not to burn yourself. Make sure to put out and discard the match or lighter after lighting the candle.

Step 5: Keep Fondue Warm

The tealight candle will keep your fondue warm and melted. You can adjust the number of tealights used based on the amount of fondue and the desired temperature. For larger amounts of fondue or if you need to melt the ingredients quickly, consider using two or three tealights.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Fondue!

Your fondue is now ready to be enjoyed! Provide your guests with a variety of dipping options such as fruit, cake, brownies, or pretzels for chocolate fondue. Remember to prepare enough dipping items for each guest.

Using an electric burner

If you are set on using a gel burner, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always use the type of fuel indicated by the manufacturer of your fondue burner. Some burners use gel fuel cartridges, while others require you to pour the gel directly into the burner. If you are using a gel cartridge, simply insert it into the metal casing of the burner. If your burner doesn't use cartridges, carefully pour the gel into the bottom of the burner, being careful not to overfill it.

Once your burner is fuelled, place it underneath your fondue pot and light it with a match. You can adjust the temperature by covering or exposing more holes in the top of the burner. When you are finished, simply cover the burner to smother the flame.

It's important to note that you should never refill a hot burner. Always wait for the burner to cool down before refuelling, and be sure to wipe up any spills before lighting it.

Using a gel cartridge

Step 1: Prepare Your Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. You will need a fondue pot, a heat source, fondue gel, and items for dipping. Your heat source can vary; you can use a Sterno can, a tealight candle, or a small electric burner. If you opt for a Sterno can, don't forget to place the gel in a heat-resistant container to prevent melting the plastic.

Step 2: Set Up the Fondue Pot

Now, it's time to set up your fondue pot. If you're using a Sterno can, light it and place it under the pot. For a tealight candle or electric burner, simply place the pot directly on top of the heat source. This provides a stable base for your fondue pot.

Step 3: Insert the Gel Cartridge

With your fondue pot ready, it's time to add the gel fuel. Carefully insert the gel cartridge into the metal casing of the fondue burner. Ensure the cartridge is securely in place and follows the manufacturer's instructions. The cartridge should have a removable bottom half to accommodate the gel fuel.

Step 4: Add the Top of the Fondue Burner

Once the gel cartridge is in place, you can add the top of the fondue burner. This is the part with openings for air circulation and heat regulation. Place it securely on top of the bottom half, which contains the gel cartridge.

Step 5: Light the Fondue Burner

Now, you're ready to light your fondue burner. Use a match to ignite the burner through the air hole. Be cautious and only use a lighted match to avoid any accidents. Once the burner is lit, you can adjust the openings to achieve your desired temperature.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Fondue

With your fondue pot set up and the gel cartridge lit, you can now enjoy your fondue experience! Dip your favourite foods into the melted cheese or chocolate and savour the interactive dining experience with friends and family. Remember to follow safety precautions and keep flammable materials away from the burner.

Using liquid alcohol fuel

To get started, take your fondue burner to a safe workspace, such as a kitchen counter, and ensure it is cool before refilling. Pour about 90 ml or 3 oz of liquid alcohol fuel into the bottom part of the burner. Be very careful not to overfill the burner and never fill it while it is still hot. The burner should have holes or a mesh surface with an absorbent pad inside. Stop pouring when the liquid level reaches the holes or mesh.

Wipe away any spills on or around the burner, and ensure that all flammable materials, such as napkins or paper, are kept away from the burner. Then, return the burner to a stable position under the fondue pot.

To light the burner, open the air holes to the maximum and carefully bring a lit match to the holes. Once lit, discard the used match. You can adjust the size of the openings to control the temperature—larger openings will result in higher heat. When you are finished using the fondue pot, simply cover the burner to extinguish the flame.

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