Setting Up Your Fondue Burner: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fondue is a fun and classy way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. To get the best results from your fondue set, it is important to know how to set up your fondue burner safely. Fondue burners, also known as chafing dish burners, provide heat for food using various heat sources like alcohol, gel, fuel, and tea lights. Before setting up your fondue burner, ensure you are using the right type of fondue pot and fuel. This will also help you determine the kind of liquid to use.

How to Set Up a Fondue Burner

How to light a fondue burner safely

Step 1: Prepare the Fondue Pot

Before you begin, ensure you are using the right type of fondue pot and fuel for your desired dish. Fondue pots come in different sizes and materials, each suitable for different types of fondue. For example, a dessert fondue pot is smaller and can only be used with unscented tea light candles, while a cheese fondue pot has a wide mouth that can contain alcohol or fuel-lighting liquid.

Step 2: Fill the Burner

Fill the burner base with the appropriate amount of fuel. Typically, 2 ounces of fuel will burn for 1 hour, while 3 ounces will burn for 1 hour and 30 minutes. If using liquid alcohol, be careful not to overfill the burner to avoid leakage and the risk of explosion. Always allow the burner to cool down completely before refilling.

Step 3: Place the Burner

Place the burner cover on top of the base and set it firmly on the fondue stand. Remove the burner cover. Ensure that all flammable materials are kept away from the burner, such as napkins, paper, etc.

Step 4: Light the Burner

Use only a lighted match to ignite the fuel. Bring the match towards the hole in the center of the burner until the fuel catches the flame. Do not use a lighter as it may cause a flame explosion.

Step 5: Adjust the Flame

You can adjust the flame by raising or lowering the handle on the base of the burner. Raising the handle will expose more air holes, increasing the flame. Lowering the handle will cover the holes and reduce the flame.

Step 6: Extinguish the Flame

To put out the flame, set the burner cover on top of the burner base. Never use your mouth to blow out the flame as it may cause an explosion.

Additional Safety Tips:

• Always wait for the burner to cool down completely before removing the pot and handling.
• When cleaning, ensure all labels are removed and use a mild detergent if necessary.
• Always start with a gentle heat and increase the flame slowly.
• Do not heat the base of the fondue pot when it is empty; always put water or oil in the bottom.
• Use the burner in a well-ventilated area.
• Never put the fondue pot in the microwave.
• Never leave an empty fondue pot while the burner is on to avoid the risk of explosion.
• Do not move the fondue burner while it is still burning. Always allow it to burn out and cool down completely before moving it.

The amount of liquid needed to light a fondue burner

The amount of liquid fondue fuel you need depends on how long you want to keep your fondue warm for. Fondue sets usually come with alcohol burners that use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel.

Liquid alcohol fuel is dangerous because it is highly flammable and easy to spill. It is also simple and cheap to use, but you cannot purchase it online. If you are using liquid alcohol fuel, you should fill the burner base with 2 to 3 ounces of fuel. 2 ounces will burn for 1 hour, and 3 ounces will burn for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you are using gel fuel, you can simply insert the pack into the fondue burner base and tear off the foil lid. Gel fuel is safer to use than liquid alcohol fuel because it is less likely to spill. It also doesn't need to be cooled down before you refuel it.

The best liquid to use for a fondue burner

When it comes to choosing the best liquid for your fondue burner, there are a few options to consider. The type of fondue you are planning to make will dictate the best liquid to use in your burner. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right liquid for your fondue burner:

Alcohol Liquid Fuel

Alcohol liquid fuel is a popular choice for fondue burners as it is simple and cheap to use. It can be purchased from your local grocery store, near the BBQ supplies. However, it is highly flammable and cannot be purchased online or shipped. When using alcohol liquid fuel, always make sure to take the necessary safety precautions. Never fill the burner while it is still hot, and never overfill it. Allow the burner to cool down before refilling and carefully pour the liquid into the bottom of the burner. Ensure all flammable materials are kept away from the burner.

Gel Fuel

Gel fuel is a good alternative to alcohol liquid fuel. It is safer to use as it is less likely to spill. Gel fuel can be purchased in cartridges or as pourable gel. If using cartridges, ensure your burner has a removable bottom half to insert the cartridge. If using pourable gel fuel, follow the same safety precautions as with alcohol liquid fuel.

Tea Lights

For chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues, tea lights are sufficient to keep the fondue warm. Make sure to use unscented tea lights to avoid altering the taste of your fondue.

Safety measures to follow when using a fondue burner

Always place your fondue burner on a flat, heatproof surface, like a small cutting board or trivet, to protect your table or work surface. Keep the burner away from flammable materials, such as napkins, paper, and clothes, and ensure that all flammable material is cleared from the area.

Allow your fondue burner to cool down completely before refilling it. Never overfill the burner to avoid leakage, which may cause an explosion. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.

If using liquid alcohol, use a maximum of 3 ounces of fuel for 1 hour and 30 minutes of burn time. Alcohol is highly flammable and easy to spill, so take extra care when handling it. Never fill the alcohol burner while it is still hot and never return it to the table if you've spilled any alcohol near the pot.

To light the burner, use a matchstick to ignite the fuel through the hole in the centre of the burner. Keep a safe distance from the burner when lighting it. Once the burner is lit, discard the used matchstick.

To adjust the flame, use the handle to raise or lower it, exposing or covering more holes in the top of the burner. To extinguish the flame, set the burner cover on top of the burner base or close the vents and put on a snuffer lid. Never use your mouth to blow out the flames, as this may cause an explosion.

Never leave an empty fondue pot while the burner is on, and do not move the burner while it is still burning. Always allow it to burn out and cool down completely before moving it.

How to clean a fondue burner set

To clean a fondue burner set, you must first ensure that the burner has completely cooled down. Fondue burners can be dangerous, so it is important to take the necessary precautions when handling them. Here are the steps to follow:

Before using your fondue set, it is recommended to rub the inside of the fondue pot with a clove of garlic. This will prevent the cheese from sticking to the pot, making it easier to clean later.

Once you have finished enjoying your fondue, you can begin cleaning. First, empty the contents of the fondue pot. Then, fill the pot with either ice-cold water or warm water, adding a dishwasher tablet or a dash of dish soap. Allow the pot to soak for about half an hour, then empty it and use a paper towel to scrape off any remaining residue.

If your fondue pot is dishwasher safe, you can opt to clean it that way instead. However, never immerse the base of the burner in water or any other liquid. Instead, wipe it down with a damp cloth and a mild dish soap. Be sure to keep the outside of the fondue pot clean as well, as this can catch fire if it comes into contact with the open flame.

It is important to note that you should never use hard brushes, abrasive materials, or aggressive cleaning substances on your fondue pot or burner. This can damage the surface and compromise the safety of your fondue set.

In terms of safety, always ensure that your fondue set is placed on a stable and flat surface. Keep flammable materials, such as cloth or paper, away from the burner when in use and never leave the burner unattended when lit. Fondue burners pose an open flame hazard, so it is crucial to be cautious.

Frequently asked questions