Fondue is a fun way to enjoy a meal with friends and family, but it's important to know how to use your fondue set safely, especially when using fondue burner gel. Most fondue sets use alcohol burners with liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel. When using fondue burner gel, it's important to follow safety precautions such as ensuring you're using the right type of fondue pot and fuel, allowing the burner to cool before refilling, and keeping flammable materials away from the burner. The amount of gel fuel you use will depend on the desired burning time, usually ranging from 2 to 3 ounces for up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Always light the burner with a match and adjust the flame by exposing or covering the air holes. When you're done, simply cover the burner to extinguish the flame.
How to Use Fondue Burner Gel
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of fondue | Hot oil, broth-based, cheese, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue |
Type of fondue pot | Check the product description to ensure it is compatible with gel fuel |
Type of fondue fuel | Fire Dragon Fuel, Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel, Gas One Chafing Fuel, etc. |
How to light the burner | Use a match to ignite the fuel through the hole in the burner |
Adjusting the flame | Expose or cover the air holes in the top of the burner to adjust the oxygen flow |
Putting out the flame | Place the burner cover on top of the burner base |
Refilling the burner | Allow the burner to cool to room temperature before refilling with gel fuel |
What You'll Learn
Using fondue gel fuel for chocolate fondue
To use fondue gel fuel for a chocolate fondue, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, you will need to melt your chocolate on a stovetop in a double boiler or two pots (a small pot inside a larger one containing water). Once your chocolate is melted, transfer it to your fondue pot.
Next, you will need to prepare your gel fuel burner. If you are using a gel cartridge, simply insert it into the metal casing of your burner. If you are using pourable gel fuel, carefully pour the gel directly into the bottom of your fondue burner, ensuring that you do not overfill it. Fondue gel fuel can be purchased from cooking supply stores.
Once your gel fuel is in the burner, place the burner underneath your fondue pot. Open the air holes to the maximum opening and carefully light the burner with a match. You can then adjust the openings to reach your desired temperature. When you are finished, simply place the cover on the burner to smother the flame.
Fondue gel fuel is a great option for chocolate fondue as it is safer than liquid alcohol fuel, which can be dangerous due to its high flammability and risk of spilling. Gel fuel is less likely to spill and will not run if it is knocked over. It also burns for longer than liquid alcohol fuel, so you can keep your chocolate fondue warm for longer.
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Using fondue gel fuel for cheese fondue
To use fondue gel fuel for a cheese fondue, you must first ensure you have the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Fondue gel fuel can be purchased online or in-store. If you are using a gel cartridge, you can insert it into the metal casing of the fondue burner. If you are not using a gel cartridge, remove the bottom portion of the burner and pour the gel directly into the bottom of the fondue burner.
When refilling the burner, always wait for it to cool off before adding more gel fuel. Wipe away any gel spills before lighting the burner. Make sure all flammable materials are kept away from the burner, such as napkins and paper. Use a match to ignite the burner and adjust the openings to reach the desired temperature.
Fondue gel fuel is a great option for cheese fondue as it provides a stable heat source without the risk of spilling, as is the case with liquid alcohol fuel. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fondue burner and to always prioritise safety when using any type of fuel.
To extinguish the flame, simply place the cover on the burner, which will smother the fire.
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Using fondue gel fuel for broth fondue
Broth fondue is a fun, healthy, and affordable meal option. It is essentially a hotpot with a Western-style broth. You can use a fondue pot or a hot pot setup.
To use fondue gel fuel for broth fondue, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you have the right type of fondue pot and fondue gel fuel. The fondue pot should be suitable for gel fuel, with a removable bottom half. Fondue gel fuel can be purchased at cooking supply stores.
Next, prepare your broth. Broth fondue recipes can vary, but typically involve simmering vegetables, spices, and meat in a saucepan or fondue pot. While the broth is simmering, cut your meat and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Once your broth is ready, it's time to light the gel fuel burner. Remove the bottom half of the fondue burner, which contains the fuel, by unscrewing it or lifting it away from the top half. Place the burner on a safe work area, such as a kitchen counter. If you are using a gel fuel cartridge, insert it into the metal casing of the burner. If you are using pourable gel fuel, carefully pour it directly into the bottom of the burner until it reaches the maximum fill line or the holes/mesh at the top. Wipe away any spilled fuel with a cloth or paper towel.
Return the top half of the burner to the bottom half, ensuring it is securely attached. Place the burner underneath your fondue pot. Ensure that all flammable materials, such as napkins or paper, are away from the burner. Light the burner using a long match or lighter, holding it close to the holes at the top of the burner.
Once the burner is lit, adjust the air holes to control the temperature. For broth fondue, a medium to high temperature is typically recommended. Place the fondue pot filled with broth on the burner, and you're ready to start cooking your meat and vegetables!
Remember to always follow safety precautions when using fondue gel fuel. Keep children and pets away from the burner, and never leave it unattended. When you are finished, cover the burner to extinguish the flame. Allow it to cool completely before handling or refilling.
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Using fondue gel fuel for hot oil fondue
The Cuisinox Stainless Steel Fondue Burner is an example of a burner that works with gel fuel. Some burners require gel fuel cartridges, while others allow you to pour the gel directly into the burner. If using a gel cartridge, you would insert it into the metal casing, and then place the top of the burner with the opening for air on top. If pouring gel fuel directly, you would first need to remove the bottom portion of the burner, pour the gel, and then return the top.
When using gel fuel, there is no need to wait for the burner to cool off as you would with liquid alcohol fuel. Simply place the burner under the fondue pot, ensuring all flammable materials are away from the burner. Open the air holes to the maximum, and light the burner with a match. You can adjust the openings to reach your desired temperature.
Once you are done, simply cover the burner to smother the flame.
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Safety measures when using fondue gel fuel
Fondue gel fuel is often a safer alternative to liquid alcohol fuel, which is highly flammable and easy to spill. However, there are still safety measures to follow when using fondue gel fuel to ensure a safe and enjoyable fondue experience.
Firstly, always use the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Some fondue burners are only compatible with gel fuel cartridges, while others can use liquid or gel fuel. If you are using a gel fuel cartridge, ensure that your burner has a removable bottom half. If your burner does not have a removable bottom half, do not force it to open. Instead, pour the gel fuel directly into the bottom of the fondue burner.
When refilling the burner, always wait for it to cool down before adding more fuel. Never overfill the burner and stop pouring when the liquid level reaches the holes or mesh at the top. Wipe off any spills on or around the burner before lighting it. Ensure that all flammable materials, such as napkins and paper, are kept away from the burner.
To light the burner, open the air holes to the maximum and use a lit match to ignite the fuel. Adjust the openings to control the temperature. When you are finished, simply cover the burner to extinguish the flame.
Always refer to the instruction sheet provided with your fondue burner for specific safety measures and handling instructions. By following these safety guidelines, you can confidently enjoy your fondue experience with family and friends.
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Frequently asked questions
First, fill the burner base with 2 to 3 ounces of gel fuel. Place the burner cover on top of the base, then set the burner on the fondue stand and remove the cover. Light a match and bring it towards the hole in the centre of the burner until the gel catches the flame.
Make sure you are using the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Ensure all flammable materials are kept away from the burner. Never fill the burner while it is still hot and never overfill it. If you are refilling the burner, wait for it to cool down before adding more gel fuel.
Some popular options include Swissmar F65200 Fire Gel Cans, Boska Stainless Steel Fondue Burners, and Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel Fondue Fuel Tin.