Using Your Fondue Pot: A Beginner's Guide

Fondue is a great way to bring people together. To ensure your evening goes smoothly, there are a few things to keep in mind when using a fondue pot. First, you'll need to decide on a heat source. Options include an alcohol burner, an electric pot, or canned heat. If using an alcohol burner, be sure to use fondue fuel or denatured alcohol, and never try to add more fuel while the burner is lit. You should also protect your table from the heat with a wooden cutting board or tile. When preparing cheese fondue, rub the inside of the pot with garlic before adding the cheese to prevent it from sticking. Keep the fondue warm and stir frequently to prevent scorching. Be careful not to overfill the pot, and always place it on a stable, flat surface.

How to clean a fondue pot

Firstly, allow the fondue pot and any leftover contents to cool completely. This is important for your safety, to protect you from burns.

Next, remove as much of the leftover contents as possible using a spatula. Dispose of any used oil by pouring it into a sealable container and putting it in the trash. Do not pour oil down the drain as it can cause plumbing problems.

Now, heat a pot of water on the stove until it almost reaches a boil. While your fondue pot is sitting in the sink, add several drops of dishwashing liquid and the heated water. Fill the pot with enough water to cover it completely. Let the fondue pot sit for 10 minutes. If there is burnt-on food, leave it to soak overnight, periodically checking to see if the food is beginning to loosen.

Once the fondue pot has soaked, empty the water and use a scrub brush or sponge to loosen any stuck-on remains. Wash the entire pot in hot, soapy water, being careful not to scrub with anything too harsh that could scratch the surface.

Finally, rinse the pot thoroughly with clean water, removing all soap residue, and dry.

Additional Tips:

• Never leave the fondue burner unattended when lit.
• Always place the fondue set on a stable and flat surface.
• Never place flammable materials near the set when in use.
• After preparing the cheese fondue, keep it warm and stir frequently to prevent it from scorching.
• Do not overfill the fondue pot, as the contents may splatter over the edge.
• Keep the outside of the fondue pot clean to prevent fires.
• Allow the fondue set to cool off completely after use before moving it.
• Never immerse the base in water or other liquids. Wipe these parts with a damp cloth and dish soap.
• Never use hard brushes, abrasive materials, soda-based, disinfecting, or aggressive substances for cleaning.

How to light a fondue pot

Lighting a fondue pot depends on the type of fuel you are using. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to light a fondue pot using alcohol fuel, gel fuel, or candles.

Alcohol Fuel:

• Make sure the alcohol burner is completely cool before filling it.
• Never overfill the burner. Use no more than 3 fluid ounces of denatured alcohol or liquid fondue fuel.
• Remove the burner and take it to a kitchen counter or sink. Carefully pour the alcohol into the burner, stopping once the liquid reaches the holes or mesh along the sides.
• Wipe off any spilled fuel from the outside of the burner and place it, unlit, below the fondue pot.
• Open all the air holes. Strike a match and hold it at the air holes until the fuel ignites. Put out and discard the match.
• Adjust the flame as needed using the movable handle on the burner. For higher flames, leave the holes open. To reduce the flame, rotate the handle to partially cover the holes.
• Never move or tip the burner or stand once it is lit.
• To extinguish the flame, place the burner cover on top of the burner to completely cover it.

Gel Fuel:

• Remove the metal mesh canister usually used for fuel and insert a gel cartridge into the remaining metal casing. Replace the top of the burner.
• If using pourable gel, remove the mesh fuel canister and pour the gel into the bottom of the burner, then replace the top.
• Open the air holes and light the burner with a match. Once the fuel catches fire, put out and discard the match.

Candlelit Burner:

• Melt the fondue ingredients in a double boiler on your stove before transferring them to your fondue pot.
• Place an unscented tealight candle below the fondue pot and light it with a match or lighter. Put out and discard the match.

Safety Tips:

• Always operate your fondue set on a level, stable table or flat surface.
• Always set up the fondue set on a heat-resistant surface, such as a hot pad, wooden cutting board, or ceramic tiles.
• Keep the fondue set away from children and flammable materials.
• Before using the fondue pot, ensure the handle is firmly attached and the pot fits securely on its stand.
• Keep the alcohol burner cover handy to extinguish the flame when cooking is complete.
• Never add alcohol or fuel to a lit or hot burner. Always extinguish the flame and allow the burner to cool before refuelling.
• Never leave the fondue burner unattended when lit.
• Allow the fondue pot to cool completely before handling or cleaning.
• Use only the specified fuel for your fondue set.

What to cook in a fondue pot

Fondue is a great way to bring people together and can be used to cook a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some ideas for what to cook in your fondue pot:

Cheese Fondue

The traditional use of a fondue pot is to make cheese fondue. Gruyere and Emmentaler are popular choices, but any Swiss cheese will do. To make cheese fondue, slowly melt the cheese with a little alcohol (usually white wine and kirsch) and seasoning. Then, transfer it to your fondue pot and keep it warm with a candle or heat device. Serve with bread, sourdough, rye, pumpkin, ciabatta, or garlic for dipping. You can also dip vegetables like broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or any other veggie you like!

Meat Fondue

Meat fondue, or fondue bourguignonne, is another popular option. For this dish, you will need a fondue pot that can heat hot oil or broth to high temperatures. Stainless steel pots are ideal for this purpose. You can use an alcohol burner or an electric pot as a heat source. When cooking meat fondue, make sure the oil is heated to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while broth should simmer at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows you to cook your meat to your desired doneness. Beef and chicken are popular choices for meat fondue.

Chocolate Fondue

For dessert, you can use your fondue pot to melt chocolate. The dipping options are endless! Try marshmallows, Rice Krispie treats, fruit slices, or even brownies. For an extra indulgent touch, add some peanut butter to the melted chocolate.

Caramel Fondue

If you're looking for something a little different, try making a Caramel Cognac fondue. This sweet and sinful dip is perfect for fruit slices like strawberries, tangerine segments, or bananas.

Tempura

For an Asian twist, you can use your fondue pot to make tempura. Simply make the batter, dip your shrimp or vegetables in it, and then fry them in hot oil in your fondue pot.

How to serve fondue

Fondue is a great way to bring people together and guarantee a fun evening. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve fondue:

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure your fondue pot is prepared. If using a new unglazed clay pot, season it with a mixture of milk and water cooked over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. For a glazed ceramic or enameled cast iron pot, you can skip this step.

Next, rub the inside of the pot with a cut clove of garlic. This will add flavour to the fondue and prevent the cheese from sticking to the pot.

Heating the Fondue Pot

Fill your fondue burner with fuel. For an alcohol burner, use 3 ounces of fuel, which will burn for approximately 60-90 minutes. If you plan on using the burner for a shorter time, 2 ounces of fuel will suffice. Be careful to wipe off any spilled fuel from the burner's edges before placing it on its stand.

Use a match to light the fuel at the centre of the burner. Do not use a lighter as it can be dangerous. Once the fuel is lit, adjust the size of the flame using the handle. Open more holes for higher flames and close them to lower the heat.

If your fondue recipe requires heating on a stovetop, place the pot on the stove and heat the contents to the desired temperature. For cheese fondue, this is typically 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Safety Precautions

Never leave the lit fondue burner unattended. Always place the fondue set on a stable, flat, and heat-resistant surface to avoid catching fire. Keep flammable materials away from the set, and ensure children are supervised and do not touch the hot pot or burner.

Serving the Fondue

Once your fondue is ready, transfer the pot to your tabletop heat source to keep it warm. Avoid overfilling the pot to prevent splattering. Stir the fondue frequently to prevent it from scorching.

Provide each guest with their own fondue fork, preferably with a wooden handle to avoid overheating. It is recommended to have different-coloured handles to identify each person's fork.

For cheese fondue, serve with stale French bread, sourdough bread, or bagels cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also offer blanched vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for dipping.

For meat fondue, ensure the oil or broth temperature is high enough, typically 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide guests with long-stemmed metal forks to cook their meat.

Cleaning

After use, empty the fondue pot and fill it with ice-cold water, a dishwasher tablet, or dish soap. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then scrape off any residue with a paper towel. Alternatively, you can fill the pot with warm water and dish soap and heat it on the stove until it boils.

Never immerse the base of the fondue pot in water or other liquids. Wipe these parts with a damp cloth and dish soap. Clean the outside of the pot regularly to prevent it from catching fire.

Safety tips for using a fondue pot

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family, but it's important to follow safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential safety tips for using a fondue pot:

• Always supervise the fondue pot and never leave it unattended, especially when the burner is lit as this is an open flame.
• Keep the fondue pot away from flammable objects such as curtains, paper towels, or other flammable materials.
• Use caution when handling hot oil, broth, and cheese to prevent burns. Avoid splashing the hot liquid and do not touch the fondue pot or its contents with your bare hands.
• Use appropriate fondue forks to prevent burns and avoid double-dipping to prevent the spread of germs. Fondue forks are designed with long handles and are typically colour-coded to avoid mix-ups.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
• Secure the cords of electric fondue pots to prevent tripping hazards and ensure they are out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not overfill the fondue pot to avoid splattering or spilling.
• Keep the outside of the fondue pot clean to prevent fires.
• Allow the fondue set to cool completely before moving or storing it.
• Never immerse the base of the fondue pot in water or other liquids. Wipe these parts with a damp cloth and dish soap.
• Clean the fondue pot and other parts with warm water and dish soap, or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning materials or substances.
• Be cautious when lighting the burner and never use a lighter as this can be dangerous.
• Never tip the burner to ignite as this may cause fuel to leak. Always use a match and light the fuel at the centre of the burner.
• When refuelling the burner, first extinguish the flame completely and allow it to cool before adding more fuel.
• Protect your table or surface from the heat of the flame by placing the fondue pot on a stable, heat-resistant surface such as a wooden cutting board or ceramic tile.
• Do not place more than four people around one pot to avoid overcrowding and maintain a safe cooking temperature.

Frequently asked questions