Fondue Pot Burner: A Beginner's Guide To Melting

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Using a fondue pot can seem intimidating at first, but with some practice, anyone can learn how to use one like a pro. Before using your fondue pot, it is important to understand what type of fondue it is best suited for and how to properly prepare it for use. Fondue pots come in different types, each with its own unique features. Some are designed for use with cheese or chocolate, while others are made for cooking meats or vegetables.

When choosing a fondue pot, consider the type of fondue you want to make and the number of people you will be serving. Electric fondue pots are perfect for large gatherings as they are easy to use and clean, and they come with temperature control settings. Ceramic fondue pots are great for a traditional fondue experience as they distribute heat evenly and are suitable for cheese, chocolate, and even meat fondue. Cast iron fondue pots are perfect for meat fondue since they can withstand high temperatures and retain heat well. Metal fondue pots, on the other hand, are lightweight and easy to clean, but they are not suitable for meat fondue as they cannot withstand high temperatures.

To light a fondue burner, first make sure that the burner is securely attached to the base of the fondue pot. Then, fill the burner with the appropriate fuel, such as denatured alcohol, gel fuel, or liquid alcohol fuel. Use a long lighter or match to ignite the fuel and adjust the flame to the desired level using the control knob. Always use caution when handling hot oil and cheese to prevent burns, and keep the pot away from flammable objects and never leave it unattended.

How to Use a Fondue Pot Burner

Using the right fondue pot and fuel

Fondue pots for hot oil or broth are designed to withstand high heat and require a burner that can accommodate either gel or liquid alcohol fuel. Some burners use gel fuel cartridges, while others use liquid fuel or pourable gelled fondue fuel. If your burner supports both types of fuel, you may prefer liquid alcohol fuel as it creates more heat than gel fuel. However, liquid alcohol is highly flammable and can be dangerous if spilled. Fondue gel fuel is often a safer alternative, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of fondue pot and fuel you are using.

When using liquid alcohol fuel, always fill the burner in a safe area, such as a kitchen counter, and never overfill it. Allow the burner to cool before refilling, and wipe up any spills immediately. Place the burner under the fondue pot, ensuring all flammable materials are cleared away, and light it with a match. You can adjust the heat by exposing or covering the air holes in the burner. To extinguish the flame, simply place the burner cover on top.

If you are using gel fuel, you can either use a gel fuel cartridge or pour the gel directly into the fondue burner. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for lighting and adjusting the heat. As with liquid alcohol fuel, always exercise caution when handling and storing flammable gel fuel.

It's important to note that liquid alcohol fuel cannot be purchased online due to safety regulations, but you should be able to find it in your local grocery store or hardware store near the BBQ supplies. Fondue gel fuel may also be available in stores, but you can also use indoor fire starters like Fire Dragon Fuel if your preferred gel fuel is out of stock.

Lighting an alcohol or gel burner

To light an alcohol or gel burner for your fondue, you must first ensure you are using the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Fondue sets typically come with alcohol burners, which use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel.

Lighting an Alcohol Burner

Before filling the burner base with fuel, take the burner away from the fondue pot and onto a safe surface like a kitchen counter. Never fill the burner while it is still hot, and never overfill it. Allow the burner to cool off if you are refilling it. Pour 2 to 3 ounces of fuel into the burner base—2 ounces will burn for an hour, and 3 ounces for an hour and a half. Place the burner cover on the base, then set the burner on the fondue stand and remove the cover. Make sure all flammable materials are kept away from the burner. Use a lit match to ignite the fuel through the hole in the centre of the burner. Once lit, adjust the openings to the desired temperature. To put out the flame, place the burner cover on the base.

Lighting a Gel Burner

Gel burners are often safer to use as they are pre-filled, so spillages are not an issue. If your burner is compatible with gel fuel cartridges, it will have a removable bottom half. Remove this, insert the gel cartridge into the metal casing, and place the top half of the burner on top. If you are not using a gel cartridge, pour the gel directly into the bottom of the burner. Light the burner as per the alcohol burner instructions. The advantage of gel fuel is that you do not need to wait for the burner to cool off before refilling it. When you are finished, simply place the cover on the burner to smother the flame.

Using a candlelit fondue

Step 1: Choose the Right Fondue Pot and Fuel

Select the appropriate fondue pot for your dessert fondue. Dessert fondue pots are typically smaller and shallower than those used for cheese or broth fondue. Make sure your fondue pot has space for a tea light candle as the heat source.

Step 2: Prepare the Fondue Ingredients

Melt your fondue ingredients in a double boiler on your stove. For a chocolate fondue, you can use a combination of dark and milk chocolate chips, heavy cream, and marshmallows. If you prefer a white chocolate fondue, you can melt white chocolate morsels with milk. Alternatively, you can make a caramel fondue by boiling a mixture of evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and corn syrup.

Step 3: Transfer the Fondue to the Pot

Once your fondue is ready, transfer it to the fondue pot. Make sure the fondue pot is warm before adding the fondue to it. This will help keep the fondue in a liquid state and ready for dipping.

Step 4: Light the Candle

Place an unscented tea light candle below the fondue pot. Light the candle with a match or a lighter, and then blow out and discard the match or turn off the lighter. The small flame from the tea light candle will provide enough heat to keep your fondue warm and melted.

Step 5: Serve with Dipping Options

Serve your fondue with a variety of dipping options. Small pieces of fruit, cake, and bread are excellent choices for dessert fondues. Prepare 1 to 2 pieces of fruit per person or 2 to 3 servings of cake and bread per person. For chocolate fondue, consider strawberries, banana slices, grapes, and pound cake. White chocolate fondue goes well with pineapple and mango slices. If you're serving a caramel fondue, try sliced peaches, strawberries, or banana slices.

Remember to enjoy your fondue responsibly and always supervise the candle flame to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Adjusting the temperature

When adjusting the temperature of your fondue pot burner, there are several factors to consider, including the type of fondue, the number of people you are serving, and the desired temperature. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you adjust the temperature like a pro:

Choosing the Right Heat Source

First, select the appropriate heat source for your fondue pot. Some fondue pots come with built-in burners, while others require separate heat sources such as candles or sternos. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions to choose the recommended heat source for your specific pot.

Adjusting the Flame

If you're using a burner with an adjustable flame, you can usually control the heat output by exposing or covering the air holes in the burner. To increase the heat, expose more holes, and to decrease the heat, cover more holes. This method applies to burners using liquid alcohol fuel or gel fuel.

Using Butane Burners

Butane burners provide a more adjustable heat source and are suitable for various fondue types. They are typically more expensive and sold separately as accessories. With a butane burner, you can adjust the heat by turning a control knob to increase or decrease the flame size.

Electric Fondue Pots

Electric fondue pots are convenient and offer precise temperature control settings, making them ideal for large gatherings. They are easy to use and maintain the desired temperature for your fondue.

Heating Tips for Different Fondue Types

The ideal temperature for your fondue will depend on the type of fondue you are preparing:

• For cheese fondue, use a ceramic or cast-iron container with even heat distribution. An electric pot with temperature control can be helpful.
• For chocolate fondue, avoid direct heat. Use a double boiler and keep the temperature low to prevent burning or thickening.
• For meat fondue, use high heat. Heat the oil or broth to 375°F for oil-based fondue or bring the broth to a simmer before transferring it to the fondue pot.
• For broth-based fondue, you can use alcohol fuel with a small flame or turn up the heat for cheese fondue.
• For dessert fondue, a small tea light candle under the pot is usually sufficient, but larger pots may require a different heat source to avoid slow and uneven heating.

Safety Precautions

Always exercise caution when adjusting the temperature of your fondue pot burner:

• Never leave the fondue pot unattended while cooking.
• Avoid placing the fondue pot directly on a stove for heating.
• Keep flammable objects away from the burner.
• Always use appropriate fondue forks to prevent burns.
• Avoid double-dipping to prevent the spread of germs.

Safety precautions

Before using your fondue pot burner, always read the manufacturer's instructions, especially regarding the fuel source and cleaning. Fondue burners use either liquid alcohol or gel fuel, and both types come with risks. Liquid alcohol is highly flammable and easy to spill, so it should be handled with extreme caution. If you are using liquid alcohol, never fill the burner while it is still hot, and never overfill it. Always wait for the burner to cool down before refilling it, and wipe up any spills before lighting it. Keep flammable materials, such as napkins and paper, away from the burner.

If you are using gel fuel, follow similar precautions. Do not overfill the burner and make sure to wipe up any spills. Some gel burners have a removable bottom half, but not all of them do, so do not force yours to open if it does not have a removable base. Fondue gel fuel can be poured directly into the burner, or you can use gel fuel cartridges.

When lighting your fondue burner, always use a match or a lighter. Never use other ignition sources, as they can be dangerous. Once the burner is lit, adjust the openings to control the temperature. To extinguish the flame, close the vents and place a snuffer lid on top of the burner. Make sure the flame is completely extinguished before refilling the burner. Always store the burner empty.

If you are using an electric fondue pot, ensure that the extension cord is taped down to the floor to prevent tripping hazards. For oil fondues, keep a fire extinguisher, a snuffer lid, or a box of baking soda nearby in case of flare-ups. Always place the fondue pot on a heatproof trivet or a small cutting board to protect your table surface.

If children are participating in the fondue, closely supervise them to ensure their safety. Fondue forks can get very hot, so be careful to avoid burns. If a burn occurs, run cold water over the affected area and leave it uncovered to promote healing.

Frequently asked questions