Fondue Fuel And Lamp Oil: Are They Interchangeable?

Fondue fuel and lamp oil are two different things but they can sometimes be the same substance. For example, fondue fuel can come in the form of liquid alcohol, which can also be used for lamps. However, the type of fuel depends on the type of fondue. For example, chocolate, butterscotch, and coffee fondue only need to be kept warm, so simple, unscented tealight candles are best. Meat fondue, on the other hand, requires a higher temperature, so liquid alcohol is a better option. Lamp oil can be clear kerosene, Klean-Heat kerosene substitute, or standard clear lamp oil.

Fondue fuel and lamp oil: approved fuels

When it comes to fondue, selecting the right fuel is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The type of fuel depends on the fondue variety, with different fondues requiring different temperatures. For chocolate, butterscotch, coffee, and other dessert fondues, the goal is to keep the mixture warm without letting it solidify. This can be achieved using simple, unscented tealight candles.

For cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, higher temperatures are required. Liquid alcohol is a suitable option as it burns without odour and won't leave soot stains. It is readily available in grocery and drug stores and can also be used for lamps and cleaning. However, special care must be taken to avoid spilling liquid fuel near flames.

Gel fuel, a jelly-like form of alcohol, is another option for cheese, meat, or seafood fondues. It burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol but offers increased safety due to its higher viscosity, reducing the risk of spills and associated fires. Chafing fuels are an example of gel fuels packaged in screw-top tins, providing a convenient and reusable option.

Newer fondue sets may utilise pressurised butane gas, offering excellent temperature control and easy reuse. This option is slightly more expensive but is considered safe when handled properly.

When it comes to lamp oil, several approved fuels can be used:

• Non-dyed (clear) kerosene
• Klean-Heat kerosene substitute
• Standard clear lamp oil
• Citronella oil (for outdoor use only)

Paraffin oil, though marketed for oil lamps, may result in erratic burning and reduced brightness due to its thicker consistency. It is important to note that some fuels, such as gasoline, Coleman fuel, white gas, paint thinner, wood alcohol, diesel, and aviation fuels, should never be used in wick lamps or lanterns due to safety hazards.

Types of fondue fuel

There are several types of fondue fuel available, each designed to meet the specific temperature and flame requirements of different types of fondue. Using the wrong type of fuel can have unpleasant consequences, so it is important to choose the right one.

For chocolate, butterscotch, coffee, and other dessert fondues, the key is to keep the liquid warm enough to prevent it from solidifying. The best fuel for this type of fondue is a simple, unscented tealight candle. These candles are placed about two to three inches below the melting dish and provide a consistent flame for 4 to 5 hours. This method is safer than using liquid fuels and does not present the same dangers.

For cheese, meat, and seafood fondues, a higher temperature is required than what can be achieved with tealights. Liquid alcohol is a good choice for these fondues as it burns without odour and will not leave soot stains on the pan. It is readily available in grocery and drug stores and can be used for lamps and cleaning purposes as well. However, it is important to use a special fondue burner designed for alcohol fuel and to take extra care to avoid spilling the liquid fuel near flames.

Gel fuel is another option for cheese, meat, and seafood fondues. It is a jelly-like form of alcohol that provides a slightly lower burn temperature but burns for a longer duration. Gel fuel can be poured into a normal fondue burner and used in the same way as liquid alcohol. One of the main advantages of gel fuel is increased safety. Its higher viscosity makes it less likely to spill and reduces the risk of fire.

Chafing fuels are a type of gel fuel packaged in screw-top tins that serve as the burning device. The fuel and container are designed to be burned, extinguished, and reused multiple times. However, they may be less aesthetically pleasing than a traditional fondue set and offer less precise temperature control.

Newer fondue sets may use pressurised butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control, easy reuse, and no odour. This option is slightly more expensive but is considered one of the safest choices when handled properly.

Lamp oil: approved fuels

When it comes to choosing a fuel for your oil lamp, it's important to select an option that is safe and suitable for this specific purpose. Here are some approved fuels that you can consider for your oil lamp:

• Non-dyed (clear) kerosene: This type of kerosene is free from added dyes and is suitable for use in oil lamps. It can provide a bright and consistent flame.
• Klean-Heat kerosene substitute: If you're looking for an alternative to traditional kerosene, Klean-Heat offers a substitute option that is designed to be a safer and cleaner-burning choice.
• Standard clear lamp oil: Clear lamp oil is a common choice for oil lamps and is known for its smokeless, odorless, and clean-burning properties. It is a popular option for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Citronella oil (outdoor use only): Citronella oil is an effective fuel for outdoor oil lamps as it helps repel insects. However, it should not be used indoors due to its strong scent.

It's important to note that while paraffin oil (also known as wax oil) may be marketed for oil lamps, it might not burn as brightly as the approved fuels mentioned above. Paraffin oil has a higher flash point, which can affect the capillary action of the wick and lead to improper burning. Therefore, it's recommended to stick to the approved fuels specifically designed for oil lamps.

Additionally, always exercise caution when using any flammable fuel. Avoid using explosive fuels, such as gasoline, Coleman fuel, white gas, paint thinner, wood alcohol, diesel, naphtha, turpentine, or aviation fuels, as they can be dangerous and harmful if inhaled.

Using the wrong fondue fuel

For chocolate, butterscotch, coffee, and other dessert fondues, the key is to keep the liquid warm enough to stop it from solidifying. The best fuel to use is a simple, unscented tealight candle. These candles will keep the fondue warm for 4 to 5 hours and do not present the same dangers as liquid fuels.

For cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, a higher temperature is required than what can be achieved using tealights. Liquid alcohol is a good option as it burns without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. It is available from most groceries and drug stores and can be used for lamps and cleaning purposes as well as for fondue fuel. However, you will need a special fondue burner to use alcohol fuel and it is important to take care not to spill liquid fuel, especially near open flames.

Gel fuel is another option and is essentially a jelly-like form of alcohol. It burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol but will burn for longer. Gel fuel can be poured into a normal fondue burner and used in the same way as liquid fuel. It is also safer than liquid fuel as it is less likely to spill and will not run if it is knocked over.

Chafing fuels are also gel fuels but are packaged in screw-top tins that can be burned, extinguished, and burned again. However, they are less aesthetically pleasing than a proper fondue set and temperature control is not as precise.

Newer fondue sets may use pressurized butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control, easy reuse, and no odour. As long as the canister is not subjected to rough handling or dramatic changes in air pressure, this is a very safe option.

Fondue fuel: where to buy

Fondue fuel is available in many forms, including liquid alcohol, gel, and even pressurised butane gas. The type of fuel you need will depend on the type of fondue you want to make. For example, chocolate, butterscotch, and other dessert fondues only require a low temperature, so a simple, unscented tealight candle will suffice. These can be purchased from most supermarkets and homeware stores.

For cheese, meat, and seafood fondues, you will need a fuel that burns at a higher temperature. Liquid alcohol is a good option for these types of fondue, as it burns without odour and won't leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. It can be purchased from most grocery and drug stores, often in the same aisle as lamp oil and BBQ supplies.

Online Options

If you're looking to buy fondue fuel online, there are several options:

• Walmart offers a range of gel fuel products, including the Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel 3 Ounce Fondue Fuel Tin, as well as various packs of gel chafing fuel.
• Target also sells fondue fuel paste.
• Amazon offers a range of fondue fuel products, including gel fuel and liquid alcohol fuel.

In-Store Options

If you're looking to buy fondue fuel in-store, you can try the following options:

• Local grocery stores: Most grocery stores stock liquid alcohol fondue fuel, often in the same aisle as BBQ supplies.
• Drug stores: Some drug stores sell liquid alcohol fondue fuel, which can be used for lamps, cleaning, and fondue.
• Homeware stores: Stores that sell homeware and kitchen supplies may stock fondue fuel, including tealight candles and gel fuel.

It's important to note that liquid alcohol fondue fuel cannot be shipped, so it must be purchased in-store. Always use the correct type of fuel for your fondue burner and follow safety instructions to avoid accidents.

Frequently asked questions