Fondue Pot Accessories And Their Uses Explained

Fondue is a fun and social activity, but it can quickly turn into a disaster if your equipment malfunctions. To avoid this, it is important to purchase the right accessories for your fondue pot. The type of fondue pot you choose will depend on the kind of fondue you wish to make. There are four main types of fondue pots: cheese fondue pots, hot oil/broth fondue pots, dessert/chocolate fondue pots, and electric fondue pots. Each type of fondue pot requires different accessories. Fondue fuel, burners, forks, plates, and dipping trays are all essential accessories for a successful fondue night.

Fondue fuel

For chocolate fondue, caramel fondue, and dessert fondue, the fondue burner typically uses unscented tea light candles. The dipping sauce is melted on a stovetop and then transferred to a small fondue pot to keep it warm.

Meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues, on the other hand, require higher temperatures. The fondue pots for hot oil fondue are designed to withstand high heat and usually require a different type of burner. An example of this type of burner is the Cuisinox Stainless Steel Fondue Burner, which works with both gel or alcohol fuel.

Some burners require gel fuel cartridges, while others use liquid fuel or pourable gelled fondue fuel. For cheese, hot oil, or broth fondue burners, it is important to use the type of fuel indicated by the manufacturer, which could be liquid alcohol or gel fuel. Liquid fuel creates more heat than gel fuel, so it may be preferable for hot oil and broth fondue. However, gel fuel works well for cheese fondue, and the heat can be adjusted by reducing the size of the openings on the burner.

When using liquid fuel, it is important to be cautious and avoid spilling any of the flammable liquid. About 90 ml or 3 oz of liquid should be poured into the bottom part of the burner, and the burner should be lit with a match after being returned to a stable position under the pot. The size of the openings on the burner will affect the heat output, with larger openings resulting in higher heat. To extinguish the flame, simply place the cover on the burner to smother the fire.

If you have misplaced the burner for your fondue pot, you may be able to use a "Sterno" type of burner, which is a fuel in a container. These are widely available online and in stores.

Fondue burners

Types of Fondue Burners:

• Gel Fuel: Some fondue sets use gel fuel, which comes in small canisters that fit perfectly into the burner cup. Gel fuel is easy to light and provides a consistent heat source for maintaining the desired temperature. However, it can be challenging to adjust the heat, and it may get too hot for certain types of fondue.
• Tea Light Candles: Tea light candles are a more atmospheric heat source, creating a cosy glow while melting your fondue ingredients. They are often used in smaller fondue pots or those designed for chocolate or cheese fondue. Tea lights may not provide as much heat as other options, so they are better suited for maintaining warmth rather than initial melting.
• Adjustable Alcohol or Gel Burners: These burners offer more control over the heat output, making them ideal for cheese fondue, where a constant temperature is required to keep the cheese melted without burning. They can be fuelled by alcohol or gel, and you can adjust the flame size to suit your needs.

• Safety Considerations: Fondue burners should always be handled with care to prevent accidents. Ensure that burners are placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from flammable objects. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for lighting and using the burner safely. Keep children and pets away from the burner at all times.
• Choosing the Right Burner: When selecting a fondue burner, consider the type of fondue you plan to make. Cheese and chocolate fondues require a more consistent, lower heat, while hot oil or broth fondues may require higher temperatures. The size of your fondue pot and the number of people you intend to serve will also influence your choice of burner.
• Maintenance and Care: Fondue burners should be cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Proper care will ensure the longevity of your burner and fondue pot set. Always allow the burner to cool completely before handling or cleaning it.

Fondue forks

When purchasing fondue forks, it is important to consider the type of fondue you will be making and the number of guests you will be serving. For example, if you are making a cheese fondue, you will need forks with curved tines to easily scoop up the melted cheese. If you are making a meat fondue, you will need forks with sharper tines to secure the meat. It is also a good idea to get a variety of colours so that guests can easily identify their forks.

Overall, fondue forks are an important accessory for any fondue lover. They come in a variety of styles and sizes and can be made from different materials, so it is important to choose the right type of fork for your needs.

Fondue plates

When choosing fondue plates, it is important to consider the material. Ceramic or porcelain plates are a good option as they are durable and easy to clean. Another option is to use disposable plates, which can make cleanup easier. However, it is important to ensure that the plates are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the meat and fondue forks.

In addition to fondue plates, there are several other accessories that can enhance the fondue experience. Fondue forks, for example, can be found in disposable or reusable two-prong or three-prong varieties. Dipping trays and Lazy Susans are also useful, as they provide small bowls for holding dips and sauces.

When planning a fondue dinner, it is important to consider the type of fuel and burner that will be used. Different types of fondue pots require different types of fuel, so it is important to choose the right one to avoid damaging the pot. Additionally, a fondue burner is necessary to maintain the constant temperature required for cheese fondue.

Dipping trays and Lazy Susans

The Lazy Susan fondue set typically features a variety of small bowls surrounding the central fondue pot. These bowls are meant to hold different dips and sauces, enhancing the flavour of the meat cooked in the broth or hot oil. The spinning design of the Lazy Susan makes it convenient for guests to access the dips from across the table.

Additionally, the trays and melting pot in the Lazy Susan set are usually removable, making cleaning a breeze. And when it comes to versatility, the melting pot can also be used for nacho cheese, fondue parties, dipping strawberries, marshmallows, breads and more.

So, if you're planning a fondue party, consider investing in a Lazy Susan set to impress your guests and take your fondue experience to the next level.

Frequently asked questions