Fondue Fuel Options: Choosing The Right Heat Source

Fondue fuel is an important consideration when preparing a fondue, as the wrong fuel can lead to unpleasant consequences. The type of fondue fuel you need depends on the type of fondue you are preparing. For dessert fondues, such as chocolate, butterscotch, and coffee, a simple, unscented tealight candle is sufficient to keep the liquid warm and prevent it from solidifying. For cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, a higher temperature is required, and liquid alcohol or gel fuel is a better option. These types of fuel burn without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan.

Fondue fuel gel

Another option for fondue fuel gel is to purchase it in a bottle or can and pour it into a normal fondue burner. It is important to note that once the gel has been burned in the burner, it should not be returned to the bottle as this can degrade the quality of the fuel.

When purchasing fondue fuel gel, it is important to choose a product that is specifically designed for fondue burners. This will ensure that the fuel burns at the correct temperature and does not produce an odour that could affect the taste of the fondue. Some common brands that offer fondue fuel gel include Swissmar, Sterno, and Trudeau.

Candles

Fondue sets with a metal burner underneath the pot are perfect for tealights. The flame from the candle will be enough to keep the fondue warm and melted without overheating it. Candles are also a safer option, as there is no risk of spilling liquid fuel and causing a fire.

If you're using a fondue set that requires a higher temperature, such as for cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, you might need to opt for a different fuel type, as candles may not generate enough heat. In these cases, liquid alcohol or gel fuel might be better options. However, for dessert fondues, candles are an excellent, safe, and easily accessible choice.

When using candles for fondue fuel, it's important to use unscented varieties to avoid any unwanted flavours or smells affecting your fondue. Additionally, make sure to keep the candles a safe distance from the fondue pot to prevent any accidental fires.

Liquid alcohol

When preparing a fondue, it is important to use the right type of fuel to avoid any mishaps. For dessert fondues, such as chocolate, butterscotch, or coffee, a simple, unscented tealight candle is sufficient to keep the liquid warm and prevent it from solidifying. However, for cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, a higher temperature is required.

The type of alcohol used can impact the amount of soot produced. For example, denatured alcohol with added methanol can result in soot buildup, as some users have experienced. To avoid this, opt for ethanol or grain alcohol, such as Everclear, which produces less soot. It is also important to ensure that the alcohol does not contain any additional substances, as these can lead to a stinky and sooty flame.

As always, be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your fondue set and take all necessary safety precautions when handling any type of fuel.

Chaffing fuel

Chafing fuel is a type of gel fuel packaged in screw-top tins that double as the burning device. The tins are designed to be burned, extinguished, and then burned again. Chafing fuel is a safer alternative to bottled gel fuel, which can degrade in quality if kept in the burner. It is also less likely to spill or run, reducing the risk of fire.

Chafing fuel typically comes in small, round pre-filled packets that contain 2 to 3 ounces of gel. It can also be purchased in larger bottles of 12 to 16 ounces. The gelled fuel is usually made from denatured alcohol, water, and a gelling agent, although some brands may use ethanol and other chemicals.

When using chafing fuel, it is important to follow safe operating procedures. Always use the proper fuel container, flame adjuster, and extinguishing control features. Do not overfill the fuel container or tip it, as this may cause spilling or dripping. Allow the fuel to cool completely before refilling the burner.

Chafing fuel is a suitable option for heating and cooking various foods, including meats, cheeses, chocolates, and dipping sauces. It provides a moderate amount of heat and is ideal for keeping foods warm. Chafing fuel can also be used for fondue, providing a simple and safe way to keep the fondue pot warm without the need for a separate burner.

Overall, chafing fuel offers a convenient and relatively safe option for fuel in fondue sets, providing a warm flame for an extended period.

Butane gas

When using butane gas for fondue, it is important to follow safety precautions. Butane canisters should not be subjected to rough handling or placed in an environment where the air pressure changes dramatically, as this could pose a safety risk. It is also important to ensure that the fondue pot is compatible with butane gas canisters.

One advantage of using butane gas for fondue is that it does not create any odour, which can be a problem with other types of fuel. It also offers more precise temperature control than gel fuel, which can be advantageous for cooking certain types of fondue.

Overall, butane gas is a safe and effective fuel option for fondue, particularly for fondues that require higher temperatures. With its ease of use and reusability, it is a convenient choice for fondue enthusiasts, despite the slightly higher cost.

Frequently asked questions