The Best Candles To Use For Your Fondue Pot

The type of candle you use for your fondue pot depends on the type of fondue you are preparing. For example, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue require lower temperatures, so a small tea light candle is sufficient to keep the fondue warm. On the other hand, meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures, so you would need a different type of fondue burner that uses gel or alcohol fuel.

Fondue fuel type depends on fondue type

The type of fuel you need for your fondue pot depends on the type of fondue you are preparing.

Dessert fondue pots, for example, are smaller and shallower than cheese fondue pots, and they only have space for a tea light candle instead of fuel. Most dessert fondues require very little heat to keep the fondue in a liquid state, so a small tealight is the only source of fuel you need.

Cheese fondue pots, on the other hand, will have a wide mouth and space for alcohol or gel fuel. Alcohol burners are meant to be used with fondue fuel or denatured alcohol only. Fondue fuel can be purchased online or in grocery stores, but denatured alcohol can be found at any hardware store. If you are using fondue fuel gel, you will not need an insert to control the flame, as the gel itself helps to control the rate at which it will burn.

Broth and oil fondue pots have a smaller mouth and are made with steel or copper. They are heated with alcohol or gel fuel.

If you are looking for a slightly safer alternative to alcohol fuel, you can try gel fuel. It is less likely to spill and can be purchased in cartridges or as a pourable gel.

Tea lights for dessert fondue

Tea light candles are perfect for dessert fondue. They are the only source of fuel you need for dessert fondue, which requires very little heat to keep it in a liquid state.

Dessert fondue pots are smaller and shallower than cheese fondue pots, and they only have space for a tea light candle instead of fuel. Tea light candles can melt chocolate chips without adding anything and are excellent little cheese heaters. They are also easy to use and clean.

Dessert fondue is a great choice for guests who may not enjoy chocolate. You can experiment with different types of dessert fondue, including white chocolate, caramel, and chocolate fondue.

To prepare a dessert fondue, melt the ingredients in a double boiler on your stove before transferring them to your fondue pot. Place an unscented tea light candle below the fondue pot and light it with a match or lighter. The fondue pot should already be warm before you add the fondue to it.

Small pieces of fruit, cake, and bread are usually the best choices for dessert fondue. Prepare 1 to 2 pieces of fruit per person or 2 to 3 servings of cake and bread per person.

Chocolate fondue goes great with strawberries, banana slices, grapes, cherries, pound cake, marshmallows, quartered oranges, pineapple, apple slices, kiwi slices, pear slices, bread, donuts, croissants, and melon, as well as various nuts.

White chocolate fondue goes well with salted pretzel rods, pineapple, crystallized ginger, and mango slices.

Caramel fondue works well with sliced peaches, strawberries, banana slices, grapes, cherries, pound cake, marshmallows, unsalted popcorn, pineapple, apple slices, kiwi slices, mango chunks, raspberries, pear slices, donuts, and croissants, and various nuts.

Alcohol fuel for cheese fondue

Alcohol fuel is a cheap and simple option for cheese fondue, but it is highly flammable, so caution is necessary. Before filling the burner, ensure it is completely cool. Never overfill the burner and only fill it when it is on a kitchen counter or sink. Pour the alcohol carefully into the burner, stopping when the liquid reaches the holes or mesh on the sides. Wipe away any spills, place the burner under the fondue pot, and use a match to light it.

Liquid alcohol fuel produces more heat than gel fuel, so if your burner supports both, you may prefer to use alcohol fuel for hot oil or broth fondue. If you are using alcohol fuel for cheese fondue, you may want to reduce the heat by slightly reducing the size of the openings on your burner.

Three ounces of alcohol fuel will burn for approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on the height of the flame. You can use two ounces of fuel if you plan to use the burner for less time.

Please note that liquid alcohol fuel cannot be shipped and therefore cannot be purchased online. However, it should be available in your local grocery store, usually near the BBQ supplies.

Sterno or canned fuel as alternative heat source

Sterno or canned fuel is a convenient alternative heat source for your fondue pot. It is a brand of jellied, denatured alcohol that is meant to be burned directly in its can. It is popular for heating chafing dishes in buffets and serving fondue. Sterno is also used for portable stoves and as an emergency heat source. The flame is typically lit with a match or lighter and extinguished by placing the lid over the can to deprive it of oxygen.

Sterno is widely available and can be purchased online, at wholesale warehouses, or in the camping section of stores. It is inexpensive, with prices ranging from $1 to $5 per can, depending on the brand and burn time. A 7-ounce (200g) can of Sterno, for example, will burn for up to two hours.

When using Sterno or canned fuel for your fondue pot, ensure that your pot sits up high on the base, above the flame, to avoid scorching. Additionally, make sure that the can you are using is intended for indoor use and provides adequate ventilation. While the fuel burns cleanly, it may still produce a small amount of carbon monoxide. Always follow the safety instructions on the label.

Sterno and other canned fuels come in various forms and sizes. For fondue, the smaller cans with gel are typically the best option. They provide a good amount of heat and are less likely to spill than liquid alternatives. Remember to use caution when handling any open flame and flammable substances.

Electric pots for temperature control

Electric fondue pots are a great option for those who want more control over the temperature of their fondue. They are versatile, convenient, and perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in. Here are some benefits of electric fondue pots:

Temperature Control:

• Electric fondue pots typically feature adjustable temperature dials, allowing you to easily adjust the heat to maintain the perfect consistency for your fondue. This takes the guesswork out of melting and ensures your fondue stays warm throughout your meal.
• The precise temperature control is especially useful for chocolate and cheese fondue, as they require consistent heat to stay melted.

Ease of Use:

• Electric fondue pots are simple and convenient to use. Most models feature intuitive control dials and removable pots with cool-touch handles, making it safe and easy to carry or move the pot around.
• They are also easy to clean. Most electric fondue pots have detachable parts that are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Versatility:

• Electric fondue pots can be used for a wide variety of fondue recipes, from savory cheese fondues to sweet chocolate desserts. They are perfect for small gatherings, date nights, or family get-togethers.
• Some models come with detachable serving trays, allowing you to easily serve and dip a variety of foods.

Safety:

• Electric fondue pots eliminate the need for open flames or flammable fuels, making them a safer option, especially when used around children or pets.
• The cool-touch handles also ensure safe and easy handling, reducing the risk of burns.

Other Features:

• Many electric fondue pots come with color-coded fondue forks, so each guest can have their own individual dipping tool.
• Some models also include recipe booklets or suggestions, giving you ideas for fondue recipes and dipping options.

Overall, electric fondue pots with temperature control offer a safe, convenient, and versatile option for fondue enthusiasts. They provide precise temperature control, making it easy to melt and maintain the perfect consistency for your fondue creations.

Frequently asked questions