Fondue Burner Basics: Fuel, Flame, And Fun

There are several types of fuel that can be used in a fondue burner, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of fondue will dictate the type of fuel used. For example, chocolate, butterscotch, coffee, and other dessert fondues only need to be kept warm, so a simple, unscented tealight candle is best. Cheese, meat, or seafood fondues require a higher temperature, so liquid alcohol or gel fuel is a better option. While liquid alcohol is cheap and easy to use, it is dangerous and highly flammable. Fondue gel fuel is often a safer alternative, although it burns at a slightly lower temperature. Chafing fuels are also an option, although they are less aesthetically pleasing and offer less precise temperature control. Newer fondue sets may use pressurised butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control and is very safe.

Fondue burner fuel options: gel, liquid alcohol, or canned chafing fuel

Fondue burners can be fuelled by gel, liquid alcohol, or canned chafing fuel. Each fuel type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some are more suitable for certain types of fondue than others.

Gel fuel, also known as fire gel, is a popular choice for fondue burners as it is less likely to spill and is therefore safer than liquid fuels. It can be purchased in pourable form or as a gel cartridge, and can be used with a variety of fondue pots. To use gel fuel, simply open the lid of the container, pour or insert it into the burner, and light it. When finished, cover the burner to smother the flame.

Liquid alcohol is another option for fondue burners, and it burns without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. It is simple and cheap to use, and can be purchased from most groceries and drug stores. However, it can be dangerous as it is highly flammable and easy to spill. If using liquid alcohol, it is important to follow safety precautions such as never filling the burner while it is still hot and always wiping up any spills.

Canned chafing fuel is a type of gel fuel that comes packaged in a screw-top tin, which also serves as the burning device. This can be a convenient option as the fuel and container are designed to be used together, and the fuel can be easily extinguished and burnt again. However, it may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a traditional fondue set and temperature control may be less precise.

In addition to these fuel options, newer fondue sets may use pressurised butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control, easy reuse, and no odour. This option is also relatively safe, as long as the canister is handled with care and not exposed to drastic air pressure changes.

For dessert fondues such as chocolate, butterscotch, or coffee, a simple unscented tealight candle can be used to keep the liquid warm without the need for a specialised fondue burner.

How to light a fondue burner: safety tips

Choosing the Right Fondue Pot and Fuel

Before you begin, ensure that you are using the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Check the instructions that came with your fondue set for guidance on the correct type of fuel to use. Fondue fuel can be purchased from pharmacies and supermarkets, but due to its high flammability, it cannot be bought online.

Lighting an Alcohol or Gel Burner

Hot oil fondue, broth-based fondue, and cheese fondue require high heat. Alcohol fondue fuel or gel fuel fondue are suitable for these types of fondue.

Safety measures:

• Never fill the alcohol burner while it is still hot, and never overfill it.
• Always take the burner away from the fondue pot and place it in a safe work area, such as on a kitchen counter, when refilling.
• If you are refilling the burner, wait for it to cool down before carefully pouring the liquid into the bottom of the burner. Stop pouring when the liquid reaches the holes or mesh.
• Wipe off any spilled fuel, then bring the unlit burner back to the table and place it underneath the fondue pot.
• Ensure that all flammable materials, such as napkins or paper, are kept away from the burner.
• Open the air holes to the maximum and carefully light the burner with a match.
• Once the burner is lit, discard the match and adjust the openings to reach the desired temperature.

Using gel fuel:

Gel fuel is a safer alternative to liquid alcohol as it is less likely to spill. It usually comes in single-use packs with a foil lid. Simply insert the pack into the fondue burner base, remove the foil lid, cover with the burner lid, and light with a match or lighter.

Lighting a Candlelit Fondue

Chocolate fondue, caramel fondue, and dessert fondue only require a small, unscented tea light candle. Prepare the fondue on the stove using a double boiler or two pots (a small pot inside a larger one containing water). Once your dessert fondue is ready, transfer it to a small fondue pot and place it over the lit candle to keep it warm.

Safety Tips

• To avoid crowding, it is best to provide one fondue burner and saucepan set for every 4-6 guests.
• Never refill the burner when it is hot; always allow it to cool first.
• Do not host a fondue when there are small children around.
• Wipe up any fuel spills immediately.
• Place the burner and saucepan on a table lower than the guests to prevent the fondue set from being knocked over.
• Do not use methylated spirits for fuel instead of liquid alcohol, as it may contain added denaturants that are unhealthy to inhale when burnt indoors.

Using a candle for fondue: tealights for dessert fondues

Fondue cooking is a fun, social way of preparing and serving food. It usually requires an external heat source, such as a small can of Sterno (jelled alcohol) or a candle. The heat source goes under the pot, providing an open flame to keep the contents warm. Electric fondue pots are self-heating, but they are less portable as they need to be close to an electrical outlet.

Candles are a great option for dessert fondues, such as chocolate, butterscotch, coffee, and caramel. They provide a small amount of heat to keep the fondue warm and liquefied without burning it. The best type of candle to use is a simple, unscented tealight candle. These candles produce a small flame that is sufficient to keep the fondue melted without overheating it.

It is important to note that candles should not be used as a heat source for cheese, meat, or seafood fondues. These types of fondues require a higher temperature to keep the contents warm and bubbly. In this case, it is better to use fuel such as liquid alcohol or gel fuel in a fondue burner.

To use a tealight candle for a dessert fondue, first prepare the fondue on the stove in a double boiler or two pots (a small pot in a larger one containing water). Once the fondue is melted, transfer it to the fondue pot. Place a lit tealight candle under the pot to keep the fondue warm. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the fondue from solidifying.

Using a fondue burner for cheese, meat, or seafood: higher temperatures required

When preparing a cheese, meat, or seafood fondue, you will need to use a fuel that burns at a higher temperature than the tea lights used for chocolate, butterscotch, or dessert fondue.

Liquid alcohol is a good choice for these types of fondue as it burns without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. It is readily available from grocery and drug stores and can be used for lamps and cleaning, too. You will need a special fondue burner to use alcohol fuel, and it is important to take care not to spill it, especially near flames.

Gel fuel is essentially a jelly-like form of alcohol. It burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol, but it will burn for longer and is safer to use. Gram for gram, gel fuel produces a lower temperature than liquid alcohol, but the trade-off is that it is less likely to spill and will not run if it is knocked over. Chafing fuels are also gel fuels, packaged in screw-top tins that can be burned, extinguished, and reused. However, they are less aesthetically pleasing than a proper fondue set and offer less precise temperature control.

If safety is your primary concern, you may want to opt for a newer fondue set that uses pressurised butane gas. These sets are slightly more expensive, but they offer excellent temperature control and easy reuse. Butane fuel is also probably the safest option, so long as the canister is not subjected to rough handling or extreme changes in air pressure.

Fondue fuel safety: avoiding spills and fires

Fondue burners use a variety of fuels, from liquid alcohol to gel fuel and candles. Each type of fuel has its own safety considerations, but there are some general safety measures to follow when using any type of fondue burner.

Firstly, always use the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Using the wrong fuel can lead to unpleasant consequences. Make sure to read the descriptions carefully to ensure that the fuel is suitable for fondue and indoor use. Keep in mind that liquid alcohol is a dangerous fuel because it is easy to spill, so fondue gel fuel or canned chafing fuel may be safer alternatives.

When refilling the burner, always wait for it to cool off before pouring in the liquid fuel. Never overfill the burner and stop pouring when the level of liquid reaches the holes or mesh. Wipe off any spills around or on the burner before lighting it. Ensure that all flammable materials, such as napkins and paper, are kept away from the burner.

If using gel fuel, be aware that not all burners have a removable bottom half, so do not force yours to open. Simply remove the bottom portion with the surface with holes or mesh and pour the gel directly into the fondue burner.

For candlelit fondues, use a small unscented tea light candle. Prepare your fondue on the stove pot using a double boiler or two pots (a small pot inside a larger one containing water). Transfer the fondue to the small fondue pot, which will keep it warm and liquefied for dipping.

Additionally, always follow the specific instructions provided with your fondue burner and fuel for safe usage. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your fondue experience while minimizing the risk of spills and fires.

Frequently asked questions