The Best Fuel Options For Your Fondue Party

Fondue is a fun way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. But what fuel can you use for fondue? There are several options, including liquid alcohol fuel, gel fuel, butane, electricity, and tea light candles. Each type of fuel has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to use the correct fuel for your specific fondue pot. For example, tea light candles are only suitable for chocolate fondue as they don't provide enough heat for other types. On the other hand, liquid alcohol fuel and gel fuel can provide high heat, making them suitable for meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues. It's also important to note that you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your fondue pot and never refuel the burner while the flame is still going.

Denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol

Fondue sets typically come with alcohol burners, which use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing a gelatinized alcohol fuel. Denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol are the only types of alcohol that should be used in a fondue burner. You can find denatured alcohol at any hardware store. If you are using denatured alcohol, your burner will come with an insert that looks like a strainer. This goes inside the burner and controls the flame while burning.

If you are using isopropyl alcohol, you can simply add some to the wool-like white piece inside the burner unit that came with the fondue pot and light it with a match. However, be aware that your flame might be sooty.

Fill the burner base with 2 to 3 ounces of fuel. Using more than 3 ounces is not recommended and may cause excessive flames. You can expect 3 ounces of fuel to burn for approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how high you set your flame. If you plan on less time, you can use 2 ounces of fuel, which will burn for about an hour.

To light the burner, use only a lighted match to ignite the fuel. Bring the match towards the hole in the centre of the burner until the fuel catches the flame. Do not use a lighter as this can be dangerous. Never tip the burner to ignite, as you might cause fuel to leak and catch your table on fire.

Once the fuel is lit, use the adjustable handle to control the size of the flame. Open more holes to make the flames higher, and close the holes to lower the flames.

If your burner is running out of fuel, do not attempt to add more while it is still lit. Use the burner cover to extinguish the flame and let the burner cool for a few minutes before refuelling.

Butane

To use butane fuel for your fondue, you will need to fill up a small tank underneath the stand, and the flame will burn from that. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fondue set to ensure safe use.

When using butane fuel, always exercise caution and follow proper safety procedures. Keep flammable liquids away from the tablecloth and other combustible materials. Always wait for the burner to cool down before refuelling, and never refuel while the flame is still burning.

Compared to other fuel types, butane can provide higher heat than Sterno (gel fuel) or tea light candles. However, it may not produce as much heat as denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.

Electricity

Using electricity to fuel your fondue set is a convenient and safe alternative to open flames. Electric fondue sets are ready to use at the flick of a switch and can be adjusted to the desired temperature with ease.

Electric fondue sets are also a great option for those who don't want the hassle of buying and storing fuel. They are available in a range of sizes and styles, with features such as non-stick interiors, temperature dials, and colour-coded forks.

Some of the best electric fondue sets on the market include the Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Maker, which has eight heat settings and a sturdy, attractive design. The Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot is another great option, with 11 variable temperature settings and six colour-coded fondue forks. This model is extremely easy to use and offers excellent value for money.

For those looking for a more premium option, the Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker includes eight colour-coded forks, long cool-touch handles, and precise temperature control. This model also has a 3-quart capacity, making it perfect for fondue parties.

Electric fondue sets are a safe and convenient option for those who want to enjoy the interactive dining experience of fondue without the hassle of fuel. With a range of styles and features available, there is an electric fondue set to suit every need.

Sterno (gel fuel)

Sterno is a brand name for fuel in a container, which is often referred to as "canned heat". It is a gelled alcohol product, with the gel acting as a stabiliser to prevent spillage. It is a popular choice for fondue fuel, especially for hot oil, broth or cheese fondue.

Sterno is a good option for cooking fondues, but it will not reach the same high temperatures as alcohol or butane. Therefore, it is recommended that you start your broth or oil on the stove and then transfer it to the fondue pot.

Sterno comes in two sizes of cans, with the smaller size being the most common for fondue pots. The cans are designed to fit into a burner cup, which is placed under the fondue pot. To use Sterno, open the lid of the can and light it with a butane lighter or match. You can control the flame by adjusting the lid. To extinguish the flame, simply replace the lid on the can.

Sterno is a convenient and relatively safe option for fondue fuel, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your fondue burner to ensure optimal results and safety.

Tea light candles

It is recommended that you melt the ingredients in a double boiler on your stove before transferring the fondue to the fondue pot. Then, place an unscented tea light candle below the pot and light it. You will need to stir the fondue frequently to prevent it from solidifying.

Frequently asked questions