Cheese Fondue Fuel: Choosing The Right Alcohol For Melting

When preparing a cheese fondue, it is important to use the right type of fuel to avoid any mishaps. Fondue fuel options include liquid alcohol, gel fuel, and tea light candles. Liquid alcohol fuel can be used for cheese, hot oil, or broth fondue burners, but it cannot be purchased online. Gel fuel, which is essentially jelly-like alcohol, is a safer option as it is less likely to spill and will burn longer. For a simple cheese fondue, a small tea light candle will suffice to keep the dipping sauce warm.

Fondue fuel type depends on fondue type

When preparing a cheese fondue, it is important to use the right type of fuel for your fondue burner to avoid mishaps and achieve the desired temperature. The type of fondue fuel you need depends on the type of fondue you are making.

For a cheese fondue, you will need a fuel that burns at a higher temperature than what can be achieved using tealights. Liquid alcohol is a good option as it burns practically without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. It is readily available in most grocery and drug stores and can also be used for lamps and cleaning. You will need a special fondue burner for alcohol fuel, and it is important to take special care to avoid spilling this flammable liquid.

Gel fuel, which is essentially a jelly-like form of alcohol, is another option for cheese fondue. Gram for gram, it burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol but will burn for longer. Gel fuel can be poured into a normal fondue burner and used in the same way as liquid fuel. It is also safer to use as it is less likely to spill and will not run if it is spilt.

If you are using a hot oil or broth fondue pot, you must use the fondue 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 fondues. However, if using alcohol fuel for cheese fondue, you may want to reduce the heat slightly by adjusting the size of the openings on your burner.

Liquid alcohol fuel

Special Fondue Burner Required

A special fondue burner is required for using liquid alcohol fuel. This fuel needs to be handled with care to avoid spills, especially near open flames. The burner should always be returned to a stable position under the pot after lighting it with a match.

Amount and Heat Control

For a typical burner, about 90 ml or 3 oz of liquid alcohol fuel is required. The heat generated can be adjusted by controlling the size of the openings on the burner—larger openings result in higher heat.

Safety

Gel fuel

Using Gel Fuel Safely

When using gel fuel, always ensure that you are using the correct type of fuel for your fondue burner. Different burners require different types of fuel, so check the manufacturer's instructions before use. Never return unused gel fuel to the original container, as this can be dangerous and degrade the quality of the fuel. Instead, use a "Sterno"-type burner or a screw-top tin that can be burned, extinguished, and reused.

Where to Buy Gel Fuel

Chafing fuel

GASONE's 6-hour chafing fuel comes in a 48-pack and includes a lid opener. This option is made of metal with liquid fuel and a high-grade wick. Lot45 also offers a 6-hour option, which comes in a 6-pack.

When choosing a chafing fuel, it is important to consider the burn time, the type of fuel, and the safety features. It is also important to follow safety instructions and take care to avoid spills, especially near flames.

Butane gas

When preparing a cheese fondue, it is important to use the right type of fuel to avoid any mishaps. While chocolate, butterscotch, and other dessert fondues only require a simple tea light candle to keep the liquid warm, cheese fondue requires a higher temperature.

Newer fondue sets may use pressurized butane gas as a fuel source. While these sets and the canisters of gas are slightly more expensive than other options, they offer several advantages. Butane gas provides excellent temperature control and is easy to reuse. Additionally, it does not create any odor, which can be a concern with other fuel types.

In terms of safety, butane gas is a good option as long as the canister is handled with care and not subjected to rough handling or dramatic changes in air pressure. The gas flame can be easily adjusted to moderate the heat, ensuring that your cheese fondue stays at the perfect temperature.

When using butane gas for your cheese fondue, please ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for your fondue burner. The burner should be placed in a stable position under the pot, and the air holes should be left open to control the heat output. Always exercise caution when handling any flammable substances and ensure that your guests' safety is a top priority.

Frequently asked questions