Gel Burner Fondue Set: How Does It Work?

Fondue is a fun way to enjoy a meal with friends and family, but to have a great fondue experience, it's important to know how to light your fondue burner safely. Most fondue sets come with alcohol burners that use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel. Fondue gel fuel is often a safer alternative to liquid alcohol fuel, which is highly flammable and can be dangerous if spilled. When using a fondue burner, it's important to use the correct type of fuel and to follow safety precautions to avoid any accidents.

How to light a gel burner for a fondue set

Fondue is a fun way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. It is important to know how to light your gel burner safely to have a great fondue experience.

First, ensure you are using the right type of fondue pot and fondue fuel. Fondue fuel typically comes in liquid alcohol or gel form. While liquid alcohol is cheaper and burns at a higher temperature, it is dangerous because it is easy to spill and highly flammable. Fondue gel fuel is often a good alternative as it is less likely to spill.

If you are using liquid alcohol, fill the burner base with 2 to 3 ounces of fuel. Place the burner cover on top of the base, and set the burner firmly on the fondue stand. Then, remove the burner cover. Use a lighted match to ignite the fuel by bringing it towards the hole in the centre of the burner. Adjust the flame by exposing or covering more holes in the top.

If you are using gel fuel, you can either use a gel cartridge or pour the gel directly into the fondue burner. If using a gel cartridge, insert it into the metal casing of the fondue burner. If your burner does not have a removable bottom half, do not force it open. Place the top of the fondue burner with the opening for air on top of the bottom part. If you are pouring the gel directly into the burner, remove the bottom portion with the holes or mesh surface and pour the gel into the bottom of the burner. Return the top and light as per the liquid alcohol burner instructions.

Always ensure that all flammable materials are kept away from the burner and never refill the burner while it is still hot.

The advantages of gel fuel over liquid alcohol fuel

A gel burner is used in a fondue set to heat the pot and melt the fondue ingredients. Fondue sets typically come with alcohol burners, which can use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel.

Safety

The higher viscosity of gel fuel means that it is less likely to spill from the bottle or burner, and it will not run if it is spilled. This reduces the risk of fire and makes it safer to use than liquid alcohol fuel.

Convenience

Gel fuel can be poured directly into a normal fondue burner and used in the same way as liquid fuel. You don't need to purchase a special burner to use gel fuel, unlike liquid alcohol fuel, which requires a special fondue burner.

Availability

Gel fuel can be purchased online, unlike liquid alcohol fuel, which cannot be shipped due to its high flammability.

Ease of Use

Gel fuel does not require the burner to be cooled off before refilling, unlike liquid alcohol fuel, which needs to be at room temperature before refilling to prevent spills and accidents.

Aesthetics

Gel fuel is often packaged in screw-top tins that can be burned, extinguished, and burned again. This eliminates the need for a separate container and burner, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing presentation than canned chaffing fuel.

Types of fondue that require a gel burner

Fondue is a fun way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Most fondue sets come with alcohol burners, which use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel. However, there are different types of fondue that require a gel burner.

Hot Oil Fondue

Hot oil fondue requires a high heat source to keep the oil warm enough to cook meat or vegetables. While liquid alcohol can be used as fuel, it is dangerous as it is easy to spill. Fondue gel fuel is a safer alternative. The Cuisinox Stainless Steel Fondue Burner is an example of a burner that works with gel fuel cartridges.

Broth-Based Fondue

Similar to hot oil fondue, broth-based fondue requires a high heat source to keep the broth warm enough to cook meat or vegetables. Again, fondue gel fuel is a safer alternative to liquid alcohol fuel.

Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue also requires a high heat source to keep the cheese liquefied. While liquid alcohol fuel can be used, gel fuel is a better option as it produces less heat. This allows you to maintain the desired temperature for cheese fondue without overheating.

Meat Fondue

Meat fondue, also known as fondue bourguignonne, is a type of fondue where small pieces of meat are cooked in hot oil or broth. This requires a high heat source, similar to hot oil and broth-based fondue. Fondue gel fuel can be used in a gel burner to safely reach the required temperature.

In summary, gel burners are ideal for types of fondue that require high heat to cook meat, vegetables, or keep cheese liquefied. It is a safer alternative to liquid alcohol fuel and provides a more controlled heat source for cheese fondue. Always ensure you are using the correct type of fondue pot and fuel to avoid any safety hazards.

How to refill a gel burner

A gel burner is a safe and effective way to heat your fondue set. It is important to follow the correct safety procedures when refilling a gel burner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should always allow your gel burner to cool down before attempting to refill it. Do not refill or light the burner immediately after use. Wait for several minutes until the burner has cooled down to room temperature.

Once the burner is cool, carefully remove the burner from the fondue pot and place it in a safe area, such as a kitchen counter. If your burner has a removable bottom half, you can separate the two parts. This will allow you to access the fuel reservoir more easily.

If you are using a gel cartridge, simply insert it into the metal casing of the burner. If you are using liquid or pourable gel fuel, carefully pour the fuel into the reservoir. Be very careful not to overfill the burner and do not spill any fuel on the surrounding surfaces.

If you are using a gel cartridge, place the top half of the burner back on, ensuring that the opening for air is at the top. If you are using liquid or pourable gel fuel, return the burner to a stable position under the fondue pot.

Before lighting the burner, ensure that all flammable materials are kept away from the burner, such as napkins, paper, or curtains. Also, make sure that the burner is in a well-ventilated area, as burning gel fuel can produce small amounts of carbon monoxide.

To light the burner, use a long match or a taper and bring it towards the hole in the centre of the burner. Do not use a short match, as this may result in burns. You can also use a long lighter if you have one available.

Once the burner is lit, you can adjust the flame size by covering or exposing more holes in the top of the burner. To extinguish the burner, simply place the cover on top of the burner base, which will smother the flame.

It is important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a gel burner and to store the burner in a safe place when not in use. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively refill your gel burner for your fondue set.

Where to buy gel fuel

Fondue burners typically use liquid alcohol fuel or gel packets containing gelatinized alcohol fuel. While liquid alcohol is cheaper and simpler, it is also more dangerous and difficult to purchase online. Fondue gel fuel is a safer alternative.

If you're looking to purchase gel fuel, there are a variety of options available to you. Here are some places where you can buy gel fuel:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of gel fuel products, including gel fuel cans and cartridges. For example, you can find the Real Flame Gel Fuel Cans, which come in a 24-pack of 13-ounce cans. These gel fuel cans are designed for indoor and outdoor use and provide a beautiful, realistic flame with a crackling sound. They are made with gelled isopropyl alcohol and burn cleanly, leaving no soot, ashes, or smoke.

Walmart

Walmart offers a variety of gel fuel options, including the Sterno brand. You can find gel fuel for chafing dishes, cooking, and fondue fuel tins. They offer different pack sizes, such as the Sterno 2-Hour Green Heat Ethanol Gel Chafing Fuel (5.99 oz) and the Sterno 2 Pack Canned Heat 2.25-Hour Ethanol Gel Fuel.

Target

Target also offers gel fuel options, although the specific products available may vary. You can check their website or visit your local Target store to find out more about their gel fuel offerings.

Cooking Supply Stores

If you're looking for gel cooking fuel, cooking supply stores are a great option. These stores specialize in products for cooking and are likely to carry a variety of gel fuel options.

Hardware Stores

For denatured alcohol, which is another type of fuel used in fondue burners, you can check your local hardware store.

When purchasing gel fuel, it is important to follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Always use the correct type of fuel for your fondue burner and ensure that you are refilling and lighting the burner safely.

Frequently asked questions