Fondue's Flaming Mystery: What Lights The Pot?

Fondue fuel is used to heat up a fondue pot, which is also known as a caquelon. The type of fondue fuel used depends on the type of fondue being made. For example, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue only require a small unscented tea light, whereas meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures that tea lights cannot reach. Different types of fondue fuel include liquid alcohol, gel fuel, and fuel paste.

Fondue burners can be fuelled by liquid alcohol, gel fuel, or tea lights

Fondue burners are used to heat the contents of a fondue pot and can be fuelled by liquid alcohol, gel fuel, or tea lights. The type of fuel you use will depend on the type of fondue you are making.

Chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues only require a small amount of heat to keep the dipping sauce warm and liquefied. Therefore, these types of fondue use tea lights as their fuel source.

Meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures that tea lights cannot reach. These types of fondue can be fuelled by liquid alcohol or gel fuel. Liquid alcohol is a dangerous fuel because it is easy to spill, but it is also simple and cheap to use. Fondue gel fuel is often used as a safer alternative.

It is important to note that the type of fuel you use should match the type of fondue burner you have. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fondue burner.

Fondue fuel must match the fondue burner

The flame starter for fondue is known as a fondue burner. It is important to ensure that the fondue fuel matches the fondue burner for a safe and enjoyable fondue experience. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you get it right:

Fondue Fuel Options:

• Alcohol Fondue Fuel: Alcohol-based fondue fuel, typically in liquid form, can be used to create high heat for hot oil fondue, broth-based fondue, and cheese fondue. It is simple and inexpensive, but it can be dangerous due to its high flammability and spill risk. Alcohol fuel cannot be purchased online and should be obtained from local grocery stores or BBQ supply shops.
• Gel Fondue Fuel: Gel fuel is a popular alternative to alcohol fuel, commonly used for cheese fondue and hot oil or broth fondue. It is safer to handle as it is less prone to spills, and some varieties can be used without waiting for the burner to cool down. Gel fuel cartridges or pourable gel can be used, depending on the burner's compatibility.
• Tea Lights: For chocolate fondue, caramel fondue, and dessert fondue, unscented tea lights are sufficient to keep the fondue warm. There is no need for high heat, so tea lights are perfect for these types of fondue.

Matching Fuel to Burner:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fondue burner. Use the type of fondue fuel indicated by the manufacturer to ensure safety and optimal performance.
• Some burners support both liquid alcohol and gel fuel. If your burner is compatible with both, consider using liquid alcohol fuel for hot oil and broth fondue, as it generates more heat than gel fuel.
• For cheese fondue, gel fuel is a good option, and you can also use alcohol fuel but be sure to adjust the heat by reducing the size of the openings on your burner.
• If you are using a gel burner, follow the instructions provided with your burner. Some gel burners have a removable bottom half that accommodates gel fuel cartridges, while others require pouring the gel directly into the burner.
• Always exercise caution when handling fondue fuel. Keep flammable materials away from the burner, and ensure proper ventilation during use.

By matching the fondue fuel to your burner and following safety guidelines, you can create a delightful and safe fondue experience for you and your guests.

Fondue fuel must be suitable for indoor use

The flame starter for fondue is known as a fondue burner. To have a great fondue experience, it is important to know how to light your fondue burner safely.

Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that you are using the right type of fondue pot and the right type of fondue fuel. Different types of fondue require different types of fuel. For instance, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue only require a small unscented tea light candle to keep the dipping sauce warm. On the other hand, hot oil, broth-based, meat, seafood, and cheese fondue require high heat to cook the meat or keep the cheese liquefied.

For hot oil, broth, or cheese fondue, you must use the fondue fuel indicated by the manufacturer of your fondue burner. This could be liquid fuel (alcohol) or gel fuel. Liquid fuel generates more heat than gel fuel, so if your burner supports both, you may prefer to use liquid alcohol fuel for hot oil and broth fondue. However, liquid alcohol is dangerous because it is easy to spill and highly flammable. Fondue gel fuel is often a safer alternative. If your regular gel fondue fuel is unavailable, you can use indoor fire starters like Fire Dragon Fuel. Always check that the fuel is suitable for indoor use and for use with fondue and/or chafing dishes.

To light an alcohol or gel burner, follow these steps:

• Take the burner away from the fondue pot to a safe area like a kitchen counter.
• If refilling the burner, wait for it to cool down, then carefully pour the liquid into the bottom of the burner until it reaches the holes or mesh.
• If you spilled any fuel, wipe it off.
• Place the refilled burner under the fondue pot, ensuring that all flammable materials are away from the burner.
• Open the air holes to the maximum and bring a lit match to the holes.
• Once lit, discard the match and adjust the openings to your desired temperature.
• When you are finished, cover the burner to smother the flame.

Fondue burners have safety measures that must be followed

When using liquid alcohol, it is important to note that it is highly flammable and can easily be spilled. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions. Always ensure that you fill the alcohol burner away from the fondue pot in a safe area, such as a kitchen counter. Never fill the burner while it is still hot, and never overfill it. Wait for the burner to cool down before refilling, and pour the liquid carefully into the bottom of the burner. Wipe off any spills, and keep flammable materials, such as napkins and paper, away from the burner.

If you are using a gel burner, follow the instructions for the alcohol burner, but note that you do not need to wait for the burner to cool down before refilling. Some gel burners have a removable bottom half, allowing you to insert a gel cartridge. If your burner does not have a removable bottom, do not force it open. Instead, pour the gel directly into the bottom of the burner.

For both types of burners, it is important to adjust the air holes to control the temperature and ensure that the flame is lit safely. Once you are done, simply cover the burner to smother the fire.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that modern rechaud stoves can be filled with fuel paste, which has the advantage of not spilling and causing a fire. Electric rechaud stoves are also available as a safer alternative to open flames.

Fondue fuel is available online and in grocery stores

Fondue fuel comes in liquid or gel form. Liquid fuel, usually alcohol, creates more heat than gel fuel. However, liquid fuel is highly flammable and cannot be purchased online or shipped. You should be able to find it in your local grocery store, near the BBQ supplies.

Gel fuel, often sold in cartridges, can be purchased online and in stores. It is a good alternative to liquid fuel and can be used with some fondue burners that have a removable bottom half. If you are using gel fuel, make sure to follow safety measures such as wiping up any spills and keeping flammable materials away from the burner.

Some fondue burners, like the Cuisinox Stainless Steel Fondue Burner, can use either gel or alcohol fuel. Always check the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you are using the correct type of fuel for your fondue burner.

In addition to fuel type and availability, it is important to know how to light your fondue burner safely. Instructions for lighting an alcohol or gel burner are provided by some fondue fuel suppliers.

Frequently asked questions