Fondue Fuel: Where To Find It For Your Next Party

Fondue fuel is available from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target. The type of fuel you need depends on the type of fondue you are making. For example, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue only require a small tea light to keep the mixture warm, whereas meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures and a different type of fondue burner. Fondue fuel options include liquid fuel (alcohol), gel fuel, and fondue gel cartridges.

Fondue fuel for meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues

Fondue fuels are available in many different forms, each tailored to the temperature and type of flame required for the type of fondue you are making.

Meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures than those for dessert fondues, so they need a different type of fondue burner and fuel. A good option for these types of fondues is liquid alcohol fuel, which can be purchased from most grocery stores and pharmacies. It burns without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. You will need a special fondue burner to use alcohol fuel, and it is important to take care not to spill it, especially near open flames.

Another option is gel fuel, which is a jelly-like form of alcohol. Gram for gram, gel fuel burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol, but it will burn for longer. It can be poured into a normal fondue burner and used in the same way as liquid fuel. Gel fuel is also safer to use than liquid fuel as it is less likely to spill and will not run if it is knocked over. Chafing fuels are a type of gel fuel that comes in screw-top tins that can be burned, extinguished, and burned again. However, they are less aesthetically pleasing than a proper fondue set and offer less precise temperature control.

Newer fondue sets may use pressurised butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control and is easy to reuse. It is also a safe option as long as the canister is not subjected to rough handling or placed in an environment with changing air pressure.

When choosing a fondue fuel, it is important to always use the type of fuel that is indicated by the manufacturer of your fondue burner.

Fondue fuel for chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues

Fondue fuel is required to keep your chocolate, caramel, or dessert fondue warm so that your guests can dip their fruit, cake, or other treats into the melted sauce. The type of fondue fuel you need depends on the type of fondue pot or burner you have.

For chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues, you will typically use a small fondue pot that only needs to keep the sauce warm. These fondue pots usually use unscented tea light candles as fuel. Tea light candles are easy to find in most grocery or homeware stores, as well as online.

If you are using an electric fondue pot, you will not need to worry about fuel as it will be heated electronically.

If you are looking for fuel for meat, seafood, or vegetarian fondues, these require higher temperatures and a different type of fondue burner. These burners typically use gel fuel cartridges, liquid fuel, or pourable gelled fondue fuel.

Liquid fuel, such as alcohol, cannot be purchased online but can usually be found in local grocery stores near the BBQ supplies. Gel fuel, on the other hand, can be purchased online or in stores.

Online vs in-store availability of fondue fuel

Fondue fuel is available both online and in stores. However, the type of fuel you require may determine whether you opt for online or in-store shopping.

Online Availability

Fondue fuel is available on online platforms such as Amazon. A simple search for "fondue fuel" on Amazon yields numerous results for different types of fondue fuel, including gel fuel, liquid fuel, and solid fuel tablets. The availability of online shopping makes it convenient for customers to compare prices, read reviews, and have the fuel delivered directly to their homes.

In-Store Availability

In-store availability of fondue fuel may vary depending on your location and the stores in your vicinity. However, according to sources, liquid fuel (alcohol) cannot be shipped and therefore cannot be purchased online. For this type of fondue fuel, you will need to visit your local grocery store or a store that stocks BBQ supplies.

Advantages and Considerations

Online shopping provides the convenience of doorstep delivery and a wide range of options to choose from. However, it is important to consider shipping restrictions for certain types of fondue fuel, such as liquid fuel. In-store shopping allows you to procure fuel that cannot be shipped but may require you to visit multiple stores to find the specific type of fondue fuel you need.

Fondue fuel burners

Fuel Types

• Gel fuel is a popular choice for fondue as it is easy to use and relatively mess-free. It is available in cans or cartridges and can be made from ethanol, methanol, or bioethanol. Gel fuel is suitable for hot oil, broth, or cheese fondue as it can withstand high temperatures. It is important to note that gel fuel produces less heat than liquid fuel, so adjustments may be needed if your burner supports both types.
• Liquid fuel is typically in the form of alcohol and provides a stronger heat source than gel fuel. It is ideal for hot oil and hot broth fondues. However, liquid fuel cannot be purchased online and must be sourced from local stores, typically found near BBQ supplies.

Burner Types

• Canned fuel is a convenient option that is easy to use and store. It typically comes in the form of gel fuel and is available in various burn times, ranging from 2 hours to 6 hours. Canned fuel is often odourless and non-hazardous, making it a popular choice for indoor use.
• Cartridge fuel systems offer a more controlled flame and are designed to fit specific fondue pot models. They are typically fuelled by gel and are a good choice for those seeking a consistent and even heat source.
• Paste burners are another option, though less commonly found. They are fuelled by a solid fuel paste and are suitable for various fondue types.

Safety Considerations

When using fondue fuel burners, it is important to prioritise safety. Always use fuel types that are indicated by the manufacturer of your fondue burner. Ensure that flammable liquids are handled with care and never spilled on tablecloths or other flammable surfaces. Always use fondue burners on a stable surface and in a well-ventilated area to prevent the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Different types of fondue fuel

When preparing a fondue, it is important to use the right type of fuel to avoid unpleasant consequences. The type of fondue fuel you need depends on the type of fondue you are making.

Chocolate, Butterscotch, Coffee, and Other Dessert Fondues

For dessert fondues, the key is to keep the liquid warm enough to stop it from solidifying. The best fuel to use is a simple, unscented tealight candle. Burn it about two to three inches from the bottom of the pan or melting dish to maintain the optimum temperature. These candles typically burn for 4 to 5 hours and do not present the same dangers as liquid fuels.

Cheese, Meat, or Seafood Fondues

Cheese, meat, or seafood fondues require a higher temperature than what can be achieved using tealights. There are several fuel options available for these types of fondues:

• Liquid alcohol fuel burns practically without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. It can be purchased from most grocery and drug stores and can also be used for lamps and cleaning purposes. A special fondue burner is required for this type of fuel, and special care must be taken to avoid spilling the liquid fuel, especially near open flames.
• Gel fuel is a jelly-like form of alcohol. Gram for gram, it burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol, but it 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 safer to use than liquid fuel because it is less likely to spill and will not run if it is spilled. This reduces the risk of fire and makes it easier to control.
• Chafing fuels are also gel fuels, but they are packaged in screw-top tins that double as the burning device. The fuel and container are designed to be burned, extinguished, and burned again. However, the disadvantage of this option is that it is less aesthetically pleasing and offers less precise temperature control than a proper fondue set.
• Pressurized butane gas is used in newer fondue sets. While the sets and canisters are slightly more expensive, they offer excellent temperature control, easy reuse, and do not create any odour. Butane fuel is also one of the safest options as long as the canister is not subjected to rough handling or drastic changes in air pressure.

Frequently asked questions