Tiffany Haney
Fondue fuel is available in different forms, including liquid alcohol, gel, and pressurised butane gas. Liquid alcohol is a good option for cheese, meat, or seafood fondue as it burns at a high temperature without odour and will not leave soot stains. However, it cannot be purchased online and must be bought in-store at a local grocery or hardware store. Gel fuel, on the other hand, is safer and easier to handle but burns at a slightly lower temperature. It can be purchased online from retailers like Amazon or Walmart, with options such as the Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel 3 Ounce Fondue Fuel Tin, or the Sterno 2-Hour Green Heat Gel Chafing Fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fondue | Chocolate, butterscotch, coffee, and other dessert fondues; cheese, meat, or seafood fondues |
| Fuel type | Unscented tealight candles; liquid alcohol; gel fuel; chafing fuel; pressurized butane gas |
| Fuel temperature | High for meat, seafood, and cheese fondues; low for dessert fondues |
| Fuel duration | 4-5 hours for tealights; 60-90 minutes for liquid alcohol; 2.25 hours for gel fuel |
| Fuel safety | Liquid alcohol can spill and cause fires; gel fuel is less likely to spill and less dangerous if it does |
| Fuel control | Tealights have limited control; liquid alcohol and gel fuel allow control over flame size |
| Fuel purchase | Liquid alcohol available at grocery and drug stores; gel fuel available at specialty food stores; chafing fuel available in screw-top tins |
| Fuel use | Liquid alcohol and gel fuel require a special fondue burner; chafing fuel comes with a burning device |
| Fuel price | Varies by product and quantity |
Local grocery stores
When shopping at your local grocery store, look for fondue fuel near the BBQ supplies or outdoor cooking section. This fuel is typically sold in bottles or cans and may be labelled as "fondue fuel" or "chafing fuel". Be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure you are purchasing the correct type of fuel for your fondue burner.
Some common brands of fondue fuel that you may find at your local grocery store include Sterno and Royal Oak. These brands offer fuel in the form of canned heat or chafing fuel, which is perfect for fondue pots. You can also look for gelled fuel capsules or liquid paraffin lamp oil, which can be used as fondue fuel.
Keep in mind that the availability of fondue fuel may vary depending on your location and the time of year. If you are unable to find fondue fuel at your local grocery store, you can try asking a store employee for assistance or checking at a different store. Additionally, you may want to call ahead to confirm that the store carries fondue fuel before making a special trip.
Wine and Fondue: Perfect Pairing and Pouring
You may want to see also
Hardware stores
Fondue fuel is available at many hardware stores, and it is a good idea to check with your local hardware store to see if they carry it. Fondue fuel typically comes in two types: liquid fuel (usually alcohol) and gel fuel.
Liquid fuel creates more heat than gel fuel, so if your burner supports both, you may prefer to use liquid alcohol fuel for hot oil and broth fondues. You will need about 90ml or 3oz of liquid alcohol fuel for your burner. Please note that liquid fuel is flammable and cannot be purchased online; it is only available in-store.
Gel fuel is better suited for cheese fondue, and you can also use alcohol fuel, but you may want to reduce the heat by adjusting the size of the openings on your burner.
Some hardware stores that carry fondue fuel include:
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Ace Hardware
- True Value
- Menards
Making Fondue on Induction Cooktops: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Amazon
Liquid Fondue Fuel:
- Smart Fuel 1 Liter - This bioethanol fuel is suitable for fireplaces, stoves, and burners. It is made from denatured alcohol and provides a clean-burning, sustainable option.
- Bioethanol Fireplace Fuel – This fuel comes in a pack of three 1-liter bottles and is designed for tabletop fireplaces, fire pits, and gel fuel. It has excellent reviews, with a rating of 4.4/5 stars, and offers an extra 10% off when you subscribe.
- Roundfire Premium Tabletop Fireplace Fuel – This denatured alcohol fuel is designed for gel and ethanol fire pits and comes in a 0.5-liter bottle. It has a rating of 4.4/5 stars and offers free delivery.
- NETZERO Bioethanol Fuel – This fuel is suitable for ventless fireplaces, fire pits, stoves, and burners. It is a clean-burning, sustainable option and comes in a 1-liter bottle. It has a rating of 4.7/5 stars.
Gel Fondue Fuel:
- Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel – This gel fuel is available in a 500ml bottle or a pack of three 3-ounce bottles. It has excellent reviews, with 4.4/5 stars, and offers free delivery.
- Trudeau Swiss Fire Gel – This gel fuel comes in a 500ml/17.6oz bottle and has a rating of 4.4/5 stars.
- Boska Safe Fondue Fuel – This fondue fuel comes with a flame regulator and offers a burn time of up to 5 hours. It has a resealable design and a universal fit. It has earned 4.4/5 stars from buyers.
- Eastbuy Alcohol Stove – This portable stainless steel alcohol stove is suitable for outdoor camping and panic cooking. It can be used as a safe fondue fuel burner and has a rating of 3.8/5 stars.
- Trudeau Gelled Fuel Fondue Capsule – This product is a set of two gelled fuel capsules, each containing 3 ounces of fuel. It has a rating of 4.9/5 stars and offers free delivery.
Please note that Amazon's product selection may vary depending on your location, and some fondue fuels may not be available for online purchase due to shipping restrictions. Always refer to the product details and customer reviews before making a purchase.
Olive Oil Fondue: A Tasty Alternative?
You may want to see also
Walmart
One option available at Walmart is the Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel Fondue Fuel. This product comes in a set of three 3-ounce tins and is currently priced at $21.11.
Another option is the Sterno 2-Pack 2.25-Hour Gel Fuel, which is priced at $5.97. This fuel is designed to provide a consistent and reliable heat source for your fondue pot.
If you're looking for a larger quantity, the Sterno Canned Heat Gel Chafing Fuel offers a pack of six 7-ounce cans for $27.27. This fuel is suitable for chafing dishes and fondue pots, providing a convenient and safe heat source.
For those seeking a more natural option, the Regal Flame Premium Ventless Bio Ethanol Fireplace Fuel might be a good choice. This ethanol-based fuel is designed to burn cleanly and efficiently, providing a realistic flame without the mess of a traditional wood-burning fireplace. It is available in a 1-quart container for $29.75.
Lastly, the GASONE 12 pk 6 Hr Cooking Fuel is perfect for those who frequently enjoy fondue. This pack of 12 fuel cans provides a long-lasting heat source, ideal for keeping your fondue pot warm throughout your meal. It is currently priced at $37.06.
These products can be conveniently purchased at your local Walmart store or through their website, depending on your preference. Remember to check the product availability at your nearest store before heading out.
Fondue Sharing: Is It Safe or a Health Risk?
You may want to see also
Specialty food stores
If you're looking to buy alcohol fondue fuel, specialty food stores are a great option. These stores often carry a wide range of specialty cooking equipment and ingredients, including fondue fuel. Here are some tips and suggestions for finding alcohol fondue fuel at specialty food stores:
- Check with Local Specialty Food Stores: Start by visiting or calling specialty food stores in your area. These stores typically stock a variety of specialty cooking items, and the staff should be knowledgeable about their product range. Ask if they carry alcohol fondue fuel or if they can special order it for you.
- Look for Stores with a Fondue Section: Some specialty food stores may have a dedicated fondue section, especially during the colder months when fondue is more popular. This section may include fondue pots, utensils, and, of course, fondue fuel. If you find a store with a well-stocked fondue section, you're likely to find alcohol fondue fuel there.
- Read Product Labels: When browsing the shelves, carefully read the labels of the fondue fuel products. Look for fuel specifically designed for fondue pots, as this will ensure it is safe and effective for your needs. The product should clearly state the type of fuel, such as liquid alcohol fuel or gel fuel.
- Ask for Recommendations: Don't hesitate to ask the store staff for recommendations or advice. They may be able to point you towards the best alcohol fondue fuel options and provide insights into the different brands and types available. Their expertise can be invaluable, especially if you're new to using fondue fuel.
- Check Online Specialty Food Retailers: If you can't find a local specialty food store with alcohol fondue fuel in stock, consider expanding your search to online retailers. Some specialty food stores have websites where you can order fondue fuel and have it delivered to your doorstep. This option may provide a wider selection and added convenience.
- Compare Prices and Brands: Specialty food stores may offer various brands and sizes of alcohol fondue fuel. Take the time to compare prices and read reviews of different brands to find the best option for your needs. Remember that specialty stores may have slightly higher prices, so it's worth shopping around to find the best value.
By following these suggestions, you should be able to locate alcohol fondue fuel at specialty food stores near you. Remember always to use fondue fuel with caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your fondue pot to ensure a safe and enjoyable fondue experience.
A Taste of the Sea: Rok and Fondue's Fishy Delights
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fondue fuel can be purchased from specialty food stores, hardware stores, or online retailers like Amazon.
For chocolate fondue, an unscented tealight candle is best.
Meat fondue requires a higher temperature than chocolate fondue, so liquid alcohol fuel or gel fuel is a better option.
Yes, canned heat, such as Sterno, can be used as fondue fuel. However, it may not offer the same level of temperature control as other types of fuel.
It is important to use the correct type of fuel for your fondue burner and to avoid spilling liquid fuel. Always light the fuel with a match, rather than a lighter, and never add more fuel while the burner is lit.
