Best Butane Burners For Your Fondue Pot

Fondue burners are a fun way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. But with so many options available, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. Butane burners are a great option as they are odourless, safe, and versatile. They are best used for fondue that needs hot oil or broth and can be purchased online from retailers like Amazon or specialist websites such as BestFondue.com.

Online retailers

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of fondue burners, including the Swissmar Fondue Burner, which can be used with Swiss fire gel and includes a gel fuel can, flame adjuster, and burner cap. It measures 7 x 2 x 4 inches and fits most fondue pots. Amazon also offers the Cuisinox Stainless Steel Fondue Burner, which is compatible with gel or alcohol fuel, and the Boska Stainless Steel Fondue Burner, which comes with lighter fluid.

BestFondue.com

BestFondue.com provides information on different types of fondue fuel and burners. While they do not sell fondue burners directly, they provide links to online shops where you can purchase them.

SousVideGuy.com

SousVideGuy.com offers recommendations for the best fondue burners, including the Swissmar Fondue Burner, the Cuisinox FON-BURN Stainless Steel Fondue Burner, and the Boska Holland Safe Fondue Fuel with Flame Regulator. They provide detailed descriptions and highlight the features of each burner, such as fuel type, adjustability, and compatibility with different fondue pots.

In-store purchase

If you're looking to buy a butane burner for your fondue pot in-store, there are a few options to consider. Butane burners are a great choice for fondue as they are odourless, safe to use, and versatile. Here are some suggestions for in-store purchases:

Specialty Kitchenware Stores

Depending on your location, you may have access to specialty kitchenware stores that carry butane burners suitable for fondue pots. These stores typically cater to both professional chefs and home cooks, offering a range of cookware, bakeware, and specialty items. They may carry butane burners from brands like Swissmar, Cuisinox, or Boska, which are known for their fondue accessories.

Home Improvement or Hardware Stores

Another option is to check your local home improvement or hardware stores. These stores often carry a variety of fuel options, including butane, and may have butane burners available for purchase. Stores like these will often have a wider selection of fuel types, so you can compare and choose the best option for your fondue pot.

Grocery or Supermarket Stores

Believe it or not, your local grocery or supermarket may also carry butane burners and fuel. While this option may be more limited in terms of brand and model variety, it can be a convenient choice if you're already doing your grocery shopping. Keep an eye out for fuel options near the BBQ supplies, as liquid alcohol fuel is typically available in these stores.

Department or Big-Box Stores

Finally, consider checking your local department or big-box stores, which often carry a wide range of products, including kitchen and cookware items. These stores may have fondue sets or individual butane burners available, especially during seasons when entertaining and dinner parties are more common.

When purchasing a butane burner for your fondue pot, be sure to consider the type of fuel it requires. Some burners use gel fuel or liquid alcohol fuel, while others are specifically designed for butane cartridges. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and proper use.

Types of fondue fuel

There are several types of fondue fuel available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most common types:

• Unscented Tea Light Candles: These are typically used for chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues. The fondue pot only needs to keep the melted ingredients warm, so tea lights are sufficient.
• Liquid Alcohol Fuel: This type of fuel creates more heat than gel fuel, making it ideal for hot oil, broth, or cheese fondue. It is typically sold in hardware stores and cannot be purchased online.
• Gel Fuel: Gram for gram, gel fuel burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol, but it lasts longer. It is safer than liquid fuel as it is less likely to spill and will not run if knocked over. It is a good choice for cheese fondue, and you can also use it for hot oil or broth if you reduce the size of the burner openings to lower the temperature slightly.
• Butane: Butane is odorless, safe, and versatile. It is typically used for fondues that require hot oil or broth, such as meat, seafood, or vegetable fondues. Butane burners can burn for different lengths of time, depending on the heat setting.
• Sterno: Sterno is a brand name for fuel in a container, often used as an alternative to alcohol burners. It comes in different forms and sizes, and the smaller cans with gel seem to be the best option for fondue.

Fondue burner features

Fondue burners are available in a variety of fuel types, including butane, alcohol, gel, candle, and sterno. The type of fondue you plan to make will dictate the type of pot and fuel you should use. For instance, liquid fuel creates more heat than gel fuel, so the former is recommended for hot oil and broth fondues. On the other hand, gel fuel is ideal for cheese fondue, and you can also use alcohol fuel for this, but you may want to reduce the heat by adjusting the openings on your burner.

Fondue burners also come in different designs. Some burners that use gel fuel have a removable bottom half, allowing you to insert a gel cartridge into the metal casing. Other gel burners have a removable cup that holds liquid fuel, which can be replaced with a gel-type can. Alcohol burners, meanwhile, can consist of a small tin filled with glass wool, or a small receptacle with a wick.

When choosing a fondue burner, it is important to consider safety. While liquid alcohol is cheap and simple to use, it is also highly flammable and dangerous due to its spillability. Fondue gel fuel is a safer alternative, but you should still exercise caution by never filling the burner while it is hot and never overfilling it. It is also important to wipe up any spills before lighting the burner and to keep all flammable materials away from the burner.

Fondue pot sets

When purchasing a fondue pot set, it is essential to consider the type of fondue you wish to make, as this will dictate the kind of pot and fuel required. For chocolate fondue, a small tea light candle is sufficient to keep the chocolate warm. On the other hand, meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures, and thus, a different type of burner is needed.

Kusini Electric Fondue Pot Set

This set includes a temperature-controlled fondue pot, detachable serving trays, and four roasting forks. It is perfect for chocolate fondue and makes a great gift for movie or game night.

Nostalgia Electric Fondue Pot Set

The Nostalgia fondue pot set comes in various sizes, ranging from 6-cup to 12-cup capacity. It features temperature control and colour-coded forks for a stylish and functional addition to your kitchen.

Artestia Cast Iron Fondue Pot Set

This cast iron fondue set serves up to six people and is perfect for chocolate, cheese, or meat fondue. It includes six fondue forks and is available in white or blue.

Boska Cheese Fondue Party Set

This fondue set is perfect for small gatherings, serving up to four people. It includes a microwave-safe ceramic hot pot and is a great addition to your small kitchen appliances.

Oster Fondue Pot

The Oster fondue pot is made with titanium-infused DuraCeramic material and comes in black or grey. It has a capacity of 3 quarts and has received high ratings from customers.

Swissmar KF-66517 Lugano Cast Iron Cheese Fondue Set

This 9-piece fondue set features a 2-quart cast iron pot in cherry red. It has received excellent reviews, with 4.7 out of 5 stars from 716 customers.

Cuisinart CFO-3SS Electric Fondue Pot

The Cuisinart fondue pot has a capacity of 3 quarts and is made of stainless steel. It includes forks and has received high ratings from customers, with 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Hamilton Beach Electric Fondue Pot Set

This 12-cup electric fondue pot offers temperature control and comes with six colour-coded forks. It is suitable for cheese, chocolate, hot oil, and broth.

Evolution Electric Fondue Set

This unique fondue set includes a fondue pot for broth and meat, six stainless steel perforated baskets, and a stylish stand. It is perfect for a group of 4-6 people and has received excellent reviews.

Birdrock Home Cast Iron Fondue Pot Set

This elegant 16-piece cast iron fondue set includes a ceramic pot, eight fondue forks, and a chrome safety burner. It makes a perfect gift for weddings or housewarmings.

Klee 12-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set

This comprehensive fondue set includes a red fondue pot, six fondue forks, a burner, and a pot base. It is a great option for those seeking a traditional and stylish fondue experience.

These fondue pot sets offer a range of features and capabilities to suit your needs, whether you are looking for a small, intimate gathering or a large group celebration.

Frequently asked questions