Fondue Burner Fuel: Where To Buy And Refill?

Fondue fuel is an important component of any fondue party, as using the wrong fuel can lead to unpleasant consequences. The type of fondue fuel you need depends on the type of fondue you are making. For dessert fondues, such as chocolate or butterscotch, a simple, unscented tealight candle will do the trick. For cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, you will need a fuel that burns at a higher temperature, such as liquid alcohol or gel fuel. These types of fuel can be purchased from most grocery and drug stores, as well as online retailers like Amazon and Target. When using liquid alcohol, it is important to use a special fondue burner and take care not to spill the fuel. Gel fuel is a jelly-like form of alcohol that has the advantage of increased safety due to its higher viscosity. Chafing fuels are also an option and come in screw-top tins that can be burned, extinguished, and burned again. Newer fondue sets may use pressurized butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control and easy reuse.

Fondue Fuel Online Retailers

Fondue fuel is available from a number of online retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of fondue fuel products, including:

• QuickFlame Chafing and Fondue Fuel with Lighter (6-5.5 oz cans)
• Trudeau Gelled Fuel Fondue Capsule
• Swiss Knight Fondue - L'Original From Switzerland, 14 Oz
• Sterno Chafing Dish and Fondue Fuel
• Boska Stainless Steel Fondue Burners - Fondue Accessories - With Lighter Fluid

Target

Target offers fondue set fuel paste, although it is unclear whether this is available for delivery or only in-store.

Walmart

Walmart also offers a range of fondue fuel products, including:

• Swissmar Swiss Fire Gel 3 Ounce Fondue Fuel Tin, Set of 3
• Sterno 2 Pack 2.25 Hour Gel Fuel
• Sterno 2-Hour Green Heat Gel Chafing Fuel
• Sterno Canned Heat Gel Chafing Fuel, 7-Ounce (Pack of 6)
• Sterno 20504 7-Ounce Odorless Entertainment Cooking Fuel, 6-Pack

Fondue Fuel Types

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

Tealight Candles

Tealight candles are best used for dessert fondues, such as chocolate, butterscotch, or coffee. They keep the liquid warm enough to prevent it from solidifying without reaching the high temperatures required for cheese, meat, or seafood fondues. Tealights burn for around 4 to 5 hours and do not present the same dangers as liquid fuels.

Liquid Alcohol

Liquid alcohol is suitable for cheese, meat, or seafood fondues as it burns at a higher temperature than tealights. It burns without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. Liquid alcohol is readily available in most grocery and drug stores and can be used for lamps and cleaning purposes as well. However, it requires a special fondue burner, and special care must be taken to avoid spills, especially near open flames.

Gel Fuel

Gel fuel is a jelly-like form of alcohol and is a safer alternative to liquid alcohol as it is less likely to spill. Gram for gram, it burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol but will burn for longer. Gel fuel can be poured into a normal fondue burner and used in the same way as liquid fuel. Chafing fuels are also gel fuels packaged in screw-top tins that can be burned, extinguished, and reused. However, they may be less aesthetically pleasing and offer less precise temperature control than other options.

Butane Gas

Newer fondue sets may use pressurised butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control and easy reuse. Butane fuel is also one of the safest options if handled properly. However, the sets and canisters can be slightly more expensive than other types of fondue fuel.

Denatured Alcohol

Denatured alcohol is used with alcohol burners and can be found at any hardware store. Alcohol burners typically hold about 3 ounces of fuel, which will burn for approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on the flame height. It is important to note that alcohol burners should only be used with fondue fuel or denatured alcohol and not with other types of fuel.

Electric Fondue Pots

For those who prefer not to use an open flame, electric fondue pots are a safe and adjustable alternative. They are a great way to avoid any complications that can arise from using alcohol burners and are becoming increasingly popular, especially in America.

Fondue Burner Features

Fondue burners are available in a variety of options, each with its own set of features and advantages. Here are some of the most common types of fondue burner fuels and their key features:

Tealight Candles

Tealight candles are ideal for dessert fondues, such as chocolate, butterscotch, or coffee. They help maintain the liquid just warm enough to prevent it from solidifying without overheating. Tealights are simple to use, inexpensive, and widely available. They burn for 4-5 hours and pose fewer risks than liquid fuels.

Liquid Alcohol

Liquid alcohol is suitable for cheese, meat, or seafood fondues as it burns at a higher temperature than tealights. It is odourless, leaving no soot stains on the underside of the pan. Liquid alcohol is versatile and can be used for lamps and cleaning purposes as well. However, it requires a special fondue burner, and extra care must be taken to avoid spills, especially near open flames.

Gel Fuel

Gel fuel is a jelly-like form of alcohol that provides a longer burn time than liquid alcohol. It can be poured into a standard fondue burner and used similarly to liquid fuel. The key advantage of gel fuel is safety. Its higher viscosity makes it less likely to spill and reduces the risk of fire. Additionally, gel fuel is available in screw-top tins, known as chafing fuels, which can be burned, extinguished, and reused. However, canned chafing fuel may be less aesthetically pleasing and offer less precise temperature control than a proper fondue set.

Butane Gas

Newer fondue sets may use pressurised butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control and easy reuse. Butane gas is slightly more expensive but creates no odour. It is also safe, provided the canister is handled with care and not exposed to drastic air pressure changes.

Fondue Fuel Safety

Fondue fuel is available in different forms, such as liquid alcohol, gel, and tea light candles. Each type of fuel has specific safety considerations to keep in mind. Here are some important tips for fondue fuel safety:

Tea Light Candles

Tea light candles are suitable for chocolate, butterscotch, coffee, and other dessert fondues that only need to be kept warm. When using tea light candles, ensure they are unscented and placed about two to three inches below the melting dish to maintain the optimal temperature. Tea lights are generally safer than liquid fuels as they present none of the dangers associated with flammable liquids.

Liquid Alcohol

Liquid alcohol is suitable for cheese, meat, or seafood fondues as it burns at a higher temperature than tea lights. It is typically available in grocery and drug stores. When using liquid alcohol fuel, always use a special fondue burner designed for this purpose. Take extra care to avoid spilling the liquid fuel, especially near open flames. Liquid alcohol fuel should not be poured back into the original container after use.

Gel Fuel

Gel fuel, also known as fondue gel, is a jelly-like form of alcohol. It burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol but has the advantage of longer burn time. Gel fuel can be poured into a normal fondue burner and used in the same way as liquid fuel. One of the main benefits of gel fuel is increased safety due to its higher viscosity, which makes spills less likely. If spilled, gel fuel will not run, reducing the risk of fire. However, it is important to note that gel fuel should not be added to a lit burner, and extreme caution should be exercised when refilling.

General Safety Precautions

Regardless of the type of fondue fuel used, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure proper ventilation in the area. Keep flammable liquids away from open flames and heat sources. Use caution when handling fondue fuel, and always supervise the burner while it is lit. Ensure that young children and pets are kept away from the fondue setup to prevent accidents.

Fondue Fuel Reviews

Fondue fuel comes in different forms, including liquid, gel, and solid. The type of fuel you need depends on the type of fondue you are making. For example, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondue only need to be kept warm, so tea lights are sufficient. Meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures, so you will need a different type of fondue burner, such as the Cuisinox Stainless Steel Fondue Burner, which works with gel or alcohol fuel.

Liquid Fondue Fuel

Liquid fondue fuel creates more heat than gel fuel. You will need to put about 90 ml or 3 oz of liquid fuel into the bottom part of the burner. Be careful not to spill any of this flammable liquid on the tablecloth for the safety of your guests. You can find liquid fondue fuel in your local grocery store, near the BBQ supplies.

Gel Fondue Fuel

Gel fondue fuel is a good option for cheese fondue, and you can also use it for hot oil or broth fondue. It is also suitable for lighting charcoal-fueled barbecues. Swiss Fire Gel is a popular option and has received positive reviews for its performance, ease of use, heat level, light efficiency, safety, and smell. It is available in 16-ounce bottles or 3-ounce cans. However, some customers have complained about leakage during shipping.

Solid Fondue Fuel

If you are looking for a solid fuel option, you might want to consider Godora Solid Fuel Tablets. These tablets are powerful, easy to light, and waterproof, making them ideal for backpacking, outdoor, and emergency use.

Frequently asked questions