Fondue Fuel In Nz: Where To Buy And How

Fondue fuel is used to heat up a fondue pot, which is a great way to stir up excitement at your next dinner party. The type of fondue fuel you need depends on the type of fondue you want to make. For example, chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues only require tea lights, whereas meat, seafood, and vegetarian fondues require higher temperatures and thus, different types of fondue burners. Fondue fuel can be purchased online from Amazon or in-store at Walmart, Canadian Tire, Wholesale Club, or Metro.

Fondue fuel types: gel, liquid, or alcohol

When preparing fondue, it's important to use the right fuel for your burner to avoid mishaps. The type of fuel you need depends on the type of fondue you're making.

Chocolate, Butterscotch, Coffee, and Other Dessert Fondue

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. Place the candle about two to three inches away from the bottom of the pan or melting dish to maintain the optimal temperature. Tea lights are safer than liquid fuels and will keep burning for 4 to 5 hours.

Cheese, Meat, Seafood, and Vegetable Fondue

These fondues require a higher temperature than what tea lights can provide. Liquid alcohol is a good option as it burns without odour and won't leave soot stains on the pan. It's readily available in grocery and drug stores and can be used for lamps and cleaning purposes as well. However, you'll need a special fondue burner for alcohol fuel, and extra care must be taken to avoid spilling the flammable liquid.

Gel Fuel

Gel fuel is a jelly-like form of alcohol. It burns at a slightly lower temperature than liquid alcohol but has the advantage of lasting longer. It can be poured into a standard fondue burner and used in the same way as liquid fuel. Gel fuel is safer than liquid fuel as its higher viscosity makes it less likely to spill. If it does spill, it won't run, reducing the risk of fire.

Chafing Fuel

Chafing fuels are also gel fuels, but they come in screw-top tins that serve as the burning device. This packaging allows for repeated burning and extinguishing, unlike bottled gel fuel, which cannot be returned to the bottle once used. However, chafing fuels 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 fuel is also safe, provided the canister is not mishandled or exposed to drastic air pressure changes.

Where to buy fondue fuel in NZ

Fondue fuel is available from a variety of retailers in New Zealand, including Amazon, Walmart, Canadian Tire, and Dollarama.

Amazon offers a wide range of fondue fuel options, including gel and liquid fuel, as well as fondue burners and fuel capsules. Some highly-rated options include the Swissmar Fondue Burner, which comes with a gel fuel can, and the Cuisinox Stainless Steel Fondue Burner, which works with both gel and alcohol fuel.

Other retailers like Walmart and Canadian Tire may also stock fondue fuel, but availability may vary by location. It's always a good idea to call ahead or check their websites before making a trip to the store.

Additionally, some users have suggested purchasing fondue fuel from Dollarama or wholesale clubs, which can offer good prices.

When purchasing fondue fuel, it's important to ensure that the fuel is compatible with your fondue pot and burner. Different types of fondue, such as meat fondue or chocolate fondue, may require different types of fuel and burners. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions when using fondue fuel.

Fondue burner options

Fondue burners come in a variety of options, including gel fuel, liquid fuel, tea lights, and alcohol. Here is a more detailed description of each:

Gel Fuel

Gel fuel is a popular choice for fondue burners as it is easy to use and provides a consistent heat source. It typically comes in small cans or cartridges that fit into the burner unit. Swiss Fire Gel, for example, is a popular brand that offers a standard size fitting most fondue pots. It is important to note that gel fuel may not generate enough heat for certain types of fondue, such as meat fondues that require higher temperatures.

Liquid Fuel

Liquid fuel, typically in the form of alcohol, creates more heat than gel fuel. It is suitable for hot oil and hot broth fondue. Blue liquid fondue fuel is an example of this type of fuel. However, liquid fuel cannot be purchased online and must be sourced from local grocery or hardware stores. When using liquid fuel, ensure that you follow safety precautions to avoid spills or accidents.

Tea Lights

For chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues, tea lights are sufficient to keep the fondue pot warm. These fondues typically only require melting the dipping sauce beforehand and then transferring it to the fondue pot to maintain its warmth. Unscented tea light candles are ideal for this purpose.

Alcohol

Alcohol is another fuel option for fondue burners and can be used with certain types of fondue pots. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using alcohol as fondue fuel to ensure safety and proper usage.

When purchasing fondue fuel, it is essential to consider the type of fondue you will be making and the specific requirements of your fondue pot. Different types of fondue, such as meat or cheese fondues, may require higher temperatures and specific types of fuel. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions when handling fondue fuel.

Fondue fuel safety

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

For cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, a higher temperature is required than what can be achieved using tealights. Liquid alcohol is a good option for these types of fondues as it burns without odour and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. It is readily available in most grocery and drug stores and can be used for lamps and cleaning purposes as well. However, it is important to use a special fondue burner with this type of fuel and to take extra care not to spill the liquid fuel, especially near open flames.

Gel fuel is essentially 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. One of the main advantages of gel fuel is increased safety. Its higher viscosity means it is less likely to spill and will not run if it is spilt, reducing the risk of fire.

Chafing fuels are also gel fuels 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 canned chaffing fuel is that it is less aesthetically pleasing and offers less precise temperature control than a proper fondue set.

Newer fondue sets may use pressurised butane gas, which offers excellent temperature control, easy reuse, and no odour. This option is generally considered safe as long as the canister is not subjected to rough handling or placed in an environment with drastic air pressure changes.

Fondue pot options

Fondue fuel options vary depending on the type of fondue pot you have. If you have an electric fondue pot, you won't need to worry about fuel, but if you have a traditional flame-fuelled fondue pot, you'll need to purchase gel fuel or chafing fuel.

Electric Fondue Pots

Electric fondue pots are a convenient and modern option. They don't require any fuel, and you can use them for any type of fondue, including oil, broth, chocolate, or cheese. Here are some popular options:

• Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot: This pot has eight easy-to-adjust heat settings and a non-stick insert for easy cleanup. It includes eight colour-coded forks and a ring insert to hold them in place. It's a trusted brand and performed very well in testing.
• Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot: This is a low-priced option that is easy to use, with 11 heat settings. The pot is a bit thin and heats up quickly and unevenly, so you'll need to adjust the temperature frequently. It includes six forks and has a good capacity, but it's better suited for a group of four.
• Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker: This fondue pot comes with eight colour-coded forks and attachable ingredient cups. It has a precise temperature dial and a non-stick stainless steel pot that is dishwasher-safe. The electric cord is a bit short, which can make it tricky to set up.

Traditional Flame-Fuelled Fondue Pots

Traditional flame-fuelled fondue pots use gel fuel or chafing fuel to keep the fondue warm. They often have a rustic and attractive design, but they may not have precise temperature control. Here are some options:

• Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set: This enameled cast iron fondue pot has a beautiful, rustic aesthetic and excellent heat retention. It includes a wrought iron stand and six fondue forks. It uses gel fuel, which can make the pot a bit too hot, so you'll need to adjust the flame carefully.
• All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot: This gorgeous fondue set is very versatile, with oven- and stovetop-safe inserts. It includes a wobble-free base and sharp-tined, colour-coded forks. It's pricier than other options, and the insert lacks handles, making it tricky to transfer.
• Swissmar Sierra Iron Fondue: This fondue set includes a 1.6-quart fondue pot with handles, six forks, a splatter ring, a stand, a fuel burner (fuel sold separately), and a grooved wooden base. The pot is made of heavy, thick enameled cast iron and retains heat well. It's designed for meat fondue but can also be used for cheese or chocolate.
• Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set: This enameled cast iron fondue set is perfect for meat fondue, but it can also be used for cheese or chocolate. It has excellent heat distribution and retention, keeping the contents consistently heated. It's easy to clean and has a small capacity of 1.5 quarts.

Frequently asked questions