Fondue burners - How to use them optimally

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No matter how delicious cheese fondue is and how quickly you try to eat it, without a good burner, your fondue won’t stay warm enough. At BOSKA, we know exactly how to enhance your fondue experience. In this article, you’ll learn about the types of fondue burners we offer, the best fuel to use, and how to avoid small inconveniences. This way, you can enjoy warm cheese fondue for longer!
At BOSKA, we offer two types of fondue burners:
• Reusable fondue burners: These burners come standard with BOSKA fondue sets. You need to fill them yourself with gel fuel or denatured alcohol. They are reusable, so you can enjoy them over and over again.
• Pre-filled fondue burners: Pre-filled fondue burners are designed for convenience. They come with fuel included and are ideal for single use. No need to buy extra fuel – just light them up and enjoy!
When choosing fuel for your fondue burner, you have two options: denatured alcohol or gel fuel. Each has its own pros and cons, depending on what you prioritize: ease of use or temperature control.
Pros:
• Temperature control: Denatured alcohol can provide a higher temperature.
Cons:
• Fire hazard: There’s a risk of flare-ups when lighting the burner. Additionally, an alcohol flame is nearly invisible, making it difficult to see if it’s fully extinguished.
• Smell and spills: Denatured alcohol has a strong smell and can be easily spilled, which is unpleasant and potentially unsafe.
• Toxic if ingested: Denatured alcohol contains methanol, a highly dangerous substance. Even a small amount can cause severe health issues if swallowed.
Pros:
• Easy to use: Gel fuel is simple to light, and the amount used doesn’t affect its performance. This makes it an easy option, especially for those who want to start quickly without worrying about spills.
• Safety: Gel fuel is less volatile than alcohol, reducing the risk of unexpected flare-ups.
Cons:
• Residue: After use, a layer of gel often remains in the burner, which needs to be cleaned.
• Flame extinction: Closing the holes in the burner’s lid extinguishes the flame, which can affect temperature control.
• False sense of security: Because gel fuel is safer to use, people might handle it less carefully. However, it can still cause burns.
• Lower maximum heat: It doesn’t provide as much heat as alcohol.
You can’t replace the burner with tealights, as they don’t generate enough heat. However, BOSKA has developed special fondue sets that do work with tealights. You can read more about those below.
To keep your cheese fondue at the perfect temperature, follow these tips depending on the fuel you’re using:
• When using denatured alcohol: Fill the burner’s insert completely. Light the burner with the holes in the lid open and wait 5 to 10 minutes. Then, close the holes to maintain the ideal temperature and prevent the cheese from overheating and burning.
• When using gel fuel: Light the burner with the holes open and let it warm up for 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t close the holes completely; leave them slightly open to maintain the ideal temperature.
• When using pre-filled BOSKA burners: There’s no need to fill anything; the burner is ready to use immediately. Ensure that the flame adjuster is fully open during use to achieve the best temperature.
Tip for the Mr. Big fondue set: Use three burners with denatured alcohol and close the holes completely for even heat distribution. You can also use one alcohol burner with the holes open or three pre-filled burners for optimal convenience.
While using the fondue burner, you can control the temperature by adjusting the lid with holes (for reusable burners) or the flame adjuster (for pre-filled burners). However, you might encounter some issues when opening and closing the holes or adjuster. Here are a few practical tips to avoid such problems:
• Accidentally opening the burner lid: Slightly lift the burner’s handle when closing or opening it.
• Burner rotates in the fondue frame: Press the burner firmly against the frame with a fork to prevent it from turning.
• Holes are difficult to open or close: Tap the burner’s handle gently to loosen stuck parts.
No matter which type of burner or fuel you use, always handle it with care. You’re working with fire and flammable substances that can cause burns and fires. To help you out, here are the usage and safety instructions for the reusable burner.
With BOSKA fondue burners and these handy tips, you’re guaranteed a delightful and hassle-free fondue experience. Whether you choose reusable or pre-filled burners, with denatured alcohol or gel fuel, you now know exactly how to reach the perfect temperature and avoid common problems. Cheers to a tasty fondue night!
Looking for an alternative to traditional fondue burners? Check out our electric fondue sets and fondue sets heated by tealights. This way, you can enjoy a delicious fondue your way.
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