When using a fondue burner, the type of fuel you should use depends on the type of fondue you are preparing. Here are the different types of fuel commonly used in fondue burners:

1. Methyl Alcohol (Methanol): This is the most commonly used fuel for fondue burners [1]. It is also known as methyl hydrate, methyl alcohol, or wood alcohol. Fondue burners usually have a fiberglass batting inside them to soak up the alcohol and act as a wick. It is important not to overfill the burner to avoid spilling burning alcohol and starting a fire.

2. Unscented Tea Light Candles: These are used for chocolate fondue, caramel fondue, and dessert fondue [2]. For these types of fondue, you melt the dipping sauce on the stovetop and then transfer it to a small fondue pot. Tea light candles are used to keep the sauce warm so that guests can dip their pieces of fruit, cake, or other dippers into the liquid.

3. Liquid Alcohol: For cheese, meat, or seafood fondues, a fuel that burns at a higher temperature is required [3]. Liquid alcohol, such as liquid fondue fuel, is a suitable option. It burns practically without odor and will not leave soot stains on the underside of the pan. Special fondue burners are designed to use alcohol fuel. Care must be taken not to spill liquid fuel, especially near flames.

4. Gel Fuel: Gel fuel is a jelly-like form of alcohol that can be used in fondue burners [3]. It has a slightly lower burn temperature compared to liquid alcohol but burns for a longer duration. The higher viscosity of gel fuel makes it less likely to spill and reduces the risk of fire. It can be poured into a normal fondue burner and used in a similar way to liquid fuel.

5. Canned Chafing Fuel: Chafing fuels, which are also gel fuels, come in screw-top tins that serve as the burning device [3]. These fuels are designed to be burned, extinguished, and burned again. They offer convenience but may not provide as precise temperature control as other options.

6. Butane Fuel: Some newer fondue sets use pressurized butane gas as fuel [3]. These sets and canisters of gas offer excellent temperature control, easy reuse, and do not create any odor. However, they may be slightly more expensive than other fuel options.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for the specific fondue burner you are using to ensure safe and optimal fuel usage.

Learn more:

1. methyl alcohol
2. Fondue Fuel - What Type Do You Need? - BestFondue.com Fondue
3. Types of Fondue Fuel | ehow