Hot Oil Fondue

[MrsFallon]

Hi All, bought a cast iron one from John Lewis along with the gel paste discs.

Heated the oil up on the hob then had it bubbling away on top of the burner all was going really well until all of a sudden it lost temperature. There is still gel in the tray, there was still a flame but no heat.

[guindilias]

I used to have a copper one, with the same sort of fuel - like a mini can of tuna full of green goop.
Found the best way to do it was to heat it up on the hob first to the right temperature, then put it on the stand and light the fuel. The flames towards the end really do not give off a lot of heat.
If it was a lengthy meal, I could end up using two or three cans of goop, and sometimes have to reheat the oil in between.
Then I bought a gas powered one (camping gas size bottles) - never had a problem again!

[Pferdestarke]

Is it really that fun?

Maybe I'm just grumpy today but aren't there far better ways to get people together around a table than this?

[MrsFallon]

Pferdestarke said:

Is it really that fun?

Maybe I'm just grumpy today but aren't there far better ways to get people together around a table than this?

Was just me and hubby watching the motor racing.

[Pferdestarke]

MrsFallon said:

Pferdestarke said:

Is it really that fun?

Maybe I'm just grumpy today but aren't there far better ways to get people together around a table than this?

Was just me and hubby watching the motor racing.

Okay. Good fun I can see.

[slybynight]

Am I missing out on something here? I have never tried one of any kind. Melted cheese and chocolate I can kind of understand, but oil? Isnt that just sharing a deep fat fryer, slowly? On a crowded table with other people with pointy sticks and maybe booze.... Do you book the fire engine and burns unit in advance? Or just hope they have a space? Seriously have I got the wrong end of the stick? feel free to flame me if I have. All puns intended.

Edited by slybynight on Sunday 24th May 23:16

Edited by slybynight on Sunday 24th May 23:18

[guindilias]

It is just like sharing a deep fryer, yes! But it's not something you would be doing nightly - more of a novelty thing to do once in a while - and obviously the meal takes longer, so there's a bit more social time round the table.
PLUS you get the thrill of someone possibly knocking the pot over and giving people horrific burns!

[dapprman]

Mine came with a meths burner - works very well. I do start by heating the oil on the stove top first though (in the pot).

Fondue bourguignonne is very sociable, though you do end up eating a scary amount of meat.