Chafing Fuels Buying Guide - Guides & Suggestions

Do you ever wonder why you are using a certain type of chafing fuel, or which type of chafing fuel you should be using? The right chafing fuel can increase profits and lower accidents caused by improper use. From the diverse types of fuels to the diverse types of applications, this Buying Guide will help you to determine which fuel is best for your specific food service application.

Types
Uses
Costs & Savings
Safety Tips

Types of Fuel

Wick Fuel

Available in one of two types – traditional or stem
Both traditional and stem use clean-burning diethylene glycol (DEG)
2, 4, or 6 hour burn times
Safer than gel since spilled DEG does not combust without a wick.
Some wick type fuels offer resealable lids so fuel can be reused if fuel is not totally used after your function

Gel Fuel

Available in one of two types – ethanol (pink) or methanol (blue)
45 minute, or 2, 4, or 6 hour burn times
Strong heating performance
Use if the water pan is too close to fuel cell holder for a wick fuel

NOTE: Methanol fuel is unlawful in the state of Pennsylvania.

Uses

Chafing Dishes

Start with 2, 4, or 6 hour fuel
Open the can; keeping it away from any open flame
Carefully place it in the receptacle
Place the water pan in the frame and fill with about 1" of HOT water
- Using cold water will add to the pre-heating time
Light the chafing fuel using a long reach match or butane lighter
- Always light the can when in place
Cover the water pan until it begins to steam (approximately 20 minutes)
Once steaming, place the food pan with hot, fully cooked foods into position and cover
After your event, extinguish the chafing fuel with the correct tool and dispose of the can properly

Beverage Urns

2 hour chafing fuel is recommended
Open the can; keeping it away from any open flame
Carefully place it in the receptacle
Light the chafing fuel using a long reach match or butane lighter
- Always light the can when in place
After your event, extinguish the chafing fuel with the correct tool and dispose of the can properly

Banquet Carts

- Always follow the Manufacturer’s instructions
- Pre-heat the cart to the proper temperature before placing hot, fully-cooked foods inside
- Use only the number of cans recommended by the cart Manufacturer

Open the can; keeping it away from any open flame
Carefully place it in the receptacle
Light the chafing fuel using a long reach match or butane lighter
- Always light the can when in place
After the cart has reached the proper holding temperature, place hot, fully-cooked foods inside and close door. Transport with care
After your event, extinguish the chafing fuel with the correct tool and dispose of the can properly

Cost Per Hour & Annual Savings Calculator

Although our Choice brand 2 hour gel fuel offers to the lowest cost per can, the best value in terms of burn time is our Choice brand 6 hour wick fuel. Our Choice brand wick fuel offers a convenient screw on lid so you can easily reuse the fuel to get the full 6 hours of usage. Making it great for shorter or longer events!

Cost Per Hour Calculator

Product		Hours per can	Cans per case	Cost per case	Cost per can	Cost per hour
	Choice 2 Hour Chafer Wick Fuel	2	72	$36.99	$0.51	$0.26
	Choice 4 Hour Chafer Wick Fuel	4	24	$25.49	$1.06	$0.27
	Choice 6 Hour Chafer Wick Fuel	6	24	$26.99	$1.12	$0.19
Enter your current fuel to compare					-	-

Annual Savings Calculator (Comparing your fuel to our Choice 6 Hour Wick Fuel)

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Cost Per Hour

Cost Per Chafer Per Hour

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Safety Tips

Always select fuel with a burn time long enough to last the length of engagement so it will not be necessary to change fuels during the event
Always ensure water is hot and steaming and foods are at a minimum serving temperature of 140°F before putting food pan in place
Chafing fuels are not designed to cook; only maintain proper temperature for serving
Keep chafing fuels away from flammable table decorations or nearby items (i.e., curtains)
Always light fuels in place; use a long reach match or butane lighter; do not use other lighted cans or rolled up paper
Avoid touching gel-type cans — as they become superheated overtime as the flame burns into the can
Always extinguish chafing fuel at the end of the event, using the proper tool
Dispose of spent fuel cans properly
Check with your local code official before using open flame. If open flame is not allowed, then check out or Vollrath universal electric chafer heater 92246060, electric chafer warmer 922ECFRWP, or one of Vollrath’s induction style chafers
Always have back up fuel! It's cheaper by the case anyway

Check out some of these helpful videos

How To Use A Chafer

Chafer Accessories Review

Universal Electric Chafer Heater