Chafing Fuels Guide

Chafing Fuel Uses

Chafing Dishes

1. Start with 2, 4, or 6 hour fuel
2. Open the can, keeping it away from any open flame
3. Carefully place it in the receptacle
4. 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
5. Light the chafing fuel using a long reach match or butane lighter
   - Always light the can when in place
6. Cover the water pan until it begins to steam (approximately 20 minutes)
7. Once steaming, place the food pan with hot, fully cooked foods into position and cover
8. After your event, extinguish the chafing fuel with the correct tool and dispose of the can properly

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Beverage Urns

1. 2 hour chafing fuel is recommended
2. Open the can, keeping it away from any open flame
3. Carefully place it in the receptacle
4. Light the chafing fuel using a long reach match or butane lighter
   - Always light the can when in place
5. After your event, extinguish the chafing fuel with the correct tool and dispose of the can properly

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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

1. Open the can, keeping it away from any open flame
2. Carefully place it in the receptacle
3. Light the chafing fuel using a long reach match or butane lighter
   - Always light the can when in place
4. After the cart has reached the proper holding temperature, place hot, fully-cooked foods inside and close door. Transport with care
5. 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 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!

Calculator

Chafing Fuel Safety Tips

Do you have new employees that are being trained on the proper use of chafers and chafing fuel? Provide them with this Sterno safety poster or hang it in a common area so staff can be reminded of how to safely use chafing fuel.

For a more interactive training, have new employees watch the informative Sterno chafing fuel safety tips video below!

Alternatives to Chafing Fuel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is used to heat chafing dishes?

You can heat chafing dishes a couple of ways. The first way is to use chafing fuel as outlined at the beginning of this guide. Chafing fuel is the quickest, most inexpensive option and is usually used for catered and outdoor events.

The second option is to use electric chafing warmers. Electric warmers heat up to warm food, but do so without an exposed flame. They're ideal for areas where open flames are restricted.

The third alternative is to use induction chafers with induction warmers. Induction warmers are great because they heat up the food within the induction chafer, but stay cool to the touch on their flatop surfaces. This reduces accidental burns and injuries all while promoting a sleek, upscale appearance.

What kind of fuel do you use in a chafing dish?

The type of fuel you use to heat your chafing dish is completely up to preference and desired burn time. If you're looking to heat food for a short period of time, we suggest using 45 minute or 2 hour chafing fuel. If you have an extended event, we offer 4, 5, and 6 hour hour fuel options.

There are gel fuel and wick fuel options available, both of which have benefits that are outlined at the beginning of this guide. In addition, we have biodegradable fuel available for environmentally-conscious consumers. If you're looking for a specific brand, we feature Choice and Sterno Products chafing fuel. Choice chafer fuel offers superior burning power at an economical price that won't break your budget, and Sterno Products provides brand-name fuel products that customers know and love.

What is the difference between twist-off metal caps and stem wicks with plastic caps?

Once lit, chafer fuel cells with twist-off metal caps provide a quick, safe, and easy way to extinguish the flame at the end of events. The cap can simply be placed over the flame to snuff it out. Chafer fuel cells with stem wicks and plastic caps require a separate snuffer paddle, regulator, or saucer to extinguish the flame.

Because an additional tool is required to safely snuff out the flame when using a stem wick chafer with a plastic cap, chafer fuels with twist-off metal caps may be the better option for on-the-go catering companies. However, both styles of caps allow the cans to be resealed, providing you with a way to easily store and reuse leftover fuel.