Chafing Fuels Guide

Different Types of Chafing Fuel

When it comes to choosing the right chafing fuel for your foodservice establishment, it's important to consider factors such as fuel styles, materials, burn time, heat output, and safety. There are several different types of chafing fuel available on the market, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. We'll explore the different types of chafing fuel to help you make an informed decision.

How to Use Chafing Fuel

Use the following instructions to learn how to use chafing fuel safely:

1. Choose the Right Type of Chafing Fuel: Before using chafing fuel, it is important to select the appropriate type for your specific needs depending on your pan type and location of your event.
2. Set Up the Chafing Dish: Prepare your chafing dish by placing it on a level, sturdy surface. Open the lid of the chafing dish and remove any water or food remnants from the pan. Make sure the pan is clean and dry before proceeding.
3. Prepare the Chafing Fuel Container: If you are using wick chafing fuel, ensure that the wick is properly positioned and ready for ignition. For gel chafing fuel, simply remove the lid from the can, and it is ready to use.
4. Place the Chafing Fuel Container: Place the fuel container inside the holder under the chafing dish, ensuring that it is securely positioned. Make sure there is enough clearance between the container and the pan to allow for proper air circulation and heat distribution.
5. Add Water to the Pan: Fill the water pan of the chafing dish with a sufficient amount of water, typically about 1 inch deep.
6. Ignite the Chafing Fuel: Carefully light the wick chafing fuel with a long-reach match or butane lighter. If using gel chafing fuel, use a long-reach match or butane lighter to ignite the gel directly. Exercise caution while lighting the chafing fuel to avoid any accidents or injuries.
7. Cover the Pan: Cover the water pan until it begins to steam (approximately 20 minutes).
8. Place the Food Pans: Once steaming, place the food pan with hot, fully cooked foods into position and cover. Ensure that the food is properly prepared and heated before placing it in the pans.
9. Monitor and Maintain: Throughout the event, it is essential to monitor the chafing fuel, ensuring that it remains lit and at the desired temperature. Check the water level in the pan regularly and replenish as needed to prevent it from drying out.

How to Put Out Chafing Fuel

While chafing fuel is designed to burn safely and efficiently, following the correct steps for extinguishing it will help ensure the safety of your staff and guests. Here are ways to putting out chafing fuel:

• Allow the fuel to burn out naturally: Chafing fuel is designed to burn until the fuel is completely consumed. In most cases, the fuel will burn out on its own once it reaches the end of its burn time. It's crucial not to attempt to extinguish the flame by blowing on it or using water, as this can cause splattering and potentially lead to injuries.
• Use a fuel lid or snuffer: Some chafing fuel cans are equipped with a lid or snuffer to safely extinguish the flame. These lids are specifically designed to fit over the fuel can and smother the flame, cutting off the oxygen supply. Simply place the lid over the can and wait for the flame to be extinguished. You may also use chafer fuel holders with covers that are made to help snuff out the flame.
• Use a metal spoon or spatula: If your chafing fuel does not come with a lid or snuffer, you can use a metal spoon or spatula to carefully smother the flame. Gently press the spoon or spatula against the wick or flame to cut off the oxygen supply. Be cautious while doing this to avoid any splattering or accidents.
• Never use water to extinguish chafing fuel: Chafing fuel is flammable and should never be extinguished with water. Water can cause the fuel to splatter, potentially spreading the fire and causing injuries. It's important to keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies, but water should never be used to put out chafing fuel flames.
• Allow the can to cool down: After the flame has been extinguished, it's important to allow the chafing fuel can to cool down before handling it. The metal can become extremely hot during use, so it's best to wait until it is safe to touch before attempting to remove or dispose of it.

How Long Does Chafing Fuel Last?

The duration of chafing fuel can vary depending on the specific type and brand you choose, usually lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to 6 hours. Whether you are hosting a short event or a multi-day conference, choosing the right chafing fuel will ensure that your food remains at the perfect temperature throughout the duration of your event. Below we discuss the different burn times you can expect and what they are best suited for:

• 45 minutes: While they may not be suitable for longer events, they can be a cost-effective option for quick service or small gatherings.
• 2 hours: Most commonly used in buffet settings, catered events, and other occasions where food needs to be kept warm for a moderate length of time.
• 2.5 hours: Ideal for events that may run a bit longer, such as receptions, banquets, or conferences.
• 4 hours: For events that span several hours. These fuels are commonly used in larger-scale events, such as weddings or corporate functions, where maintaining food-safe temperature is crucial.
• 5 hours: Ideal for all-day events, such as outdoor festivals or trade shows, so you can reduce the frequency of refills and ensure a smooth and uninterrupted service.
• 6 hours: Perfect for events that last throughout the day and into the evening, such as weddings or multi-day conferences.

Chafing Fuel Safety

To ensure the safety of your employees, follow these chafer fuel safety tips:

• Never use an open flame before checking with your local code official.
• Never use chafing fuel to cook foods. Only use chafing fuel to maintain proper serving temperatures.
• Never place chafing fuel near flammable table decorations or nearby items like curtains and paper products.
• Never light the fuel and carry or move it to the desired area. Use a long-reach match or butane lighter to ignite the chafing fuel after placing it in the holder.
• Never use other lit cans or rolled-up paper to light chafing fuel.
• Never touch gel-type cans once they're lit. They can become extremely hot as the flame burns down into the can. Let spent fuel cans cool after use, then dispose of them properly.
• Never blow out the flame to extinguish it. Extinguish chafing fuel at the end of events by using the proper tool (twist-off metal lid, snuffer paddle, regulator, etc.)

Chafing Fuel FAQs

We answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to chafing fuel:

How to Open Chafing Fuel

To open your chafing fuel, either twist off the top or use a designated chafing fuel opener and snuffer. If you don't have a snuffer, a spoon or spatula can help you gently pry off the lid of your chafing fuel.

How to Light Chafing Fuel

Chafing fuel can be lit using either a butane lighter or a long-reach match. It is recommended to use a long-reach lighter to minimize the risk of burns. Never use paper or spark-wheel lighters to light your chafing fuel.

Can You Cook With Chafing Fuel?

It depends on the application. Most chafing fuel is specifically designed to keep food warm and should not be used for cooking. The composition of most chafing fuel is not suitable for direct cooking. Many are made from ethanol, methanol, and other additives, chosen for their ability to produce a controlled flame with a consistent amount of heat. While chafing fuel can generate enough heat to keep food warm, it cannot always provide the high temperatures needed for cooking raw ingredients. Using chafing fuel for cooking can be dangerous and may result in undercooked or contaminated food. However, small-scale cooking applications such as mini-hibachis and smores stations may warrant a limited amount of ethanol-based chafing fuel to produce a controlled heat source for searing small food items. When cooking TCS foods, we recommend using cooking appliances with higher temperature capabilities, such as stovetops or grills, first to ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly and safely before putting it in a chafer to be kept warm.

How to Dispose of Chafing Fuel

Refer to the packaging of your chafing fuel for disposal instructions. Most spent fuel containers can be either recycled or thrown into standard trash bins. If there is still fuel remaining in the container, check with your local authorities for the proper rules and regulations of disposing potentially hazardous waste.

Wick Fuel vs Gel Fuel

The difference between wick and gel fuel is how it burns, with wick fuel featuring a soft wick that is lit to ignite the fuel while gel fuels are lit directly to produce the heat. Wick fuel offers a long burn time and consistent heat output, making it suitable for outdoor events or situations where prolonged heat is required. Their containers also remain cool to the touch and the fuel is not flammable if spilled. On the other hand, gel fuel provides a cleaner and more controlled burning experience, making it ideal for indoor events. Gel fuel also burns more cleanly, leaving behind minimal residue and reducing the risk of soot buildup on your chafing dishes. Both wick fuel and gel fuel comply with safety regulations and standards. Consider the specific requirements of your event or establishment when making your decision.