Sterno

Sterno is a brand of canned heat used to provide portable warmth for food and beverages, most commonly in catering, buffets, and home entertaining. The product consists of a gelled alcohol-based fuel packaged in metal cans with a wick. Sterno fuels are designed to burn at a steady rate and are widely used to keep chafing dishes warm and to power tabletop fondue or similar setups.

The fuel is typically an ethanol- or denatured-alcohol-based gel with a gelling agent to stabilize it in the can. When lit, the gel produces a controlled flame that provides heat without the need for separate solid fuel or electricity. A typical can burns for several hours, though exact burn times vary by formulation and conditions. Multiple cans can be used to extend heating for larger events.

Common uses include warming foods in chafing dishes at banquets and catered events, keeping dishes warm during family gatherings, and occasional camping or emergency heating. Sterno products are designed for indoor use in well-ventilated areas, and care should be taken to place cans on heat-resistant surfaces away from flammable materials.

Safety and handling notes emphasize that Sterno fuels are flammable and should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Use in well-ventilated spaces, never move a burning can, and extinguish by placing the lid on the can to smother the flame. Used cans should be disposed of according to local guidelines, with metal typically being recyclable where facilities exist. See also: chafing dish, gel fuel, portable heating.