Are culinary torches necessary? Probably not.
However, it is a kitchen tool that you will enjoy using…
…the second you add one to your arsenal.
You can use butane-fueled gadgets to lightly brown sugar…
…on a crème brûlée, torch marshmallows, sear steaks & other proteins…
…cook meringues, melt cheese, roast peppers, and so much more.
Are you worried about holding such a powerful flame in your hands?
There’s no need to worry…
…because these torches all feature an anti-flare safety mechanism…
…that ensures the flame won’t come close to your hands.
You should have an idea of what you intend to use this torch for…
…before you buy it, as different models offer different flame strengths…
…maximum temperatures, and usability.
Words from Choi…
I was hesitant to spend money on a tool I’ll only use on the weekends for bbqing,
but if a propane bottle exploded and caught me on fire, my weekend would be ruined….
So I decided to go with this and I can tell it’s not cheaply made.
I’ve got two small bottles of propane down and no explosions.
Let’s jump right in!
Our Top Choices for Culinary Torches
You can fuel your next culinary adventure with these best culinary torches.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Professional Kitchen Butane Torch | Adjustable Flame Shape Strength 2700 F | Sous Vide Crème Brulee Pastries | Anti-flare | Incl. Stabilizing Stand | Butane Fuel Not Included | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
EurKitchen Premium Culinary Butane Torch with Gauge, Safety Lock, Adjustable Flame, Guard- Refillable Cooking Torch Lighter for Creme Brulee, BBQ, Baking, Soldering, Crafts- Butane Gas Not Included | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Gibot Blow Torch Lighter Kitchen Culinary Torch Chef Cooking Torch Refillable Adjustable Flame Lighter with Safety Lock for DIY, Creme, Brulee, BBQ and Baking | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Kitchen Torch, blow torch - Refillable Butane Torch With Safety Lock & Adjustable Flame + Fuel gauge - Culinary Torch, Creme Brûlée Torch for Cooking Food, Baking, BBQ + FREE E-book, Fuel Not Included | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
POWERFUL Cooking Torch - Sous Vide - Charcoal Lighter - Culinary Kitchen Grilling - Campfire Starter - BBQ Grill - Searing Steak & Creme Brulee - Searpro Gun ( Butane or Propane Tank Not Included ) | Prime | Buy Now |
Iwatani International PRO2 Culinary Butane Torch
- Iwatani top quality butane torch is backed by a 1-year manufacturer (butane not included)
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Classic Japanese brand Iwatani has been making high-quality torches for decades.
To use this torch head, you’ll need to purchase…
…the brand’s proprietary butane canisters separately.
With each canister you will get about 100 minutes of burn time…
…which is plenty for the average home cook.
You can adjust the size and shape of the flame…
…at any time if you want to customize it.
The consistent and powerful strength of this flame is loved by reviewers.
It is not necessary to continually replenish the fuel source…
…or to worry about the flame fading…
…because the source is directly attached to the head.
Pros:
- The torch head is directly connected to the fuel source
- Despite the low price, the quality is still high
Cons:
- Need to buy the brand’s fuel tanks
Keep reading…
EurKitchen Butane Torch with Fuel Gauge
- Larger Than Other Torches & Professional Quality - EurKitchen’s Culinary Torch is a great tool for professional & home chefs alike. Its large & sturdy body gives it an edge over other torches on the market. The high-quality mechanism ensures that this kitchen torch lighter provides a consistent and reliable ignition flame. The piezo press ignition allows for a fast, safe, and portable heat torch that is not just suitable for baking and cooking but also for the outdoors as a campfire starter!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In order to torch a crème brûlée…
…you need a flame that’s strong enough to melt sugar…
…but you also need to be able to control…
…and maneuver the flame so that you do not burn the sugar…
…or warm the custard underneath.
The EurKitchen torch offers excellent control and strength…
…making it a natural choice for any crème brûlée fan.
The canister holds 12 grams of butane…
…and the convenient fuel gauge alerts you when you need to refill.
“When torching crème brulee, the best place to start is with an even level of turbinado sugar on top.”
Gabrielle Draper, Pastry Chef and Associate Manager, R&D Technical Culinary Applications at Barry Callebaut
With this model, you can shoot up to 6 inches of fire…
…and the finger guard keeps you from getting burned by the hot flame.
Gas control knobs provide super consistent and steady flames…
…which are ideal when you’re melting down sugar for crème brûlée.
Browning must be even and consistent.
You can buy a version without the fuel gauge for a little less.
Pros:
- The fuel gauge lets you know when to refill
- The canister can hold 12 grams of butane
- Flame is 6 inches long and very steady
Cons:
- Will need to refill frequently if used often
Gibot Blow Torch Lighter
- Safety & Durable Blow Torch - Security lock design prevents against accidental ignition and a wide base helps to prevent the culinary torch from tipping, made with Aluminum alloy body for long lasting use.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It’s a great idea to start with this model…
…which is less than $20, if you aren’t quite ready to invest in this kitchen purchase.
Start with a homemade crème brûlée or a few marshmallows…
…to get comfortable with the torch.
Due to the model’s smaller size, you won’t need to worry…
…about excessively large flames, which can be intimidating for a first-time user.
The canister holds about 8-10 grams of butane…
…and needs to be refilled when it’s empty.
It churns out flames longer than 6 inches despite its height of just under 5 inches.
In terms of big batch torching, you may find it difficult…
…to continuously refill the comparatively small canister…
…but for a kitchen torching novice, this would be perfect.
Pros:
- Small and easy to handle
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- No fuel gauge
Go on…
Jo Chef Refillable Butane Torch
- BE THE MASTER CHEF OF YOUR OWN KITCHEN (BUTANE FUEL NOT INCLUDED)– There’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars at an upscale restaurant to enjoy a quality meal! Take your kitchen to the next level with the JoChef Professional Culinary Torch! With adjustable flame temperatures up to 2,370°F., you can sear meats, brown brulees, and roast peppers to perfection. The menu options are endless!
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Start with something approachable and easy to use…
…if you’re still getting used to using culinary torches at home.
You don’t need to order butane separately since this torch comes with it.
You can check the fuel gauge to see how much fuel is left in the canister…
…when it is time to refuel.
Multiple safety locks and an adjustable flame function…
…ensure that users of all skill levels are safe and protected from the flame.
If you would like to gift your friends a torch…
…this model arrives gift-ready, so go ahead and share the fire.
Pros:
- Fuel included
- Safety lock
- Adjustable flame
Cons:
- Requires frequent fuel refilling if used a lot
Last, but not least..
SearPro Multi-Use Cooking Torch
- ►100% UNCONDITIONAL 90 DAY WARRANTY - Brand new invention just released to the public. This compact, hand-held torch has one of the widest, most powerful flames of any torch available on the market, GUARANTEED! With temperatures reaching over 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, SearPro really packs a punch!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This torch is the top-of-the-line model with all the bells and whistles.
It has a super sleek design and a powerful flame, too.
Additionally, due to its compact size, it is easy to transport…
…making it an excellent camping or outdoor adventure accessory.
While it is super powerful, its variable fuel control allows you…
…to use it to cook delicate dishes like crème brûlée…
…and meringue as well as heavier tasks.
Use the full power flame for tasks like searing steaks…
…roasting peppers, or lighting a campfire.
A torch like this is certainly pricey…
…but if you want something that can be used for anything…
…from toasting marshmallows to caramelizing ham, you should consider it.
Reviewers love using this high-powered torch…
…to finish off steaks and centerpiece proteins.
Although it costs nearly twice or three times…
…as much as some competitors…
…customers believe the investment is worth it and they love the product.
Pros:
- Extremely powerful flame
- Fuel control allows small and large flames
Cons:
- Fuel sold separately
Finally…
Sum Up!
Based on our review of all the products mentioned above…
…the Iwatani International PRO2 Culinary Butane Torch is our top pick…
…for the best culinary torch.
Torches come with adjustable flame sizes and shapes.
This flame is also loved for its constant and powerful strength.
Conclusion
We hope our guide to the best culinary torches gave you enough information…
…to make the right choice for your needs.
Using your preferred tool, you’ll be baking the perfect creme brulee and…
…other toasted goodies in no time!
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.