A cooking blow torch is the secret weapon in many a professional and home chef’s arsenal. Far beyond just creating the perfect crackling sugar top on a crème brûlée, this versatile tool offers unparalleled precision for searing meats, melting cheese, charring vegetables, and even browning meringues. It delivers a restaurant-quality finish to a wide array of dishes, providing intense, direct heat exactly where you need it.
Choosing the right torch, however, can be a challenge with so many models available. The best culinary torches balance power, safety, and ergonomic design to make your kitchen tasks both efficient and enjoyable. This roundup highlights a selection of top-performing torches to help you find the ideal tool for your culinary projects, from delicate desserts to robust searing jobs.
The Best Cooking Blow Torches for Your Kitchen
- JB Chef Kitchen Torch – Refillable Butane Torch with Adjustable Flame
- Kitchen Culinary Torch with Safety Lock & Adjustable Flame
- Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Professional Kitchen Butane Torch
- EurKitchen Large Culinary Butane Torch with Safety Lock
- Spicy Dew Blow Torch – Refillable Professional Chefs Culinary Kitchen Torch
- Sondiko Butane Torch PS400, Culinary Kitchen Torch Refillable
- Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch
- Bernzomatic TS8000KT High Intensity Trigger Start Torch
- Iwatani Chef’s Torch PRO2 Culinary Butane Torch
JB Chef Kitchen Torch – Refillable Butane Torch with Adjustable Flame
The JB Chef Kitchen Torch is a reliable and user-friendly option for everyday culinary tasks. Its straightforward design features an adjustable flame control, allowing you to switch from a gentle simmer for delicate desserts to a more powerful blast for searing. The continuous flame function provides consistent heat without the need to hold down a button, reducing hand fatigue during longer jobs.
This torch is easily refillable with standard butane fuel, making it a cost-effective choice for regular use. It’s a practical tool for achieving a professional finish on crème brûlée, browning meringue pies, or melting cheese on a casserole. Its balanced design offers good control for precise application.
Kitchen Culinary Torch with Safety Lock & Adjustable Flame
From XPERTS FLAME, this culinary torch package is designed with both safety and convenience in mind. The integrated safety lock prevents accidental ignition, which is a valuable feature for households with children or for storing the tool. The adjustable flame gives you command over the heat output for various cooking applications.
This kit goes beyond the basics by including a stabilizing stand and two recipe e-books. The stand provides a secure place to set down the hot torch, while the recipes offer immediate inspiration for putting your new tool to work. It’s a solid bundle for someone starting out with a culinary torch.
Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Professional Kitchen Butane Torch
The Iwatani PRO2 is a standout choice for those who demand professional-grade performance. Renowned for its quality and reliability, this torch features an adjustable flame that can be fine-tuned for both shape and strength, reaching temperatures up to 2700°F. Its anti-flare technology ensures a stable, controlled flame.
Ease of use is a key benefit, with a one-touch piezo ignition for reliable starts and a included stabilizing plate for safe placement on your counter. It is exceptionally versatile, perfect for everything from creating the perfect sugary crust on crème brûlée to roasting vegetables and crisping the skin on poultry. Butane fuel is sold separately.
EurKitchen Large Culinary Butane Torch with Safety Lock
The EurKitchen torch is an upgraded model built for both professional chefs and serious home cooks. It promises unmatched flame consistency and reliability, which is essential for achieving even results. The piezo press ignition provides fast and immediate lighting, while the gas flow safety lock adds a layer of security when the torch is not in use.
This torch can produce a continuous flame up to six inches long, with a temperature of 2370°F. A key comfort feature is the built-in finger guard, which protects your hand from heat during extended use. Constructed from TUV CE certified aluminum and ABS plastic, it is designed for both durability and ergonomic comfort.
Spicy Dew Blow Torch – Refillable Professional Chefs Culinary Kitchen Torch
The Spicy Dew torch is engineered for heavy-duty use, both in the kitchen and beyond. It boasts a high burning temperature of 2372°F and a fuel gauge—a feature not found on all models—that lets you monitor the butane level. Its design focuses heavily on safety and stability.
This model includes a child safety lock, anti-flare technology, a sturdy fixed base to prevent tipping, and a hand protection guard. Its robust metal construction is built to last. The torch is also marketed as a multipurpose tool for various crafts and household tasks, making it a versatile addition to your toolkit.
Sondiko Butane Torch PS400, Culinary Kitchen Torch Refillable
The Sondiko PS400 is a lightweight yet capable torch constructed with an aluminum alloy shell and nozzle designed to withstand high temperatures. Its safety features include a lock to prevent accidental ignition and a wide base for stability, reducing the risk of it tipping over during use.
This torch offers versatile operation with an adjustable temperature range and a continuous flame mode. This hands-free function is particularly useful for longer tasks, as it allows the torch to keep firing without constant pressure on a button. It is refillable with any standard brand of butane.
Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch
The Blazer Big Shot is a powerhouse torch favored by professionals for its intense, concentrated flame and unwavering reliability. Its anti-flare, brass-frame nozzle is engineered for superior safety and precise flame control, even in windy conditions. The gas-flow adjustment dial offers fine-tuned command over the flame length.
For tasks that require a steady, hands-free approach, this torch comes with an attachable tabletop base. While it excels at culinary searing and caramelizing, its robust construction and powerful output also make it suitable for more demanding industrial and technical applications.
Bernzomatic TS8000KT High Intensity Trigger Start Torch
The Bernzomatic TS8000KT is a high-intensity torch that uses propane fuel, typically offering longer run times and more power than many butane models. The trigger-start mechanism provides easy, one-handed operation, while the adjustable precision valve allows for exact flame control from a gentle brush to a strong, focused point.
This kit is built for durability and is capable of reaching temperatures high enough for soldering and light welding, making it an incredibly versatile tool for both kitchen and workshop. Its performance is ideal for quickly searing thick steaks or other tasks where high BTU output is desired.
Iwatani Chef’s Torch PRO2 Culinary Butane Torch
This entry for the Iwatani Chef’s Torch PRO2 reinforces its position as a top-tier culinary tool. It is celebrated for its professional performance, consistent flame, and user-friendly design. The ability to adjust both the shape and strength of the flame provides exceptional versatility for different techniques.
Whether you are finishing desserts, searing sous-vide meats, or charring peppers, this torch delivers precise and reliable heat. Its reputation for quality is backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, giving users confidence in their purchase. Butane fuel is required and sold separately.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cooking Blow Torch
When I first started looking for a cooking blow torch, I was overwhelmed by the options. They all seemed to do the same thing, but the price and features varied wildly. After using a bunch, I’ve figured out what really matters when you’re picking one out for your kitchen. It’s not just about the biggest flame; it’s about control, safety, and how it feels in your hand.
The first thing I consider is the fuel type. Most culinary torches use either butane or propane. Butane torches are the ones you typically see with a sleek, pen-like design. They’re refillable, produce a clean flame, and are great for precise tasks like caramelizing sugar on a crème brûlée or browning the top of a meringue. Propane torches are often more powerful and connect to larger, standard propane tanks you might use for a grill. They’re fantastic for searing thick steaks or charring vegetables quickly, but they can be a bit overkill for delicate work and are less maneuverable.
Next, I look at the flame control. A good trigger or knob that allows for fine adjustments is a game-changer. You want to be able to go from a wide, soft flame for evenly melting cheese to a pinpoint, intense blast for spot-heating. A torch with a lock-on feature is also a huge plus for longer tasks, as it saves your finger from getting tired.
Safety features are non-negotiable for me. A reliable piezo ignition system that creates a spark with the press of a button is much safer and more convenient than using a separate lighter. A visible fuel gauge is another simple feature that prevents you from running out of gas in the middle of torching a dessert. Also, check that the torch has a stable base or a design that allows it to stand upright without tipping over.
Finally, think about ergonomics and build. Is it comfortable to hold? Is it well-balanced? A heavy, clunky torch can make precise work difficult. The best cooking blow torches for culinary use feel like an extension of your hand, giving you the confidence to apply heat exactly where you want it. By focusing on these aspects—fuel, control, safety, and feel—you can find a tool that will serve you well for everything from finishing desserts to creating a perfect crust on a piece of meat.
FAQ
What is the difference between a kitchen torch and a hardware store torch?
The main differences are in design, fuel purity, and safety. A kitchen torch is specifically made for food. It often has a more precise flame, is easier to handle for detailed work, and uses refined fuel that won’t impart odd smells or flavors to your food. A hardware store torch is built for jobs like soldering pipes or melting ice; it’s more powerful but less controlled, and the fuel isn’t always food-safe. For consistent results in the kitchen, I always recommend a torch designed for cooking.
Can I use a cooking blow torch indoors?
Yes, you can absolutely use one indoors, but with important precautions. Always work in a well-ventilated area, like under your stove’s range hood. Keep the torch away from flammable materials like curtains or paper towels, and never point it at anything but your food. Make sure your countertop is clear and you have a stable, non-flammable surface to work on, like a sheet pan or a granite counter.
How do I safely refill my butane cooking torch?
Refilling seems tricky, but it’s straightforward if you follow the steps. First, make sure the torch is completely cool. Turn the flame adjustment dial to the minimum or “off” position. Hold the torch upright and insert the nozzle of your butane canister straight down into the fill valve firmly. You’ll usually hear a hissing sound as the fuel transfers. If you see any fuel leaking, stop immediately and reposition. It’s best to do this away from any open flame, of course.
What kind of foods can I make with a cooking blow torch?
The possibilities are pretty broad! The classic use is for crème brûlée, creating that hard, caramelized sugar top. But it’s also perfect for browning meringue on a pie, melting cheese on a French onion soup, searing the fat cap on a steak, charring skin on peppers, and even toasting the top of a mac and cheese. I’ve even used mine to lightly heat the outside of a cold cheesecake to make it slice more cleanly.
Why is my torch sputtering or not staying lit?
This is usually a sign of one of two things. The most common cause is that the torch is low on fuel and needs a refill. The other common issue is air in the fuel line, which can happen after a refill. To fix this, I turn the flame adjustment dial to the lowest setting and try to ignite it a few times. This often purges the air out. If it continues, let the torch sit for a few minutes to allow the pressure to stabilize and then try again.