Creating the perfect crème brûlée requires more than just a silky custard; it demands the precise, high heat that only a quality cooking torch can provide. The signature caramelized sugar crust is achieved in seconds with the right tool, turning a simple dessert into a professional-grade finale for any meal.
With numerous options on the market, selecting the ideal torch can be challenging. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten highly-rated models, from compact kitchen helpers to powerful professional torches, ensuring you find the perfect instrument for your culinary projects.
The Best Cooking Torches for Your Kitchen
- Spicy Dew Blow Torch – Creme Brulee Torch
- Kollea Creme Brulee Torch, Refillable Butane Torch
- Chef’s Torch, Kitchen Torch, Cooking Torch by Chef Master
- Bernzomatic Trigger Start Torch (TS 8000 Torch)
- Sondiko Butane Torch PS400, Culinary Kitchen Torch
- Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch
- Sterno Butane Torch Lighter – Kitchen Blow Torch
- BonJour Chef’s Tools Professional Culinary Torch
- Butane Torch, Butane Refillable Kitchen Cooking Torch
- Iwatani Cooking Torch CW-100PRO
Spicy Dew Blow Torch – Creme Brulee Torch
The Spicy Dew Blow Torch is built with professional-grade quality, designed to help you achieve restaurant-level results at home. It is perfect for caramelizing sugar on crème brûlée, searing steaks, or roasting vegetables. Its robust construction and high burning temperature of 2372°F make it a reliable tool for various kitchen tasks.
Safety is a key focus with this model. It features a child safety lock to prevent accidental ignition, a sturdy base to avoid tipping, and a hand protection guard to shield you from heat. The built-in fuel gauge lets you monitor butane levels, while the adjustable flame gives you complete control for precise application.
Kollea Creme Brulee Torch
Engineered for ease of use, the Kollea Creme Brulee Torch features a one-handed operation design and a long-reach nozzle. This ergonomic approach makes it simple to handle, allowing for safe and efficient cooking. Its lightweight build ensures comfort during extended use, making it a great helper for busy home cooks.
This torch provides professional-grade reliability with consistent flame performance and a fast, piezo ignition system. Constructed from a durable aluminum alloy, it is built to last. For safety, it includes a lock to prevent accidental use, a built-in finger guard, and a wide, stable base.
Chef Master Kitchen Torch
The Chef Master Kitchen Torch is a professional-grade tool designed for mastering finishing techniques in the kitchen. It is ideal for caramelizing crème brûlée, browning meringue, and searing meats with a consistent, controlled flame. Built from high-quality, durable materials, it is suitable for both home and professional kitchen environments.
Beyond culinary applications, this torch is versatile enough for lighting grills or handling small DIY projects. It delivers impressive power with 4,220 BTUs and a maximum flame temperature of 2,012°F. This compact yet mighty tool offers the speed and accuracy needed for high-heat tasks.
Bernzomatic TS 8000 Trigger Start Torch
The Bernzomatic TS 8000 is a high-intensity torch known for its robust performance and reliability. While it serves many industrial purposes, its precise flame control makes it exceptionally effective for culinary tasks like quickly caramelizing sugar. Its trigger-start mechanism allows for easy, on-demand ignition.
This torch is built for heavy-duty use and offers superior flame control via a gas-flow adjustment dial. Its reputation for durability and power makes it a favorite among users who need a tool that can handle demanding applications both in the workshop and the kitchen.
Sondiko Butane Torch PS400
The Sondiko Butane Torch PS400 is designed with safety and ease of use as top priorities. Its super lightweight aluminum alloy shell and high-temperature resistant nozzle contribute to its durability and long use time. Features like a safety lock and a wide, stable base help prevent accidents during operation.
This torch offers a versatile continuously flame mode, allowing it to stay lit without constant pressure on the ignition button. With an adjustable temperature that can reach up to 2372°F, it is suitable for a wide range of tasks from cooking to soldering and crafts.
Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch
The Blazer GT8000 Big Shot is a professional-grade torch celebrated for its powerful, consistent performance. Its anti-flare, brass-frame nozzle provides excellent safety and precise flame control, making it ideal for delicate tasks like caramelizing crème brûlée without scorching.
A key feature is its attachable tabletop base, which allows for hands-free operation—a significant advantage for tasks requiring stability. The easy-to-use gas-flow adjustment dial gives users complete command over the flame length, ensuring perfect results every time.
Sterno Butane Torch Lighter
The Sterno Butane Torch incorporates advanced safety features for secure operation. It includes a piezoelectric ignition with a lock, an anti-flare design, and an automatic shut-off sensor. These elements make it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced users.
Compatible with most butane fuel canisters, this torch provides a consistent, steady flame that minimizes the risk of sudden flare-ups. Its design is suited for both home and commercial use, simplifying food preparation and presentation for any occasion.
BonJour Chef’s Tools Professional Culinary Torch
BonJour’s Professional Culinary Torch is crafted with a heavy, metal body that promises durability and a steady feel in your hand. It includes a practical fuel level indicator window, so you are never caught off guard by an empty tank in the middle of cooking.
This torch is equipped with essential safety and control features, including a safety lock, an adjustable temperature dial, and an anti-flare flame design. The inclusion of an extra nozzle adds to its value and longevity, making it a solid investment for any kitchen.
Butane Refillable Kitchen Cooking Torch
This Butane Torch is constructed from high-quality zinc alloy, offering a more sturdy and durable alternative to plastic-bodied torches. Its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, enhancing control during use. It is compatible with any brand of butane gas canister.
With a maximum temperature of 2372°F, this torch delivers a precise and powerful flame for various heating needs. The flame size is easily adjustable via a control knob, allowing for versatility in applications from gourmet cooking to arts and crafts projects.
Iwatani Cooking Torch CW-100PRO
The Iwatani CW-100PRO is a well-regarded torch in the culinary world, known for its professional performance and reliability. It is specifically designed for cooking applications, offering a clean, consistent flame that is perfect for creating a perfectly caramelized crust on crème brûlée or searing meat.
This model emphasizes user-friendly operation and safety, making it a popular choice for both home cooks and professional chefs. Its reputation for quality construction and dependable results makes it a standout option for anyone serious about their kitchen tools.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cooking Torch for Creme Brulee
When I’m looking for the best cooking torches for creme brulee, my main focus is on finding a tool that’s effective, safe, and easy to handle. The primary job is to melt and caramelize sugar into that perfect, glass-like crust without turning my delicate custard into a warm soup. Over the years, I’ve learned that not all torches are created equal, and a few key factors make all the difference.
First, let’s talk about fuel. I almost always go for a butane torch. The fuel canisters are easy to find at most hardware or kitchen stores, and they provide a consistent, hot flame that’s ideal for the job. While propane burns hotter, I find it can sometimes be too aggressive for the subtle task of sugaring a custard. For me, butane offers the perfect balance of heat and control. Some smaller torches use butane/propane mixes, which are fine, but I prefer the purity of butane for kitchen work.
The next thing I consider is the ignition system. A push-button piezoelectric ignition is my top choice. This means no separate lighter is needed—you just press a button, and the torch lights. It’s a huge convenience and a major safety feature, as it keeps my hands away from the flame. Manual ignition torches, where you have to use a flint or a separate lighter, are cheaper but feel clunkier and less safe to me. For frequent use, the push-button start is absolutely worth it.
Flame control is non-negotiable. A good cooking torch must have an adjustable flame dial. This allows me to start with a softer, wider flame to melt the sugar gently, then crank it up to a more focused, hotter point to achieve that deep caramelization and beautiful color. A torch with only one flame setting often leads to burnt spots or uneven melting. I look for a dial that turns smoothly and allows for precise adjustments.
Finally, I think about ergonomics and design. The torch should feel comfortable in my hand, not too heavy or awkwardly balanced. A built-in fuel gauge is a fantastic feature that prevents me from running out of gas mid-recipe. I also prefer a torch with a safety lock to prevent accidental ignition, especially if I have curious kids around. While professional-style brûlée torches with a long nozzle are great, a well-made, sturdy kitchen torch from a hardware brand can often perform just as well, if not better, and sometimes for a lower price.
FAQ
Is a kitchen torch necessary for creme brulee, or can I use my oven’s broiler?
You can technically use a broiler, but I don’t recommend it. The broiler heats the entire custard, risking a melted dessert. A kitchen torch gives you precise, localized heat, letting you caramelize just the sugar topping while keeping the custard beneath perfectly chilled. It’s faster and gives you much more control over the final result, which is why it’s the preferred tool for the best cooking torches for creme brulee.
What is the difference between a culinary torch and a hardware store propane torch?
The fundamental mechanism is the same, but the designs are tailored for different tasks. A culinary torch is designed for comfort and precision in the kitchen. It’s often lighter, better balanced for detailed work, and uses butane for a slightly less intense flame that’s harder to burn food with. A hardware torch is built for power and durability on job sites, often using hotter-burning propane. While a small hardware torch can work, I find a dedicated kitchen torch is safer and easier to manage for delicate tasks like sugaring a custard.
Why is my sugar burning instead of caramelizing?
This usually means your flame is too high, you’re holding the torch too close, or you’re focusing on one spot for too long. I keep the torch tip about 4 to 6 inches away from the sugar and use a constant, slow, circular motion. Start with a lower flame setting to melt the sugar evenly across the surface, then you can increase the heat slightly to deepen the color. An even, thin layer of sugar is also key; thick clumps will burn on the outside before the inside melts.
How do I clean and maintain my cooking torch?
First and foremost, make sure the torch is completely cool and has no fuel in it before cleaning. I use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior. The nozzle can sometimes get clogged, especially if it’s not used for a while. If that happens, I use a thin pin or needle to very gently clear the opening. For storage, I keep my torch in a dry place. It’s also a good practice to occasionally purge the torch by releasing a tiny bit of gas (in a well-ventilated area, away from any ignition source) to clear any air from the line, which helps maintain a consistent flame.
What type of sugar is best for the brulee topping?
I’ve found that plain white granulated sugar works perfectly fine, but for a truly professional finish, I prefer to use superfine or “caster” sugar. The smaller crystals melt more evenly and quickly, resulting in a smoother, more uniform crust without gritty bits. Some people like to use raw or turbinado sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor, but it can be trickier to caramelize evenly. I suggest starting with white granulated or caster sugar to master the technique first.