When you think of a culinary torch, an image of a cool chef on a TV show comes into mind. Or, you may know of a kitchen torch as a handy tool for sugar toasting on crème brûlée.
However, the best kitchen torches are more versatile than you think. You can char your chicken steaks, brown your slices of bread, and torch marshmallows in your home kitchen.
The best part, there are many options in terms of skill level, budget, fuel types, and sizes. Besides, you can use them for other purposes such as cleaning jewelry, braising, and soldering.
Best Kitchen Torch Reviews
1. Jo Chef Kitchen: Best Overall Culinary Torch
Chefs love Jo Chef Kitchen Torch for several reasons. It’s best because of its small size, safety locks, easy refilling, and adjustable flame temperature, features that work best for novices and veterans.
Product Highlights
Jo Chef made this blowtorch safe for a home kitchen with kids around. The locks allow you to focus on your cuisine without worrying about safety hazards.
The torch is versatile in its uses with a range of temperature options. The maximum flame temperature reaches 2,370°F, which is exceptional for a torch weighing just five ounces.
Fuel refill might seem like a drag for new chefs, but the Jo Chef Kitchen Torch makes it a child’s play.
You can quickly fill from the canisters included with the torch. There’s a visible window pane fuel gauge that helps you keep track of refilling needs.
The Good
The small size of the blowtorch allows you to hold the torch in one hand while moving the dish with the other.
The Jo Chef Kitchen Torch comes with refill containers which many other butane lighters do not offer.
The Bad
Refilling is not the favorite part of cooking for chefs, and this product comes with a small-size fuel storage canister that needs frequent refills.
Pros
Cons
2. Sondiko S400: Best for Beginners
S400 by Sundiko comes with a promise to deliver a high-temperature flame that you can adjust. You just have to press the button, turn the safety dial clockwise, and the torch will keep firing without interruptions.
Product Highlights
Sondiko Torch has an ergonomic design with a sturdy aluminum construction that works best even in the hands of a first-timer.
Piezo ignition technology enables S400 to work best at any angle. You can turn your chicken roast 360 degrees, but the flame remains the same.
You can also use it to light fires, cigars, and hobbies such as jewelry making. The flame temperature limit is 2372 °F which is enough for most recipes.
Refilling is easy and can be done by both short-nozzle and long-nozzle canisters. The package contains an adapter for short-nozzle containers.
The Good
The Sondiko S400 Torch has unique features such as continuous flame mode and a broad base that stabilizes it atop a table. Safety is also a prime consideration in the design, so there’s no hazard in keeping the torch in your kitchen.
The Bad
The shipment does not come with butane containers, so you must purchase them separately. Small fuel capacity is also a nuisance when you need to use it for a long time.
Pros
Cons
3. TBTeek Torch: Best Ergonomic Design
When you want a torch with safety features, a trigger, and a continuous flame mode, the TBTeek torch is your best option.
The lighter is sturdy but elegant in design and can be used for different purposes such as BBQ, creme brûlée, soldering, DIY, and crafting.
Product Highlights
This lighter torch does not cost you a lot but delivers on the promise of quality and durability.
The handle is long enough to let you operate efficiently. The nozzle is also of optimum length, so your hands are safe from the heat of the strong flame.
You can adjust the flame to your needs and lock it if you need continuous heat all over your steak or caramelizing sugar on brûlée.
Alternately, with a pressable trigger, you can vary the flame on different parts of your cooking material, which helps in browning.
The Good
The sleek and efficient design makes the TBTeek Torch an ideal choice for chefs and casual cooking. Safety features are reliable, and multiple options exist to control the flame.
The Bad
Butane storage space is smaller than some other options available on the market. While the TBTeek Torch is great for portable use, chefs find it inconvenient to refill regularly.
Pros
Cons
4. Semlos Butane Torch: Best Budget
Semlos blowtorch provides a seamless experience in the kitchen and is great for BBQ on backpacking and camping.
The torch is lightweight but has a long nozzle for a concentrated flame. This handy gadget is excellent for giving your dishes final touches and searing your steaks.
Product Highlights
It’s a traditionally looking lighter where you press the ignition handle, and it starts firing. There’s an additional option for a continuous flame. Just push the black button at the side.
Overall, this cooking torch is worth your money as the flame temperature is relatively high (1300℃/2500℉). You can adjust the flame through a sliding button on the side.
Moreover, it has all the necessary safety features, including premium aluminum alloy manufacturing and a safety stopper.
You can easily refill the lighter from any butane cylinder, and it shows the fuel amount present through a gas window pane.
The Good
Sturdy construction with handy features including high temperature concentrated flame and an easy-to-grip handle make the Semlos Butane Torch an ideal choice.
The Bad
The safety stopper is not part of the cooking torch design. It is detachable. If you lose it, there’s not much you can do about it.
Also, the Semlos Butane Torch does not come with butane gas or refill cylinders, so you have to buy those separately.
Pros
Cons
5. Tencoz Torch: Best Professional-Grade
One of the best kitchen torches on the market, the Tencoz lighter is truly portable with a sleek design and versatile uses.
The torch is ideal for home bakers and small to medium size kitchens. You can use it for sous vide, melting cheese, BBQ, flambe, and outdoor activities.
Product Highlights
Piezo press ignition enables the torch to light up quickly and attain maximum temperature immediately. Aluminum construction with ABS plastic makes the torch comfortable and durable.
It provides a consistent flame with adjustable controls for maximum and minimum temperatures. You can adjust the flame while using it as it operates entirely with one hand.
The safety features include all the standard options, such as a safety lock, flame adjustment, and a built-in finger guard to keep the heat from your hands.
It’s a great gifting item and comes with premium packing so you can ship directly to your loved ones.
The Good
The Tencoz Torch is multipurpose, safe, reliable, and portable, so you can keep it in your bag for outdoor activities. Flame temperature controls are of good quality, so you can easily change them while using them.
The Bad
The small size of the Tencoz Torch comes with a downside of frequent refilling needs. It can be a hassle if you’re cooking large meals.
Pros
Cons
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Torch
When looking for a top-quality kitchen torch, you cannot just randomly pick the first product that appears in your search.
To make an informed decision, you must consider these essential features in a torch and buy one that gives you the best value.
Safety Controls
The first and foremost consideration when buying a butane kitchen torch is safety. You don’t want to risk your personal or your family's safety.
When buying a cooking torch, check for different options a manufacturer has added to the torch.
Buy a torch with optimum nozzle length so the flame remains at a safe distance from your hand. These include safety buttons, finger guards to prevent fire from searing your hands, and clips or handles that prevent accidental firing.
Most torches have built-in safety switches that you turn on and off when you use the lighter.
However, some of them come with detachable blockers that you must put on the torch when you’re done cooking. In that case, make sure not to lose those stoppers.
Flame Adjustment
Flame adjustment is another essential factor that distinguishes quality torches from ordinary ones.
Most torches come with sliding fuel adjustment buttons that limit the fuel supply, thus moderating the flame to the desired amount.
One problem here is the quality of the flame adjuster. Some low-quality torches have buttons that come off or don’t work correctly after some use.
Make sure to buy a torch with a sturdy fuel adjustment button and that it keeps working even after years of use.
Design
The design of the torch is vital in many ways. An ergonomic design ensures comfort and efficiency.
Also, your torch should be portable; thus, lightweight if you like to cook outside. At the same time, it should have enough flame power for preparing large meals.
The manufacturing material is also essential. Aluminum and its alloys are your best option as they are lightweight and durable.
Also, you don’t want a torch with a large handle as it would be inconvenient to work it with one hand.
Refilling and Fuel Source
You’ll notice that some torch brands do not supply fuel in the package. That can be a problem as you’ll need to run to your local store for butane canisters.
Make sure to read the details before ordering, as you might end up without fuel and a torch that won’t light up.
Additionally, you should refill your butane torch carefully. Although it’s perfectly safe to refill, the nozzle needs some adjustment, so you need to learn the proper way of refilling.
Check if the torch contains an adaptor to refill from canisters with short nozzles.
Price
The market is flooded with butane kitchen torches, so there’s no shortage of options. The competition also ensures great quality at affordable prices.
The key here is a little bit of research. If you buy the first cooking lighter that pops up on your screen, you might miss out on other similar yet cheap products.
Portability
If you’re looking for a torch for camping and other outdoor activities, you’ll need a portable small-sized torch.
You cannot compromise on safety, so your best bet is to buy a torch head or a torch with a small gas storage capacity.
FAQs on Butane Kitchen Torches
Understand butane kitchen torches better with the help of the answers to common questions about them.
1. Are butane kitchen torches safe to use?
Butane kitchen torches are perfectly safe and manufactured according to standard safety guidelines with reliable materials. They have safety controls that you can activate and deactivate to keep them safe from misuse.
2. Where can I find fuel for my kitchen torch?
You can buy it separately online or offline if your cooking torch does not come with fuel containers. You can also buy the butane canisters from any nearby store.
3. How to refill a butane torch?
Generally, you should hold the lighter tightly and put the nozzle of the refilling canister in the opening on the bottom of the torch.
If the gas doesn’t fill, you can use a screwdriver to push the torch valve to let the air out. After that, the butane will easily flow into the lighter.
4. Is a torch and a torch head the same thing?
A torch head does not come with a built-in gas chamber, and you must mount it on a butane cylinder every time you use it. A torch comes with a gas cylinder that needs refueling once empty.
5. Is butane flame safe on food?
Butane and propane are perfectly safe as they don’t leave any byproducts on food and burn completely. Pure alkanes are highly combustible but safe, thus perfect for cooking food directly.
The Best Torch for Your Indoor and Outdoor Kitchen
If you haven't tried a butane torch yet, you can start with a small and inexpensive option and move to a powerful torch once you know how to use it effectively.
If you’re confident that you can handle the torch even as a novice, you can start with the best option, Jo Chef Torch. Otherwise, as a beginner, you can get a cheap one such as Sondiko Butane Torch.