Top 15 Best Cooking Torches
When you buy through our links, The Breslin may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
My purpose of living is to eat and enjoy delicious food. Just recently, I have seen a new kitchen gadget used in a cooking YouTube video. I am so curious about this gun-like tool that I decided to read all the information about it and buy one for myself.
The tool used in egg brulee is called the cooking torch. It is a small appliance of butane or propane torch. But my first wonder is how cooking torch works.
The tank is filled with pressurized butane or propane gas. When you push the trigger, the flow of gas is released. When you push the slider, the slider let the air pulled in more to grow the flame bigger and stronger.
Types of Cooking Torch
There are two main types of cooking torches: torch head and refillable torch.
Torch-head cooking torches refers a torch head without butane tank. You have to attach the torch head to the tank to use it.
Pros
- Large butane tank
- Works longer
- Stronger flame for browning meat
Cons
- Takes effort for holding (large tank)
- No handle
A cooking torch has the built-in tank with the torching head.
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Takes less space
Cons
- Might be difficult to refill
- Leak gas
- Smaller capacity
Cooking Torch Comparison Chart
I have classified the available cooking torches into two main types. Based on your needs, you can scroll down to read the key features, the pros and cons of each product.
What is The Best Cooking Torch For You?
Decide which is your favorite dish to choose the appropriate cooking torch for you.
- Best Overall: Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Butane Cooking Torch
“Easy to refill and use, nice wide flame, rear knob for adjusting the flame, easy to attach, 2700 degrees F flame.” - Best Budget: Tintec Culinary Blow Cooking Torch
“Easy to use and refill, small and easy to hold, silicone brush and screwdriver included, low price.” - Best Refillable: Spicy Dew Blow Kitchen Torch
“Fuel gauge window, great safety mechanism, sturdy design, available in 3 colors, good customer service.” - Best for Crème Brulee: EurKitchen Culinary Butane Cooking Torch
“Safety lock, handguard feature, easy to fill, versatile torch, 6-inch flame, lightweight.” - Best for Searing Steak: Searzall Stainless Steel Cooking Torch
“Palladium-coated back screen, two layers of high-temperature resistant wire, extra protection with the surrounding wire frame, perfect searing on uneven surface.” - Best for Professional: Bernzomatic High Intensity Torch Head Trigger
“3720 degrees F flame, fracture groove for safety, cast aluminum body, works great for Sous Vide.” - Best for Beginner: BonJour Chef’s Creme Brulee Cooking Torch
“Consistent and strong flame, durable torch, fuel level indicator, easy to hold, safety switch.” - Best for Small Kitchen: Sondiko Butane Cooking Torch
“Lightweight, easy to use and fill, affordable price, silicone brush included, long angled nozzle, quick burning.”
Top 15 Best Cooking Torches Reviews
There are so many torches available in the market. Choosing the right one for you is not a daunting task at all with all the features described below.
1. LiBa Culinary Cooking Torch
The body is made from durable metal and has a built-in gauging window. This window has the maximum line for filling butane. If you fire continuously, the flame can last for 60 minutes.
If your family has small kids, pay attention to the safety features. There is safety lock to prevent accidental flame. Just slide down the lock when you don’t use it anymore. The 6-inch flame can reach up to 2730 degrees F.
The red knob is for adjusting the flame. First, turn the flame knob and then press the fire ignition. If you release the ignite button, the flame still stays on. To stop the flame, turn the knob all the way. However, there isn’t much control with the knob.
The base is removable so you can detach the base and fill up the torch with butane.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Flame knob |
Burning temperature | 2730 degrees F |
Safety features | Safety lock |
Fuel gauge window | Yes |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | 3 years |
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to hold
- Removable stand
- Fuel gauge window
- Can burn up to 2730 degrees F
- Adjustable flame up to 6 inches
Cons
- Difficult to fill up
- Poor safety feature
2. GiBot Blow Cooking Torch Lighter
The aluminum body doesn’t have the fuel gauge window but it is wide enough for strong grip. The lock and the ignite button are combined into one.
To use this torch, press the ignition. If you want the continuous flame without pressing, turn the ignition clockwise to “close”. To turn off the torch, turn the ignition anticlockwise to “open”.
To enter the lock mode, turn to ignition toward “close”. The torch can burn continuously for 5 mins, but then you must have a rest to cool it down.
To adjust the flame, use the sawtooth button near the ignition. However, as the flame is burning, you have to be really cautious. The maximum temperature it can reach is 2500 degrees F.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Sawtooth button |
Burning temperature | 2500 degrees F |
Safety features | Security lock |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | 6 months |
Pros
- Easy to refill
- Lightweight
- Easy to use for beginners
- Strong flame up to 2500 degrees F
Cons
- Small butane container
- No fuel gauge window
- Bad customer service
3. Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Butane Cooking Torch
(Best Overall)
This cooking torch is detachable to the butane. Torch head is a great choice if you want to bring it everywhere and use for searing meat, melting cheese, roasting and charring vegetables.
Just simply press the one-touch Piezo ignition, you fire the wide flame which is 1” in diameter. If you release the press, the flame is still on. This comes as a benefit but a disadvantage.
Save effort without constantly pressing the ignition. However, if it is dropped to the floor or counter, the flame continues until you turn the rear knob off to stop the flame.
The knob on the back helps adjust the fuel flow rate. The maximum temperature is 2700 degrees F, which is suitable for searing meat or roasting vegetables.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Rear knob |
Burning temperature | 2700 degrees F |
Safety features | No |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | No |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- Easy to refill and use
- Nice wide flame
- Rear knob for adjusting the flame up to 2700 degrees F
- Easy to attach
Cons
- No safety features
Watch this video to compare between Iwatani and Bernzomatic for searing meat.
4. Rösle Crème Brulee Butane/Propane Adjustable Kitchen Torch
Founded in 1888, this German torch is made from 18/10 stainless steel. Before igniting a flame, you have to flip the safety switch right below the ignition switch. After that, click the trigger and the gas is coming out.
To keep the flame firing, switch the slide. Similar to LiBa Culinary Torch, the flame can be fired continuously for 60 minutes. This is mainly thanks to the 0.04 Qt gas reservoir.
The standing base is sturdy and filling the torch is easy. When not in use, the torch can stand perfectly in your kitchen with the locked safety switch.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Gas dial |
Burning temperature | 2372 degrees F |
Safety features | Safety switch |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | 5 years |
Pros
- Sturdy base
- Long burning time up to 60 minutes
- Can be used with propane or butane gas
Cons
- No fuel gauge window
- Leak gas
Watch this video to see the test of Rosle kitchen torch:
5. EurKitchen Culinary Butane Cooking Torch
(Best for Crème Brulee)
The Eurkitchen butane culinary kitchen torch has two versions: with or without fuel gauge. The convenience of the window comes with a higher price.
You no longer have to worry about burning your fingers with the finger guard. Place your fingers behind the guard while holding this cooking torch. Great protection.
The TUV CE certified aluminum is covered with ABS plastic to make a sturdy but comfortable to hold body. To ignite the flame, first turn to flow control knob in “open” direction. Then, push the button and the light goes out.
You can easily control the size and the strength of the flame by the regulator dial. If you release your finger off the button, the flame goes on. You can sear seafood, roast marshmallows with up to 2370 degrees F and 6-inch flame.
Turn the knob back into the off position to stop the flame. After using, lock the torch by pushing the red safety button.
This cooking torch is so versatile that you can not only use it for kitchen purposes but also for hobby, industrial use, and art resin. You can hold this torch easily because it is only 8.8 ounces – the lightest cooking torch.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Regulator dial |
Burning temperature | 2370 degrees F |
Safety features | Safety lock |
Fuel gauge window | Yes |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | No information |
Pros
- Safety lock
- Handguard feature
- Easy to fill
- Versatile torch
- 6-inch flame
- Two versions: with or without fuel gauge window
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not working Piezo igniter
Watch this video to see how to use EurKitchen Culinary Butane Torch.
6. Bernzomatic High Intensity Torch Head Trigger
(Best for Pressional)
This TS8000 torch head from Bernzomatic can fire up to 3720 degrees F flame. The flame is controlled by the knob for low heat, medium and high heat which can melt metal in minutes.
After attaching the torch head to the propane tank, switch the yellow button to “on”. Then open up the adjustable flank control knob to allow the gas to go through the torch head. Now press the on button and the flame goes out.
To keep it lit after you release the button, press the lock button right above the yellow button. Press it again to stop the flame.
You can easily control the burn level with the black valve, which is the difference between TS8000 and TS4000. There is no safety lock but the fracture groove instead.
The high temperature flame (3720 degrees F) when dropped can cause great damage. For safety reason, when you drop the torch, the breakaway groove will break it and stop the flame.
The head trigger is best used with the MAP-Pro fuel but not the butane tank. It can also be used with Searzall attachment for searing meat after sous vide.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Control knob |
Burning temperature | 3720 degrees F |
Safety features | No |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | No |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Pros
- Strong flame up to 3720 degrees F
- Easy to use
- Fracture groove for safety
- Continuous flow with the lock button
- Cast aluminum body
- Works great for Sous Vide
Cons
- Problems with spark ignition
This video illustrates how to use the Bernzomatic High Intensity Torch Head Trigger TS8000:
7. Searzall Stainless Steel Cooking Torch Attachment
(Best for Searing Steak)
Quite heavier than its Bernzomatic High Intensity Torch Head Trigger TS8000 counterpart, Searzall Stainlees Steel Torch is a stainless steel attachment with the convenient wire frame around it for extra shielding.
This product works well with Bernzomatic Torch Head TS8000, and 16,4 ounces propane tank. Check all the recommended torches and tanks on this site.
Two layers of fine, high-temperature resistant wire mesh convert the flame of the cooking torch into radiant heat. This handheld broiler sears uneven-shaped food better than the normal iron skillet.
Enjoying broiled meat, melting cheese on crusty pizza while going camping or hiking without bringing all the cooking pans and skillets.
The outer back screen is finished with palladium to resist oxidation and produce even heat. However, the biggest drawback is the attachment can only work if you have already owned a compatible kitchen torch.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | No |
Burning temperature | |
Safety features | No |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | No |
Warranty | 3 months |
Pros
- Palladium-coated back screen for oxidation resistance
- Two layers of high-temperature resistant wire
- Extra protection with the surrounding wire frame
- Perfect searing on uneven surface
Cons
- Short warranty
- Compatible with limited blowtorches and propane tanks.
- Can’t be used with yellow gas tanks
Watch this video to see how Carla uses a Searzall Torch attached to the Bernzomatic blowtorch TS8000 for searing steak:
8. Messermeister Cheflamme Culinary Kitchen Torch
Coming from a woman-owned German company located in California, this torch is made from aluminum with silver color.
It is simple to use this torch once filling it up with butane gas. Press the safety lock in the back, turn the slider to allow fuel to go through, and finally press the button right behind.
For hands-free continuous flame, switch the black button on the other side to lock flame and adjust the temperature and the strength of the fire with two different sliders.
The large capacity (up to 9 oz. of butane) enables up to 200 minutes burning. While it is easy to refill, check if your valve is defective or not. If the valve is not working, it can leak gas slowly.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Flame slider |
Burning temperature | 2700 degrees F |
Safety features | Safety lock |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | No information |
Pros
- Consistent and strong flame
- Durable torch
- 200 minutes burning time per 9 oz. of butane
- Strength and temperature adjustable
- Large fuel capacity
Cons
- A slow leak of butane
Watch this video to see three products from Messermeister including Messermeister Cheflamme Culinary Kitchen Torch:
9. BonJour Chef’s Creme Brulee Cooking Torch
(Best for Beginner)
This torch from BonJour Chef’s has a die cast aluminum body with plastic base. The igniter is the red button right behind the torch. Push down the tab right below it first, press the button and the torch lights.
To keep the flame burning, press the red notch on the side and release your finger on the igniter. Hit the big red button again to stop the light. The slide is used for adjusting the strength of the flame.
There is a built-in fuel indicator to tell the current fuel level. This torch is quite sturdy and small to hold thanks to the ergonomic design. In the manual book for more detailed instructions, some recipes will be included.
This cooking torch can reach pretty high temperature 2600°F in quite a long time thanks to the large fuel capacity.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Adjustment slide |
Burning temperature | 2600 degrees F |
Safety features | Safety switch |
Fuel gauge window | Yes |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | 90 days |
Pros
- Consistent and strong flame
- Durable torch
- Fuel level indicator
- Easy to hold
- Safety switch
Cons
- Short warranty
- Quick fuel consumption
10. Kollea Refillable Kitchen Blow Cooking Torch
The metal tube is designed to be heat-resistant with copper flame nozzle inside. Therefore, the butane cooking torch will resist degradation over time.
The most special features about this blowtorch involve finger guard from extreme heat and safety lock against unintended accidents. The red button for safety lock on the body should be pressed down before pushing the ignition button.
During cooking, you can change the flame strength through the red slide on top of the torch. The safety button also serves as the continuous flame lock. Press that button again and release the trigger to stop the flame.
The fuel indicator is available to help the user aware of the fuel level, which is great for beginners who are getting used to filling the tank.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Adjustment slide |
Burning temperature | 2500 degrees F |
Safety features | Safety lock |
Fuel gauge window | Yes |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | 24 months |
Pros
- Copper flame nozzle
- Finger guard
- Fuel gauge indicator
- Easy to use and fill
Cons
- Easy to break flame trigger
11. Authenzo Kitchen Butane Kitchen Torch Lighter
While the body is made of aluminum, it is finished by plastic to offer non-slip grip. The design of this torch is quite simple with the safety switch at the back, slider near the torch.
Press the black button to ignite the light and turn the switch clockwise to keep it lit. Adjust the flame strength with the slider.
The stainless steel flame tub can withstand up to 2500 degrees F for no longer than 5 minutes using constantly. Turn the switch counterclockwise to stop the flame. After using it, lock the torch by rotating the switch to “open”.
The filling capacity is not too large with 8-10g butane, which can last for up to 60 minutes depending on the flame intensity.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Flame slider |
Burning temperature | 2500 degrees F |
Safety features | Safety switch |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | No information |
Pros
- Easy to use
- Versatile torch
- Sturdy stainless steel body
- Easy to grip
Cons
- No instructions on refilling
12. Sondiko Butane Cooking Torch
(Best for Small Kitchen)
This Sondiko Butane Torch has similar design to the previous Authenzo Kitchen Butane Kitchen Torch Lighter. The igniter is combined with the safety switch at the back of aluminum alloy body.
However, you can easily distinguish with the SONDIKO design on the large angled metal nozzle. The slider helps you control the flame with four levels: min, small, large and max. Each level has different purposes.
Rotate the lock clockwise to keep the light lit and do it counterclockwise to turn it off. This torch is a versatile tool for cooking purposes, lighting, craft projects and camping applications. With only 9-ounce weight, you can easily bring it to the campfire to work as a lighter and cooking torch at the same time.
The affordable price also includes one blue silicone brush for your dish.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Flame slider |
Burning temperature | 2500 degrees F |
Safety features | Safety switch |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | No information |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use and fill
- Affordable price
- Silicone brush included
- Long angled nozzle
- Quick burning
Cons
- Easy to break ignition
13. Tintec Culinary Blow Cooking Torch
(Best Budget)
It differentiates Tintec torch from other cooking torches by the small design on the head. This torch is rather small and shorter than BonJour Chef’s Creme Brulee Torch and pretty light with only 10.4 ounces.
It also has the safety switch and slider for flame adjustment. It is easy to use and takes no effort to refill with the removable metal base. The torch also has flame locking feature.
The ABS plastic handle covers the light aluminum core to help the users hold it more comfortably. The short muzzle is quite resistant to high-temperature.
The screwdriver included is to disassemble the metal base. Make sure to buy the butane gas to fill the tank in just 10-12 seconds before igniting this kitchen torch.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Slider |
Burning temperature | No information |
Safety features | Switch |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | 12 months |
Pros
- Easy to use and refill
- Small and easy to hold
- Silicone brush and screwdriver included
- Cheap price
Cons
- Problems with ignition button
- Short life span
Watch this video to see the review of Tintec Culinary Blow Torch.
14. Spicy Dew Blow Kitchen Torch
(Best Refillable)
This model is available in green, black and silver, which adds great accent to your kitchen. The white heavy-duty metal body comes with a fixed base.
What I like most is the safety mechanism of this torch. The long hand guard protects the heat against burning your fingers. The child safety lock is noticeable with the green or red color.
Similar to other torches, you spark the flame continuously using the safety lock and adjust the flame intensity with adjustable knob.
The flame can reach up to 2372 degrees F and last for 60 minutes. If you are not satisfied with the products, you can get refund during 90 days. The warranty for defection lasts for 3 years.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Green knob |
Burning temperature | 2372 degrees F |
Safety features | Children lock |
Fuel gauge window | Yes |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | 3 years |
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fuel gauge window
- Great safety mechanism
- Sturdy design
- Available in 3 colors
- Good customer service
Cons
- Fuel leak
15. Keen Smart Kitchen Butane Hand Cooking Torch
The elegant stainless steel body with detachable base makes it really sturdy and well-designed. It has rather large butane tank with 28ml which lit the flame for 60 minutes.
The textured non-slip handle is easy to hold without slipping. However, there is no fuel gauge or hand guard protection.
With the flame switch, you can adjust the length and the intensity of the flame from 3 inches up to 7 inches. The silver button serves as flame locking for lighting continuously without holding the trigger manually.
This kitchen torch is used in fine restaurants because the manufacturing is IAEA and MSDS approved.
Product Specification
Flame adjustment | Control switch |
Burning temperature | 2730 degrees F |
Safety features | Safety lock |
Fuel gauge window | No |
Hands-free base | Yes |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Pros
- Attractive design
- IAEA and MSDS approved for using in restaurants
- Adjustable flame up to 2730 degrees F
- Easy to use
Cons
- No fuel indicator
- No hand protection
Buying Guide
The most informative part is usually the buying guide. Look at what features each cooking torch should have and filter all the information. By doing this, you save more time.
1. What to Look for in Butane Torch?
Burn Time
Depend on the tank capacity in the torch, the burning time can vary up from 30 minutes or to 3 hours. Usually, just a few minutes is enough to finish a dish. The longer the time, the bigger the tank.
Flame Adjustment
Whether you want the low or high flame, a flame adjuster will help you with that. Whether it is a wheel on the flame tube or just a dial lower down, the flame adjustment saves on fuel to complete the tasks effectively.
Aim for narrow, short and blue flame to cook your food with the right intensity. To cook food fast enough, the cooking torch should reach 2500 degrees F.
Safety Feature
As you are using high heat flame, be extremely careful. This is the most integral part of the torch.
- Look for a safety switch to prevent any accidental incidents. It reduces the risk of igniting the gas accidentally by lock the igniting system.
- A finger guard protects your fingers against high heat. Otherwise, you should hold the torch firmly yet far enough to not burn yourself.
Hands-Free Base
The standing base is sometimes removable so you can refill the butane gas. The cooking torch can stand still without holding it directly.
Fuel-Gauge
If you are running out of butane, this indicator will tell you how much fuel left.
2. How to Fill a Butane Torch Lighter Easily?
- First, make sure the tank is empty by either turning on the torch to see if it fires or shaking the fill line to see whether it is empty or not.
- Second, remove the air from torch by putting it upside down because the weight of butane is 2.08 times heavier than that of air. Then, use the knife with sharp head to press the refill valve to let the air out.
- Third, remain the upside-down position and place the tip of the canister against the filling point. Until there is butane sputtered out, stop the filling.
Watch this video if you need some quick illustrations on how to refill a butane torch.
3. How to Maintain the Kitchen Torch?
The most common problem is clogged nozzle. To solve this problem immediately, blow compressed air into the tip. In the long run, keep it in a clean and dry place.
4. What Are Blowtorches Used For?
- Culinary Creations: beside the most famous caramelizing purpose for crème brulee, you can also use it for searing steak, roasting vegetables, and melting cheese.
- Hobby and Art Crafts: the intense flame can burn metals for making jewelry.
- Cigars: small blowtorches can be used as pocket lighters for cigars. High heat, big flame, and quick ignition is what needed for lighting.
FAQs
My Top Pick
Considering all the features, my top pick is Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Butane Torch because of its compatibility with many butane canisters. Furthermore, it produces strong and intense flame up to 2700 degrees F. The torch head is also sturdy and lightweight for your crème brulee or steak.
Let me know what you think in the comment below.