Last Updated: February 2023
Does your mouth start to drool when you think about a freshly prepared lemon meringue pie? Do you feel a tickle in your taste buds when you hear the words “baked Alaska?” If so, you may want to invest in a kitchen torch.
These small butane torches are designed to make firing up various dishes in your kitchen a breeze. They can be used for so many different applications, including:
- Toasting cheese on top of pizzas and casseroles
- Roasting marshmallows for a mug of hot chocolate or for s’mores when you don’t have a campfire handy
- Caramelizing sugar on top of fruits, oatmeal, pies or anything else you may want to add a touch of sweetness to
- Browning meats
- Add a flame to shots to give your guests a really thrilling experience
You can even use a kitchen torch outside of the kitchen! Use it to solder jewelry or to make crafts, like wax workings; or, you can use it for wood burning applications and cutting out stencils.
There are so many ways you can use a kitchen torch, which truly makes it a versatile tool to have on hand in the kitchen – or outside of the kitchen. Simply light up this handy device and you will have a consistent stream of air propelled fire, no matter what angle you hold it at. They come complete with their own mini fuel tanks, which are refillable, so you will always have a fuel source to keep you fired up.
Yes, a kitchen torch is handy; so handy, in fact, that you may have never even realized how much you could benefit from it. Whether you are looking to purchase one for yourself, or you want to give a unique gift to someone for a bridal shower or housewarming, or for any other reason, you may find that buying one is a little bit more involved than you think. Why? – Because there really are a lot of options to choose from.
Being that there are so many kitchen torches on the market, you may find that it will be a little bit difficult to purchase the best option to suit your specific needs. How do you know what features to look for? What types of considerations should to make when you are shopping for one? Are there any brands on the market that are particularly well made and deliver better results than other options? The answers to all of these questions lie in this buyer’s guide.
In order to help you find the best kitchen torch to meet your specific needs, we have done in-depth research to determine exactly what makes for a great kitchen torch, and we have also shared our picks for the best quality options that are currently available on the market – among other things. After reading this guide, you will have all of the information that you need to choose the absolute best kitchen torch to meet your needs.
What You Need to Know About Kitchen Torches
In order to purchase the best kitchen torch for your needs, you first need to be able to understand what makes for a high quality option, and what makes for a lower quality option. Believe it or not, not all kitchen torches are created the same. You definitely want to opt for a model that offers elements that are indicative of a high quality torch and stay away from those that show any characteristics that are related to poorer quality options.
THE GOOD
As we conducted our research, we found that there were definitely certain qualities that all high quality kitchen torches offer. Here is a look at the elements that we found the best kitchen torches offer.
High Heat Capacity
The best kitchen torches should have a high heat capacity. The flame should reach temperatures of at least 2500 degrees F, though they can reach higher temperatures. This will ensure that the torch will work quickly and efficiently.
Gas Flow Adjustment
The best quality kitchen torches are outfitted with a gas flow adjustment nozzle. This will allow you to achieve the ideal flow of gas for whatever application you are using your kitchen torch for. Additionally, no matter what setting you adjust the flow of the gas to, the kitchen torch should have a narrow, dark blue flame that is relatively short in size.
A Fuel Level Gauge
Another feature that the best kitchen torches offer is a fuel level gauge. This feature will let you keep tabs on how much fuel you have left so you can refill when you are running low.
A Child Safety Lock
Yet another element that the best kitchen torches offer is a child safety lock. This is extremely important, as you want to ensure that any little hands that may gain access to the device will not be able to ignite it. The child safety lock should meet the Child Safety Requirements from the CPSC.
An Anti – Flare Neck
We also found that the highest quality kitchen torches come equipped with an anti – flare neck. With this neck, you will be able to focus the flam on your intended target so that you can heat it with the most extreme precision from any angle you are holding the device.
THE BAD
There are also qualities that you should be aware of that indicate a kitchen torch is poor quality; or rather, poor quality kitchen torches will not offer the key elements that high quality options offer. If you are shopping for a kitchen torch and you find one that has – or lacks – any of the following features, it is in your best interest to avoid purchasing it.
No Child Safety Lock
Safety is of paramount concern when it comes to an appliance that creates fire. To ensure a kitchen torch is as safe as possible, it should have a built in child safety lock. If it doesn’t, there is no question that you should avoid purchasing it. The last thing you want to do is put anyone in danger if the device falls into the wrong hands.
No Fuel Gauge
Poorer quality kitchen torches will also lack a fuel gauge. As we have mentioned, a kitchen torch operates on butane, and it has its own tank, which can be refilled. In order to stay on top of the amount of fuel you have available, you are going to want to have a fuel gauge. Without this feature, you could end up running out of fuel while in the middle of using your torch – which could end up leaving you very disappointed.
Short Burn Time
A kitchen torch should be able to burn for a long period of time; we found that the best models burn for up to 60 minutes. Poorer quality models have a short burn time, which, again, could lead to running out of a flame when you are in the middle of burning – which will end up being very disappointing.
Low Heat Level
Subpar kitchen torches have a low heat level. You want the torch to heat up to a minimum of 2000 degrees F. If the maximum heat is below that, you should continue shopping, as the torch will not be able to meet all of your needs.
Lack of a Gas Flow Adjustment Lever
Different tasks call for a different flame size. In order to adjust the size of the flame, you are going to want to have a gas flow adjustment lever. Without this lever, you won’t be able to adjust the flow of the gas, which means that you won’t be able to modify the size of the flame for all of your applications.
Best Kitchen Torches in 2023
|
|
|
|
|
Our goal in creating this buyer’s guide is to help you choose the best kitchen torch to suit all of your needs – both inside and outside of your kitchen. In order to do that, we wanted to provide you with the best options that are currently available on the market.
To find the best kitchen torches, we have spent a tremendous amount of time compiling information related to these devices. We have searched through the Internet, assessed the qualities that different options from different manufacturers offer, compared user reviews, and even tested out the products ourselves.
The findings of our studies have lead us to name the five following kitchen torches as the best of the best.
The Safest Culinary Torch
There’s a good reason why this brand is called the ‘Safest;’ because it truly does offer one of the safest kitchen torches on the market today. Offering an advanced child safety lock, you will have peace of mind knowing that this kitchen torch will not be able to be ignited little fingers. To add to the safety, this kitchen torch also has a sturdy and fixed base, which prevents it from falling over when you place it down. Additionally, there is a flame guard, which will prevent the flame of the torch from flaring. The hand protection plate will guard your hand from the heat, which will prevent the potential for burns. Now, those are some excellent safety features.
The Safest Culinary Torch is easy to use, yet reliable. The simple push button will ignite the flame when the child safety lock is undone, and it will continue to light the flame time after time, no matter how often you use it.
With a flame that reaches temperatures in excess of 2370 degrees F, this kitchen torch from Safest is extremely efficient and can be used for a variety of applications. A fuel level indicator will let you know how much fuel is left in your torch, so you can reload when you need to.
You can purchase the Safest Culinary Torch with confidence. That’s because it comes with a 100 percent money back guarantee, which is effective for a full year. If, for any reason, you aren’t satisfied with your Safest Culinary Torch, the company will refund your money in full.
The JB Chef Culinary Micro Butane Torch
No products found.
Whether you are looking to create the perfect crispy crust on top of your crème brulee, or you want to add some extra sear to a steak, the JB Chef Culinary Micro Butane Torch will certainly deliver. Constructed of the highest quality materials, durable, and long lasting, you can have confidence knowing that you will always have a reliable flame.
The locking mechanism is sturdy, ensuring that you and your loved ones will be protected; however, when the time comes for you to use your kitchen torch, the locking device can easily be turned off so that you can fire it up.
The flame adjusting regulator allows you to easily adjust the intensity of the flame so that you get the perfect flame and heat for various types of applications. With the touch of a finger, you can adjust the flame to the ideal size.
XPERT’S Flame Kitchen Torch
This kitchen torch from Xpert’s Flame offers everything you could want or need to ensure that it delivers the most powerful, reliable and efficient flame possible Constructed of extremely high quality metal, this torch is built to withstand serious heat and continuous use. The small, lightweight body is super portable, allowing you to use it anywhere you may need it, either inside the kitchen or at your craft table. With a long burn time, you can be sure that you will have flame that you need, when you need it.
The safety button easily and securely locks in place, ensuring that the torch cannot be ignited by someone who should not be using it. It’s lightweight and easy to hold, ensuring you will have a secure hold for the utmost safety.
As a special gift to you, when you order the Xpert’s Flame Kitchen Torch, you will receive a free torch stand that will keep the device neat and in order. You will also receive two free eBook downloads for tasty recipes that you can easily make with the kitchen torch.
The Keon Kitchen Torch
The Keon Kitchen Torch is a truly versatile tool, offering you the power and the heat that you need to do everything from sear your meats to caramelizing your sugars. The angle nozzle head allows you to ensure you will have the most precise flame for whatever you are applying it to. A hand guard provides extreme comfort for long periods of time, and the anti flare technology, the safety lock and the solid base stand provide the utmost security.
An auto self ignition provides an ongoing flame, and the flame adjuster knob allows for a precise flame. Constructed of high grade metal, the Keon Kitchen Torch is designed to last a long time. The refillable tank is easy to refill, and the fuel indicator light will let you keep tabs on how much fuel you have left in the tank.
This kitchen torch comes with a bonus cookbook, and is backed by a three year replacement warranty and a money back guarantee. Should you not be satisfied with your purchase, or should something happen to the device, you will be able to have it replaced, or you will receive a full refund.
The EurKitchen Kitchen Torch
The lightweight, yet durable design of the EurKitchen Kitchen Torch makes this device an ideal addition to your kitchen. It can easily be transported and used wherever you need to use it. It offers a consistent and reliable flame that will serve your needs.
The piezo ignition and gas flow regulator dial easily adjusts to provide a continuous flame that blows up to six inches. The temperature also reaches an excess of 2370 degrees F. With the simple push of a button, you will have the ability to easily flip the flame on and turn it off. The safety lock easily flips on, keeping little that should not be using the device safe and secure. The built in hand and finer guards protect you against the extreme heat of the torch’s flame. And, thanks to the easy to ready fuel indicator, you will be able to keep an eye on the amount of butane you have left in the tank, and you can refill the tank when you need to.
Our Consumer Guide to Kitchen Torch
Though we are very confident that the kitchen torches that we have selected in this buyer’s guide are the best on the market, we know that they may not meet your specific needs. For that reason, we want to make sure that you have all of the information that you need in order to purchase a kitchen torch that will, in fact, best meet your needs. We have put together this portion of our buyer’s guide – a consumer’s guide – so that you can find the best option for your needs.
In this portion of our buyer’s guide, you will learn even more about kitchen torches so that you can make the best and the most informed decision possible.
What is a Kitchen Torch?
A kitchen torch is a small butane torch. It is designed to be lightweight and portable so that it can be used in a variety of applications in the kitchen, and for crafting, as well. These torches have their own fuel tanks, which are refillable. They have an ignition button, which simply needs to be pressed to flip the flame on.
A kitchen torch can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to caramelize sugars, brown meats and sweets, sear vegetables, and even create various crafts, such as leather crafts and soldering metals, such as you may do when you are creating jewelry.
A kitchen torch works very much like a pipe or cigar lighter; it is turned on with the flip of a button, and it provides a consistent stream of thin air propelled fire, no matter what angle you hold it at. Typically, the neck of the torch is attached to the cylinder shaped handle, where the fuel is held. The handle may also be attached to a platform, which allows it to stand on kitchen counter.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Kitchen Torch
There are a number of factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for a kitchen torch. These factors include the durability of the kitchen torch, the portability of the device, the ease of use and the cost. By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to choose the best kitchen torch for your specific needs.
Here is a look at some of the most important factors that we think you should keep in mind when you are shopping for a kitchen torch.
The Ease of the Use
The easier the kitchen torch is to use, the better. A torch that has a button that can be easily pushed to turn it on and off is ideal; additionally, you want to make sure that the safety device is easy to turn on. If it isn’t, you may have difficulty turning it on, which could end up putting you and your loved ones in danger.
Durable Construction
You also want your kitchen torch to be as durable as possible. It should be made of high quality metal that can withstand excessive heats for long periods of time. The more durable the torch is, the longer it will last you; additionally, the more durable it is, the safer it will be.
The Portability
You should also consider the portability of the kitchen torch. Because you are going to be using it in various locations, and because you are going to be holding it for long periods of time, you want to make sure that the kitchen torch is as lightweight as possible. This will ensure that you can easily use it wherever you want to, and that you can hold it for long periods of time.
The Design of the Handle
Another important factor to keep in mind is the design of the handle. The best kitchen torches have ergonomically designed handles. They offer comfort grips, which allow them to conform to your hand and provide a more comfortable grip that you can hold on to for a longer period of time.
The Burn Time
Additionally, we think that you should take the length of the burn time into consideration when you are shopping for a kitchen torch. Ideally, the burn time should be a minimum of 60 minutes. If it burns for any less than that, you could end up running out of fuel and a flame before you are done using it.
A Fuel Gauge
Make sure that you look for a fuel gauge, and that the fuel gauge is easy to read. With a fuel gauge, you will be able to easily see how much butane you have left in the tank of the kitchen torch. This means that you will be able refill the torch when you are getting low on fuel so that you don’t run out of power while you are in the middle of using it.
An Adjustable Flame
You also want to make sure that the kitchen torch you choose has an adjustable flame. With an adjustable flame, you will be able to adjust the size of the flame to meet the needs of your specific application, which will ensure greater accuracy while you are using the torch.
The Cost of the Kitchen Torch
We also think that you should consider the cost of the kitchen torch. These tools can vary in price, and though they are usually an affordable price, the affordability is relative to your personal budget. Make sure you know how much you are willing to spend before you start shopping so that you don’t end up spending more than you are comfortable with.
