Kitchen torches are most notably used for caramelizing sugar on the top of a crème brûlée. You can also use one to brown marshmallows, roast peppers, melt cheese, caramelize the top of a casserole, brûlée a grapefruit, and brown meringue. This roundup was updated by Carrie Honaker, who interviewed four pastry experts for their insights. A pastry chef herself, Carrie's work has appeared in many publications, including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast. This torch is amazing,” raved one shopper. “If you make jewelry, get it! It has tons of addons which I am not entirely sure how to use, but it's awesome for soldering jewelry. Great control, easy to use, and works like a dream,” while another added, “Works like a charm! And it comes in a great case. I have had some cheaper torches, and they just end up breaking. This torch comes with different accessories; I use it for jewelry.” Specifications One of the many five-star reviewers described, “It lights almost every time, lets you adjust the flame from soft flame to a very strong torch lighter, and you can leave it on for up to an hour.” Another added, “The main thing I like about this one is you can adjust it to a small stable blue flame. Stays steady even upside down, doesn't go ‘whoosh’ and change flame size like some others I have tried.” Specifications

A culinary torch is a kitchen tool that you will love to use the second you add it to your arsenal. These humble, butane-fueled gadgets can create a steady, hot flame that you can use to caramelize sugar on a crème brûlée, torch marshmallows, sear steaks and other proteins, scorch meringues, melt cheese, roast peppers, and so much more. A term you’ll come across often while searching for butane torches is piezoelectric (or simply, piezo) ignition. This type of ignition creates its own electric voltage by hitting a quart element when the push button is pressed, thus igniting the fuel in the torch. Most torches are either a refillable canister or a torch head. The former are smaller and less bulky, making them a great option for beginners. Torches with refillable canisters have a small amount of butane in the handle and can be refilled from a separate butane canister. It’s always helpful when the refillable canister models show you how much butane is left so that you know when it’s time to refill. If you’re using the torch frequently, it can become somewhat annoying to constantly refill, but for the occasional torching, these refillable canisters are great.Torch heads are screwed onto canisters, which means it’s simpler to refill because the gas is coming directly from the source, as opposed to refilling a smaller canister. That said, this setup does require holding the entire canister as you use it, which can prove more difficult for inexperienced cooks. Torch heads and refillable canisters are roughly the same size, but you need to keep in mind that when you’re using a torch head, you’ll also have the entire canister attached, which can be larger and bulky. Torch heads are typically the version that you’ll find in professional kitchens as they’re more efficient, they outlast refillable canisters, and they’re more powerful. These torches have flames that range from 1.5 inches to a maximum flame length of 5 inches long. Some of them feature adjustable flame lengths so that you can vary the torch flame according to your intended application. Fuel Capacity A butane torch may be small, but these gadgets can reach temperatures of up to 2,610°F which is enough to melt copper, aluminum, and many other metals. Also known as butane lighters, blowtorches, or culinary torches, butane torches can come in handy whether you’re a professional or if you just like to dabble in a bit of home DIY. A butane torch can be useful in many professional or home applications You’ll need to separately buy a 14- or 16-ounce propane tank to fuel the torch. The adjustable flame knob allows you to control the strength of the flame as well as safely extinguish it when you’re done torching.

Again, though not the most powerful torch that is able to heat metals to their melting point, a butane torch can get some light soldering and brazing done on plumbing, and pipes, and it’s actually very common for metals used in jewelry-making. Some of these torches come with soldering accessories too, like soldering tips. There is an angled nozzle that prevents you from having to twist your hand awkwardly for even burning. Some reviewers note that it can be fussy to refill, so try flipping the handle upside down before adding the butane. We hope our review of the best butane torches has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including welder’s aprons, friction welders, electric resistance welder controls, seam welding services, overlay welding services, ultrasonic welders, and welder rental services, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform. Sources This is certainly a pricey option, but if you want a tool that can do everything from torch a mini marshmallow to caramelize a glazed ham, this is the torch for you. Reviewers love using this high-powered torch for finishing off steaks and centerpiece proteins. Even though it’s nearly twice or three times as expensive as some competitors, customers feel the investment is worth it and they love the product. Below we take a look at some of the features to look out for when on the hunt for a good butane torch. Ignition systemOne shopper, who has been buying this particular model exclusively for over a year, reviewed, “These torches definitely get a workout every single day; these have held up very well to the intense use. Much longer than some other brands I've tried.” Specifications Hobbyists looking for a transportable and practically weightless butane torch option will find the micro flame SFC Tools butane torch a prime choice. This butane torch is self-igniting, is made of stainless steel, ceramic, plastic, and iron, and has up to 1.5 hours of continuous burn time. The self-ignition button makes this one of the easiest butane torches to light, and it’s one of the few torches with an automatic ignition system.

If you’re looking for the torch that kitchen professionals swear by, it is without question a Benzomatic. Known for its high-quality, durable kitchen torches, Benzomatic makes a range of reasonably priced torch heads. When you’re using this trigger-start ignition model, you don’t need to worry about keeping the torch upright, as it’s pressure regulated for tilted use. Other than these features, users should take the proper precaution when using butane torches, as well as storing them safely, wearing the proper protective gear, and taking extra care when filling them up with gas. Other differences between butane and propane torches are the size of both the torch and the gas tank, with butane versions being much smaller and having smaller tanks, but this often makes them slightly more economical and also more portable. The flame, in addition, is smaller and weaker in a butane version. Butane Torches for Welding Before refilling your torch, you should always ensure that the gas flow is off. The refill port and nozzle is at the bottom of the torch. Give the butane a little shake, and then insert the nozzle into the canister while pressing and holding. This pressure will create a flow that allows the butane to enter the nozzle. After a few seconds, the canister will be filled and you can release. It’s best to refill your torch in an open space. The truth of the matter is that a butane torch is not powerful enough for hardcore welding tasks. Welding requires heat in excess of 6,000°F, whereas, as mentioned earlier, a butane torch can only reach around 2,610°F. However, it’s not impossible, and, with an industrial-grade torch, you may be able to get a little welding done on thinner metals, but bear in mind that a butane torch will be nowhere near as effective as a welder, or even a propane torch, and is not likely to be a good use of the tool or your time. Butane Torch for SolderingIn relation to tank capacity, the larger a tank, the less time you have to spend refilling it with fuel, and the longer it can provide you with continuous burn time. Construction If you’re looking for a torch that can create a super-strong flame for caramelizing meats, this torch is a superb option. This model is designed with an adjustable gas flow ring that works to control the flame length, along with a convenient safety switch to extinguish the flame. This torch also boasts an anti-grease finish torch grip so that you can easily handle the torch even if your hands are a little oily. Used for anything from brazing, plumbing, soldering, and some welding, to jewelry making and other craft projects, a butane torch can prove to be a valuable addition to any set of tools. Propane Torches vs Butane Torches