Have you ever tried to caramelize sugar on a crème brûlée and ended up with a burnt mess? Or maybe you’ve wanted to sear a steak but couldn’t get that perfect crust? The right kitchen torch is the secret weapon for these delicious tasks. But with so many torches available, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself lost in confusing features, conflicting reviews, and a sea of options, feeling unsure where to start.
This topic is very relevant for anyone who loves to cook and wants to up their culinary game! Picking a kitchen torch can be a real pain. You want something safe, easy to use, and effective. The wrong choice could lead to frustration and wasted ingredients.
In this post, we’ll explore the world of kitchen torches, focusing on the ones tested and recommended by America’s Test Kitchen. You will learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose the perfect torch for your needs. Get ready to impress your friends and family with perfectly seared meats, crispy toppings, and flawlessly caramelized desserts! Let’s dive into the best kitchen torches around!
Our Top 5 Kitchen Torch America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Kitchen Torch America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Sondiko Blow Torch
Rating: 8.7/10
The Sondiko Blow Torch is a versatile tool for your kitchen and beyond! This refillable butane torch is perfect for caramelizing sugar, searing meat, and even welding. It has an adjustable flame and a safety lock for safe use. You can take it camping or use it for crafts. Just remember, butane gas is not included.
What We Like:
- Easy to see how much gas is left with the fuel gauge.
- The safety lock keeps you safe.
- The angled nozzle keeps your hands away from the flame.
- You can adjust the flame for different tasks.
- It works at any angle.
- It’s great for cooking and other hobbies.
- It has a continuous flame mode.
What Could Be Improved:
- You have to buy butane gas separately.
The Sondiko Blow Torch is a handy tool for many activities. It is a great buy for anyone who likes cooking or doing crafts.
2. Butane Torch Kitchen Blow Lighter – Culinary Torches Chef Cooking Professional Adjustable Flame with Reverse Use for Creme
Rating: 8.9/10
Looking for a kitchen torch that’s easy to use? The FunOwlet Butane Torch is a great choice! This professional-quality culinary torch helps you make delicious food. You can use it for crème brûlée, BBQ, baking, and even jewelry making. It has an adjustable flame and is easy to ignite with one touch. Remember, butane fuel is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
What We Like:
- Adjustable flame lets you control the heat.
- Easy one-touch piezo ignition makes it simple to light.
- Can be used in reverse for different cooking needs.
- The torch is safe to use with a stabilizing plate.
- FunOwlet offers a great return policy with a 90-day return and 2-year service!
What Could Be Improved:
- Butane fuel is not included, so you must buy it.
- It only works with a specific type of butane canister.
The FunOwlet Butane Torch is a versatile tool for any home cook or professional chef. This torch is a great gift and will help you create amazing dishes!
3. Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Professional Kitchen Butane Torch
Rating: 9.3/10
The Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Professional Kitchen Butane Torch is a great tool for cooking. It helps you make delicious meals. This torch has a strong flame that gets very hot. You can change the flame size and shape. It’s perfect for many different cooking tasks. The torch is safe and easy to use. It includes a stand for stability. Remember, you need to buy butane fuel separately.
What We Like:
- The torch is easy to use with one touch ignition.
- You can change the flame to be big or small.
- It has a stand to keep it steady.
- This torch is great for many foods, like crème brûlée and steak.
- You can take it camping, to a BBQ, or to culinary school.
What Could Be Improved:
- Butane fuel is not included, so you must buy it.
This Iwatani PRO2 torch is a good buy for home cooks and professionals. It is a handy tool that will help you cook many different dishes.
4. Kollea Butane Torch Lighter
Rating: 9.4/10
The Kollea Butane Torch Lighter is a handy tool for your kitchen and beyond! This mini cooking torch is perfect for making delicious desserts, like creme brulee. It also works well for cooking, baking, and even crafting. This butane torch is easy to use and has a fuel gauge, so you know when to refill it. This torch offers a continuous flame lock and adjustable flame for added convenience and control.
What We Like:
- One-hand operation makes it simple to use. You can light it quickly and easily.
- The butane fuel gauge helps you keep track of fuel levels. You will always know when to refill.
- The flame is adjustable. You can change the flame size for different needs.
- It’s safe and durable. The torch is made of good materials.
- It’s lightweight. You can bring it to parties or picnics.
What Could Be Improved:
- Butane gas is not included. You have to buy it separately.
The Kollea Butane Torch Lighter is a great choice for anyone who loves to cook or bake. Its ease of use and safety features make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
5. EurKitchen Large Culinary Butane Torch with Safety Lock
Rating: 8.7/10
The EurKitchen Large Culinary Butane Torch is a handy tool for any kitchen or hobby. This blow torch is perfect for cooking and crafting. It has a safety lock and adjustable flame. You can use it for many things, from making crème brûlée to starting a campfire. It is also easy to refill with butane.
What We Like:
- Upgraded model for professional quality.
- Fast and safe ignition with Piezo press.
- Adjustable flame and easy to refill.
- Comfort finger guard for safety while using.
- Great for many uses, not just the kitchen.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Butane gas is not included.
The EurKitchen Large Culinary Butane Torch is a good buy. It is a versatile tool for many different tasks. If you need a reliable torch, this is a great choice.
Kitchen Torch Buying Guide: America’s Test Kitchen Edition
Are you ready to step up your cooking game? A kitchen torch can make your food taste amazing! This guide helps you choose the right torch. We’ll focus on the America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) torches. Let’s get started!
Key Features to Look For
Finding the right features is important. Here are some things to consider:
- Adjustable Flame: Look for a torch with a flame you can change. This is super important. You can make it small for delicate tasks or large for fast searing.
- Refillable: Choose a torch that you can refill with butane. This is better than buying a new torch every time it runs out.
- Safety Lock: A safety lock is a must-have. It stops accidental fires. This is especially good if you have kids around.
- Easy to Use: The torch should be simple to operate. Read the instructions carefully.
- Stand: Some torches come with a stand. This is helpful for hands-free use.
- Comfortable Grip: Make sure the torch feels good in your hand. You’ll be holding it for a while.
Important Materials
The materials used matter. They affect how well the torch works and how long it lasts.
- Body Material: Look for a torch made of sturdy materials. Metal is often a good choice. It can handle heat well.
- Nozzle: The nozzle is where the flame comes out. It should be made of strong materials. These materials withstand high heat.
- Butane Tank: The tank needs to be durable. It holds the butane safely.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a torch great. Others make it not so great.
- Good Quality: A well-made torch is more reliable. Look for a torch from a trusted brand. It should have good reviews.
- Flame Control: The better the flame control, the better the torch. You can be more precise with your cooking.
- Ease of Refilling: A torch that’s easy to refill is a plus. You won’t waste time.
- Durability: A durable torch will last longer. It’s a good investment.
- Price: Price is always a factor. But, don’t always go for the cheapest option. A slightly more expensive torch might be better quality.
- Poor Quality: A poorly made torch can be dangerous. It may not work well. It might break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is it to use the torch? What can you do with it?
- Ease of Use: The ATK kitchen torch is designed to be user-friendly. You should be able to learn quickly.
- Use Cases: A kitchen torch is great for many things. You can caramelize sugar on crème brûlée. You can sear meat. You can toast marshmallows. You can even remove the skin from bell peppers.
- User Reviews: Read reviews from other users. They can tell you what they think of the torch.
- Practice: Practice makes perfect. Try using the torch on different foods. Get comfortable with the flame.
- Safety First: Always use the torch safely. Keep it away from flammable materials. Never leave it unattended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about kitchen torches:
Q: What fuel does the America’s Test Kitchen torch use?
A: The ATK torch uses butane fuel.
Q: How do I refill the butane tank?
A: You’ll need a butane canister. Follow the directions on the torch and the canister.
Q: Is the torch safe to use?
A: Yes, it is safe if you use it correctly. Always follow the safety instructions.
Q: What can I cook with a kitchen torch?
A: You can use it for many things! Try searing meat, caramelizing sugar, and toasting marshmallows.
Q: How do I clean the torch?
A: Let the torch cool down. Then, wipe it with a damp cloth.
Q: Does the torch come with butane?
A: Usually, the torch does not come with butane. You will need to buy it separately.
Q: What should I do if the torch doesn’t light?
A: Check the fuel level. Make sure the safety lock is off. Try adjusting the flame control.
Q: Is it easy to control the flame?
A: Yes, most ATK torches have adjustable flames. You can adjust it to your needs.
Q: What is the best way to store the torch?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place. Make sure the safety lock is on.
Q: Where can I buy an America’s Test Kitchen kitchen torch?
A: You can buy them online or at kitchen supply stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!