A cooking torch, also called a butane torch, is a popular small handheld tool for cooking used by chefs to make mouth-watering dishes. It is often used for creating a caramelized top for desserts such as crème brulée, meringue, and s'mores. Also, with a cooking torch, you can try and make that sushi bake that has been popping up on your feed!
A cooking torch uses flammable hydrocarbon butane gas, which creates a scorching flame, yet cools quicker than any other gas. In this article, we've provided a buying guide, fact-checked by Chef Terence Fereday Jr., and a list of the best cooking torches that you can buy.
Quick List - Top Cooking Torches
Naturehike
High-Powered Torch Head That Can Fit Any Butane Tank
Chef Terrence has 30 years of experience working in the professional kitchen. He graduated from the Professional Culinary Institute in California, USA, and he was a former Culinary Instructor, Corporate Chef, and Executive Chef. He also won several awards in culinary competitions and is the founder and owner of Zilla Pizza.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Cooking torches may or may not have an attached gas source. Make sure to choose one that’s appropriate for your intended purpose and skill level.
Some cooking torches are available with already attached butane tanks. This type is handy and ready to use, requiring no elaborate setup. Thus, it's a great pick for beginners or those who are anxious about attaching a butane tank to a torch head.
However, this is not that common, especially when buying online. For safety purposes, it is better to have the butane tank and the torch head shipped separately.
Other cooking torches come with just the torch head and do not have a butane tank attached to them. These are perfect for those who have experience using a cooking torch and those who use them frequently for dishes because you can use a butane tank size of your choice, and you can easily buy a replacement tank when one runs out.
Replacing or attaching the butane tank might be confusing, and if you don't know the safety precautions to follow, it's dangerous. Nevertheless, beginners can easily learn how to operate and replace it with the help of the user manual or video tutorials online.
This type of cooking torch has a handle that also acts as the container of the gas. Its handle is much more comfortable and safer than holding a gas tank because it has an ergonomic design for a secure grip.
It usually comes with a gas level bar or fuel gauge window to monitor gas usage. We recommend this torch for those who run a food business and often love to add a little touch of caramelization to their daily dishes.
The burn time indicates the time length of the cooking torch usage. It depends on the gas canister capacity and the actual usage time. If you use a cooking torch only occasionally, a small canister would probably suffice. Small butane tanks usually come in 200 ml of gas capacity and can burn from 30 minutes to an hour of continuous use.
However, if you're using it continuously or cooking a big batch, it might be more feasible to buy a larger gas canister to avoid frequent replacement. Large canisters usually come in 400 ml of gas capacity and can continuously burn up to two to four hours.
The flame intensity will always depend on what dish you are making. For example, if you're searing meat using a cooking torch, the flame should be more intense than when you're just melting or slightly browning your desserts.
A cooking torch can reach a temperature of more than 2500ºF or 1370ºC. It is best if it comes with an adjustable flame intensity, as every dish is different and requires different flame levels. Having this feature will help you meet your cooking needs more effectively.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Confinity Copper Gun Torch | ![]() | Dual-Mode Cooking Torch Head for Professional Use | |
2 | Sonic Gun-Type Torch|SGT-888 | ![]() | A Lightweight Cooking Torch Perfect for Beginners | |
3 | Granmerlen Culinary Torch Lighter | ![]() | User-Friendly and Efficient Torch With an Added Safety Feature | |
4 | Naturehike Gas Torch Flame Cooking Blowtorch|NH20RJ003 | ![]() | High-Powered Torch Head That Can Fit Any Butane Tank | |
5 | Johnson Elektrik Blow Torch|IAPT-001 | ![]() | An Affordable Multi-Purpose Cooking Torch for Convenient Use | |
6 | Makita Multi Functional Flame Gun Torch | ![]() | Multi-Functional Cooking Torch Head for Camping, Cooking, and Welding | |
7 | Hoyoma Multi-Purpose Cooking Torch|WS-1008 | ![]() | Lightweight yet Heavy-Duty Cooking Torch | |
8 | Kiprun Multipurpose Torch | ![]() | Wind-Resistant Cooking Torch Head for Outdoor Cooking | |
9 | Sportsuit Gas Torch Flame Tool | ![]() | High-Quality and Durable Cooking Torch Head That Can Also Be Used As A Survival Tool | |
10 | Campingmoon Butane Gas Torch|MT-2915 | ![]() | Features a Sleek Torch Head for Versatile Use |
This torch head is perfect for enhancing your cooking style, from caramelizing to intense grilling. It works two-in-one via its bee net nozzle configuration. Through its attachment, you can have wide or direct torching coverage. A fire regulator and adjusting knob are also included for an easily controlled flame.
Replacing or attaching a butane tank is also a breeze with its cassette base; only a twist is needed to lock the canister. The small size and lightweight design also make it handy for camping, hiking, or traveling. And ultimately, its copper material makes for a torch that doesn't rust. All of these add up to a product that gives you many benefits at an affordable price!
Adding flair to any dish is easy, even if you're a budding home cook, as long as you use the right tools. Sonic's Gun-Type Torch might be the perfect kitchen partner and outdoor cooking tool for you, as it is lightweight and portable, perfect to use anytime and anywhere, especially when camping.
To help you achieve your cooking needs, it has an adjustable flame size. And with its piezo electronic ignition system, this torch is easy to turn on and operate. Aside from that, it has a handy Push 'n Twist mechanism for easy attachment to a gas cartridge. With all of these features, this cooking torch gives you real value for your money!
This culinary torch from Granmerlen is designed with convenience in mind. From its easy-grip design to its rotatable knob for adjusting the flame temperature up to 1300º F, this torch gives you more control and precision. Its user-friendly build makes it a great option for both beginners and professionals.
You can light the flame up simply by pressing the button located at the other end of the torch head. Another plus is its safety lock that minimizes accidental ignition. Best of all, this model is refillable, a feature that would be most welcome for those who use the torch frequently.
A cooking torch that comes with just the torch head might be daunting to assemble, but not with Naturehike's gas torch flame. Attaching a fuel tank to it is very easy, as it has a dual converter configuration to fit both a flat tank and a long tank. It is comparably versatile among brands of torches around.
The torch also has a built-in ceramic insulation ring that helps keep the flame strong and sturdy. The flame intensity is adjustable and appropriate as a fire starter or for browning foods. Built from a combination of 201 stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and ABS plastic, it is a sturdy torch that can perform reliably even in cold areas with no frills.
Johnson Elektrik's micro cooking torch is another contraption that's durable and provides users a high-quality experience. It has a self-igniting piezo ignition that needs just one press for the flame to light up. According to reviews from buyers, this torch has good quality for its price.
With an easily adjustable knob for flame control, you can be assured of a lightweight and safe operation. Aside from that, it's also quite versatile since it's capable of multi-purpose use, such as DIY electrical and jewelry-related applications.
This cooking torch head from Makita enjoys high ratings for its affordability, versatility, and ease of use. It has a one-touch automatic piezo ignition for easy lighting of the flame and an easy-to-replace tank feature. Its adjustable flame can also reach a maximum of 1300º C. However, keep in mind that this torch head is suitable only for butane tanks.
This cooking torch can last up to two hours of continued usage. It is user-friendly and ergonomically designed as well, perfect not just for cooking, but also for welding small items. Aside from that, it has a safety lock to avoid accidents and is portable because of its lightweight and compact feature.
Hoyoma is a Japanese brand that manufactures various tools both for cooking and construction. One of their excellent products is this cooking torch that's simple and user-friendly. It is also lightweight, so your hands won't get tired quickly after using it. Satisfied buyers love how it's sturdy and is clearly of excellent quality.
Aside from that, it has an adjustable flame temperature of up to 1300º C. Replacing or attaching a canister to it is also easy, as you need only a twist to lock the refill in. Also, it is heavy-duty and useful beyond the kitchen as a tool for metal melting, soldering, bending pipes, and more.
This cooking torch head from Kiprun is durable and long-lasting, as it is made of stainless steel and copper. The slim torch head makes it easy to pack, a nice addition to your camping or outdoor gear. It also has an adjustable temperature that can reach up to 1300º C. However, it's best to use refined butane for optimal flame intensity.
One of its biggest advantages is that it's wind-resistant and has a safety lock feature. And when used with an ideal butane tank, it should allow you continuous usage for up to 1.6 to 2 hours. If you're looking for a reliable torch for some outdoor cooking, look no further than this one!
Sportsuit's cooking torch has earned hundreds of positive ratings from buyers, and it's easy to see why. Made of high-quality copper, this torch head is durable and has a sturdy flame surge. The excellently made cassette base gives users a good grip on the gas canister as well. Keep in mind, though, that butane works best for this torch head.
The temperature can be adjusted up to 1300º C with its flame regulator, and the honeycomb nozzle tip makes an adequately intense flame. Notably, its fire is wind-resistant, allowing usage even in windy areas. When having an outdoor activity like camping, don't forget to bring this lightweight and portable torch head, as it can work as a survival tool, too!
Whether for indoor or outdoor needs, this torch from Campingmoon will never let you down. It's designed to last for years with its sturdy nozzle made of a copper and stainless steel combination. Moreover, it can withstand extreme temperatures up to 1300º C. True enough, satisfied users attest to its high quality and heavy-duty build.
With its slim design, this torch head is also very lightweight and easy to use. You can also adjust the flame temperature with its rear knob, which makes for seamless shifting from 900 to 1300º C. For best performance, use this torch at a distance of 1 to 2 cm from the food.
I prefer a wind-resistant torch, so whether you're cooking indoors or torching the food al fresco as part of the show, you're covered!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
You can find cooking torches at various kitchen supply stores which cater to professional cooking needs, even for beginners. Also, big hardware chains allow access to a cooking torch. Ultimately, online shopping apps are a quick fix to have yourself a trusty torch. Check out our list above for ideas!
A handy cooking torch helps to achieve a quick browning, roast, searing, and melting action on certain foods. Its ability to quickly reach a blasting heat like Granmerlen's Cooking Torch does create a Maillard reaction. At around 140 to 165º C, this process produces a brown, crispy texture in meats, melted cheese, and caramelized sugars.
Here are some quick tips to stay safe while using a cooking torch:
There are various kitchen tools that you can use at home to make your cooking easier. Level up your cooking by checking out our other kitchen-related articles below!
Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Re-editor: Harvey M. Tolentino
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Confinity|Copper Gun Torch
No. 2: Sonic|Gun-Type Torch|SGT-888
No. 3: Granmerlen|Culinary Torch Lighter
No. 4: Naturehike|Gas Torch Flame Cooking Blowtorch|NH20RJ003
No. 5: Johnson Elektrik|Blow Torch|IAPT-001
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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