The exact Food & Wine article titled “The 5 Best Kitchen Torches, Tested by Food & Wine” could not be verified, so its five picks and test results cannot responsibly be reported. A separate 2024 Good Housekeeping comparison offers three clearly attributable examples—and useful criteria for choosing a torch for crème brûlée and other kitchen tasks.
What is—and isn’t—verified about the Food & Wine list
A related 2023 story, “The 5 Best Kitchen Torches, According to Chefs,” appeared as a Food & Wine-attributed article hosted by Yahoo Lifestyle. It is not the exact “Tested by Food & Wine” article, and it does not establish the requested article’s five products or testing. The selections below are from Good Housekeeping, not Food & Wine.
Good Housekeeping’s September 30, 2024 comparison says it tested seven popular, highly rated butane and propane torches using crème brûlée and cheese. The tester timed sugar caramelization and cheese melting and assessed the results. These findings describe that publication’s tests, not a guarantee of how a torch will perform in every kitchen.
Three kitchen torches recommended by Good Housekeeping
| Model | Good Housekeeping designation | What its report says |
|---|---|---|
| Jo Chef Superior RX Refillable Butane Kitchen Torch | Best overall | Compact, with an adjustable flame and safety lock. In its test, it browned sugar on mini ramekins in under 20 seconds and melted cheese quickly. That timing is a test result, not a general performance promise. |
| Sondiko Refillable Butane Kitchen Torch S400 | Best value | Compact and lightweight, with a refillable butane tank and safety lock. Good Housekeeping reported that its flame was less strong than those of other selected models. |
| Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Professional Kitchen Butane Torch | Professional-grade pick | Attaches directly to a butane canister, which is purchased separately. It has separate controls for flame level and flame shape. |
These are three of that publication’s picks; they should not be mistaken for the five selections in the unverified Food & Wine article. For the models’ descriptions and test context, see the Good Housekeeping comparison.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Safe and Sturdy Creme Brulee Torch: The safety lock could prevent accidental ignition. Also the ergonomic design provides comfort to your hand and keep away from the flame; the aluminum alloy material adopted makes it more resistant and sturdy, ensuring the longevity (Note: After each use, please turn the flame adjustment valve to the lowest level(OFF Position), and engaging the safety lock for indicent ignition)
- Refillable and Portable: TBTeek butane torch lighter can be refilled after running out of butane, with three butane adapters included, it's compatible with all types of butane tanks whether with long or short nozzle. Then this mini butane torch is small and lightweight, which make it easy to hold.(Butane gas not included)
- Versatile: Features an adjustable flame control function to customize the intensity of the flame according to your needs (Max 1371 °C/2500 °F), such as caramelizing food, soldering DIY jewelry, Cooking, BBQ, Baking, Brulee, Creme, DIY Soldering, Bar Cocktails, Camping, and Crafts, making it an essential tool for hobbyists and professionals alike
- Continuously Flame Mode: Light up with piezo ignition technology, press the ignition button to light up fire, rotate clockwise at the same time, then it will keep fire without needing to always keep pressing the button, free your hands during the intricate tasks
- Perfect Gift Ideas: TBTeek small torch lighter can not be used in all indoor or outdoor cooking occasions, it can also be a great gift for your loved ones. The simple operation and versatility features make it universal for cooking lovers, craftsman, or outdoor camping enthusiasts, making any occasion special with a practical tool they'll love to use
How to choose a torch for your kitchen
A kitchen torch can caramelize sugar on crème brûlée and help brown meringue, melt cheese, char peppers, toast marshmallows or finish meat. Those are uses described in the Good Housekeeping comparison; results vary by torch, food and technique.
Choose a fuel format that fits your routine
A refillable handheld butane torch is compact. A torch that attaches to a separate canister may go longer between refills, but takes a different setup. Check the specific model’s fuel type, connection and refill instructions before buying; do not assume canisters or fuels are interchangeable.
Rank #2
- Gas Type Compatibility: Can be used for butane fuel only with short nozzles (canister with snap joint only). For secure delivery, this does not include butane gas
- Multipurpose Butane Lighter: Suitable for baking, sous vide, searing meats, and BBQs. Also works well for crafting, jewelry DIY, soldering, and camping. Compatible with butane canisters of any manufacturer that have a metal ring around the top and a 1/2-inch slit missing (canister with snap joint)
- Easy Butane Gas Torch Head: Features a single-touch piezo ignition system, a stabilizing plate for your safety, and an adjustable flame size and shape so you can concentrate the flame as much or as little as you need
- 360-Degree Reverse Use Torch: You can select a different flame based on your demands, such as a spit fire or a soft fire, and the temperature of the adjustable flame intensity can reach up to 1300C/2500F to fulfill a variety of purposes. It can be used in reverse 360 degrees as a culinary torch
- Light Up with Piezo Ignition Technology: Simply press to start the fire. The cooking torch's gas flow regulator and air flow control valve make it simple to use. The flame strength can be adjusted, and when the valve switch is closed, the flame extinguishes
Check controls, handling and safeguards
- Flame adjustment: Look for controls that let you set the flame appropriately for your intended task.
- Ignition and operation: Check the trigger layout and whether you must keep holding a trigger to maintain the flame.
- Size and storage: Balance a compact torch’s easy storage against the canister format and refill interval that suit how often you cook with one.
- Safety features: Look for a safety lock or other safeguards, and read the operating and storage instructions for the exact model.
- Task performance: Prefer test evidence on foods you plan to make, such as even sugar browning or cheese melting. A result from one publication’s test should not be generalized to every model.
What older torch testing can—and can’t—tell you
A 2010 Christopher Kimball Blog post identified as from America’s Test Kitchen reported that its propane torch caramelized sugar much faster than the petite butane torches in that comparison, while requiring careful handling. It said the butane torches took about 1½ minutes per custard. Those are historical observations from that test, not a universal comparison of propane and butane or a current product recommendation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Iwatani top quality butane torch is backed by a 1-year manufacturer (butane not included)
- Easy to use butane torch - adjustable flame size and shape to concentrate the flame as much or as little as you need, one touch piezo ignition, and stabilizing plate for your safety
- Kitchen Torch perfect for roasting and charring vegetables, glazing ham, browning and crisping toppings, melting cheese and of course producing the sugary crust on crème Brulee, meringues and pastries
- Sous vide Torch that adds complex flavors, and wonderful texture to perfectly finish off your steaks, fish, chicken and vegetables in just a few minutes
- Portable Torch that’s perfect for camping, at home, professional, culinary school, and BBQ’s just twist and it locks in place
Rank #4
- [Portable Torch Lighter Gun] ravs cooking torch baking tools are made of quality metal material, which is more sturdy than plastic butane torches on the market. With an ergonomic design handle, the micro torch offers a great grip and and comfort. (Note: Pls use quality and pure refillable butane for torch refill)
- [ Dual Flame Torch Lighter ] The butane torch gun has a precise flame that can heat items faster. The 2 flame modes of the kitchen torch can be switched at will（Turn the flame mode knob to switch). Turn the flame adjustment knob to adjust and control the size of the flame, Max temperature reach up to 1300 °C/2372 °F. The dual flame lighter torch and soft can meet different heating needs.
- [Multi-purpose Butane Torch Lighters ] The handheld torch is suitable for different applications including gourmet cooking, arts and crafts projects, jewelry making, and small welding applications. The kitchen butane torch is easy to use.
- [Refillable and Easy to Use ] Piezo press ignition of the mini torch provides immediate and fast ignition and allows one-handed operation. The wide copper base of the food torch provides great support and anti-tipping. ➡ NOTE: The soldering torch usually takes 15 seconds for full refilling (8-11g). Please ensure to turn off the flow regulation before filling the gas.
- If you're worried about whether this culinary torch is right for you. ravs welding torch comes with a 1-year technical support ! And ravs creme brulee torch offers friendly technical support, we are always here!
Rank #3
- 【Effortless One-Handed Operation】With the flame regulator and flame lock button easily in reach of your thumb, adjust and lock the flame with just one hand. Never again do you need to free up the other hand to assist.
- 【Easy-to-Read Fuel Gauge】Equipped with a transparent fuel gauge on the bottom, manage your cooking creations with ease. With a MAX line to remind you to avoid overfilling, and 10g of gas capacity lasting 20-50 minutes each full refill, refueling won't be an issue.
- 【Fits All Brands of Small Butane Tanks】Don't know what butane gas tank to buy? No worries! Our torch fits any brand of small butane gas tank, whether it has a long or short nozzle. Refill the torch directly or use the red adapter included in the box to lengthen the nozzle.
- 【Multipurpose Culinary Torch】Ideal for baking, sous vide, searing meats, and BBQs. But it's not just limited to the kitchen! It's perfect for crafting, jewelry DIY, soldering, and even camping.
- 【Adjustable Flame & Continuously Flame Mode】The Piezo Ignition Technology allows for using it at any angle, and the adjustable temperature regulator gives you complete control of the flame. The flame temperature can reach up to 1300°C/2372°F, and the continuously flame mode keeps it burning effortlessly.
Use a kitchen torch safely
- Read and follow the maker’s instructions before lighting or refilling the torch.
- Keep an open flame away from flammable materials.
- Turn off the fuel after use and store the torch out of children’s reach.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for compatible fuel, attachment and storage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
