Are you a home cook who takes the dessert course seriously? The kind with a plethora of Silpat mats, a heavy-duty countertop mixer, and a scale for measuring flour down to the ounce? How about a kitchen blow torch? While this fiery little wonder might seem like an extravagant splurge, truth is that a decent model can be had for about the cost of a handheld blender. And nothing gives an even, professional finish to brûlées and baked meringues like a direct flame. Check out this roundup of our picks for putting a little firepower at your fingertips.
Metal and Ceramic Torch
This sturdy, solidly-constructed metal torch feels more substantial than others, heavy yet comfortable in your hands, with a heat-proof ceramic body. A lock to keep the fire on and a tip-proof base make it ultra-user-friendly. The adjustable flame—double or single stream—gives you more control for even cooking. For the technically challenged, this one can be refueled in one easy step: Simply insert a new aerosol butane can into the base. Another no-brainer: This torch features a safety lock for when it’s not in use.
Aluminum and Plastic Torch
Though it’s made of lighter-weight aluminum, the EurKitchen blow torch still throws a serious flame. One-touch ignition and a dial to adjust gas flow make it seem just a little too easy to burn things, so pace yourself with this unassuming little devil. Thankfully, this one also features a safety lock, as well as a finger guard to keep the heat at bay. Our favorite feature: an at-a-glance gas gauge to let you know when you’re running low on fuel.
Torch Head
A single piece of equipment that attaches directly to the can of butane, this torch head is no-frills. As a result, replacing the fuel is a one-twist operation. (It does require a different type of butane canister from the others, so be sure to check the instructions before ordering fuel.) The easy on-off lighter, with a valve to control the strength of the flame, gives this one all of the power with none of the fuss. And if acrobatics are required to get that brûlée just right, this one can an also be used at any angle, including upside down. Storage—once the canister is disposed of—feels smart and safe.