Selection of kitchen torches

From torching meringue to roasting peppers, finishing off a creme brulee or caramelizing fruit, a high quality kitchen torch is a must for any gourmet home chef. But the range of brands and styles available is about as expansive as the list of tricks this tool can perform.

Does choosing which one is right for you really need to be so complicated?

All of them feature anti-flare technology in the neck, making them safe to use without the risk of a flame biting the hand that holds it. They may be used upright or inverted, ensuring that you can utilize the flame from every angle necessary.

They can reach temperatures close to 3000°F. These are outrageously high temperatures, given that the highest temperature most oven broilers reach is around 500°F.

So there is no denying that they will get your food broiled. Fast.

This is ideal for more delicate desserts that need to be broiled without completely melting them like the Wicked Witch of the West.

Creamy custards such as creme brulee, or sugary desserts like marshmallows, are both examples of delicate desserts that need a quick sear from the flame without ruining their final texture and appearance.

There are two different styles from which to choose.

Each style has its own perks, and which design you choose will depend on what you find the most comfortable.

When you purchase a torch, note that your order will most likely not include the butane canister that is necessary to make it work. You will need to purchase the canister separately.

One of the most common mistakes that is made is using the wrong size gas canister refill. Be sure to check with the manual provided with your own tool to ensure you use the correct canister for refilling.

Some butane canisters provide different top insert attachments so they can be applied to models of different sizes. I recommend purchasing this type of gas canister so you are able to switch out the attachment if one size does not fit properly.