Mine broke.

Any recommendations for pro level torch that’s not made in China?

Need for crime brûlée’s, etc.

I want to know the recommendations too

What's a "kitchen torch"? What's it used for?

flashguy (not a cook)

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
What's a "kitchen torch"? What's it used for?

flashguy (not a cook)

searing meats, putting the crust on creme brulee, lighting your cigar... all sorts of things. I've got one of the small butane jobs... but honestly, I usually reach for the self igniting Bernzomatic propane torch. It works better, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

This young lady agrees.

Here is a listing of some possible ideas. I have the Searzall unit for sous vide.

https://foodal.com/kitchen/gen...top-kitchen-torches/

I had the Searzall and it works well but the the combination of it, torch and propane cylinder makes for a rather large somewhat unwieldy piece of equipment that took up a lot of space in my cabinet. After a year I gave it to my son and went back to the thick and heavy hot pan method. My son likes it a lot and uses it all the time.

If I get another it will likely be the Iwatani Pro 2. They seem to be in a lot of restaurant kitchens and they’re under $30, not a big investment if I end up not using it. I’m pretty happy with how my pan seared steaks come out though.

I used Bernzomatic with a Coleman (short fat) tank. Not sure where it’s made, but it works very well. Same torch I used in restaurants 20 years ago.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
I used Bernzomatic with a Coleman (short fat) tank. Not sure where it’s made, but it works very well. Same torch I used in restaurants 20 years ago.

I use the TS8000. May be a bit much for deserts, but great for a steak for sure.

Thanks guys. Bernzomatic sounds interesting. But is the flame too hot / too large for the kitchen? Is it okay for the small crime brûlée ramekins? I don’t want to crack or shatter my cookware.

quote:

What's a "kitchen torch"? What's it used for?

Emergencies I'd imagine

One of these should do. Although I'm not sure how well it sears beef...

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Thanks guys. Bernzomatic sounds interesting. But is the flame too hot / too large for the kitchen? Is it okay for the small crime brûlée ramekins? I don’t want to crack or shatter my cookware.

It should be fine, keep in mind you're keeping the flame a good bit away from the cookware and crème brulee. Careful with your counter tops also.

I use an ancor mini torch for doing heatshrinking. It is small, about twice the width of a BIC lighter, uses refillable butane found at the grocery store, and if you're only using it for crème brulee it would work perfectly and it's cheap.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy...5939739?recordNum=13

https://www.westmarine.com/buy...6899882?recordNum=41

I don't know where it's made. It's a $14 torch, not a pacemaker, ymmv.

IREGRO Butane Torch, Professional Culinary Torch with Safety Lock & Adjustable Flame for Cooking Crème Brulee Soldering Baking

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

quote:

Originally posted by SigSentry:
I don't know where it's made. It's a $14 torch, not a pacemaker, ymmv.

IREGRO Butane Torch, Professional Culinary Torch with Safety Lock & Adjustable Flame for Cooking Crème Brulee Soldering Baking

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

From link - "Safe at any angle after preheating two minutes."

No thanks, I ain't got time for that.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Thanks guys. Bernzomatic sounds interesting. But is the flame too hot / too large for the kitchen? Is it okay for the small crime brûlée ramekins? I don’t want to crack or shatter my cookware.

I make them in a 6oz ramekin. No issues.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Thanks guys. Bernzomatic sounds interesting. But is the flame too hot / too large for the kitchen? Is it okay for the small crime brûlée ramekins? I don’t want to crack or shatter my cookware.

I use the Benzomatic and there's no issues, you're just caramelizing or, searing. Always a humorous reaction when a tool from the garage finds its way into the kitchen. You're going to use THAT?!

I used an electric heat gun once when I ran out of fuel at a very inopportune moment. Worked great.

I worked in professional kitchens and they all used only this type with a regular blue propane bottle:

I had a butane one for awhile but it started leaking and was a PITA. Used it mainly to start wood chips to add smoke to my gas grill. Don't remember the brand but as I recall it cost about $15 or so. Thew it away. I tried using my tool kit regular torch but it would not work when inverted beyond the horizontal plane. I guess you need a special valve or one on a hose for that to work.