A kitchen torch is a hand-held burner that melts and browns sugar in seconds, which is exactly what a creme brulee needs for its glassy crust. The best kitchen torch for creme brulee gives a steady flame you can aim, a stable base and a fuel tank that is easy to refill.
The six torches below range from small butane models made for desserts to a propane torch that suits bigger jobs. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm the details on the current listing before you buy.LOOK: Fuel type | Butane is clean and common; propane runs hotter and suits larger jobs
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Flame control | An adjustable dial lets you brown sugar without scorching it |
| Safety lock | A child-safety latch or lock switch prevents accidental ignition |
| Stability | A flat base lets the torch stand upright between uses |
| Refilling | A wide fill valve and a clear tank make topping up easier |
Specs at a Glance
| Torch | Fuel | Ignition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sondiko Butane Torch S400 | Butane | Push-button with safety lock | Adjustable flame; refillable |
| Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Torch | Butane | Trigger style | Made for professional kitchens |
| Bernzomatic ST2200T | Propane | Trigger start | Sold for general work; check the fuel |
| Jo Chef Culinary Torch | Butane | Push-button with lock | Refillable; adjustable flame |
| OXO Good Grips Chef’s Torch | Butane | Push-button with lock | Wide base; refillable |
| Bonjour Culinary Torch | Butane | Push-button with lock | Compact; designed for desserts |
The 6 Best Kitchen Torches for Creme Brulee
1. Sondiko Butane Torch S400
A popular refillable butane torch with an adjustable flame dial and a safety lock. It is aimed at home cooks who want to brown sugar, finish meats and melt cheese.
Suits: home cooks making custards. Strengths: a flame you can adjust and a lock switch. Weaknesses: fuel is not always included, so you may need a separate can. Skip it if you want a torch that arrives ready to use without extra purchases.
View Sondiko Butane Torch S400 on Amazon
2. Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Torch
Iwatani is a long-established Japanese maker of butane gear, and this culinary torch is built to be used often in busy kitchens. It has a trigger-style ignition and a sturdy body designed for repeated use.
Suits: frequent bakers and caterers. Strengths: a professional reputation and solid construction. Weaknesses: the shape can feel larger in the hand than compact models. Skip it if you only brown a few ramekins a year.
View Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Torch on Amazon
3. Bernzomatic ST2200T Trigger Start Torch
Bernzomatic torches are widely stocked in hardware stores, and this trigger-start propane model is often used for searing and brulee when more heat is wanted.
Suits: cooks who want strong heat. Strengths: quick ignition and easy fuel availability. Weaknesses: it is a general-purpose torch rather than a dessert tool, so it needs a careful hand. Skip it if you want a small tabletop torch for delicate sugar tops.
View Bernzomatic ST2200T Trigger Start Torch on Amazon
4. Jo Chef Culinary Torch
A refillable butane kitchen torch with a safety lock and an adjustable flame. It is designed for creme brulee, baking and similar finishing jobs, and the compact body fits a drawer easily.
Suits: small kitchens. Strengths: a compact build and a flame dial. Weaknesses: small tanks need topping up often if you use it a lot. Skip it if you cook for large groups and need long run times.
View Jo Chef Culinary Torch on Amazon
5. OXO Good Grips Chef’s Torch
OXO is known for comfortable handles and tidy design, and this torch follows that pattern with a wide stable base and a lock switch. It is refillable with butane and meant for desserts and light cooking.
Suits: users who value a steady base. Strengths: a tidy design from a trusted housewares brand. Weaknesses: butane is bought separately. Skip it if you want the simplest basic torch available.
View OXO Good Grips Chef’s Torch on Amazon
6. Bonjour Culinary Torch
A compact culinary torch sold for brulee, toasted meringue and finishing jobs. It uses butane and has a lock for storage, and its small size makes it easy to keep with baking tools.
Suits: occasional dessert makers. Strengths: light weight and easy storage. Weaknesses: fine control is less precise than on dial-focused models. Skip it if you want a torch with a large fuel tank.
View Bonjour Culinary Torch on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Use only the fuel type the maker recommends and fill outdoors or in a ventilated space.
- Let the torch cool fully before you put it away.
- Test the flame on a plate before aiming it at a dessert.
- Store it upright and out of reach of children.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Holding the flame too close, which burns sugar and turns it bitter.
- Filling the torch while it is still warm.
- Using damp sugar, which will not caramelize evenly.
- Pointing the flame near paper towels or loose sleeves.
Kitchen Torch FAQ
Do I need a special sugar for creme brulee?
Fine granulated or superfine sugar spread in a thin, even layer melts best. Raw sugar gives a thicker, crunchier top.
Can I use a butane torch for savory cooking too?
Yes. Many cooks use them to sear meat, melt cheese and char peppers.
How do I get an even crust?
Keep the torch moving in small circles and hold it a few inches above the sugar until it melts and turns amber.
The Short Version
For a popular butane pick, the Sondiko. For pro kitchens, the Iwatani. For stronger heat, the Bernzomatic. For a compact option, the Jo Chef. For a stable base, the OXO. For easy storage, the Bonjour.