10 Best Culinary Torches 2026 in the United States

The ravs Copper Butane Torch Lighter is a versatile tool that stands out for its compact and portable design, making it easy to handle for culinary tasks like caramelizing sugar on desserts or searing meat. One of its key strengths is the ability to adjust the flame size, allowing users to customize the heat intensity based on their cooking project, which is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. The torch is made from durable copper, ensuring good heat resistance and safety during operation, while the long angled nozzle keeps your hand at a safe distance from the flame.

The piezo ignition system allows for fast and reliable lighting, which is a great convenience in a busy kitchen. Additionally, the torch is refillable and features a detachable base for easy storage and stability when not in use.

Users need to remember that butane fuel is not included, which means an initial additional purchase is necessary. This might be a minor inconvenience for some. Moreover, while the torch is designed for multi-purpose use, its performance might vary in more heavy-duty applications like metal welding, as it's primarily tailored for culinary tasks. Safety is another aspect worth mentioning; while it features solid safety measures, all users need to be cautious when handling butane and ensure they follow the instructions for refilling to avoid accidents. The 1-year technical support adds a nice touch for anyone uncertain about their purchase.

This torch is well-suited for home cooks and hobbyists who appreciate its ease of use, adjustable flame, and multiple applications in cooking and crafts. However, those looking for a more robust tool for heavy-duty tasks may want to explore other options.

The Jo Chef Kitchen Torch is a solid choice for cooking tasks like caramelizing crème brûlée, searing steak, or melting cheese. It offers adjustable flame control with a high maximum temperature of 2370°F, providing precision for various culinary uses. Ignition is simple and quick due to its refillable butane fuel system, which includes two 3.38oz butane cans to get you started without extra purchases.

Safety features include a built-in safety lock to prevent accidental ignition, making it suitable even for beginners. The torch also has a non-slip, wide base that keeps it stable on your countertop, enhancing ease of use and safety. Its size and materials—comprising alloy steel, aluminum, and plastic—make it lightweight and comfortable to handle, weighing just 14.4 ounces.

While the burn time is limited by the fuel capacity of 0.88 fluid ounces, requiring refills during extended use, the torch is designed primarily for kitchen use. It may not be ideal for heavy grilling or professional tasks that demand longer continuous flame time. This torch effectively balances safety, ease of use, and high flame temperature, making it a versatile tool for home cooks aiming to add a professional touch to their dishes.

The Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Professional Kitchen Butane Torch offers several features that make it a solid choice for both home cooks and professional chefs. One of its main strengths is the adjustable flame control, allowing you to modify the flame size and shape to match your cooking needs, whether it's for delicate pastries or robust steaks. The one-touch piezo ignition is another convenient feature, making it easy to start the torch quickly. Additionally, the stabilizing stand enhances safety during use, which is a crucial aspect for any kitchen tool.

However, it’s important to note that the butane fuel is not included, so you'll need to purchase that separately. The torch is also described as anti-flare, which adds an extra layer of safety by preventing sudden bursts of flame. Its lightweight design (2.88 ounces) makes it portable and easy to handle, whether you're using it at home, in a professional kitchen, or even on a camping trip.

On the downside, the lack of included fuel might be inconvenient for some users, and the stainless steel construction, while durable, might get hot after prolonged use, requiring careful handling. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Iwatani PRO2 Butane Torch is highly versatile, suitable for a wide range of culinary tasks from roasting vegetables to perfectly finishing off meats and desserts.