There’s no question that sous vide cooking is one of the hottest trends in the culinary world right now. If you’re new to the game and looking to get started, you’re going to need a good torch. But with all the options on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. Luckily, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the six best torches for sous vide cooking, so you can pick the perfect one for your needs. Let’s get started!
Comparison Table For Cooking Torches
| Rank | Product | Features | Reason to buy | Reason to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RANK #1 | Sondiko Butane Torch S400  |
|
|
|
| RANK #2 | Jo Chef Kitchen Torch  |
|
|
|
| RANK #3 | Bernzomatic TS8000  |
|
|
|
| RANK #4 | SearPro Cooking Torch  |
|
|
|
| RANK #5 | ravs Butane Torch  |
|
|
|
| RANK #6 | Cardmap Kitchen Torch Cooking  22 |
|
|
|
| RANK #7 | BLUEFIRE Torch Kit  |
|
|
|
SearPro Cooking Torch
The SearPro Cooking Torch is a versatile and powerful kitchen torch that offers a wide range of benefits for both indoor and outdoor cooking. The torch is easy to store and transport due to its compact size, and it uses propane fuel that makes it usable in sub-zero temperatures. The SearPro Cooking Torch also features a fast searing flame that is ideal for starting camp-fires, grilling food, and searing meat. In addition, the USA-owned company provides faster customer service and a six month warranty, making the SearPro Cooking Torch an excellent choice for anyone who loves to cook.
The SearPro Cooking Torch is a great addition to any kitchen, and it comes with a few small drawbacks. First, the torch requires either a Bernzomatic or Coleman propane tank, which is not included with the package. Second, the torch can also work with butane canisters, but you will need to purchase an adaptor separately. Third, it is always better to screw the canister onto the torch before storing it away. Overall, the SearPro Cooking Torch is a great tool for any kitchen, and its small drawbacks are easily outweighed by its many benefits.
Pros
Cons
Cardmap Kitchen Torch Cooking
A kitchen torch is a tool that every home chef should have in their arsenal. Not only is it great for grilling steaks and roasting bell peppers, but it also comes in handy for glazing baked hams and melting cheese. Plus, you can use it to light your charcoal grill, campfire, fireplace, candles or cigars. The possibilities are endless! And because it uses butane gas, it’s much more environmentally friendly than other cooking methods. So next time you’re looking for a new way to spice up your meal, reach for the Cardmap kitchen torch and let the fun begin!
Compatible with multiple fuels like butane, propane, MAPP, MAP-Pro. Piezoelectric ignition, no need for additional spark. Flame can be adjusted by rotation of the knob. Long nozzle for safety. Anti-slip rubber grip. The benefits of using a kitchen torch are many. With this useful tool, you can cook or braze foods quickly and easily. In addition, the torch can be used for other household tasks such as soldering pipes or lighting a BBQ grill. TheCardmap kitchen torch is a versatile and handy tool that should be in every home. Thanks to its many advantages, the kitchen torch is sure to make your life easier. So don’t wait any longer, get yourself a Cardmap kitchen torch and enjoy the benefits today!
High heat output requires safety precautions. If we attach a large propane tank, the torch will be bulky and difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the torch produces a lot of heat and can be dangerous if not used properly. Therefore, it is important to take safety precautions when using this kitchen torch. Nonetheless, the drawbacks are small compared to the benefits of using this kitchen torch. With its high heat output, the Cardmap Kitchen Torch is perfect for cooking tasks that require precision and speed. So, despite the small risks involved, we think the Cardmap Kitchen Torch is a great addition to any kitchen. Thanks for reading!
Pros
Cons
BLUEFIRE Torch Kit
Looking for a powerful and versatile welding torch kit? Then check out the BLUEFIRE Welding Torch Kit! This kit comes with everything you need to get started with welding, brazing, soldering, searing and cooking. The whole body is made from durable aluminum, stainless steel, and brass, so you know it can take a beating. Plus, it comes with three different types of flame tubes (swirl flame, shrink heat flame, pencil fine flame), making it perfect for a variety of applications. And with the On/Off trigger start and safety lock, it’s super easy to ignite and extinguish the flame with just one click. So why wait? Get the BLUEFIRE Welding Torch Kit today!
The BLUEFIRE Welding Torch Kit offers a variety of benefits that make it ideal for a range of welding projects and cooking. The integrated adjustable flame control valve allows you to freely adjust the flame size to match any of your working needs, while the robust and more concentrated swirl flame helps you reach the max temperature of 2444°F in a much shorter time and with less fuel. Additionally, each tube has its optimized BTU and flame shape, making it compatible with all popular gas fuels on the market, including MAPP, MAP/PRO and Propane. Plus, the torch is equipped with an anti-flare pressure stabilizer so it can work at any angle and upside down.
The BLUEFIRE Torch Kit is a great welding and cooking torch for light welding jobs and searing for sous vide. However, there are a few small drawbacks to keep in mind. First, the fuel adjusting knob is made of plastic, so it might not be as durable as metal. Second, the torch gets bulky when the fuel tank is attached, so it might be difficult to operate with one hand. Overall, the BLUEFIRE Welding Torch Kit is a great choice, but keep in mind that it has a few small drawbacks.
Pros
Cons
Bernzomatic TS8000
The Bernzomatic TS8000 Trigger Start Torch is a professional torch for searing steaks, and it can also be used to solder metal and do other things. The high-intensity flame and maximum heat output will cut the time you need to sear the food to seal in the juices and get it on the table faster.
A simple on/off switch makes it easy to sear things quickly and easily. When you press the button, the flame comes on. When you let go, the flame goes out. Doesn’t get much more accessible. Also locking feature lets, you keep the fire going if you need to. The heat and size of the flame can be changed by turning the knob, which makes it a very versatile tool that can be used for many different things. The flame control knob lets you change the size and strength of the flame to keep it safe. The extended nozzle keeps the swirling flame away from your hand and keeps the balance so you can use it with one hand. It’s effortless to use and control, which makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experts.
The ultra-swirl flame can be used for soldering, brazing, light welding, and heat treating. If you have this, you won’t have to spend money on additional products to compensate for what it can’t do. Not only is it great for sous vide, but I also think it’s the best all-around home torch. You can run the TS8000 on either MAP-Pro or Propane gas. The 14.1 oz. MAP-Pro Hand Torch Cylinder that Bernzomatic sells is their brand, but you can also use regular propane cans.
Pros
Cons
Jo Chef Kitchen Torch, Blow Torch
The Jo Chef Kitchen Torch is a small but mighty little tool that has a lot of advantages. It has a high-quality metallic body, making it look more compact and sophisticated. The adjustable flame is also very easy to use, and can give up to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit for fast and efficient cooking.
Additionally, the child safety lock is a great feature, as it ensures that children will not be able to use the torch unsupervised. The fuel gauge is also a handy feature, as it allows you to see when you are likely to run out of fuel. Overall, the Jo Chef Kitchen Torch is a great tool that has many advantages.
The Jo Chef Kitchen Torch is a great tool to have in the kitchen, but there are a few small drawbacks. First of all, it cannot be used for welding metals. However, this is not a big deal since other torches can be used for that purpose. Secondly, the Jo Chef Kitchen Torch is quite expensive compared to similar torches. However, this is not a major concern since the torch is of high quality and can last for many years. Overall, the Jo Chef Kitchen Torch is a great tool to have in the kitchen and its small drawbacks are outweighed by its many benefits.
Pros
Cons
Sondiko Butane Torch S400
The Sondiko Butane Torch S400 is a versatile and durable kitchen tool that provides a safe and efficient way to achieve professional-quality results in your culinary endeavors. One of its standout features is the safety lock, which prevents accidental ignition, ensuring that you can use the torch with peace of mind. The broad base design also adds stability, reducing the risk of it toppling over during use. Additionally, the long angled nozzle and burn-free finger guard keep your hand safely away from the flame, further enhancing safety.
This torch is designed to be user-friendly and refillable. You can easily refill it with any brand of butane gas, although it’s important to note that the butane gas is not included with the product. The torch features Piezo Ignition Technology, allowing for easy and convenient lighting. The portable and compact design makes it suitable for various outdoor activities such as camping and BBQs, ensuring that you can enjoy the benefits of this torch wherever you go.
With its adjustable flame and continuous flame mode, the Sondiko Butane Torch S400 offers excellent versatility. The adjustable temperature regulator provides complete control over the flame, allowing you to customize the intensity according to your specific needs. The torch can reach temperatures of up to 1300 °C/2372 °F, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you need to caramelize sugar, glaze a baked ham, sear a steak, roast bell peppers, melt cheese, or toast breadcrumbs, this torch has got you covered. It’s also useful for various other tasks, including lighting fireplaces, candles, or cigars, engaging in hobbies and crafts, jewelry making, welding, camping, and more.
While the Sondiko Butane Torch S400 offers impressive functionality, it does have a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, it lacks a fuel gauge, which means you won’t be able to determine how much fuel is remaining in the torch easily. This can be a minor inconvenience, as it requires you to keep track of your usage or have spare butane on hand. Secondly, although it excels at tasks like caramelizing desserts, it may take longer to achieve the desired searing effect on meats. However, considering its overall features and versatility, the Sondiko Butane Torch S400 is still an excellent choice for both professional chefs and home cooks alike.
Pros
Cons
ravs Butane Torch
The ravs Butane Torch is a durable and versatile kitchen tool that offers a range of features to enhance your culinary experience. Made from a strong aluminum alloy body, this torch ensures long-lasting use. It comes equipped with safety locks to prevent accidental ignition and protect children from accessing the flame. The sturdy base design provides excellent stability, allowing you to place the torch securely on a tabletop after use.
One of the standout features of this torch is its adjustable flame and rotating angles. The flame regulator allows you to easily control the intensity of the flame, with temperatures reaching up to 1300 °C / 2372 °F. This flexibility enables you to use longer flames for tasks like brazing or cooking, as well as shorter flames for more delicate jewelry work. Additionally, the unique 90-degree adjustable angle nozzle allows you to customize the angle from 0-90°, catering to your specific cooking or work needs.
Refilling the ravs Butane Torch is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design. The torch comes with two red adapters and an exhaust rod, making it compatible with any brand of butane. The refueling process is quick, allowing you to get back to your tasks without hassle. However, it’s important to note that the butane gas is not included with the torch and needs to be purchased separately.
The torch features a premium ignition system that doesn’t require an external source for lighting, offering one-handed operation. The continuous flame mode makes it easy to use, and you can lock the torch in the “on” mode using the lock button, enabling extended use without having to hold down the trigger. Additionally, the built-in finger guard adds ergonomic and sturdy protection against extreme heat and burns, ensuring your safety while using the torch.
While the ravs Butane Torch offers impressive features, there is one issue with refilling it. The instructions provided may be unclear about the proper use of the red plastic nozzles and tool, causing confusion during the refilling process. Additionally, some users have experienced liquid butane spills during refilling, despite pressing the refill cylinder firmly against the torch valve. This issue may be due to the refill valve’s inability to create a tight seal with the refill cylinders. However, overall, the ravs Butane Torch provides reliable performance and exceptional duration, making it a valuable tool for various cooking and crafting tasks.
Pros
Cons
Comparision Table For Best Torch For Sous Vide Based On features
Get ready to go from 1 to 5 real quick, because it’s time to rate some products based on their crucial features! We’ve got the goods, you’ve got the expert opinion–all that’s left is for us to pick out the best of the best. Let’s put our critical eyes to work and get to rating!
| Product | Handling | Temperature Range | Usage | Consistancy | Adjustablity | Fuel Compatibility | Ease Of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 SearPro Cooking Torch | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| #2 Cardmap Kitchen Torch | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| #3 BLUEFIRE Torch Kit | 3 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| #4 Bernzomtic TS8000 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| #5 Jo Chef Kitchen Torch | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
Buyer’s Guide For Sous Vide Searing Torches
You won’t be able to impress your guests with the appearance of the meat you offer them if you don’t have a competent sous vide torch. If you want to get the maximum flavor out of the food you prepare, you should invest in an excellent sous vide torch. When considering the overall quality of a torch, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind, including the following.
Size Of The Torch
Do not use the small pastry torches that are used to make sugars caramelize in desserts if you want to sear and char sous vide meat. These torches are designed to make sugars caramelize in baked goods. These torches do not reach temperatures high enough to sear a food that has been prepared using sous vide. Their peak temperature reaches only approximately 2500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not even close to being high enough to properly sear steak.
Ease Of Use
Consider how comfortably you can hold the torch in your hands. You won’t be able to make effective use of it if it has an overly complicated interface because, after all, it is only a tool.
There is a wide range of sizes available for sous vide torches, each with a unique ergonomic grip.
Consistent Temperature
You need a torch for your sous to vide cooking that can produce a flame that is consistently maintained at the same temperature. If you don’t, you run the risk of having some burned bits on your steak, which will make the dish taste terrible.
“Torch Taste” or “gaseous” or “fuel” flavor
It is customary to refer to the “torch taste” whenever one discusses the torch method of completing a dish prepared using the sous vide technique. This is because dishes finished with a torch sometimes get unsavory “gaseous” or “fuel” flavor.
People refer this flavor as the “torch taste.”
At first, many believed that the chemicals caused the taste of a torch in the fuel. People frequently debated which of the three most prevalent fuels—propane, butane, or MAPP—emitted the most potent taste when used in a torch.
On the other hand, recent research conducted at UC Davis demonstrated that the primary reason for the “torch taste” was the creation of new, unpleasant molecules on the food due to the excessive heat. Based on these findings, it would appear that controlling the temperature at which the the chef complete sear is the most essential thing we can do to eliminate the “torch taste.”
Temperature Range Of The Torch
The ability of the sous vide torch to attain and maintain a specific temperature is of the utmost significance. When we sear at a faster speed, the temperature of the torch rises. Some can reach considerably higher temperatures than others, but this also means that if you aren’t used to operating a sous vide torch, you can set it up to an unsafe temperature for your food. If this is the case, you should look for a torch with various settings that can be adjusted with the turn of a knob to produce temperatures ranging from barely any flame to very high levels. (Stay tuned for further details on that topic.)
Multiple Usage
Whether you are an experienced cook or just starting, you will likely need to try out a wide range of foods to find the ones that best suit your preferences. Then, when you get a torch to sear your food, you should look for one that you can use on various foods, including meat, fish, sweets, and vegan dishes.
Getting a torch with different temperature settings will ensure you get the most out of your purchase.
Propane Torch Vs Butane Torch
| Propane Torch | Butane Torch | |
| Temperature Range | 3600 °F – 3623 °F | 2400 °F – 2,610 °F |
| Carbon Monoxide Production | Moderate | Low |
| Works In Sub-Zero Temperature | Yes | No |
| Ease Of Use | Bulky | Compact And Portable |
People from various walks of life and working in a wide variety of professions find the propane and butane gas torches they use to be valuable equipment. However, most homemakers and others who aren’t involved in those industries won’t understand the distinction between these two types of instruments, even though some professionals, like chefs and tradespeople, will utilize them for cooking. Butane and propane torches each have their advantages and disadvantages; nonetheless, only one of the two is recommended for regular use.
Similarities
If you are concerned about the state of the environment, you should be aware that torches that burn propane or butane produce no emissions that are harmful to the earth and burn cleanly. As long as we use them properly, there is no risk to users’ health, and they do not harm the natural world over time.
Differences
The torch size is the primary factor differentiating butane and propane torches in terms of the applications we can carry out with each. Because propane torches heat up more quickly and remain hotter for longer, they are significantly larger. Butane torches, on the other hand, are not as large as their propane counterparts. In addition, propane tanks typically require the use of both hands. One hand is needed to manipulate the torch head, while the other is necessary to hold the cylinder. On the other hand, a butane torch requires one hand to operate it.
Butane Torch
Butane torches are convenient tools around the house and kitchen for completing straightforward tasks. Beside cooking they can link metals and cables together, release stuck fasteners, and address plumbing issues. This torch burns at a temperature of around 2,610 degrees. On Amazon, these torches are often between $15 and $20 most of the time.
Pros Of Butane Torch
Cons Of Butane Torch
- Give off less carbon monoxide when they burn
- Compact and portable
- Has a high enough temperature to melt most common metals, like aluminum and copper, making it a great tool for home repairs.
- Multiple uses, cooking, lighting cigars, melting metals for repair etc.
- Smaller flame
- Cannot be used in freezing temperature less than 30 degree Fahrenheit.
- Burns slower and cooler than propane torch
Propane Torch
Besides cooking and searing propane torches can be used for day to day tasks. Propane torches are the most effective tools for use in the completion of larger home repair tasks. Propane torches can be used in the kitchen in the same way that butane torches can, but only provide adequate room ventilation. Propane torches can be used for large-scale industrial operations and in the kitchen.
A propane torch can achieve temperatures higher than 3,600 degrees Fahrenheit, although this depends on the model. We can purchase a propane torch at Amazon and Home Depot for the same price as butane torches, which is between $15 and $20. Propane has a boiling point of -43 degrees which means that it can work in below-freezing temperatures, unlike butane.
Pros Of Propane Torch
Cons Of Propane Torch
- Propane burns hotter and faster than butane
- Propane burns hotter than butane
- Can work in below-freezing temperatures, unlike butane
- Emitted more carbon monoxide
- Have a bigger tank, making them less portable than butane torches
Buy Butane Canisters
Ronson Lighter Butane Refill
Chef Master 90340 | Pack of 4 Butane Fuel Cylinders
GasOne Butane Fuel Canister
How To Fill Butane In Torch
Buy Propane Cylinders
Coleman Propane Fuel
Standard Propane Fuel Cylinder – Pack of 3
How To Refill Propane Cylinder From Propane Tank
How To Connect Propane Cylinder To Torch
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best torch for sous vide cooking, then this post is for you. We’ve reviewed six of the best torches on the market and compared them based on fuel type, run time, durability, and price. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right torch for your needs. So what are you waiting for? Check out our reviews of the best torches for sous vide cooking now!
