Butane Torch for Crème Brûlée, etc

[SheilaAnn]

Hi! As always, wrong spot? Move as needed.

any suggestions on a butane torch for crème brûlées? I need to do about 260 of them next weekend, quickly. After that, we will rarely use the tool. Thanks for your input!

[MBMorgan]

Since it sounds like kind of a one-off, I'd keep it simple. I find refilling little pastry torches to be a real pain, so I'd suggest a torch head that clips directly to butane fuel cylinders (with the right sort of snap ring) like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Jo-Chef-Kitchen-Torch-Lighter/dp/B0BM9DF5TW/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.afd9c6b4-b179-4d6a-8ad1-7056a39c01ab%3Aamzn1.sym.afd9c6b4-b179-4d6a-8ad1-7056a39c01ab&crid=28M87CX1SV9A3&cv_ct_cx=pastry%2B torch&keywords=pastry%2Btorch&pd_rd_i=B0BM9DF5TW&p d_rd_r=554f0e2e-0c84-45fb-9d6d-8a2d433b4f94&pd_rd_w=wYasS&pd_rd_wg=b6QMO&pf_rd_p= afd9c6b4-b179-4d6a-8ad1-7056a39c01ab&pf_rd_r=G6NJEPC9YSFVZFV0BKTW&qid=1695 241465&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&spre fix=pastry%2Btorch%2Caps%2C106&sr=1-2-2b34d040-5c83-4b7f-ba01-15975dfb8828-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0a WM&th=1

FWIW, I've got no personal experience with this one, but it looks pretty good on amazon. Also FWIW, I don't how long one of those fuel cylinders will last, so I'd suggest ordering extras.

[mcook2201]

Even though I posted a reply of what we use, this item seems to be a better option. Think I will look to order one of these since we use the full butane often. Thanks!

[MBMorgan]

mcook2201 - Before you do that, have a look at an extension hose kit (which is what I actually use, myself) so that you can tip the torch head in any direction or orientation without propane spluttering all over your dish:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00448JJXI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[SheilaAnn]

This one was Serious Eats review #2 choice.

[mcook2201]

This is what we use, pick up at Lowes or Home Depot.

[WayneT]

+1

[captainlee]

I think this will work.

[SheilaAnn]

That’s a lot of single serving crème brûlées!

[jfmorris]

I think I would go with one of the Benzomatic torch heads with a trigger start, and use standard hardware store butane cylinders. The one without a trigger is fine if you don't mind lighting with a lighter, and having it on the entire time. Certainly a lot cheaper.

[Bkhuna]

Yup. The trigger starter also let's you tilt the tank at any angle which comes in very handy when starting grills, etc.

[Attjack]

Do not cheap out it sucks without a trigger.

[scottranda]

Agree with all this

[Davek8282]

I'm a plus 1 on the benzomatic torch with trigger start. Plus they come in handy in other ways. I used mine while I waited for a replacement igniter for my pellet grill. Can be used to light charcoal and/or fire starters, and of course in older homes great for soldering copper pipe when doing repairs.

[Attjack]

#1 I like my Bernzomatic which I keep in the outdoor kitchen.

https://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-TS4000-Trigger-Start-Torch/dp/B00008ZA09/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.1c86ab1a-a73c-4131-85f1-15bd92ae152d%3Aamzn1.sym.1c86ab1a-a73c-4131-85f1-15bd92ae152d&crid=U57RE2GJYWYI&cv_ct_cx=Bernzomatic&keywords=Bernzomatic&pd_rd_i=B00008ZA09&pd_rd_r=6bbe0626-e6c4-4fdf-af5f-765318c70a99&pd_rd_w=rucRv&pd_rd_wg=gc64A&pf_rd_p=1c86ab1a-a73c-4131-85f1-15bd92ae152d&pf_rd_r=E13007C9TT4BVHJGP5QD&qid=1695325231&s=hi&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=bernzomatic+%2Ctools%2C154&sr=1-2-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1

#2 I like these butane torches.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0975NK735/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

#3 I like this torch that I use to light me BBQ.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JLQBPZT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[jfmorris]

Wow! Those trigger start torch heads seem to keep going up in price. It seems a lot more than last time I looked at one.

I had the old manual light head with the knob. It was attached to a cylinder, which got knocked off a shelf. Snapped the torch head right off...

[Attjack]

jfmorris Here's a cheaper version.

https://www.amazon.com/Worthington-336737-WT2301-Trigger-Propane/dp/B004FPZACE/ref=sr_1_20?crid=2413BJB0QKMOJ&keywords=Bernzomatic&qid=1695330198&s=hi&sprefix=bernzomatic%2Ctools%2C149&sr=1-20

[Dadof3Illinois]

I have a cheap butane torch but use my Berzomatic with a wand head the most.

[troymeister]

The problem with the Benzomatic with the 1lb propane tank is after you use about 1/3 of the tank, the flame goes out when you tilt the torch horizontal. An extension hose remedies this but adds expense. I was doing several Creme Brûlées one time and had to use my broiler because the flame kept going out every time I tilted my torch.

[SheilaAnn]

troymeister our RG event is next weekend (there will be a play by play). We have two seatings on Sunday for a 6 course bean-focused meal. I’m doing dessert. While not beans, it will speak to the indigenous ingredients we are also celebrating.

150 for the first seating 1pm and 120 for the second 3:30.

[troymeister]

SheilaAnn You are friends with Steve Sando? He seems like the coolest of people. Good luck on your massive cook. Take pics and post. I would love to see more about your event.

[SheilaAnn]

troymeister we are friends 💕 like I said, there will be a play by play. 2 movie screenings with food, bean bingo brunch, walking art tour, wine tasting, mezcal tasting, supper with friends. It’s a big event!

[ecowper]

How is there any question that you need The Boring Company's Not A Flamethrower?

[mgaretz]

I have this one: https://amzn.to/48q9UCl

I use it mainly for searing but it would certainly do your creme Brulés in a hurry. It has a regulator so you can tip it any which way and the flame will not go out.

[RichieB]

Since its a 1 time use could you look into renting? See if it's the less expensive option. A thought.