If you enjoy working in the kitchen and trying new cooking techniques, you may have considered sous vide. It’s an interesting style of cooking that results in deliciously tender dishes, but you will need to finish your dish with a sous vide torch. However, if you think you can use any kitchen torch for sous vide cooking, you are wrong. Sous vide charring requires consistent and higher temperatures, so it’s important to choose the right tool.

In our quest for the best flashlight for sous vide, we looked at different fuel sources, which can not only impact maximum flame temperature, but also accessibility for long-term use. We also evaluated the size and weight of each torch. This is important for comfort and safety when using the flashlight. Finally, we looked at the warranty that comes with each product and helps reassure about the quality.

Bernzomatic TS8000

The Bernzomatic TS8000 is a professional quality flashlight that can be used to sear steaks. But, it also offers the convenience of being able to use it to brulee or even weld metal! It has a high intensity flame and high heat output that can help you reduce your searing times and ensure your meat stays tender and juicy.

The adjustable flame control knob makes it easy to maintain a safe and effective flame size and intensity. The model also features a longer tip that keeps the flame away from your hand. Despite this, the TS8000 is well balanced, making it easy to use with one hand.

To operate the flashlight, you simply press the ignition button and the flame appears. As long as you hold down the trigger, you can continue to grip. As soon as you release it, the flame goes out automatically. This makes the TS8000 remarkably easy and safe to use, and the best kitchen flashlight for sous vide. You can use a continuous flame whenever you need it.

You can fuel your TS8000 with propane or Map-Pro gas. Bernzomatic offers its own brand of gas cylinders, but you can also use regular propane cans.

Sondiko flashlight

The Sondiko torch is not only the best torch for sous vide searing, but it can also be an excellent tool for desserts such as crème brûlée and other cooking. Another aspect that makes this torch appealing is its aesthetics. The Sondiko is beautifully designed and would look great on any kitchen counter.

This torch is made with high quality materials, designed to last for years of use after purchase. It is backed by a replacement policy and a lifetime warranty. So while it may not be the cheapest option on our list, you are making a lifetime investment.

The flame is fully adjustable, so you can optimize it for any dish. Whether you need a higher flame for searing or a lower heat for a more delicate dessert, the Sondiko can meet your needs.

With its one-touch operation and simple trigger, you can safely create beautiful sous vide dishes. The safety lock ensures you don’t accidentally turn on the burner, while the wide base provides stability. There’s also an anti-scald finger guard and a long, angled spout to keep your hands away from the flames.

It is refillable with butane which is sold separately. You can use any brand, but refilling is easy. When you’re ready to use it, just slide the safety lock and turn it on with the innovative piezo ignition technology. This gives you a miniature, portable flashlight that you can even take with you on a camping trip.

Blazer GT-8000 Big Shot

The Blazer GT 8000 Big Shot offers great power with a sleek design. It features a Piezo electric ignition system that makes it easy to use and eliminates the need for an external ignition.

This is perhaps the easiest torch to use, making it a definite contender for the best torch for cooking sous vide steaks. Simply turn the fuel control knob and you’ll hear a hissing sound from the butane. Press the ignition switch and you’ll feel a slight feedback as the torch lights up.

The dial offers a firm response movement against your finger, allowing for fine tuning. You can adjust the flame to an impressive five inches. So you can wow your guests as you finish searing your sous vide. The Big Shot is also capable of reaching temperatures of 2,500ºf.

In fact, the Big Shot is so durable that you can use it for sous-vide or in your workshop! The only problem with the torch is that you need both hands to turn it on. This offers greater safety, as you are fully aware of the lighting sequence. But it’s not as convenient as some of the other flashlights on our list.

Butane kitchen torch JDHON

The JDHON butane flashlight is a popular mini flashlight ideal for home chefs. While many aspiring cooks may feel intimidated by professional style torches, this one is specifically designed for the home kitchen.

Although it takes longer to sear with a smaller flame and lower temperature, JDHON is easy to use. It is also better suited for delicate tasks such as making bar cocktails, caramelizing crème brûlée, camping or even your craft projects.

The flashlight features a fuel gauge and adjustable flame, so you can easily monitor your refill needs. While it may seem simple, the fuel gauge will prevent you from running out of fuel in the middle of a seizure or finishing your crème brûlée. It can produce a continuous flame up to six inches at temperatures up to 2370ºf.

There are also a myriad of built-in safety features. For example, there is a finger guard to help protect your fingers from burns and extreme heat. There is also a safety lock to prevent gas leaks.

The torch runs on butane, which is not supplied with the torch. However, you can use any brand of butane, as long as the cartridge has a long universal refill tip.

Flintronic

The flintronic kitchen torch is another popular choice because its price is low, but its features are excellent. It has safety features such as a safety ignition lock and a wide base to prevent tipping.

However, it is not the strongest of choices. Compared to some of the other models on our list, it seems a bit flimsy. But, if you’re interested in doing the occasional sous-vide or caramelization, it should be sufficient for your needs. It can create temperatures up to 2400ºf, which means it has the power to handle those culinary tasks. You can even use it for other lighting needs such as cigar lighting, small craft projects, barbecues and campfire lighting. Because it’s so small and light, it’s easy to take with you on your outdoor adventures.

You can use it one-handed and even upside down without compromising flame and cooking performance. This makes it easy for new sous vide chefs to learn the best searing techniques.

SPLAKS cooking torch

The Tintec Chef torch is a professional kitchen torch from a reputable brand. It features a lightweight aluminum alloy shell and ABS plastic handle for a durable body with a good grip. This means it won’t slip, even with heavy use.

The flashlight itself is short and small, so it’s easier to touch than many other kitchen flashlights. The stainless steel tip withstands high temperatures and ensures durability. There is also a safety lock to prevent accidental ignition. In addition, the wide base prevents tipping without affecting the ergonomics of the torch.

Despite its small size, this model can reach temperatures of 2500ºf with easily adjustable flames.

The SPLAKS torch is also flexible enough for other uses around the house, including lighting candles, caramelizing desserts and even soldering DIY jewelry. It comes with a screwdriver and brush for easy maintenance to ensure longevity.

Spicy Dew Blower Torch

The Spicy Dew Torch is a great tool for creating the perfect texture and flavor. It is a highly rated torch that is affordable. It can be a reliable tool for bringing out the best in your sous vide dishes.

Whether it’s searing meat, melting cheese, caramelizing fruit, or finishing a coulis, the Spicy Dew Torch can do it all. It is very easy to use and looks great. Its compact design makes it easy to store in your kitchen and you can even take it on the road.

Despite its modest proportions, the Spicy Dew has a number of superb safety features. It has anti-glare technology, child safety and hand protection. The torch is made from durable metals and has a solid base to prevent it from tipping over after being set down.

The Spicy Dew is also remarkably easy to use. To light the flame, simply press the safety lock and release button after turning the flame control knob. You can also easily adjust the intensity of the flame to suit your cooking task.

Why buy a vacuum torch?

While they used to be found only in commercial kitchens and used by professional chefs, kitchen torches have become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, if you want to tackle impressive desserts and sous vide, a torch is an essential kitchen tool.

For sous vide dishes, the final touch before topping and serving is the use of a torch. This allows you to sear and crisp your meats to create an exceptional finish.

Since sous vide cooking is essentially cooking the food in water, there is no way to achieve an exterior char without a torch. Using a torch allows you to create a crispy finish as you would in a pan without overcooking and drying out the meat.

The high temperature of a flashlight can allow you to create a Maillard reaction. This gives you a brown, toasty crust on your meat, while the inside remains tender and juicy.

Features to consider when choosing a vacuum torch

Here are some of the important features you should consider before making your final purchase decision.

Safety in use

Since you are dealing with extremely high temperatures with this handheld tool, it is essential that it is as safe to use as possible. At the very least, your flashlight should be equipped with a finger guard and a safety lock. However, it is also important to consider how easily you can adjust the flame and set the flashlight down while it is in use.

Fuel Source

There are three basic fuel sources used for vacuum torches:

Butane: This is a slightly cooler burning type of gas. It is typically used in small torches such as the Authenzo kitchen torch.

Propane: This is a popular fuel for kitchen torches. It can generate high heat while remaining inexpensive. It also offers great versatility.

Map-Pro: This is a propylene gas, which is a type of propane. It burns slightly hotter than regular propane, but is more expensive. It offers some versatility, but some users report that the quality of the search does not reflect its higher price than regular propane.

Map-Pro replaced MAPP gas, which was discontinued in 2008.

Maximum temperature and consistency

The temperature that a flashlight can reach and maintain consistently is crucial for sous-vide. The higher the temperature, the faster the cooking. However, if you want to use your flashlight for other types of cooking, such as baking, you will need a flashlight that can be easily adjusted.

Ideally, you’ll want to choose a highly adjustable model that can switch from low to high heat with the turn of a knob.

Consistency is crucial, especially when charring meat. Your torch should be able to maintain a constant temperature for a shorter or longer period of time to ensure even cooking.

For example, the Kollea kitchen flashlight can reach temperatures of 2500ºf with an easily adjustable flame.

Size and weight

If you want to sear and char sous vide dishes, a small flashlight that you would use to caramelize sugar in your desserts will probably not produce sufficient and consistent heat.

However, the torch should be small enough that you can handle it comfortably. There is no point in buying a large torch if you cannot hold it safely while using it.

The “taste” of the torch

You may not be familiar with the term “torch taste,” but it is a phenomenon that is attributed to the chemicals in the fuel of kitchen torches. This is a hotly debated issue in the cooking community. Some argue that butane has a stronger torch taste than propane.

However, you can minimize the risk of torch taste by diffusing the flames and allowing them to spread rather than having a direct flame.

Our verdict

As you can see, there are some excellent kitchen torches on the market suitable for sous vide. From the versatile Blazer GT 8000 Big Shot, which is easy to use, but produces high temperatures ideal for sous vide, to the Sondiko torch that can sear sous vide and has the flexibility to caramelize sugars for desserts.

However, the best flashlight for sous vide is our editors’ choice, the Bernzomatic TS8000. This impressive flashlight is a professional grade tool that produces a high intensity flame and great heat. It is a well-balanced flashlight with a longer tip that can be used with one hand. Just hold the trigger down for continuous cooking. This makes it ideal for making delicious sous-vide dishes that will wow your family

and friends.