How to Use a Kitchen Torch

How to Use a Kitchen Torch thumbnail
Kitchen torches brown the tops of food items.

Kitchen torches are very similar to other types of torches except that they are smaller and use a different gas. The torch runs off a canister of butane gas, produceing a hot flame at the tip. A kitchen torch is used to brown the outside of a food item without cooking the inside of the food, thus creating a brown crust. It is most often used to melt the sugar on top of crème brûlée or to brown marshmallows. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Butane canister
  • Kitchen torch
  • Matches or lighter
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Position the pan or dish of the food item on a work surface that will not be damaged by heat.

    • 2

      Insert a butane canister into the kitchen torch following the manufacturer's instructions. For most torches you simply open the handle compartment and insert the top nozzle of the butane canister upward until it is secure.

    • 3

      Slide the power or lock switch to the "On" position.

    • 4

      Press the trigger of the kitchen torch with your index finger to start the flow of gas as you simultaneously hold a lighter or a lit match in front of the torch. Use a long match or lighter and do not get your hands or fingers too close to the nozzle.

    • 5

      Hold the flame of the kitchen torch 3 to 4 inches away from the food item that you are browning. Watch the food carefully; as soon as one section begins to brown, move the flame to another section. Continue until the entire surface has been browned.

Tips & Warnings

  • When making crème brûlée, use the finest sugar available for the best results.

  • Be careful when handling the pan or dish after using the kitchen torch; it will be very hot.

Related Searches:

References

  • Photo Credit hand held torch image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Safely Use a Butane Torch

    Butane torches offer a wide variety of applications, such as cooking and soldering. Most butane torches are powered by a refillable tank...

  • Instructions for a Creme Brulee Torch

    A creme brulee torch is the ultimate cooking luxury. It is used to quickly caramelize the topping on this elegant dessert, a...

  • Uses for a Kitchen Torch

    Uses for a Kitchen Torch. Though not often used by the average home cook, a kitchen torch is a useful tool for...

  • Pencil Torch Instructions

    A pencil torch is a diminutive specialized tool that emits a flame to heat nonflammable items, such as for soldering or for...

  • How to Refill a Mini Butane Torch

    A mini butane torch can be used for caramelizing sugar in the kitchen, lighting a cigar in the den or shrinking heat...

  • How to Use a Crème Brulee Torch

    The crème brulee torch may have a home in the kitchen, but you don't have to keep it stored in a cupboard...

  • Gas Torch Types

    Gas Torch Types. Gas torches are devices that burn gases to produce extremely hot flames for welding, cutting and other applications. According...

  • Blow Torch Instructions

    A blowtorch has many uses, such as welding metal, soldering parts of a hobby project or even cooking food in a gourmet...

  • How to Refill a Butane Torch Lighter

    A butane torch lighter is a useful tool to keep handy in a home for easy lighting of candles and grills and...

  • Tips for Use of a Culinary Torch

    A culinary torch is a user-friendly cooking tool with a number of different uses in the kitchen. The torch produces a strong...

  • How to Use a Drip Torch

    Controlling fire with fire seems redundant at first, but firefighters use this tactic to reduce the amount of material a fire (such...

  • Use of a Propane Torch Inside a Residence

    Handheld propane torches have many useful household applications, ranging from plumbing repair to cooking. Proper precautions must be taken while using a...

  • What Torch Tips to Use for Soldering Jewelry

    Knowing what size and type of torch tip to use for soldering jewelry depends on the type of torch you have. Other...

  • How to Use a Cutting Torch

    Torch cutting has been around for a long time. There are so many things that you can do with a cutting torch...

  • How to Use an Oxy-Acetylene Cutting Torch

    An oxy-acetylene torch is a handy tool to have in a garage. Torches can heat stuck bolts, bend metal, cut metal pieces...

  • Blow Torch Tips

    Blow Torch Tips. Blow torches are used for a wide variety of purposes. In construction, they are used to weld pieces of...

  • How to Wire a Kitchen Light

    Wiring a kitchen light can sound intimidating. However, knowing the basics will help you when changing out a light. Taking the proper...

  • How to Use Tiki Torches

    Use tiki torches to light up the yard, patio or camping site. There are proper ways to use the torches so that...

  • How to Light Bernzomatic Torches

    Bernzomatic torches are a common tool used for plumbing or removing paint from wood and metal. The majority of Bernzomatic torch heads...

  • How to Use a Small Butane Torch

    Butane torches can be used in many different ways and for many purposes, but by far the most common of these is...

Related Ads

Know Your Knives: Josh Ozersky’s Comprehensive Guide

I have a lot of knives. You probably do too. I really don’t know what to do with them all. There’s a Chinese cleaver, aï؟½

Featured