If you want to take your cooking to the next level, then you’ll need a special tool that’s all about presentation. Kitchen blow torches are tool often associated with luxury restaurants and professional chefs, but you’d be surprised to learn how easy it is for home cooks as well.
A blow torch can turn a simple meal into a special experience. Whether you’re cooking for your spouse or the entire family, first impressions are everything, and a blow torch can bring a special look, taste, and colour to your meals.
Many home cooks are intimidated by flames, but when used correctly, a cooking blow torch can transform the way you serve your meals with just one small finishing touch.
What Is a Cooking Blow Torch?
A cooking blow torch is a culinary tool mainly used by professional chefs. But thanks to social media coverage and good reviews, these tools have become quite popular with home cooks as well.
Essentially, a kitchen blow torch is a lightweight, handheld torch that emits a small yet powerful flame with just the press of a button.
The reason these torches have become popular recently are incredibly easy and safe to use, even for beginners. Of course, when using a cooking torch, you’re still working with high-temperature flames, so care and attention are always advised.
These types of tools are mostly used in kitchens to help give desserts that distinct caramelised finish. However, many cooks also use them to brown pies and cakes, roast meats, and give unique colouring to delicate desserts.
There are generally two types of cooking blow torches available: butane and propane torches. Regardless of the type of gas they use, they are generally used the same way. Most torches also feature a safety mechanism that allows you to turn off the gas valve, helping prevent accidents.
When you’re ready to use the torch, switch the valve to the on position and press the button to release the gas. Once the spark ignites the gas, the torch will produce a slow, controlled flame that can be carefully directed onto the food of your choice.
Why Use a Blow Torch for Cooking?
When using a blow torch in the kitchen, you’re not simply replacing one tool with another. You’re adding something entirely new to your kitchenware collection, as no other device can quite replicate the results a kitchen torch can achieve.
That said, a blow torch opens up a range of new cooking possibilities to explore. It’s not just for caramelising crème brûlée or roasting marshmallows; it also allows you to experiment with a variety of foods and cooking techniques.
Peeling Vegetables
Blow torches are perfect for peeling and charring vegetables. Using a torch on vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers can char their skins, making them loose and easy to peel. This is particularly useful when you want to make a delicious vegetable soup but don’t feel like roasting and peeling all the vegetables, which can take hours.
On the other hand, using a torch on a lower setting to char vegetables such as onions, carrots, zucchini, and eggplant can give them a distinct roasted, almost barbecue-like flavour. This simple technique can add depth to your dishes and help you create unique meals for the whole family.
S’Mores
There’s nothing more fun than camping indoors, especially on a rainy evening. But being indoors doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite campfire rituals, not when you have a blow torch. Kitchen torches are perfect for making gooey, toasted marshmallow s’mores. The key is to keep the flame low and controlled, gently moving it around the marshmallows until they become golden and toasty.
It’s a fun, memorable activity that you and your kids can enjoy together and remember for years to come.
Charing Meats
A kitchen torch can be especially useful for giving meat a delicious, charred finish. However, you should never rely on a torch to cook the meat completely. Instead, use it after the searing to add a crispy, caramelised touch to the outer layer, bringing an extra depth of flavour to your meal.
You can even take it a step further by sprinkling a small amount of sugar over your steak before torching it. This creates a pleasant caramelised crust that can make your meal feel like it came straight from a Michelin-starred restaurant rather than your own kitchen.
Choosing the Right One for Your Cooking Needs
If you want a blow torch for your personal kitchen needs, you should know how to choose the right one for your cooking style and requirements.
As mentioned before, standard cooking blow torches come in two types, depending on the type of gas they use.
Butane torches are more flexible than their propane counterparts. They use refillable cartridges, making them easier to use and generally more eco-friendly. On the other hand, propane torches come with slightly larger gas tanks. This makes them more powerful, but also potentially more dangerous for beginners.
Ergonomics are also important. You should choose a torch that is easy to use and doesn’t feel too heavy in your hand. Because the key to achieving a tasty final touch lies in controlling the blow torch, it should be the right size and shape to allow for maximum precision.
Even if you’re feeling brave, always prioritise torches with safety valves. The safety features aren’t there just for you; they can also protect anyone who accidentally touches the torch without knowing how to use it properly. The extra step in choosing and using a safer blow torch is well worth it when it helps prevent unwanted accidents.
The Bottom Line
To summarise, kitchen blow torches are practical tools for adventurous cooks. Although they are not a necessary addition to your kitchen, they can be exactly what you need to take your cooking skills to the next level. Blow torches come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, making them suitable for every type of cook.
Whether your goal is to take your desserts to the next level or prepare a more visually appealing dinner for your family, a blow torch can help you achieve that and much more. Expand your culinary skills by experimenting with new tools and advanced techniques, and have fun using this powerful tool to its full potential.
