Sous vide is a type of cooking which produces very high quality results. For many years, it was restricted to professionals only due to the cooking accessories required.
However, in recent times the overall cost of these tools has reduced significantly, making sous vide cooking accessible for everyone!
Sous vide is French for ‘under vacuum’, but it refers to the act of cooking where produce (usually meat) is kept in a temperature controlled environment until cooked to perfection.
Produce is put in a sealed bag under water or steam, so as to closely control the temperature.
The results of this style of cooking are usually excellent, as it prevents the food from overcooking and also retains many of the natural juices.
It’s no wonder that this has become such a popular style of preparation!
While it is not strictly necessary, using a kitchen torch to sear meat that has been cooked in the sous vide style is highly recommended.
This is because it adds an extra level of deliciousness to your meals – adding that lovely crispy exterior to dishes such as steak.
When compared to other options such as pan searing steak, cooking with a kitchen torch results in a much better finish.
Pan searing can be unpredictable and lead to overcooking, whereas skillful use of a kitchen torch leads to absolutely perfect results every time.
The key to getting the perfect look and taste to your sous vide steak is selecting a kitchen torch that reaches the correct temperature and also gives you complete control over the size and shape of the flame.
Plus, given the heat we are talking about – it is important that whatever torch you use has appropriate safety features.
Therefore, we have put together this helpful list of the best options available for you to get that perfect, restaurant quality charred steak.
| Brand | Max Temperature | Adjustable flame? | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1. Benzomatic TS8000 Our Best Pick  Check Price | Depends on fuel type | Yes | Limited lifetime |
#2. Searzall Torch Attachment* Check Price | N/A | N/A | 3 months only |
#3. EurKitchen Culinary Butane Torch Check Price | 2370 F | Yes | Replacement |
#4. Iwatani PRO2 Butane Torch Check Price | 2700 F | Yes | 1 year |
#5. JB Chef Culinary Torch Check Price | 2730 F | Yes | None |
* note: the Searzall is an attachment not a torch. Therefore it is not directly comparable.
1. Benzomatic TS8000 – High Intensity Trigger Start Torch
One of the most popular options for sous vide cooking, the Benzomatic TS8000 is the hottest burning torch in the Benzomatic range. As we have discussed, this makes it most appropriate for sous vide cooking and charring off those perfect steaks.
This kitchen torch comes highly recommended from cooking enthusiasts who recommend its consistent temperature and flame for great results. It has an easy ON/OFF switch, and can be locked onto ‘ON’ to prevent finger fatigue while cooking. This makes it an enjoyable product to use.
This torch is also super durable, with its design including a cast aluminum body for maximum sturdiness. This product is likely to last for decades, with only the fuel needing to be replaced once it runs out. Given its durability, it is certainly a wise investment for a cooking enthusiast.
While this torch will produce exceptional results for sous vide cooking, including perfectly charred steaks, it has much wider uses, too. This torch can be used in other forms of cooking such as dessert making and barbecuing, and even non-cooking hobbies such as jewellery making!
It really is a great tool to have around the home, especially given that it is not particularly expensive and offers great value.
2. Searzall Torch Attachment (Stainless)
While this nifty gadget is not a torch on its own (you will need to attach it to a blow torch, such as the Benzomatic TS8000), it produces exceptional results time and time again.
The Searzall attachment’s clever design makes sure that your steaks are seared to perfection every time by evenly distributing the fierce heat across the meat by directing the flame through 2 layers of mesh. By doing this, it also avoids any of the aromas which are sometimes associated with cooking with blowtorches.
This tool will allow you to easily make restaurant quality dishes right in the comfort of your own kitchen, however it is also great for camping. Your friends will undoubtedly be impressed by the perfect burgers, pizzas, steaks and more that you can make with the Searzall Torch.
While it is a bit more pricey than some of the other options, this unique product has brilliant reviews and is undoubtedly worth the price tag. This product sells out quickly, so it is advisable to keep an eye out and snap one up quickly when it becomes available!
3. EurKitchen Culinary Butane Torch
One of the most cost effective options on our list, this handy tool is light-weight yet durable. Rated highly for sous vide cooking, it is also great for other kind of cooking such as making crème brulee. You will take your cooking to the next level with the EurKitchen Culinary Butane Torch!
While cooking with open flames can produce exceptional taste and presentation, it can also be dangerous. The EurKitchen Culinary Butane Torch is very safe, with a finger guard to prevent accidental burns, and a gas lock to prevent anyone from accidentally igniting the torch.
With a maximum temperature of 2370 degrees farenheit, it is not the hottest tool on our list, however it is a great and versatile addition for any cooking enthusiast. Plus, it allows close control over the flame, with a convenient gas flow regulator. This allows you to have the close control that is so important for sous vide cooking.
This product is very affordable and is a great way to start experimenting with sous vide cooking. It is a safe and durable option, where the only ongoing cost is filling up the small butane tank. Enjoy!
4, Iwatani PRO2 Culinary Butane Torch
This kitchen torch is a great option for those wanting to bring their sous vide cooking to the next level. Its clever design allows the chef to have full control over the size and shape of the flame, so it can be used for all kinds of cooking from searing steaks to charring vegetables.
This product ignites easily for both ease of use and safety, so there is no need to mess around trying to light the torch. It also has a stabilising plate to keep the temperature consistent – with these features, it is no wonder that Iwatani has such a good name.
The size of this torch is also very conveniently sized, meaning it is easy to store in your kitchen or even take camping or out to the barbecue.
The Iwatani PRO2 Butane Torch is very cost effective, and it is recommended to refill the Torch with official Iwatani butane canisters for the best results.
5. JB Chef Culinary Micro Butane Torch
A very popular option for sous vide cooking, the JB Chef Culinary Micro Butane Torch has thousands of happy customers. This tool is well designed, making it the perfect addition to any cook’s toolbox!
The flame on this product ignites easily every time, and can then be adjusted to get the perfect result. Whether it is melting cheese, creating crème brulee or searing your sous vide cooked steak, you are sure to impress with this micro torch.
Plus, its design looks great and is very lightweight, so it is easy to store or transport.
This product is very affordable, especially because it has a lifetime money back guarantee should the product become faulty. It does not come with butane, so you do need to purchase those canisters separately.
And the winner is…
Whether you are a sous vide efficianado or a relative beginner, there are lots of great options out there. However, looking at all of our criteria – including value for money, features, and maximum temperature – our pick for the best of the bunch is the Benzomatic S8000.
This is a lightweight kitchen torch with great reliability and features. Best of all, it is easily compatible with the Searzall, which also features on our list, if you want to expand your sous vide repertoire.
However, all of these torches are perfect for sous vide cooking. Over the next few years, we expect that sous vide cooking will only get more popular as people realise what great results it gets!
Therefore, not only are these torches great additions to your own kitchen, but you may like to consider them as a gift for that cooking enthusiast in your life.
While all of these options include great safety features, it is important to be careful when using these tools.
Make sure you keep them well out of the way of children, and store the butane tanks securely. We don’t want any accidents to distract from your delicious cooking!
Perhaps the best thing about these tools is that they are all fairly inexpensive. Therefore, you don’t have to spend a fortune in order to start cooking restaurant quality meals in your own home.
Impress your friends and family, and let your creativity run wild, by cooking with these impressive kitchen torches.
