Sondiko S907
Ankway kitchen torch
Högert Technik gas torch
JDhdon kitchen torch
Best kitchen torch
In cooking, there are finishes that are hard to achieve with a pan or oven without spending more time than necessary. Burning the sugar on a crème brûlée, browning a meringue, melting cheese on a burger, or giving a toasted touch to a piece of sous-vide cooked fish are tasks for which a culinary torch is especially practical. It can also help peel tomatoes or peppers quickly, singe small feathers on pieces of meat, or even flavor drinks with liquor. At EL PAÍS Escaparate we have tested four models of kitchen torches to see which offers the best combination of safety, comfort, power, and durability.
Which kitchen torches have we chosen and how did we test them?
When choosing the models for this comparison, we started from a simple idea: most kitchen torches available on the market reach similar maximum temperatures and allow flame intensity adjustment. Therefore, rather than focusing solely on power, we looked for differences in materials, construction, and fuel system. The selection combines refillable models with butane gas and others that require external cartridges, as well as bodies made of aluminum, metal, ceramic, zinc, or plastic. The four chosen brands are: Sondiko, Ankway, Högert Technik, and JDhdon.
The tests were conducted by a group of five people and with different types of food, to check not only the flame power but also its ease of use in real situations. During the tests, we evaluated capacity, maximum temperature, ease of ignition and flame adjustment, safety systems, and the sense of durability each torch conveyed. We also considered whether it could be used with one hand, if it was easy to refill or attach to a cartridge, and if its design was practical for regular domestic use.
Why can you trust me?
I am a journalist specialized in product analysis and, in recent years, I have tested and compared dozens of devices and accessories for media like El País. My way of evaluating starts from something very specific: understanding what a product really offers in relation to its cost. Not only in punctual tests but also in everyday use, because that is where the details that make a difference are perceived. Beyond specifications, I am interested in how it performs in practice, how consistent it is over time, and what limitations appear when you integrate it into your routine. Because, in the end, a good product is not the flashiest but the one that best justifies its price day to day. That is the criterion with which I build each recommendation.
Which kitchen torch was the winner?
The Sondiko S907 kitchen torch was the most complete and balanced model in the comparison. Its adjustable flame reaches up to 1,371 ºC, can be controlled with one hand, includes a safety lock, and has a transparent fuel indicator that makes it easy to know when to refill.
Does it work well?
What convinced me most about the Sondiko S907 kitchen torch is that it concentrates practically everything you can ask from a domestic kitchen torch without complicating its handling. The flame regulator and the lock button are within thumb reach, so you can adjust and keep the flame active with one hand. In practice, this is very comfortable when finishing a preparation and you don’t want to let go of the plate, tray, or utensil you are working with.
Also, it is the model that reaches the highest temperature in the comparison: up to 1,371 ºC. This power allows it to be used confidently for pastry tasks, such as caramelizing sugar or browning meringues, but also for browning meat, working with sous-vide preparations, or giving a toasted finish to vegetables, fish, and other foods. The flame is adjustable, so it does not force you to always work at maximum intensity, which is important when more precision is needed and not just applying heat aggressively.
Another differential point is its refill system. It works with butane gas and adapts to canisters with long or short nozzles; in the latter case, it includes a red adapter to extend the nozzle. The transparent fuel indicator located at the bottom seemed especially useful because it allows you to check at all times how much gas is left. It also includes a maximum fill line that serves as a reminder to avoid overfilling. With a full refill, its 10-gram capacity allows between 20 and 50 minutes of use, depending on flame intensity.
It also conveys a good sense of construction. The aluminum body feels more solid than other simpler finishes and, together with the safety lock, reinforces the impression of being a tool designed for frequent use. The piezoelectric ignition technology allows it to be used at different angles, even upside down, which expands its possibilities in the kitchen. We found no relevant negative aspects during the tests, and that is why it is the torch that offers the best performance for both domestic and somewhat more intensive use.
Why do we recommend it?
The best:
- Uses butane gas.
- Maximum temperature of 1,371 °C.
- Adjustable flame with one hand.
- Easy to refill.
- Safety lock.
- Aluminum body.
To improve:
- No negative aspects to consider.
Other alternatives to the best kitchen torch
Ankway kitchen torch
Thanks to its aluminum casing, continuous flame up to 1,300 ºC, and compact design, the Ankway torch offers very satisfactory performance. It is easy to refill, comfortable to handle, and safe, although it falls slightly behind the Sondiko due to its lower maximum temperature.
Does it work well?
The experience with the Ankway kitchen torch has been very positive, especially for the balance it offers between safety, comfort, and build quality. Its aluminum alloy casing is light but conveys resistance, and it also withstands temperatures up to 1,300 ºC. In practice, this figure is more than enough to caramelize sugar, prepare crème brûlée, melt ingredients, brown foods, or use it in barbecues and pastry tasks.
Handling is also simple. It has a regulator to adjust the flame and gas flow, allowing you to adapt the intensity to the type of preparation. It also produces a continuous and precise flame, which is appreciated when you need to work for several seconds on the same surface without constantly turning the torch on and off. Its compact size and ergonomic design make it easy to control, even in longer uses.
In safety, it performs very well. It includes a lock to prevent accidental ignition and a wide, sturdy base that helps keep it stable when left on the countertop. It is also easy to refill with butane gas through the filling valve, a more comfortable system for daily cooking than relying on external cartridges. Its main difference from the Sondiko is that it reaches a slightly lower temperature and does not offer the same level of information about available fuel. Still, in terms of construction, ease of use, and overall performance, it is one of the most convincing alternatives in the comparison.
Why do we recommend it?
The best:
- Uses butane gas.
- Maximum temperature of 1,300 °C.
- Adjustable flame.
- Easy to refill.
- Safety lock.
- Aluminum and ceramic body.
To improve:
- Reaches a slightly lower temperature than the winning model.
Högert Technik domestic gas torch
The Högert Technik kitchen torch stands out for its metal construction and a more robust orientation, even close to professional use. It reaches up to 1,300 ºC, has piezoelectric ignition and adjustable flame, although the use with external cartridges makes it less comfortable for daily cooking.
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Does it work well?
The Högert Technik torch seemed a solid option to me, especially for those who value robustness over comfort. Its metal body conveys a sense of durability superior to other models and also comes with a two-year warranty. It is also versatile, as it can be used in cooking, craft workshops, automobiles, fishing, or other areas where controlled heat application is needed.
It works with butane or propane-butane gas via external cartridges. The piezoelectric ignition allows starting it by pressing a button, and the rotary regulator facilitates precise flame adjustment. The metal valve helps ensure tightness and safe operation. During tests, its performance was correct and its maximum temperature of 1,300 ºC allows handling tasks like browning, caramelizing, or heating specific surfaces without problems.
However, in a comparison focused on kitchen torches, its main limitation is precisely the fuel system. Requiring external gas cartridges makes it less practical than directly refillable models. Also, it lacks a stable base to rest it comfortably, making it less manageable for common countertop tasks. Therefore, it is a robust and reliable torch but less convenient for those seeking a simple and comfortable tool for frequent domestic use.
Why do we recommend it?
The best:
- Uses propane-butane gas.
- Maximum temperature of 1,300 °C.
- Adjustable flame.
- Safety lock.
- Metal body.
To improve:
- Requires gas cartridges.
JDhdon kitchen torch
While it fulfills basic functions, the JDhdon kitchen torch conveys a lesser sense of robustness. It reaches up to 1,300 ºC, allows flame adjustment, and has a safety lock, although its plastic body and use with cartridges put it behind.
Does it work well?
The main limitation of the JDhdon kitchen torch is its construction. Although it combines zinc alloy and plastic, during tests it conveyed a less solid feel than its competitors. Also, it works with external gas cartridges, which is less practical than refillable models when looking for a comfortable tool for regular kitchen use.
Still, it is a functional torch. It allows adjusting both the size and intensity of the flame, includes a safety lock to prevent accidental ignition, and can be handled with one hand. It also offers a continuous flame, so it is not necessary to hold the button all the time when you want to burn, brown, or bake a preparation for several seconds. Its flame can reach up to six inches in length and a temperature of 1,300 ºC, enough for common kitchen tasks. However, its overall performance is somewhat below the other tested models, especially in comfort, practicality, and sense of durability.
Why do we recommend it?
The best:
- Uses butane gas.
- Maximum temperature of 1,300 °C.
- Adjustable flame.
- Safety lock.
To improve:
- Requires gas cartridges.
- Plastic body.
Frequently asked questions about kitchen torches
What is a kitchen torch?
This device is a portable tool designed to project a high-intensity flame and concentrated heat onto food. Its structure consists of a top burner with flow regulator and a lower cartridge that stores pressurized fuel. Unlike industrial versions, this domestic utensil has a compact size that facilitates ergonomic one-hand handling. Current models incorporate automatic piezoelectric ignition systems and safety locks to prevent accidental activations at home.
What can a kitchen torch be used for?
Its most popular application is in pastry, where it is indispensable for caramelizing the sugar on crème brûlée or browning meringue on complex cakes. In savory cooking, it serves to melt cheese immediately, toast salmon skin in sushi preparations, or add a crunchy touch to roasts. Likewise, cooks use this direct fire to remove feather remnants on poultry or peel peppers quickly. Its localized heat transforms textures in seconds without cooking the interior of the pieces.
What gas is used for a kitchen torch?
The standard fuel for this hardware is butane gas, the same used by common lighters. This substance stands out for its high calorific power, chemical stability, and clean combustion that does not alter the flavor or aroma of recipes at all. On the other hand, some professionals choose mixtures combining propane and butane, as this compound offers constant pressure even in very cold environments.
Is it worth buying a kitchen torch?
The investment is very worthwhile for gastronomy enthusiasts who want to elevate the presentation and finish of their home dishes. This accessory provides a level of precision that a conventional oven grill cannot emulate, as well as notable energy savings by avoiding preheating large appliances for specific tasks. Taking up minimal drawer space, it becomes a comfortable and versatile ally for special dinners. If you enjoy making traditional desserts or avant-garde techniques, its low cost fully justifies the purchase.
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*All purchase prices included in this article are updated as of August 13, 2026.
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