Blow Torch Test: Which One Is Best for Your Kitchen? - The Kitchen Gadget Test Show

On this episode of The Kitchen Gadget Test Show, host Esther Choi tests out different blow torches, to see which can crisp the top of crème brûlée, which can roast a tomato, and which can sear a steak.
Check out the gadgets:
Rösle Kitchen Torch ►► amzn.to/2l4sgWT
Messermeister Cheflamme Culinary Torch ►► fave.co/2ky81Rb
Iwatani PRO2 Cooking Torch ►► amzn.to/2kxtUjp
Bernzomatic TS8000 High Intensity Torch ►► amzn.to/2mrzx3d
Searzall Torch Attachment ►► amzn.to/2kxP6Wy
See all the kitchen gadgets reviewed by Eater ►► bit.ly/kitcheng.... (We may earn a commission if you purchase.)
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[@jhadebaniqued1378]

Use a flame thrower. It gives it a nice charcoal flavor, right Guga?

[@EnycmaPie]

I know, it don't look that good right now, but watch this.

[@DWN9]

@@EnycmaPie ♫Baa Bao Ba Ba Ba Bao♫

[@ballinvsxx]

5haow5 nailed it

[@micdogg187]

@@DWN9 hahah right on point

[@ValueRobot]

Let's dew eeehh

[@SymBiotiX]

As much as I enjoy these videos testing different brands of things, I have to ask. Do you guys actually read the instructions on any of these? It seems like in your videos, you constantly use tools incorrectly, and thus give them bad reviews because you just used them wrong.

[@resmarted]

I have noticed the same thing. Makes the presenter look incompetent.

[@nonplayablecharacter4815]

1275638a well, it is a female ☺️

[@bl6973]

Non Playable Character *shut up and get the f**k out*

[@Christianlvm22]

Exactly!

[@libu1968]

@@nonplayablecharacter4815 = Incel

[@Avaruuskettu]

You have the Iwatani air inlet closed. The Iwatani's flame is super intense with the inlet open and really is much better than the two other butane torches.

[@DaGrebbsbuadrumsinc]

thought the same :D nice to know theres people who actually know how to use things xD i love the iwatani

[@Avaruuskettu]

DaGrebbsbuadrumsinc I'm sure she's a professional, but these filming situations with people bustling around you can be intense. I'm sure I would botch similar situation beyond recognition. 😂 But yeah, I use my Iwatani almost daily and love it. Awesome tool. 😊

[@Phyde4ux]

@@Avaruuskettu If you're going to post a review on a product that thousands of people are going to see, I think reading the directions before making an opinion on it is reasonable. The fact that there was a whole crew there to double-check her work, as well as an editor to review the footage is makes this mistake even less acceptable. If I were the producer of that product I'd make them remove or re-shoot this video.

[@Avaruuskettu]

Phyde4ux A valid point of view, I won’t argue with you.

[@caglioso]

sirCombatWombat just curious what do you use it for since you’re using it that frequently?

[@floydlee9765]

There's a ring on the Iwatani that lets you either diffuse or pinpoint the flame... Her's was set to diffuse, hence her issues with it...

[@SoftBronze]

Yeah the knob was set to diffuse. Should have turn it.

[@_LYH_]

Yes, user problem. RTFM.

[@irish623]

I just bought it. Then watched this, then read this. Thanks, I’ll note on the control of fire when i use it~

[@chefjasonliang]

Iwatani easily to be the best of all if you use it correctly. I have used it more than 10 years for searing all kinds of protein for service.

[@kenroman777]

@Jason Liang...absolutely it is a superb tool and my ONLY choice. One of my pet peeves against these type of reviews is the lack of knowledge about the product operation before beginning.

[@alexkost1]

I have the Bernzomatic t8000, the searzall and the iwatani....I really prefer the iwatani in almost all applications.

[@kenroman777]

@ Alex Kost she is like this too often does not use items correctly and then makes decision.

[@t_c5266]

I was reading it only works with its own butane canisters. which you cant order and ship so for that reason, its the worst of the bunch.

[@hotfishy]

@@t_c5266I do t think so, it works with other canister too

[@ropro9817]

Eater: Lol, the Bernzomatic probably is the best, but you were using the Iwatani incorrectly. I have one and you can adjust the flame to be much more intense than I saw on this video.

[@stuarttaylor8223]

She is a moron!

[@darae3936]

​@@stuarttaylor8223 it look like she was already set on the ben-zo from the beginning.

[@Nadesican]

She reeealllly needed to try those steaks after searing them. She missed out on all the torch flavor that essentially everything but the searsall was giving the meat. Guga would cry at this amateur torchmanship.

[@chaoyu6126]

@David Mc 3 month old commment, but wanted to point out Dave Arnold's post that led to the creation of the Searzall. I agree that a taste of the steaks would have been good: www.cookingissues.com/index.html%3Fp=5885.html They even us a gas chromatograph to compare the searzall, naked torch, and pan searing.

[@kenroman777]

I have no idea what you are doing but it is quite obvious your bias against the iwatoni and your results are vastly different from mine .Just the fact that you steak was grey speaks volumes about how you had set the iwatani flame.

[@DevonRegan]

I’ve always called it “benzomatic” too! I literally didn’t believe you were wrong and googled it...I was wrong it’s bernzomatic. Mind blown

[@brettjohnson791]

I don't know what is real anymore.

[@ruffytdog]

+1 here! I've been using a bernzomatic for over 15years and been calling it a benzomatic ...

[@jmtuts]

"Bernz" similar to "Burns", hmmm - this get's me fired up!

[@chje0301]

My whole life I thought it was Benz o matic. When I started researching them online I realized.

[@nickodemo1]

same her i believe its just another mandela effect case xD

[@rickyray4319]

Where’s guga

[@ROJO25]

The worst part about this review is that it hasn't been removed or corrected. It's still misinforming people years later.

[@JackOusley]

Personally I think that the Bernzomatic is the most convenient because on of those big blue gas cans lasts for years. I wish I had not bought 6 of those cans, still on the first can after 3 years.

[@bluebaconjake405]

If there’s an apocalypse or a gas shortage, you’ll be theiving tho

[@kenasaoka888]

Iwatani has 2 controls. One is how much volume, 2nd is how wide or narrow the flame is. Narrower it is much more intense. You did not use the 2nd control. You should redo the video.

[@michaelmallory]

Should have some commentary on 'torch taste'.....Which is kinda the whole reason the searzall exists~~~~To get rid of the taste that comes from the high heat of a torch.

[@Miko0219]

yup considering that she was using it at point blank range they would definitely have torch taste

[@Miko0219]

yup but hey the major selling point of this series is how to test gadgets wrong

[@cepterone]

@@AAWOLFE-zc6ly try moving the torch around more, and not having it directly on top of the food. I find that when searing (fish, sugar, meat) with the bernzomatic i get zero torch taste.

[@simptrix007]

She blasted ground pepper! There is no denial of burnt taste :D

[@chetaytiti]

I was looking for self defense teasers and pepper sprays. Sometimes they dont work. I am going to carry my torch. That looks more effective.

[@YoshiIkagawa]

The producers need to read the endless slew of comments on every single video about reading the instructions for products. It's embarrassing how every time this show goes up, the comments are littered with "This is how you're supposed to use it, like the manual says." Are you not professionals? Have you no pride in your craft?

[@nigel8499]

You need to buy the Bernzomatic for Searzall to work. Also get correct gas. Leave a slight wider gap on setup between flame and mesh than in instructions.

[@cepterone]

I'm glad i wasn't the only one who saw the incorrect application.

[@adxr]

This is painful to watch. She's not really familiar or competent with the torches

[@GaryPiazza]

I've been using the Searzall for years. Love it. Guga uses it as well! For sous vide and reverse sear method, it works great!

[@villeqq4789]

Did you read the instructions this time?

[@lilly_koii]

nope

[@recoil53]

That's a different show.

[@xtekmox]

the itwatani has a pressure nozzle at the center, which makes the flame more wider or straight. which would of helped the results.

[@mikemett1038]

My searzall came with a specific tool and instructions completely counter to the use presented here. First off it is only recommend for green tanks to avoid tipping as the attachment is very top heavy(safety 👏) Next proper attachment should be spaced from the nozzle, i.e. the nozzle should NOT be inside the searzall, there is a spacer to promote airflow Last there is also a hold feature on the bernzomatic: it is the silver button on the too of the black handle right next to where the nozzle attaches Happy torching!

[@ImRolon]

I was gonna leave a comment saying the same . No longer need too

[@idriveanagerar]

This video brought to you by Bernzomatic.

[@user-fx5sw4jy7hYz9Hzi]

If you don't have any idea how to operate Iwatani and the fact that it has control knob where it can focus flame, why do you come out with vids like this ?

[@kal5765]

The harbor freight Propane Torch is $20 and gives a better flavor than the Searzall. Great when combined with sous vide. The main con is it's more of an outdoor thing

[@demonicpanda666]

Agreed, I also use it when charcoal is being uncooperative

[@MrNoipe]

Watched a video with that torch you mentioned. Mindblowing.

[@mln427]

I have the bernzomatic and the searzall. Mainly used for sous-Vide searing. The benz will continue cooking from extreme heat it gives off. The searzall disperses heat quickly over a larger area. Also setup of the searzall is critical. ie: 1/8th inch gap from end of torch and the beginning of searzall head. As per instruction.

[@etherdog]

The flame goes out when you hold the canister upside-down vertically. Ester did that repeatedly with the Iwatani in the clips but not (shown) with the other torches. There are significant flaws in all of these gadget comparisons. As others have commented, read the directions FIRST!

[@dsmith1543]

Learn to use them correctly before you make a video, mmmkay?

[@dyslexiksteve2488]

Press the hold button on the benzomatic. Stops your finger going dead

[@stapuft]

.....burnz not Benz.

[@robvas]

stapuft bernz

[@stapuft]

@@robvas truth I was going phonetic, to show the pronounciatian more, but your absolutely right.

[@marlanscott2508]

Please don't do anymore reviews.

[@jeremiah6462]

Not really fair comparing butane torches to propane torches.

[@onocoffee]

I don't think that comparing the Bernzomatic to the rest is really an apples to apples comparison. The Bernzomatic easily blows them all away because of its sheer power. For home users, the Bernzomatic is basically an industrial tool. I keep one for kitchen use and another for plumbing. Some people just won't like having such a large industrial propane tool in their kitchen (others like me think it's awesome). For those people, the butane ones are probably the better fit.

[@DevonRegan]

onocoffee while I agree it’s intimidating at first, meaning my wife wouldn’t initially use it, it’s easily the best tool. It’s not harder to use than any other the others. My wife realized that and I found her making nachos with it yesterday with the searzall on it 😂

[@drunkramen]

Apparently "a girl" is all Eater is looking for. If you want badass and KNOWLEDGEABLE chefs, check out Claire, Molly or Gabby from Bonappetite.

[@kumentador959]

Use torch pointed maximum 45 degrees against the meat or food so it won't turn off ! Propane or butane fuel is in liquid form. Tilting torch more than 45 degrees will tend to clog the gas passage way and shut off the flame.

[@winstonli8445]

you are putting the searzall too close to the torch，they came with instructions for a reason. the screen could be broken in a matter of weeks， and does not defuse flame evenly

[@PatriotMango]

isn't Rosle pronounced Rawslee

[@DWN9]

Do they even support the Searzall anymore? You can't buy the replacement screens, and support tells you just to buy a whole new unit instead.

[@yoog1]

There are some aftermarket screens you can get on amazon

[@fastxsam]

Without finishing I know bernzomatic is the best. I mean if it works so well for plumbing then it has to be good for food searing.

[@scottharrop5053]

This woman is so biased it's unbelievable

[@super999999]

Why she gotta do Iwatani dirty like that? Just turn the ring on the nozzle to concentrate the flame and it will perform way better for high heat applications.

[@patdud1979]

Girl and power tool 🤷‍♂️ and is it just me or was she holding the torches to close to the food 😒 so in conclusion guys benzomatic No1 and Iwatani close second your welcome internet 👍

[@TheInfinityzeN]

I have a Bernzomatic as a hand torch in my shop, which is what they were originally designed for. So when I was looking for a kitchen torch I was kinda upset at how much money they wanted for dinky little hand torches. Said screw it and bought a new Bernzomatic for the kitchen. Important point: MAP fuel (the yellow bottles) is toxic, so please don't use it for cooking. Also just buy a second torch instead of using the one from your shop.

[@XtopherMartin]

There are a lot of chefs who use Mapp gas. Are you sure it's toxic when used correctly?

[@TheInfinityzeN]

MAPP was food safe. Only issue is that it has not been produced since 2008. The Bernzomatic yellow bottles are MAP-Pro, not MAPP. MAP-Pro and MAPP are two different chemicals. Anything you buy today that is sold as "MAPP" is some mix a company says recreates the formula or is actually MAP-Pro. The first might be food safe, the second is not. Even if you find an unused bottle of the original MAPP or a modern recreation which is close to the original formula, there are still dangers to using it when cooking. These inexperienced with cooking with the extreme heat it produces can easily induce metal contamination into the food. EDIT: I would also like to add that MAP-Pro and the vast majority of "Modern MAPP" is only slightly hotter than propane (3,700F to 3,800F) compared to actual MAPP which was over 5,000F.

[@aiccc9483]

Guga area

[@aledirksen01]

Not to take away from the burzomatic since I also think it should win but this really felt like she wanted the burnzomatic to win so badly that she did not give the other a fair chance like she was already biased. Just my 2 cents

[@stapuft]

"Benz-o-matic" ....can you not read? It's "burns-o-matic" At least you acknowledge it... Also you got ripped off paying $40 for that burnzomatic tip, they are $20 at home Depot, and that includes a tank of propane.

[@bloodgain]

There are cheaper Bernzomatic torches, but she was using the TS8000, which runs $40+ by itself everywhere. They also don't sell it with a propane tank, because it's their high-intensity torch and therefore they recommend MAP-Pro for the best performance. The Searzall was designed to work best with the TS8000 torch.

[@Oxydoom]

The second time i see the comments of kitchen test turns out being a bias to a product. But still, they won't address it in any way.

[@507357kk]

Am I the only one seeing that terrible orange band in her hair ? 🤔

[@martinj1204]

esther choi ❤❤❤❤

[@paulhoward2391]

I've had the Bernzomatic torch for years and totally thought it was Benzomatic. I'm going to have to get used to that. This was a perfect video because I was thinking of using the Searzall for chicken/steak only and wanted to know how it compared to the regular Bernzomatic attachment. I also agree the Bernzomatic is better than butane torches. I upgraded years ago and so glad I did.

[@tromick]

Guys, which one tastes better? Searing at pan or using torch? You know... Searing at pan, you can deglaze the pan and use it as sauce.

[@middlehavenracer007]

Well the Searzall is supposed to diffuse the heat and to avoid getting gas directly on your food It's also supposed to be added to the Bernzomatic so seems like a weird comparison to begin with. And you should mention that the searzall needs specific attachment instructions or you'll mess up the entire device

[@freddifish4179]

Lol, career plumber and I have always pronounced it benso not burnso. Learn something new every day.

[@patrickbenoit5495]

Just a small comment , the Iwatani has a ajustement for the size of the flame !

[@davidhawaii9797]

I tried to buy the Berzomatic with your link.. amazon would not let me because im in Hawaii, but they offered me one that will ship to Hawaii.. FYI

[@Thatguy-mz6uk]

You gotta fire the cameraman.... My head is dizzy.

[@L8rCloud]

This is more a comparison between fuels rather than burners. Obvious propane is far superior to butane however the propane tank is huge unwieldy for delicate jobs.

[@perschondelmeier3046]

The follow up video should be about how not to get the Torch Taste when using these.. Just saying..

[@wally07]

This is so bush league

[@dudedude4375]

I have a iwatani and the strength of the torch can be adjusted. It comes with one for adjusting the volume of the gas and another knob that tune how disperse or fine you want the torch to be...This seems like it was really pushing burnsomatic over iwatani which probably cost mush less and work as good or better...

[@hoodrooster224]

I too, have gone through my life thinking it was the Benzomatic. I would have lost my ass in a bet.

[@robertlue219]

Got to do some “Research” about Blow Torches. There is a Flame Thrower that is attached to a 20lb propane thank, it has a trigger to really Get some High BTU. At Amazon and hardware stores. Also there is Bernzomatic TS8000KC Max Heat MAP Gas, adjustable flame and use for Sous Vide preparation.

[@alexkost1]

I have one of those flame throwers....it is PERFECT when searing huge hunks of meat like a whole brisket.

[@FirstLast-pp6xz]

Is the bernzomatic torch the same stock torch you can buy at home depot? Or is it a culinary specific version?

[@singsong2992]

Esther is right, it's always been benz0matic. Stupid Mandela effect 5:32

[@CharlieRobinson_21]

Don’t feel bad I have a smaller Burnzomatic and I thought it was Bsnzomatic to

[@JeffONeill-w1v]

you can taste the torch on everything except the crème brûlée unless you use the searzall

[@curtislee3521]

The iwatani is the best other than the burnzomatic. Someone moved the air hole. Pls read instructions

[@JackOusley]

I've got the Searzall, but I prefer to use direct flame, I just get my preferred crust with direct, and it's much faster IMO.

[@DragonMBlood]

Unless you're tasting the steaks you can't really review the devices properly.

[@redyumi6441]

I use not a flame thrower.

[@deepseawarriorsteam5935]

How much carbon monoxide are added in the food with your gas torch?????????

[@King_Basher]

Guga subscribed the channel

[@redbeard36]

I’ve used tons of those butane devices, but Bernzomatic is my choice...and I start my bbq charcoal with it too.

[@lionellhwang5153]

@eater Please redo the Iwatani. It wasn't used properly. A lot of restaurants including mine uses it. There's an additional knob at the front which controls airflow.

[@jameshobbs]

User error

[@TiaX2000]

What ever you do, don't use MAPP gas.

[@carnivalcadaver69]

My rosle doesnt turn off. It's probably because I use headshop butane

[@Mo3ath421]

Anything bigger or stronger than the first two is not safe for domestic use

[@kannyyoung7158]

i use the benzomatic to put butyl on the roof? its a tradesman tool

[@jackmeoff9299]

LOL I thought it was called a benzoMatic also and I've been using those torches for much of my life😅 I never thought about using it for grilling though and now I'm definitely going to be trying it👍

[@mrallan8063]

For thw the one with a yellow switch, you need the yellow tank to get the full benefit of the Berzomatic. Blue tank is just basic.

[@TheRealJawnz]

Fire and meat. Good way to kick off a monday

[@bigdap100]

05:40 Benzomatic...I own one and I call it a Benzomatic also.

[@LachlanMoss]

You should have made Crème brûlée Edit: it's 4:30 am and I've now had my first espresso drink ;(

[@deanadams3099]

"WHAT ARE THEY LOOKIN' AT?" -- Beavis

[@worldview730]

Is this healthier than regular stove gas or charcoal

[@Edward135i]

MAP gas plumbers torch, noting can beat it.

[@Sirkingx]

Where's the Not-A-Flamethrower?

[@Potatinized]

not a cooking master, but I feel like the review isn't really fair.

[@enhancedcalm]

They'll let just anyone throw a review out there huh?

[@thomaspatterson6279]

ahhhh auntie ester!! she using fire. Good! Good!

[@sothyvirerksin6730]

Can u test heat guns versus gas torches? I feel like you can taste the gas still

[@jmtuts]

Check out the "Sous Vide Everything" channel, they have a video on that topic

[@OcPyro714]

I got the TS8000, perfect for my fireworks and starting charcoal, lol...

[@Prince_Pig]

You’re holding it too close.

[@seancraven2361]

Love your reviews, Im Also learning some cooking skills at the same time. Not sure my equipment can handle your temperature sometimes.

[@Nikolaiwww]

Just bought this torch. It uses a mixture of propane and butane. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2fHi2SAhcmVsMk I had a small brule burner, but it was no way it was gonna scorch a pepper...so thats why I bought this big one.

[@galleta_2024]

You are fun to watch. You demo is clear, concise and I just bought the Bernzomatic, thinking it was Benzomatic...that little r is very close to that little n. I'm afraid of using this to sear my sous vide steaks but you eased my 81 yo brain as it seems much easier than heating up and cleaning a grill just to sear. Thanks a bunch. Cheers for a great 2024

[@armond9871]

That knob only tightens it to the adapter

[@IDNHANTU2day]

This is the "Benzomatic" commercial.

[@paulagebhardt6018]

Yeah, but everything tastes like gas. Greeeaaaaat

[@1greatassistant]

I just bought the burnzomatic and searsall attachment for all of my sous vide steaks. Super excited to try it but a little intimidated to use it for the first time.

[@1greatassistant]

@X2 JoelMK 33 It was successful 😁