Torch lighter OK for Creme Brule?

[ahendo10]

Hello all,

I'm interested in making some Creme Brulee but, as a college student, I don't want to spring for a kitchen torch. However, I do have a torch lighter on hand that my dad uses for cigars and the like. Here's a link (http://www.bugstores.com/shop/TorchLighters.php) to the kind of lighter I'm talking about. Here's my question: do you think this will work just as well as a much more expensive kitchen torch?

I initially thought that a kitchen torch might use a health-friendly fuel that would not leave residue on foods, but from reading online it looks like they use butane, just like my lighter.

Might there be anything else that I'm not taking into consideration, or should I go ahead and use the cigar lighter in the kitchen?

Thanks!
Andy

[Bentley Green]

I have yet to try this and have bought the kit and dishes for it. As for the torch, yes it can be used, but be careful.

The majority of those look like cigarette lighters. Don't use any of them! Too dangerous!! Get a Creme Brule torch designed for this purpose, or a regular torch.

I think THIS is the one that you want and should use. It's much safer! Go here to see what it looks like; http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/22256-chefs-torch.aspx .

I got one like this. I got it from Bed Bath & Beyond. You'll also need the butane chargers for it as well, and these can also be bought from BB&B.