What is a cooks torch?

Answer 1

As opposed to placing foods under a broiler or a salamander in order to brown, a cooks torch is a portable hand held gas burning tool. It is similar in concept to a welder's torch however it is much smaller and not as powerful. It is used to caramelize items like the topping for creme brulee and other foods which require a browning or searing.

I once saw a sushi chef using a cook's torch to sear the outside of a tuna roll just until it was opaque, yet leaving the roll itself uncooked of course. It made for an extremely appealing presentation as the tuna which was layered on the outside of the roll appeared cooked. The cook's torch is also used very widely in cake decorating and confectionery. It makes for great caramelized highlights and artistic effects.

As I began my career many years ago, the closest thing we had to a cooks torch resembled a smaller version of a fire extinguisher yet filled with gas of course. Today, these small tools of the trade are great as they can easily fit into any chef's tool bag and accommodate many intricate needs.