This torch is touted as handy for the kitchen, particularly for things like creme brulee that need a short, intense, direct heat to carmelize the top. I got this for a completely different use. I do some woodworking, and I got this to heat-up brand that I plan to use to mark the things I make.The torch is easy to fill. If you've used a refillable lighter, you can refill this. It uses different butane, but the process is the same.There is a lock-on mechanism so that you don't need to keep your finger on the "trigger" to keep the flame going. This is very handy when you ned a sustained flame, like while heating up a branding iron. I imagine this is also useful in the kitchen when you need to move the torch over food and it would be complicated to keep your fingers on the trigger while passing over the food.The base is really nice, particularly for my use. I can use the trigger lock to keep the flame going, set it down, and have the flame on continuously.I was debating a 4 or 5 star rating (I'd give it a 4.5) because the trigger is hard to pull. There is a safety mechanism that you need to push up with your thumb while simultaneously pushing down to start the torch. It takes a bit of practice to get it right and it isn't the most comfortable way to prevent misfires. But the performance is so good that I leaned toward 5 stars rather than taking a full star away.

Whether you are a chef or a someone who likes a fancy lighter for their cigars, this is a great flame maker.What it is: This is a butane torch that stands about 9.5" or 24.5cm tall. Its constructed mostly of metal but has a wide plastic base and plastic controls. It has a brass filling port on the bottom.How it performs: There is a safety mechanism that has to be rotated up to allow the striker trigger to be engaged and unlike many torches, this started every time I clicked it so has a highly reliable start mechanism. The flame size can be adjusted from a modest 3" flame to one approximately 8" in length. The flame is a tight blue cone that shoots out straight from the unit despite the angle its held. There is a convenient lock mechanism that keeps the flame on so the igniter switch doesn't have to be held down. Filling the unit is very easy and the best part is you can feel the unit cool as the butane enters. Its a bit of a guess as to when its full but I usually fill it until the unit is cold to the touch and it lasts for quite some time (several multi-minute uses).Would I recommend this: Yes, if you have a need for a steady flame source, whether it be to start a BBQ, caramelize a desert, or light a cigar, this is an effective tool. Its mostly metal construction means it will likely be useful for quite some time.What would I change: The only thing of concern is the plastic igniter trigger safety. Overall, it seems pretty sturdy but the plastic safety seems like it might wear out after a while. This is a minor concern though, because if this part broke, the lighter unit would still work and might even be a bit easier to use.In conclusion, this is a very useful and sturdy tool that I can see using for many years to come. it has become part of my kitchen / BBQ tool set.

So, first impressions: I'm sure you all have some experience with jet lighters. They are sold literally everywhere, and typically incorporate the exact same components into different shapes, based on the intended use, from a basic windproof torch lighter at the gas station, to a creme brulee torch, to the HF knock-off soldering torch (which, by the way, is way better than the original of a certain D brand). All are basically the same thing.Not this one, though.This is more like what you'd get if you had one of those torches, above, but invented someplace like Texas. At the request of the XXL Big and Tall Store. Everything about this thing is oversized - and that's a good thing. Because everything feels substantial, if not overbuilt. This will easily give Blazer a run for its money, and probably win, too.Size: It's tall. about 9.5 inches from base to tip. Base diameter is just under 3 inches, and it's easily removable if you need it to be as slender as possible. Without the base attached, the diameter of the fuel tank is just under 1.5 inches.Ergonomics: Excellent, as long as you don't require a pistol-grip form factor. The body of the fuel tank has some nice diamond pattern slots all around, and the plastic is not unpleasant to the touch.Safety: This is actually clever enough to say a few words about. It's a tiny, but grippy thumbwheel, built into the trigger. Looks a bit weird at first, and you have to sort of tilt it up with your thumb as you are positioning your thumb on the trigger, but in reality it's a pretty fluid motion, and quite easy to engage, as long as you are an adult of the human variety (or at least identify as one, because opposable thumbs is a requirement). That said, I hate anything that gets in the way, so, let's just say, my particular torch had its safety for the first 15 min after unboxing. There. Much better. (Seriously, do not do this if you have kids at home).Flame: The important part, does it deliver? I'd say so. If you want this as your daily pocket lighter for your cigarettes, look elsewhere. This is more suitable for when the Empire strikes back (again), and you forgot to charge your lightsaber last night (again), this will do 80% of what a lightsaber would. The visible spectrum of the flame when running it on full afterburner is 7 inches. You can dial it down to a very manageable and usable 1 inch jet. Of course, if you want to bypass the jets, there is the usual air supply wheel which adjusts intensity, as well as a flame lock, which is very well positioned so the whole thing can be operated with one hand.So, are there any cons? Yes. One, so far, and an inevitable one. At this rate of fire, she's a thirsty girl. As long as you don't expect miracles, and keep a can of fuel nearby, you'll be ok. I tested it at full tilt and full charge, and got about 18 minutes runtime. Pretty excellent stuff.