Product review: Kitchen Craft Masterclass Deluxe Blowtorch

Brulee your brulee with the Masterclass Deluxe blowtorch 

If you fancy yourself as a budding Blumenthal or like adding spark to your culinary creations, a blowtorch is a worthwhile investment. James Martin wields what appears to be a builder's one on Saturday Kitchen, but it seems a little excessive for the average cook's needs – not to mention a nightmare to fit into a kitchen cupboard. This is where the Masterclass blowtorch comes in.

Although a tidy little thing, it packs a fiery punch – and is perfect for those kitchen jobs when an overhead grill just won't do.

In testing it melted the sugar on top of a crème brulee in seconds, giving a perfect crisp, crunchy finish while leaving the underneath cool and silky. The same with a glazed lemon tart, to which it added a toasted sugar coating, giving a nice, professional edge.

The device comes with the usual gizmos – lock, stand, adjustable flame, and is refillable with standard lighter gas. It's also self-igniting, so you don’t have to muck around with matches or the hob.

Basically, a stylish all-rounder which is light to wield despite feeling quite robust. Around £23 from good kitchenware departments.