MSP - Culinary Butane Torches?

[i_love_luhanka]

Hey, everyone. We just bought a culinary butane torch at Target so we can make creme brulee, but as luck would have it they don't sell the butane canisters. Anyone know where I can get one in the MSP area? Extra points if it's in the vicinity of Mac-Groveland!

Thanks,
Amy

[kitkat]

IF it's not too late, try returning it. I know that's not what you wanted to hear...but my friend who went to cooking school specifically to work in restaurants said no one in the industry uses culinary torches. They all buy hardware-store ones because the canisters are easier to find, they're more durable and reliable, and, well, they cost less for the exact same function. I hope this helps you find canisters!

(P.S. I got a kitchen tour of a bakery in Seattle from a different friend who'd gone to cooking school to learn to be a chef, and I noticed an ordinary hardware-store torch on the shelf there. He confirmed my other friend's assertion.)

[Enso]

I don't know if there's different kinds of butane canisters. Asian grocery stores sells butane canisters that are meant for tabletop cookers.

[autobahn]

I'm no chef or do I really cook myself all that often, but I pay attention enough to know that any time I've ever heard people talking about making creme brulee I always hear the suggestion of going with a hardware store propane torch rather than one of those wimpy deals they sell at the kitchenwares stores.

Bonus is that if you just use it for creme brulee one tank is going to last you a long time.

[pat a. chu]

I think you could find a butane container at a smoke shop. Personally, I would return the butane torch to Target and buy a propane one at your local hardware store. Prolly for under 10 bucks. Good luck

[pikawicca]

Strongly second your suggestion of the return and purchase of a proper torch.

[The Dairy Queen]

I don't know if they have them, but since you want Mac-Grove, I'd recommend calling Cooks of Crocus Hill on Grand Ave. and seeing if they have them.

~TDQ