Uses For A Bernzomatic Torch Around Camp

It’s one of the oldest tools that humans learned to use, and it’s also still one of the most powerful; Flame. With fire and a bit of creativity, you can create wonderful food, modify gear, and use it for utility and convenience. Here are a few of my favorite uses for Bernzomatic torches around camp.


There are simply some foods that cannot be recreated properly without a torch.Many of my favorite camp side recipes utilize the flame of a torch, either to create a unique flavor, texture or flare, and many are simply more convenient to make when using a torch. Below are some recipes that I’m particular fond of.

Campsite Creme Brulee:

This recipe uses instant Jello Pudding for convenience and creates a surprisingly similar taste to the more traditional recipes. You can really use any flavor that you want, although white chocolate and cheesecake are my favorites. They create a less traditional flavor than using vanilla, but since we’re getting creative anyway, why not? Make the Jello pudding according to the instructions and allow it to set inside a brulee dish or another container capable of handling some heat (steel and many ceramics work). Sprinkle the top of the jello with white sugar until it’s lightly yet completely coated. Bring in the torch (gloves on hands) and hold the flame near the sugar, but not actually touching it, until the sugar melts down with a brown or slightly blackened tinge. Use a sweeping motion to avoid scorching on particular area too much at once. Enjoy warm!

Campsite Creme Brule

Quick Smores:

This is a fabulous time saver when you don’t want to build an entire campfire just to make a snack. Graham crackers, marshmallow (or cheddar cheese if you’re feeling froggy) and chocolate is all you need. Toast the marshmallow on the end of a stick and apply to the middle of a gram cracker and chocolate sandwich. You’re welcome.

Toasted Spicy Eggs:

Hard boil some eggs, apply a dash of sriracha sauce and capers to the top and torch it until the top is warm. Better than it sounds and it’s a great alternative to a boring fried egg breakfast.

Crispy Oatmeal:

Prepare oatmeal as normal, sprinkle with a bit of white sugar and toast it just like creme brulee until crispy. You can also add some fresh fruit under the sugar to add some flare (strawberries and peaches are excellent toasters)

Seared Steak

Sear both sides of ta steak until brown (trapping in precious flavors and juices) and cook over low heat on the grill until done. It puts a wonderful crispy texture on the outside and can easily outperform any grill when it comes to hearing temperatures and speed.

Bernzomatic Torch

Starting a campfire when it’s wet out

Having trouble starting a fire after a hard rain waterlogged all of your firewood? Forget huffing and puffing to fuel a dwindling cinder. A quick run of a torch will get practically any campfire fire going with no effort at all, after collecting various sizes of tinder that is. Start with shaved wood from just under the bark of a limb that was hanging off of the ground and work your way up to sticks and then logs. Just never chop on living trees.

Starting a charcoal grill

No need to fuss with a charcoal chimney or lighter fluid. Simply turn the torch on it and you’ll be ready to grill in no time without using chemicals that put sour tastes on the food. This is a huge time saver and one of vast convenience.

Searing ropes and webbing

The problem with cutting ropes and webbing straps is the fact that they’re likely to unwind and unravel afterwards. The solution is a quick singe from a torch. This will slightly melt the ends (assuming it’s nylon) and prevent future fraying and unraveling.

Melting ice

Camping in the snow and all of your water is frozen? A camp stove will do a terrible job of melting snow if you don’t have water to start it in, and trying to do so with a dry pot can permanently damage your cookware. Instead, fill your pot with snow and take the torch to it. It will melt near instantly and provide ample water to get the rest of your snow melting if you decided to use the camp stove to boil water.

These are some of my favorite uses for a torch, but the list could likely go on forever. If you have any other ideas on what we can do with a torch, shoot them our way. I’d love to hear your recipe ideas too.

Bernzomatic Torch
Propane torch on the top with a butane torch on the bottom.

I prefer to use a propane torch as they carry more fuel and pack a huge amount of heat when burning. Great for brute force work. But, Bernzomatic also produces smaller, much more compact butane powered torches. These are a bit simpler to cook with, as they work when used upside down, and the one shown above has additional attachments for soldering.

You can find the torches used in the article below:


Thanks to Bernzomatic for supplying us the torches used in making this article. Our disclosure is listed on the contact/about us page.


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