Cooking torch or grill?

[Lee]

I'm thinking of getting a cooking torch, mostly to try out my new ramekins and get some creme brulees going, but it's likely I'll try it on other things, like meringues and such. The thing is, I've read a lot of comments that people say using a grill on creme brulees work's just as well, and others who say it melts the brulee and makes it runny.

I'm keen to hear other dessert enthusiasts experiences, recommendations and thoughts. How much did you spend on your torch and what's reasonable/safe? (Australian dollars if possible please)

I'm also out for a classic vanilla bean creme brulee, so if you know one let me know! Other recipe ideas to justify buying the torch would also be good

 

[Anna E]

I bought a torch specifically to use on creme brulee, but I have used it for browning meringue on pie, baked alaska's, marshmallows, all kinds of things. They aren't very expensive and are easier to use than the broiler and you don't risk burning what you are trying to brown.