Yes, there is no real difference.
Be aware that if you one from the hardware store, it should be one where the flame does not fluctuate when you tilt the torch.
This usually happens with the very cheap ones.
This becomes a big problem when you try to uniformly brown something.
Aside from that and maybe "esthetically" I see no reason not to use one from the hardware store.
cooking.stackexchange.com/users/2324/Bogdan Belcea
Actually, the gas isn't always the same -- in hardware stores, there's both propane and MAPP gas; you'd want to get a propane one.
(it's cheaper, but it doesn't get as hot ...
you won't need the extra heat for cooking purposes)
But well, the hardware store ones tend to be either much larger, or much smaller
(they make some little mini-torches for emergencies that are about the size of a AA-battery flashlight).
I would think that if you're a caterer, doing smaller parties at customer's houses, that the mid-size 'culinary' torch would be a benefit as it has enough gas in it to handle the job, but not so large that it's going to take up lots of space.
cooking.stackexchange.com/users/67/Joe
The MAPP Gas is your best bet.
Even though it may burn hotter, when the MAPP Gas does not completely combust, micro particles of the gas will be emitted from the tank and onto the food.
This is also true with the propane burners.
The difference is the flavor and smell.
You will not taste or smell the minuscule amounts of MAPP gas on the food, whereas with the propane you will.
cooking.stackexchange.com/users/7035/JOHN
They're not always the same thing.
You need a pressure regulated torch; the unregulated ones will shut off when tipped down, making them impossible to use on food.
cooking.stackexchange.com/users/1672/Cascabel
For the most part they are the same.
But if you work professionally, you may need one with health code stamp on it regarding the mechanisms cleanliness.
I had traded a refillable butane torch to a friend's daughter who was in school and needed one for class for one of her Sherry cakes,Not a big deal.
I bought the them for $15 at HF tool store.she was gonna buy the same looking thing for $60-$70.
after a month or so.
I had heard about the Health code stamp, she had to borrow a friends for the class.
but still uses the one I traded her at home.
cooking.stackexchange.com/users/40764/gurby
When looking for a blowtorch for the kitchen, you can buy some reasonably expensive tools. When looking for a blowtorch for plumbing, you can buy some reasonably cheap tools.  The price is different. The look is different. The principle is the same. I guess the gas is the same.  Why pay more? Is there a health issue? Is the kitchen blowtorch more precise?
Blowtorch - hardware store vs kitchen store. Is there a difference?
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cooking.stackexchange.com/users/641/BaffledCook
The gas used may be different and some torches that are not pressure regulated will shut off when tipped down, making them unsuitable for food use. Where this does not apply, there is no real difference. There is no real difference but make sure the flame will work when tipped. Either propane or MAPP gas are fine.
There is no real difference. Make sure the flame doesn't fluctuate when you tip it. You should look for propane or MAPP gas. You might want one with a health stamp for the mechanisms to be used near food.