A torch is what you need starting out to decide if you like metal clay.

The simple fact is though that if you get into it a kiln becomes a necessity. Torch firing can be tricky, there are lots of things you can't fire, like stones, paper clay, PMC original etc, and you can't fire shaped pieces well.

A kiln can make your pieces far stronger (especially with PMC3), and give you much more freedom. Having said that it's a big monetary commitment and a beginner should start small and simple.

If you really don't like the torch idea use art clay instead of PMC, art clay can be fired on mesh on top of a normal gas hob.

Thanks for the information.
I am probably going to try it with the torch first.

Smaller items can be fired quite easily with a decent torch. I wouldn't use a pencil torch for pmc reserve that for fine soldering, it's too fine and the temprature is lower than the larger torches . A good torch like a plumber would use for your pipework is ideal. the expense of a kiln is a bit much unless you intend to go into ceramic, enameling or PMC in a big way

I stick to the rule that you can torch fire pieces that are the size and thickness of a 50p piece and no bigger!

I broke that rule myself and ended up spoiling some work recently - still, it's the way we learn .