Bubbling cheese, sizzling meats, soldered metal, toilet plumbing. What is the one thing to hold them together – a butane torch. Famously used by chefs across the world as finishing touches on steaks and desserts, to being a handyman’s handy tool, the butane torch is a versatile tool for your home.
Lightweight and compact, the butane torch is a must-have for any homeowner to save a few bucks. Depending on your needs, you can find a butane torch to do the job. We’ve also included a list of butane torch lighters at the end of this article so stick around!
How to Choose The Right Butane Torch
As we sieve through which the mountains of torches out in the market, we have to keep in mind a few things that you have to look out for. Each type of torch can serve a different purpose.
Here is a brief rundown of what you should be looking out for:
- Utility of the torch
- How often do you need to use the torch?
- How familiar are you with handling such equipment?
What it’s Used for?
For projects around the house, you may consider getting an industrial torch. When working with metals and sturdy materials, the temperature required is much higher than a kitchen torch.
For the cooks of the house, the heat intensity of your torch should be around 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. As meats and desserts can be caramelized and torched at a lower temperature, this range would be just fine for the kitchen.
The Material
The industrial torches are made out of long-term cast aluminum and a body with a brass torch for more industrial uses. The kitchen torch has the same brass torch tip, with the body made with other metals or plastic.
How to Ignite a Butane Torch
There are two types of torches — manual and automatic.
To ignite a manual torch, you have to open a valve to release the butane gas and light a fire to get the torch going. Manual torches can be less costly, but you will need a fire starter to be carried with the torch.
The automatic torch would cost a little more, but it does come with the convenience of producing a flame with just a turn of a knob.
Managing The Flame
On every butane torch, some knobs can be used to adjust the intensity of the flame.
Turn the knob counter-clockwise to allow the outflow of butane gas, letting you control the size of the flame.
Burn Time
Ensure that you check the duration at which your torch can sustain a fire. At full blast, a standard commercial butane torch can hold a flame for anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour. Do check with the store for the specifics of the torch you are purchasing.
Convenience of Usage
There are dials to adjust the gases that the torch utilizes to create a flame. Firstly, as we covered the knob on the torch that controls the butane will determine the size of the flame.
The second gas that maintains the flame would be oxygen. The oxygen will determine the temperature of the flame. With a higher supply of oxygen, the flame will burn at a higher temperature and vice versa.
There should be a gas lock on the handle of the torch as well to lock the size and temperature of the flame. Some butane torches even have bases that allow them to be sat down on any flat and hard surface. Do be careful not to burn yourself when doing so.
Safety Features
When purchasing your butane torch, look out for the safety mechanisms that should be built into the torch. For automatic torches, there should be a safety lever that prevents the ignition to be accidentally activated.
Make it Fancy
The torches available in the market now have specific functions that cater to even more niche needs of the individual.
Some torches have fuel gauges to let you know how much fuel is left, and some have added functions that lend it a more industrial-friendly application.
Let’s Not Burn
Some precautions for butane torches owners — always be aware of the presence of heat and fire. As butane is naturally easily combustible, you will always want to keep an eye out on where the torch is situated when working.
When storing, ensure that there are no heat sources nearby, and always keep it out of reach from children and animals in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Using a Butane Torch
When using a butane torch, always ensure you are in a well-ventilated space.
Start by releasing the butane gas. Once you hear a hissing sound, press the fire switch to ignite the gas and start the fire. Always push the safety lever back in place after using. Using the different dials for butane and oxygen, you can adjust the fire as required. Once done, turn off the butane gas valve and ensure the fire is fully extinguished before putting it away.
Best Butane Torches
Here is a list of butane torch lighters on the market now!
Dremel 2200-01 Versa Flame Multi-Function Butane Torch
Dremel’s butane torch is perfect for the handyman in the house. It has nine additional functions to help you with your projects like soldering, jewelry making, pipe laying, and more. It also comes with a two-year warranty.
Blazer GB2001 Self-Igniting Butane Micro-Torch
The Blazer Micro-Torch is among the most lightweight butane torches that have a base allowing it to be used hands-free.
Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch
With the capabilities of the Micro-Torch but with a more precise and higher temperature flame, suitable for intricate projects like welding metals on small pieces of jewelry.
Power Probe MT Micro Torch
The Power Probe can hold a flame between the temperatures of nine hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit to two thousand and four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. A notable feature is that it is refillable, with each refill running for up to two hours at full blast.
Master Appliance MT-51 Butane Micro Torch
An automatic, self-igniting torch that has a safety function, it is a great torch for a beginner butane torch user. You can opt for either the plastic or metal handle, depending on how you perceive your use of this torch. It has a base for freehand use and a burn time of two hours.
Master Appliance MK-76K Triggertouch
With a one-year warranty, the Master Appliance MK-76K is perfect for soldering and hardy projects, with the flame reaching up to two thousand and five hundred degrees Fahrenheit, it is perfect for the small job around the house.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you find the right butane torch for your needs. Just remember to read the fine print and be safe when handling it!
