11 Best Rated Propane Torches – In-Depth Reviews

I n case you haven’t discovered the utility of propane torches, learn from us that they are used for a variety of jobs around the house and not only. Whether you need to chip some old oil paint off, melt tar to repair stuff, or you want to eradicate weed from the garden, or perhaps you need the flame for welding at a construction site, this handy and lightweight torch is up for the task. The compact design makes them incredibly handy and versatile, easy to use, and highly portable. Plus, the gas has been categorized as green gas, so it will not have any secondary effects on the environment.

With so many uses, it’s hard to know which one is compatible with what you are taking on, so it’s helpful to see which are the models most preferred by people all over the world. Hence, here is a selection of the best-sold torches powered with propane.

Top 11 Propane Torches Compared

Photo	Product Name	Flame Output	Hose Length	Auto Ignition	Flame Adjustment	Handle Length	Price
Best Overall	1. Lincoln Electric KH825-01	500,000 BTU	10 feet			39”	Check Price
Our Choice	2. Red Dragon VT 3-30 C	500,000 BTU	10 feet			33.5”	Check Price
	3. Hot Max 500G	500,000 BTU	10 feet			36”	Check Price
	4. Mag-Torch MT 5000	500,000 BTU	5 feet			36”	Check Price
Best for Weeds	5. Forney 1723 Uni-Flame	500,000 BTU	10 feet			36”	Check Price
Best for the Money	6. Idealgas FXNOR171725	450,000 BTU	32 feet			22”	Check Price
	7. Red Dragon VT2-23 C	100,000 BTU	10 feet			23”	Check Price
	8. Bernzomatic BZ8250HT	N/A	5 feet			10”	Check Price
Best for Wood Burning	9. Bernzomatic JT850	20,000 BTU				36”	Check Price
	10. Houseables WTO-BK-39IN-FBA	20,000 BTU				34”	Check Price
	11. CSE Push-Start Torch	3,000° F	6.5 feet			36”	Check Price

1. Lincoln Electric KH825-01

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It packs 500,000 BTU, and it is compatible with 20, 50, or 100 lbs. propane containers. Since it delivers such a massive heat output, it’s ideal for large applications that involve intense heat for outsized surfaces, like burning weeds, melting ice, removing paint, roofing, or sanitizing metallic items. You can use it in your household when you want to clean the garden and rid it of the remaining branches after ridding the weeds.

It is equipped with a solid brass-made flow valve to allow you to command the output, and it has a 10-foot long hose so you can comfortably use it without bending. The total length reaches 43.5 inches while the tip diameter measures 2.5 inches. It is lightweight while being made of solid steel that provides resistance to high temperatures.

The molded handle, extended at 39” long, provides a comfortable and strong grip. The ignition is manual, with a free striker included, to enable you to light it up in mere seconds. For added safety, a quick shut-off protection valve instantly turns off the flame in case the gas flow is interrupted. A protection period of 1 year is provided by the manufacturer, in the event of anything going wrong while using it.

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2. Red Dragon VT 3-30 C

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It has an output of 500,000 BTUs, making it powerful and reliable, so it can be used for professional construction sites or at home. The bell measures 3 inches in diameter, while its full length is 33-1/2′′. Additionally, it includes a 10′ gas hose, to allow you versatility in moving around.

The adaptable gauge valve lets you control the flame, and it incorporates a spark lighter, as well as a pipe thread composite for quick manual ignition. It features a safety valve, which will immediately stop the gas flow if the hose breaks, and it can be used with any propane barrel of 20 pounds or larger.

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3. Hot Max 500G

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Despite being quite heavy for a torch, its weight going to up 7.33 lb., it is comprehensive and applicable to any household or industrial task. It measures 43.2 inches in length, 10.1 inches in depth, and 3 inches in width it has a molded grip for more control and comfort while it comes fully assembled so you don’t have to worry about putting it together.

It has an impressive 500,000 BTU output, making it a powerful addition to any tools kit. Able to switch between two levels, the standard one will generate a good, steady flame, while its turbo mode will offer you extra heat power. It burns clean and with high efficiency in using propane, leaving no caustic chemicals behind. Thus, it is a great tool for home, farm, industrial, and construction use. Its 10′ LP gas hose offers the user freedom in movements while the flint striker ensures easy lighting.

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4. Mag-Torch MT 5000

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This one is an outsized version that measures 116 inches in length, from the nozzle tip to handle, the handle has 36 inches in length, has a 3-inch diameter, and it weighs 4 pounds. It delivers 500,000 BTU, and it can be paired up with a standard 20lbs. propane container. CSA-accredited, it has a 61-inch long hose, to allow you freedom and increased maneuverability. It is advised to apply it only outdoors. Moreover, it has a spark lighter included, for increased safety and easy start.

It has a beginner-friendly mechanism, which incorporates a safety valve, to prevent any potential accidents from happening. The handle also incorporates a knob, which permits you to check and regulate the flame intensity. However, you should wear protective gear when you use it since the handle can become quite hot. Additionally, it has a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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5. Forney 1723 Uni-Flame

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This heavy-duty torch has a 500,000 BTU output, so you can quickly repair cracks, weld, or melt ice. It can be connected to any 20 lbs. propane canister– the tank is not included – and, once you start it, there will be no weeds that can stand in your way. Moreover, the adjustable flow valve will ensure you will always be in control of the flame and its intensity.

It has a long reach, 36 inches, so you won’t have to bend in uncomfortable positions to reach the weeds. The 10-feet long cord adds to its hassle-free use. Eco-friendly, it doesn’t leave any chemical residue behind, so the soil will not be affected after its use. It is created from heavy-duty steel, which is immune to rust and corrosion. Since it includes a striker, you will be able to quickly turn it on manually. It is light, at 5.15 pounds, so it is highly portable.

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6. Idealgas FXNOR171725

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It has a handle measuring 22 inches in length, while its hose length is 32 feet. It is compatible with any propane tank of 20 pounds, and it has an automatic igniter to allow you to quickly get a steady flame to help you take care of any type of weeds or unwanted vegetation. It doesn’t require an adapter, so it can be directly hooked to any grill tank. Moreover, it has an output of 450.000 BTU, thus more than enough to take care of any asphalt cracks you need to mend or even brazing two pieces of metal together.

Additionally, it has an adaptable flame and a fireproof handle that won’t become hot to touch. Plus, it comes with a safety valve that will make sure to stop the gas flow if the hose breaks, and it has a turbo burner that can reach 2,000F if you need even more firepower.

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7. Red Dragon VT2-23 C

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It measures 11 x 12 x 36 inches while it is easily fastened to any tank of 20lb, and can also be utilized for clearing raised garden beds. With an adjustable volume control knob included, you can adjust the strength, customizing it to the situation you are utilizing it for. The powerful flame can produce up to 2,000 degrees F, whereas its design requires no additional gear to function.

Specially created for homeowners or landscapers, packing up to 100.000BTUs, it hinders the weeds from your garden while helping you diminish the mowing time of the yard. Moreover, it aids to reduce the risk of biochemical silt and run-off, thus it is a safe choice for your lawn, pets, and family. You don’t have to utilize chemicals in hard-to-reach places, as its 23′′ handle and 10 ft. gas hose can approach every corner with precision and optimal coverage.

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8. Bernzomatic BZ8250HT

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It is a compact torch that measures a total of 13.7”, with a 10” handle that provides a tight grip. It is furnished with a 5′ hose, for high convenience and mobility in utilizing it. Plus, its trigger makes it more comfortable to be handled with one hand, as it only weighs 2.05 lbs, while its adjustable knob offers you more precision and accuracy. With its solid brass regulator which is pressure-based, you can be sure the flame will maintain itself constantly, no matter the direction in which you decide to turn your tool.

Powered by gas while using an arc-welding installation method, the torch is equipped with a run-lock button for constant use. The small handle doesn’t recommend it for large applications as you can’t remain far away from the flame. However, it is suitable for welding, pipe bending, or on-spot weed burning. An important aspect is the lifetime protection offered by the reputable brand, so you can confide in the efficiency of the product.

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9. Bernzomatic JT850

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It measures 39 inches in length, 8 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth, while weighing only 2.8 pounds, therefore it will pose no issue in moving it around. Not only can it be highly useful for getting rid of weeds and dead leaves, but it also works wonders when used to start a barbeque fire, or melt ice. The 20,000 BTU is not very impressive, compared to the more powerful competitors, but it’s enough for small-scale applications, including wood burning.

The short handle provides great control over the torch and the flame, so you can moderate the level of burning on the wood piece. Constructed of metal, with its tip made of brass, it is time-resistant, and it burns both propane and MAPP gas. It has an integrated trigger-start mechanism for a flexible flame control, with a reach of 36”. Additionally, do not store it in rooms where temperatures exceed 120F. It enjoys the same lifetime protection offered by Bernzomatic for all its products.

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10. Houseables WTO-BK-39IN-FBA

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Small jobs require small tools, so don’t think that this compact torch is less effective due to its limited dimensions. The handle measures 34” long and the total length reaches 37”, ideal for gardening tasks or quick pipe fixing. It doesn’t have a hose; all you have to do is fasten a small propane or MAPP tank to its end and press the trigger to activate the flame. It produces a 20.000 BTU flame which is quickly adaptable, offering aid in outdoor activities like weeding, repairing, and grilling or firing pit combustions. You can adjust the heat intensity as you wish using the control knob.

Due to the same hose-free design, it is very easy to maneuver and transport to any location that might need quick fixing. Made to have a lightweight feel to its slip-resistant, foam-padded grip, it offers a balance between comfort and effectiveness in your activity. With its long reach, 34 inches, you won’t have to bend or crouch to reach the areas infected by the weeds.

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11. CSE Push-Start Torch

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Another small version to help you around the house for small tasks involving weeds or perhaps a frozen pathway, this torch offers the advantage of effortless portability. It self-ignites and although the output is not stated, the flame reaches around 3,000 F, so it’s a heavy-duty model. It measures 36” in length so it is long enough to provide you with comfortable use, keeping away the back pains. It can be simply added to any standard, 20 lbs. propane canister, thanks to its OPD valve, while it will provide you with a controlled flame.

The flow valve will regulate the magnitude of the fire according to your needs, while the turbo blast trigger offers a boost whenever you want to apply more power. Its small weight, 3.9 pounds, combined with its stay-cool-handle and push-start ignition will provide you with hassle-free maneuverability, while its 6.5-foot hose enables you extensive reach.

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The Difference between Propane & Butane Torches

Torches are essential tools that should never be absent from your home, regardless of your location. Despite coming in different shapes, sizes and with a multitude of uses for a large variety of activities, the most frequently used ones, always in a ‘friendly rivalry’ with one another are those that use either butane or propane gas to work.

While there are some similarities between the two gases, as they are derived from the same substance, petroleum, and both of them release the same elements when they burn, this is not where they show their true potential. Their differences are the ones that you have to pay attention to when you decide to invest in a new torch.

• Fire Power

  One of the most important aspects of your torch is its firepower and its heat level. Butane torches can reach up only to 2400 degrees F while propane ones can burn higher, going up to 3600 degrees F. Moreover, not only their flames are complex, but the tanks required by each type are different, so this is also something you must consider. Butane tanks are smaller and lighter than propane ones, as the former ones are also easier to store and keep than the latter ones.

• Fire Accuracy

  Depending on how precise you want to be, you ought to pay attention to how it is performed. Propane types tend to employ an inwardly curved head that concentrates the flame into one spot. Because of this, you should keep in mind the proximity in which the flame is situated in correspondence to the object you want to burn. The closer the flame, the more precision you have over it, and, thus, the greater the temperature. A butane type has a straight head, emitting a full flame at any given moment. The only way in which you can master the temperature, lowering or heightening it, is by using the torch’s trigger.

• Uses

  Usually, they have a complementary nature, butane and propane torches supplying a new way of handling different actions. For example, butane torches are small in size, portable, and extremely straightforward to handle. They are employed by chefs while cooking, or whenever a small, easy-to-maneuver flame is in need. Propane types tend to be larger, heavier, and are used, frequently outdoors, for gardening, in construction, or for different industries.

While butane is less expensive than propane and provides at least 12% more energy than its counterpart, it is not exactly useful in cold weather, as its boiling point is 30.2 F. When the temperature goes below, it will stay in a liquid-like form and will not have enough power to ignite. This is where propane shines, though, as its boiling point is lower, -43.6 F, thus it can be used even in cold weather. Plus, propane is easier to get a hold of than butane, thus people usually prefer to rotate the gases’ use according to seasons: in summer – butane, in winter – propane.

To sum up, butane torches are useful mostly in warm climates, are more comfortable to handle and smaller in size, thus used frequently indoors, while propane types work well in winter, too, are larger and heavier than their counterparts and are, most of the times, used outdoors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Now you know how versatile propane-powered torches can be and how many tasks you can accomplish with one. While all the above-mentioned products can aid you in getting rid of your ice or weeds problems or can help to weld, some of them differentiate from the others through some features:

Best Overall: Lincoln Electric KH825-01

Compatible with several types of propane tanks, 20, 50, and even 100-lb, Lincoln’s Electric KH825-01 comes equipped with a control valve, which allows you to set the flame output according to your needs and preferences. Thanks to its 10-inch long hose, you’ll have plenty of freedom, while its comfortable strong grip will make sure it never gets too hot for your hands. The quick shut-off safety valve will provide you a fast way to shut it off in case of emergency, while its 7-year warranty ensures you’ll get a sturdy and durable product.

Editor’s Choice: Red Dragon VT 3-30 C

We mainly liked the increased power of this burner that can create a steady and long flame intended to be used in a wide range of household and industrial tasks. It ignites in mere seconds using the included striker, offering a steady flame that can melt asphalt, weld, burn weeds, or thaw iced snow. You enjoy freedom in movement and will remain out of the flame’s reach due to the extended hose and long handle. Plus, the safety valve ensures any malfunction will never occur as it will turn off the gas supply.

Best Propane Torch for Weeds: Forney 1723 Uni-Flame

Nasty weeds that are hard to eradicate need a powerful torch that can burn extended surfaces without causing harm to the environment. This particular model has an extended flame output and a generous hose that enables you to reach even the tightest corners, ensuring unwanted grass will have vanished. It ignites manually and you have full control over the intensity, thus adapting it to the gravity of the situation.

Best Propane Torch for Wood Burning: Bernzomatic JT850

Burning wood for aesthetic purposes is a common practice found in woodworkers who want to offer their clients unique pieces of furniture or decoration. An optimal torch for the task is the JT850 from Bernzomatic that is incredibly easy to maneuver due to the firm grip. The handle is not very long, so you will get increased control over the flame, guiding it over the wood’s surface without causing deep burns.

Best Propane Torch for the Money: Idealgas FXNOR171725

It’s not always true that you get what you pay for, as this reliable burner doesn’t break the bank but still provides quality and safety in use. It is a powerful unit that can deliver 450,000 BTU intensity, enough to deal with harsh tasks around the house. It has a very long hose for increased mobility, so you can reach farther areas that might need weed extinction or perhaps some welding. Not only it ignites automatically with the push of a trigger, but you will also get complete control over the flame’s intensity.