The Many Uses for a Butane Torch Around the House
You’ve probably watched on some food shows, when the chef uses a torch to get that perfect crust on the crème brulee and always wondered what torch they used. They used a butane torch, which is a mini torch that you can use for food and some household projects.
Some household projects could be anywhere from jewelry to fixing small pipes in the home. These torches weigh less than 2 pounds, are about 10 inches long, and have a max temp of 2500F. Every single household should have one in case they need to do something with it.
So, if you’re needing one of these tools and are in the market, read on as we’ll talk a little more about butane torches and some of the best ones on the market.
Top Picks
Most versatile: Dremel 2200-01 Versa Flame Multi-Function Butane Torch
If you’re looking for a multi-function torch, this is the torch that you need in your house.
Best overall: Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch
This torch will do any household job that you need to do.
Best Price: Master Appliance MT-51 Butane Micro Torch
This torch, while low in price, is a high-quality torch that will get the job done for you.
How to Choose the Right Butane Torch
There are so many factors when it comes to picking out your butane torch. It really depends on how you intend on using it, the fuel capacity, ignition type and of course the safety feature.
What it’s going to be used for
A butane torch has a variety of uses, shockingly. For example, for large plumbing work, butane torches may be used for copper water pipes, for example. This method entails the melting of solder at high-temperature pipe connections to link the pipes together. This form of butane torch is up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the kitchen, they are helpful too, for making various delicious desserts. Smaller butane torches will produce the perfect hard, caramelized shell on cream brûlée or sear a rich brown roasted beef roast, which is always tasty. A butane torch in the kitchen normally hits around 1.500 degrees Fahrenheit temperature.
The Material
Performance varies with the materials used to make butane torches. Heavy-duty torches have long-term cast aluminum body and brass torches and can produce numerous fires with higher-end torches. Lightweight kitchen models also use brass pins, but in the handle and body the structure is made out of metal and plastic.
Light that Torch
Butane torches are either started manually or starting automatically. With button press, butane torches can be automatically ignited and extinguished. Butane torches manually are less costly but less cumbersome to use. The user has to open a valve to expel the butane gas via the torch while at the same time using a flint starter to light the torch and even close the valve to the torch so that it doesn’t keep burning.
Adjusting the Flame
The majority of butane torches have a circular button behind the head of the torch to allow the user to change the flame intensity. Turning the knob to the left opens the valve. Turn the knob to the right. Turn the knob to the right and shut the valve. A flame control knob is essential for the output of the flash as it depends on the fire duration used. For thorough jewelry work, use a longer flame to braze and a shorter flame. A quality fire from a torch should be adjusted between a length of half and 5 inches without sputtering or going out.
Burn Time
The amount of fuel the torch will carry, and how efficiently it burns, is determined by two factors. You may expect the full burning time of a regular torch to reach between 30 minutes and an hour or for commercial torches three to five hours.
Easy to Use
While a butane torch can be cheaper manually ignited, it can be awkward and exhausting to walk around with the flint starter. Most butane torches also have buttons that make it easier to customize the flame to fit the project needs. There are some torches that are freestanding and can stand up on their own (making them handsfree)
Safety
Butane torches contain safety components to deter injuries. Push starts torches are fitted with safety locks to avoid accidental ignition and to prevent torch injuries by children.
You should consider a self-igniting torch especially if you are not experienced in handling torches.
The extra features
Many butane torches have unique features that make them easy to use for specific applications. Some have calculations that determine how much fuel is left in the fire. Other versions are provided with fittings for a range of applications, such as paint removal blower tips, insulation deflectors and soldering tips and diffusers.
So, you have all those factors you need to put in consideration when it comes to choosing the best butane torch for your household.
Safety Tips When Using a Butane Torch
Here are some pretty important safety tips that you should follow with butane torches so that you and whoever is using it will not get injured:
- Take precautions if using it for lighting, heating or cooking. It can flame up at any time so you’ll want to be extra careful.
- Keep the canister away from all heat sources, this is a huge no-brainer.
- Store it in a safe place, preferably in a dry, dark cool place where children and pets can’t reach into.
How to Use a Butane Torch Safely
Start running the butane torch, after you have interpreted the manuals specifically for some particular guidance. You would need a safe bottle, a non-burning surface or a well-ventilated position and of course a fully-fueled butane torch.
- You’ll want to start off with a flash at 45-degree angle and at least 8-10 inches away from the surface, then you can turn on the gas valve
- Once the hissing sound of the gas is heard, press the fire switch to generate a fire. Switch off the safety which will stop any unintended fires.
- Now you must alter the frequency of the fire by selecting the heat power you like to find a sweet spot. A dedicated switch is made specifically for this concept in most lighting. Shift the heel and see how the fire serves.
- Turn the light out now, stop the gas control, and wait for the fire to extinguish. Until you finish the job. In emergencies, the light from the primary power source will also directly stop to see how it is going.
There you have it! You now know how to operate a butane torch safely. But remember to refer to the manual for exact safety handling instructions.
The Best Butane Torches
Dremel 2200-01 Versa Flame Multi-Function Butane Torch
This butane torch by Dremel is a multi-function one that you’ll want for your home. It is easy to start up, and it has many functions. The torch has a maximum temperature 2500 Fahrenheit which is typical for butane torches. It is also 1.54 pounds, and the dimensions are 13 x 7 x 2.13 inches. The 9 functions that this torch has is:
- Air control knob
- Flame Lockon
- Ignition Button
- Flame Control Slider
- Large Tank Capacity
- Filling Valve
- Blower
- Deflector
- Flame Diffuser
This butane torch is perfect for small jobs around the house such as pipe fitting, soldering and more. We should mention that it has a 2-year warranty should you have issues with the torch.
Pros:
- Multi-function
- Light weight
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Some buyers reported quality issues with this torch, such as dying and falling apart
Blazer GB2001 Self-Igniting Butane Micro-Torch
Here we have a micro torch by Blazer that is made out of plastic and it weighs about 6.8 ounces so it’s super lightweight that you can do a lot of jobs without carrying the extra weight.
The gas flow adjustment lever enables flame heat and adjustments in accuracy. Plus, the torch flame can be changed from yellow to more accurate and hot blue flames.
The GB2001 features a mounting table stand for hands-free fires. It has a long time to burn relative to other micro torches.
Pros:
- Refillable
- Secure and comfortable grip
- Softer flames if not using the max temp
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Some users say it doesn’t work as well as it should
Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch
This butane torch by Blazer is refillable as it runs on gas. It also has a brass frame nozzle and a detachable base. The dimensions for this torch is 7.5×5.25×2.0 inches so it’s small. It weighs in at 9.59 ounces so it’s super lightweight. It has a maximum temp of 2500 Fahrenheit, with a burn time of 35 minutes so that should give you enough time to do your job. The torch creates a precise flame so if trying to get the pipes or pieces of jewelry melded properly, this is the torch for you.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Precise
- Has Safety grips
Cons:
- It has a leaking problem
Power Probe MT Micro Torch
This butane torch can solder, brazing, loosening, plastic forming/molding tools and many other uses. The Power probe torch is 8 oz, with dimensions of 4.5 x 1.7 x 6.7 inches. Its electronic igniter makes starting simple and has a 1/2′′ – 2 1/2′′ customizable blaze. The PPMT can be quickly recharged and runs between refills for around 2 hours. The torch has a maximum of 2400°F in a torch and 950°F in a soldering process. This torch also can power up to 580 BTU, 120 Watts.
So, the kind of jobs you would use the Power probe torch for would be for soldering and other small jobs around the house.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Precise
- Electronic igniter
Cons:
- Doesn’t last long
Master Appliance MT-51 Butane Micro Torch
This butane torch by Master Appliance is another torch that’s ideal for your household projects. While it’s made out of plastic (you can also opt for the metal one too if you feel that’s more durable) it weighs in at 0.46 pounds, and the dimensions are 10.4 x 6.6 x 3 inches. This torch can either be hands on or hands free as its freestanding and it has a 2 hour continuous flame so perfect if you’re stuck in one of those jobs that’s taking a bit.
This torch is self-igniting, so you don’t have to worry about the manual part. It also has a safety lock and can be refilled making this a worthwhile investment.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Refillable
- Self-igniting
Cons:
- Faulty if you tilt at certain angles
Master Appliance MT-76K Triggertorch
Finally, this torch by Master Appliance is a 3 in 1 (soldering, hot air, and hot knife tips) butane device you definitely want to have in your home. It is 1.49 pounds and 11.5 x 8 x 2.25 inches. It can heat up to 2500-degree Fahrenheit and can run up to 2 hours. The soldering temps can get up to 732-degree Fahrenheit and the hot air temp can reach as high as 932 Fahrenheit! If you have issues with this particular torch, there is a limited 1-year warranty that will replace it.
This torch is perfect for any small jobs that you may have around your house.
Pros:
- 3 in 1
- Durable
- Warranty
Cons:
- Sometimes trigger get stuck, therefore flame still keeps going if not in use (can be dangerous)
FAQ
What is a butane torch used for?
It can be used for cooking (usually the smaller torches) or it can be used for household projects (fixing pipes etc.). It has a variety of uses, it depends on what you need to use it for.
Is a butane torch hotter than a propane?
No. It has a max temperature of 2500F. Propane can go up to 3600-degree Fahrenheit.
What is the best butane torch?
In our opinion, the Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch because you can use it handsfree and doesn’t require any sort of electrical connection.
Where can I buy butane for a torch?
You can buy butane at any major hardwood stores or online.
Bottom Line
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this guide and knowing what butane torches are. If you’ve found this guide informative, please leave a comment below!