Propane torch or weed burner??

Wowens

My old torch has bit the dust. Should I go with a std bernz-o-matic, or a weed burner? They are about the same price. I'm lighting an XL, so would the weed burner light a larger area?

dayzed&confused

Depends on how big a fire you want. The weed burner will start a big fire fast. On low and slow cooks I prefer the Bernz-o-matic. I have both burners but if I had to choose I would go with the smaller one. Also the weed burner can burn your gasket around the edges.

Skiddymarker

The weed burner is ideal for starting a large fire and it will peel the mould off the inside of an offset or WSM that has been idle for a bit. As noted by @dazed&confused your gasket might suffer from "over spray". Depending on the lump you are using the amount of rocket propelled sparks from a burner can be scary. 

I use an electric, but if needed the Bernz-o-matic is the next choice. 

grege345

Less sparks with the smaller torch. I use the mapp with the 2 foot lead on it. I like it. Able to conceal easier too

Sea2Ski

@grege345 can you post a picture of your mapp? I am thinking of getting one and would like to see your setup.

VooDuuChild

I just use the standard weber chimney starter I've had for years prior to my egg.  If I don't want all the coals going, I just dump it early.  Works fantastic.

KennyLee

I use the Bernzo TS4000 torch and love it.  It uses MAPP or propane, but I just use propane because it's far more cost effective at about $3 a bottle. 

caliking

Weedburner from Harbor Freight. Works best for searing SV cooked meats as a bonus. For the small or mini I use Weber starter cubes.

SkinnyV

I'm on the same mapp torch tank I swear its been a year.

nolaegghead

I'm with @caliking I use a Harbor Freight weed burner.  Trust me when I say I've tried every starting method known to man.  For small fires, I still use the weed burner, but concentrate it on a small area then push all the burning stuff together and dial back the vents.

I LOVE the weed burner.  Makes starting fun, like playing with 100 sparklers.

tksmoke

This is a great Weed Burner for use with any size BGE.  It has a smaller nozzle than many, and can light a small area.  It has a long tube to get your sensitive parts away from the fire, and the canister is attached - it's one piece, as shown in the attached picture.  Use either propane or MAPP.  I use MAPP, and get about 4 months on a $10 cannister, using it @4 time/week.  40 bucks, and free delivery with Amazon Prime.  http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-19425-Self-Igniting-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00008ZA0F/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1422123181&sr=8-3&keywords=Weed+Burner&pebp=1422123215526&peasin=B00008ZA0F

 

 

stlcharcoal

Weed burner!  Lots more fun and effective.

I have a the MAPP torch setup with the flex line too, I use that around the house now for plumbing. 

Jeremiah

Guess I'll chime in. Weed burner for the large and mapp torch for the minimax.

grege345

@Sea2Ski‌

WeberWho

Without a doubt weed burner. It's a must in my book.

UrbanForestTurnings

Napalm love that smell in the morning

pgprescott

I've used them all. All work fine. I recently bought the old golf club by digi Q guys and love it. Just right. They are quite proud of them if you follow, but I have no regrets. Any one of the above mentioned will get the job done. I think the club is the safest.

caliking

I picked up the weedburner searing trick from you @nolaegghead‌!

DoofusOfTheDay

VooDuuChild said:

I just use the standard weber chimney starter I've had for years prior to my egg.  If I don't want all the coals going, I just dump it early.  Works fantastic.

+1  Couldn't be an easier way to light an egg.  I tried a MAPP and propane, too much sparks and stuff flying around for my liking.

Wowens

Thanks for the info! I went with the map torch. I'll need it for other things around the house. I may buy a weed burner later just for fun. Bigger fire is always better!

johnkitchens

I just purchased a Bernzomatic TS8000 today!