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What to look for in a Torch

tazcrash
tazcrash Posts: 1,852
edited March 2012 in EggHead Forum
OK, I think I've settled on a propane (I do have 2 25lb tanks I think will be getting less usage :) ) or mapp torch to make starting faster, and hopefully fool proof. ;)

Now I've done some looking around on Amazon, and seen quite a few weed burners. Is there something I specifically I should look for? BTU's? 
Would the bernzomatic 20,000 BTU be enough? It seems very lightweight compared to some of the others out there.

Thanks  
Bx - > NJ ->TX!!! 
All to get cheaper brisket! 
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Comments

  • stevesails
    stevesails Posts: 990

    the $15 to 20 one from harbor freight is what i use.  Not sure about BTU's, but it will get my fire going just fine, in less than a minute.  And i love the sound when you crank it open.

    XL   Walled Lake, MI

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  • gdenby
    gdenby Posts: 6,239
    If this is what you've looked at:
    Bernzomatic 19425 JT850 Self-Igniting 20,000 BTU Outdoor Torch

    I can tell you it is a good performer. On mine, the starter do-hicky failed after about 8 months, so I got a welding striker, and have been going thru maybe 1 flint a year.

    There isn't a very big difference when using MAPP compared to propane. I can start 1 spot of lump in 10 - 15 seconds with MAPP, and about 20 for propane. The MAPP does seem to perform better in cold weather. On sub-zero days, the propane tanks sometimes don't seem to have quite as much vapor pressure as the MAPP, but both can have problems if the tank is mostly empty.

    I like this torch because it is light, and keeps me well back from the lump during starting.


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  • centex99
    centex99 Posts: 231
    I have the JT850 but don't seem to get lump burning that fast...
    if I hold it on a spot for 20-30 seconds, it will sometimes get bright/hot... but then when I turn it off or move to next spot, it dwindles and almost goes out... lately its seemed like it takes a long time and a lot of spots to get the charcoal going...
    What am I doing wrong?
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  • The Cen-Tex Smoker
    The Cen-Tex Smoker Posts: 23,184
    I switched from propane to zip energy fire starters a few years back. Tons faster and I don't have to stand over the fire for a minute with lump popping all over my face from the torch. Zero odor and burns completely out with no discernible residue.  it's alcohol based so it's super clean. I still light the zip with my propane torch so I can feel like a total badass though :))
    Keepin' It Weird in The ATX FBTX
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  • The Cen-Tex Smoker
    The Cen-Tex Smoker Posts: 23,184
    I have the JT850 but don't seem to get lump burning that fast...
    if I hold it on a spot for 20-30 seconds, it will sometimes get bright/hot... but then when I turn it off or move to next spot, it dwindles and almost goes out... lately its seemed like it takes a long time and a lot of spots to get the charcoal going...
    What am I doing wrong?
    I had similar results. it seemed like it always took me 3-4 minutes of trying to get a few spots going. it always eventually worked but the zip lighters I switched to are literally 1 second and then I walk away. Fires ready in 20 minutes. I never looked back
    Keepin' It Weird in The ATX FBTX
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  • stike
    stike Posts: 15,597
    bindo, cen-tex.  i don't understand the thinking that the hand-held torches are so fst.  you end up standing around like a unit whistling to yourself as you move from spot to spot.

    i use the twisted oil napkins, or the weedburner.  not even sure the weedburner is faster
    ed egli avea del cul fatto trombetta -Dante
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  • The Cen-Tex Smoker
    The Cen-Tex Smoker Posts: 23,184
    bindo, cen-tex.  i don't understand the thinking that the hand-held torches are so fst.  you end up standing around like a unit whistling to yourself as you move from spot to spot.

    i use the twisted oil napkins, or the weedburner.  not even sure the weedburner is faster
    True dat. it took me forever so I bailed on it
    Keepin' It Weird in The ATX FBTX
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  • stike
    stike Posts: 15,597
    meant bingo, by the way.  'bindo' just doesn't cut it
    ed egli avea del cul fatto trombetta -Dante
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  • centex99
    centex99 Posts: 231
    If this is what you've looked at:
    Bernzomatic 19425 JT850 Self-Igniting 20,000 BTU Outdoor Torch

    I can tell you it is a good performer. On mine, the starter do-hicky failed after about 8 months, so I got a welding striker, and have been going thru maybe 1 flint a year.

    There isn't a very big difference when using MAPP compared to propane. I can start 1 spot of lump in 10 - 15 seconds with MAPP, and about 20 for propane. The MAPP does seem to perform better in cold weather. On sub-zero days, the propane tanks sometimes don't seem to have quite as much vapor pressure as the MAPP, but both can have problems if the tank is mostly empty.

    I like this torch because it is light, and keeps me well back from the lump during starting.


    So how do you get it to light so fast with yours???
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  • xraypat23
    xraypat23 Posts: 421
    I love my harbor freight weed burner. I have the blue handled one with the piezo starter. Fires up first time, every time. I don't use the booster handle, just set the knob to a nice roar. Sure, fire starters, balled up paper towels may be cheaper, but playing with a blowtorch that sounds like a jet engine is a ton of fun! 
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