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Propane vs Mapp

Anthony
Anthony Posts: 40
edited November -0001 in EggHead Forum
Hello,

Considering a torch for light the grill. Decided on a torch so I can use it for house projects even though a weed burner seems cooler.

Can anyone tell me pros and cons of propane and mapp? I understand mapp operates upside down, does this mean propane is not a good idea for starting the grill without a hose? Can you use a mapp cylinder with a propane torch?

Anthony
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Comments

  • Memphistide
    Memphistide Posts: 207
    mapp burns hotter
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  • RVH
    RVH Posts: 523
    Never connect a Mapp cyl. to a propane torch. The propane head is not compatible. Mapp burns hotter and the bottle can be inverted. Propane runs the risk of snuffing out when the bottle is inverted.
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  • Boilermaker Ben
    Boilermaker Ben Posts: 1,956
    Your torch should state which fuels it is compatible with. Mine came with a propane tank, but is compatible with MAPP as well.

    I'm using propane until it runs out, then I'll buy MAPP. I have had the propane snuff on me from time to time, but since I've got a torch with a trigger igniter, it's no problem to relight it...that said, I'm looking forward to trying the MAPP.
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    I have used just about all the fire starting methods in the past and have found that nothing beats the Mapp torch. It is faster than any other method I have used. A container of Mapp gas lasts me well over a year and I use my egg four or five times a week. Bucky Buckshot
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  • RVH
    RVH Posts: 523
    Yes, I forgot to mention that one can use propane or Mapp with a torch designed for Mapp, but not Mapp with a torch designed for propane.
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  • fieroguy
    fieroguy Posts: 777
    Yeah, me too.
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  • fieroguy
    fieroguy Posts: 777
    Also too, I light a minimum of three (3) places...
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  • Cpt'n Cook
    Cpt'n Cook Posts: 1,917
    I use propane in a MAPP torch, it works just fine for lighting charcoal. It burns upside down, no problem. The old propane torches would sniff right out upside down. Propane does not burn as hot as MAPP but it is much cheaper and hardly noticeably slower.
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  • Grandpas Grub
    Grandpas Grub Posts: 14,226
     
    This and other like questions come up now and then. In a post earlier this week I posted that MAPP is 3X hotter than propane.

    I decided to call and get some facts. Talking with a Tech at BernzOmatic here are some things I found out.

    MAPP is a trade name the gas is propaline (if the spelling is correct). It burns 30% hotter than propane and not 3X hotter.

    Propane heads will work with MAPP.

    If the head is a 'non regulated' head when inverted it will flame out. Just make sure the heat is regulated. The model 3000 is a regulated heat. I have a model 7000 and it is regulated.

    They do not recommend using a propane 'only' head with MAPP only because it will not be as efficient, but it will work fine.

    I have used MAPP with my BernzOmatic 7000 head for about 5 years and no problems.

    I have never used propane to light the lump so that's something I am going to try just to see if there is much difference between the two gasses.

    GG
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  • Grandpas Grub
    Grandpas Grub Posts: 14,226
     
    Interesting about the lighting of the lump, been wondering about the difference in the two fuels.

    The snuffing out of the gas when inverted is due to the type of head, non regulated head "may" snuff out when inverted.

    GG
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  • Cpt'n Cook
    Cpt'n Cook Posts: 1,917
    I've used both and don't find a significant difference, I save the MAPP for the shop.

    I have NOT done a Naked Whiz type of analysis. :laugh:
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  • reelgem
    reelgem Posts: 4,256
    I have all 3 and mapp is always my choice. It burns hotter than propane. My husband hid the weed burner from me, he's afraid I'm going to burn down the house. Actually, it is overkill. Not sure you if you can use a propane torch with the mapp cylinder.
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  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 34,589
    ive had all three. they all work though some propane ones dont work upsidedown. theres some falsehoods with the mapp, it may burn hotter per unit of gas but the propane ones can come with a bigger nozzle and burn a much bigger fire which lites lump faster. over the years ive had 2 mapp torches catch on fire as well, my first choice is the cheap weedburner from harborfreight
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
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