The Best Propane Torch (Review & Buying Guide) in 2021

Our first model is this beauty, from Bernzomatic and, lets go in early; it is a very well designed tool packing a lot of useful features.

First up is that extremely handy automatic ignition. As we’ll see as we go through the list, not as many propane torches as you would imagine come equipped with auto ignition, so it’s great to see it in place here. It basically just means that you don’t have to search around for your spark lighter all the time – just pull out your torch, click a button to light it up and away you go.

So this item here is actually manufactured by a company called Red Dragon, and it is still not painted or decorated to look like one (seriously, they should let us do the marketing for these tools).

What we have here is the first of several multi-use style propane torches that we will have on the list. That long handle makes it perfect for burning out weeds and other ground-level applications. It generates a heat of 2,000 Fahrenheit, so it’s toward the lower end of the heat scale – but still a useful amount, and could be used for the usual vehicle related functions like soldering and light welding.

This is another multiuse torch, and one of the larger on the list, with a weight of over 7 pounds. Whilst it does come with a very well designed and ergonomic handle, that weight is perhaps going to make accurate burns that little bit harder after a while.

Hot Max has decided to give the heat output for this torch in BTU, like some other manufacturers on this list. This stands for British Thermal Units, and very simply, one BTU is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one Fahrenheit.

This small propane torch from Worthington has quite a few interesting points of note. First off, as we said, it’s pretty small, being about 10 inches tall and weighing in at less than 3 ounces. In addition to that it’s also the cheapest item on the list.

So it’s small and cheap. In addition, it has a auto trigger lighter built in, so it’s easy to ignite, whilst the small dial controls propane flow, so it’s easy to use. That small size also makes accurate burns nice and easy, and this torch would be perfect for small soldering jobs for example.

Be confident in using your torch when you work with this MAPP or propane torch. It comes with a 5-foot hose for plenty of flexibility and range during use. You’ll appreciate the regulated pressure feature that makes it safer and easier to use. It also has a swirl flame, giving you a hotter and more concentrated heat. A comfort grip is located on the torch base so that you don’t touch the metal. A nice feature is a self-igniting ability. This makes it safer to use.

Unfortunately, this propane torch does not have a comfortable or ergonomically shaped handle. This can make it tiring on your hand during extended use. You also have to turn the gas up very high to get the self-ignition to work successfully.

Enjoy professional quality with this auto-igniting propane torch head. It has professional quality materials and construction. You’ll appreciate the instant on/off trigger igniter that makes igniting the flame user-friendly. Cast aluminum is used for the construction to make the torch durable yet lightweight. This torch is compatible with one-pound propane cylinders, making this torch portable. Its performance stands out because it has an ultra swirl flame, giving you precise control and concentrated heat.

The downside of this propane torch is that it doesn’t come with a hose, so you’ll need to buy one separately. It also has a short grip handle behind the controls. This can make it uncomfortable for some people to use.

This is our second entry from Bernzomatic and it is, to say the least, something of a quirky design. It isn’t, as it might seem at first glance, a modern update of Charlie Chaplin’s walking stick.

Instead, what we have here is a cool mixture of the Multi-Use and hand held models, with a smaller propane torch head at the end of an extended pipe that feeds directly into a smaller propane bottle connected directly to the device.

The fact a model lacks auto ignition will make more or less difference to different people when they are selecting their model of propane gas torch. Whatever you feel about this however, if a torch is being sold as a kit and comes bundled with a striker style lighter, then you want that lighter to be good quality.

No such joy here, so do anticipate picking up a new striker sooner rather than later – though in truth, they’re not so expensive or hard to find.

Use this propane torch for all of your projects with its refined burn tube that gives you complete control. It has a large handle that’s ergonomically shaped to fit your fingers and palm. This gives you a better grip, more control, and reduced hand fatigue. A standout feature of this torch is the fingertip auto igniter. This makes it simple to ignite the torch. You’ll appreciate the consistent flame once it’s lit. An adjustable brass knob is located on the side of the handle for precise flame control.

Unfortunately, the construction of this torch isn’t as durable as others because the handle is made from plastic. You’ll also find this torch to be heavier than other options. A hose isn’t included, so you’ll need to buy one separately.

Our final model and it’s another product from Red Dragon, still happily ignoring their own company name. This model is another variation on Chaplin’s walking stick. Just like the version we saw earlier then, this makes for a model with a wide range of uses and functions.

This model is a bit more of premium design than the one we looked at earlier however. Whilst that does mean we have a higher price point, we also have a number of useful features built in.