I was going to post this in Tools but then noticed it said Tools for Homebuilding.
I intend to use this blowtorch for creme brulee, weed and prairie burns BUT I also want to be able to use it on house stuff, if needed.
Having never owned one of these things, I stopped briefly at the local Home Despot to check out what was available. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I decided to come here and ask a couple of questions:
Some of the package descriptions say something about a swirling flame, some just said Plumbing blowtorch, there was a MONSTER blowtorch that looked more like a flamethrower and don’t even get me started on the extra bits you can purchase for said blowtorch.
So, what exactly am I looking for? I know that I want one that self ignites and that will stay on/lit while it’s upside down. Do I want a 1/2 inch pencil sized flame, a swirling flame…? Any comments would be appreciated.
ps – I’m trying to master creme brulee this weekend (cooking challenge thread over at CT), the burns will have to wait until the dead plants become a little more dry.
It’s the beginning of Feb, NOW go forth and plant.
WHAT?!? The ground is STILL hard? sheesh
Replies
IMO, if you will just have the one torch, get a unit that is trigger operated, self-igniting, and can use either propane or MAPP gas. The flame will be roughly 1/2" in diameter -- no need for fancy interchangeable heads, flame spreaders, etc. This will run you something like $50, while the cheapo units (even with "attachments") are like $8.
Of course, for good-sized prairie burns you probably want something different. There are weed burning torches that look about like a CO2 fire extinguisher, with a big cone-shaped burner that puts out a monster flame. There's also a "drip torch" or something like that that drips flaming wax or some such onto the ground as you carry it around.
You, IMHO, want a simple propane torch. A propane bottle about 11" long ans 3" or so in diameter and a torch head to to lend control. Simplest models have a head that you crack the valve and light with a match or spark ignitor. Combination of one tank and this sort of head goes for something like $20.
My advice would be to go one better and get a peizo-electric ingnition system. Makes the unit a lot more convenient. You turn on a valve and squeeze a trigger and the torch light. Very cool. Cost more. Head itself goes for about $35 and the propane goes for another $8 or so.
If you go a bit more, about $42, and you can get a self-igniting head that will take either propane or the hotter burning Mapp gas. Not often you need the extra heat but on large soldering or some brazing jobs it makes a difference. Makes it just a bit more adaptable. I like adaptable.
Either way look around the torch section of the hardware store for a 'flame spreader'. A simple bit of steel that clips on to the nozzle of the torch and spreads the flame to something like 2" or 3" wide. Cost about $5. Julia Childe used a similar rig, the simplest propane only job, on her show for her brulee.
I bought the one where there's a hose between the tank and the burner, also self-igniting. I watched a plumber use one of these and decided it was for me. I'd previously tried to get an integral tank/burner into close and upside down situations and found myself threatening to burn down the house or me, which is worse. I justified the cost as I always do: " Honey, this cost just $XXX, and I saved us $XXX by doing it myself, plus I still have the tool." I'm still looking for an equally convincing argument for the Ping irons I'd like to buy this spring. Would you think that fewer strokes means that I'm home sooner would work with her? Probably not, since we guys would still spend a bit of time at the 19th. Maybe if I showed her how good a seven iron was for crabgrass removal?
Edited 2/11/2005 10:55 pm ET by barmil
The one with the hose is OK. For his use probably work out well.I figured for my use it was too subject to damage and the rubber would degrade with wear, tear and oxidation. The simpler torch heads seem to only have a couple of simple and easy to replace gaskets or O-rings to go bad. Given that the ones I use ride in a truck box and get beat up on a job I figured the bit of convenience offered by the hose was offset by the increase in Muphoidism.
We use my household propane torch in the kitchen. Mine isn't self-igniting...but that would be a nice touch.
I have a standard propane torch head, and it's served me well for about the past 15 years. Don't know what it cost, I'd guess $15-$20?
I'll put my kids up to the creme brulee challenge. During the Xmas break school vacation, over the course of several nights they had a brulee-fest. They made...if I recall...12 different varieties of creme brulee, with a few different sugar concoctions as the topping.
We selected a winner from each mini-batch and on the final night had the Brulee-fest finals.
Dang, that was a good week.
As to the propane tank size, in the kitchen we prefer the more squat bottle, maybe 4" wide and 8" tall, to the taller, thinner bottle. The wider, more squat bottle is more stable on the kitchen counter.
We don't use any fancy tips or attachments. The torch works fine inverted.
I saw Emeril use one of those fancy shmancy palm sized mini torches on his Creme brullee. I am, by the way, an expert on Creme Brulee and desserts of all sorts. You'll need me to taste test yours. About when should I stop by?
Ameerica's Test Kitchen tested them and said to just get a "plumbing torch" rather thzn the little ones that they sell if the kitchen and bath stores.
Bed, Bath and Beyond sells a Creme Brulee' kit. Little rammikens(sp?), the little right angled torch and instructions. I think it was around $30.
For plumbing, I use the torch that's rated for MAPP gas and has the hose between the tip and tank. For some things, the hose is almost long enough. For others, it's fine.
this may get you started...
look along the line of a straight propane torch without a swirl or tubo function / feature but with self ignition...
a "rose bud" tip will give you a wide spread of the flame.. genteler too... some places call it a tulip tip..
20 / 30$ should over do it for you...
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Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Remember, the acid test is whether your creme brulee looks like the surface of Titan.
Re:"Remember, the acid test is whether your creme brulee looks like the surface of Titan."Are you saying Titan is made of creme brulee?Intriguing.Better not send astronauts. They would get fat and the cost of the extra-large return vehicle would sink the entire space program.Edited to add last block.
Edited 2/12/2005 11:46 pm ET by 4LORN1