When it comes to weeds, most homeowners are going to try anything to get rid of them.
Though many turn to chemicals, a weed torch might be a better choice. They often use propane and a long handle with a torch-style feature on the end for the flame.
Finding the best weed torch is essential, as there are many brands and styles out there. We talk about 10 of the top products. Of course, we also talk about the effectiveness of weed torches and how to use them.
Fire has always been an effective way to improve crops and a method that farmers use extensively. Home gardeners now have the same options because flamers or weed torches can be used around the yard and garden, too.
This innovation prevents you from having to bend over or spray chemicals everywhere to rid the space of weeds.
If you’ve ever seen them, you may have wondered if they’re effective. This method for weed removal can be highly useful to kill unwanted weeds. Plus, it doesn’t disturb the soil and doesn’t require a lot of work.
However, there is some risk and danger when using such a torch that doesn’t happen with a regular method of weeding. Therefore, you need to know how to use the device and be safe while utilizing it.
What Is a Weed Torch?
Before you buy one, it’s helpful to know what a weed torch is. These portable gas torches can produce significant heat from propane. The long metal tube goes from the propane tank to the flame tip.
While the design is universal, some manufacturers include additional features. For example, you may get an igniter, which is safer than lighting the flame tip with a lighter or match. Most of the time, the gas regulator is included, though its placement can vary.
Some manufacturers put the gas regulator near the propane hookup, but this can be a little aggravating.
You must go back to the propane tank each time you need to adjust or turn off the gas. Instead, it’s better to have the regulator near to where you hold the tube, so it’s easier to adjust.
Considerations
Since you are using fire to kill weeds, there are some things to consider. For example, you should have a fire extinguisher or sand readily available in case the flame gets out of control.
You may also want to wear protective gear. This can include things like safety goggles, heat-resistant pants and gloves, and strong, thick boots. If you plan to regularly use the weed torch, it might be ideal to invest in welding-style equipment, such as welder’s chaps and gloves.
The Best Weed Torches in 2021
These 10 products are some of the best on the market. Browse through the table below to find the one you want instead of scrolling through the entire article in one sitting.
When you desire a propane torch kit for your garden, the Weed Dragon may be most suitable. You’ve got tons of power with 100,000 BTU, but it’s still considered safe for homeowners and farm owners.
Of course, it can generate heat to about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s strong enough for any job.
This product can hook up fast to your refillable propane tank. Many homeowners use their barbecue cylinders. Plus, the hand-tighten fitting means that you don’t need a wrench to tighten everything up.
From the torch bell to the handle’s end is about 27.5 inches. There isn’t an excessively long connection from the handle to the propane tank. However, this is for safety reasons so that no one trips over the hose.
You also get the igniter, which looks like a very large safety pin. Press the two sides together to create a spark, which ignites the propane in the torch bell.
The design for a weed burner rarely changes, and the one from Mag-Torch is no different. You get 500,000 BTUs, which means it is powerful enough for any job you may require. Plus, it is designed to be used with the BBQ propane tanks that are about 20 pounds.
Of course, this is still heavy, especially when full. You may want to put it on a small wagon so that you don’t have to carry it around everywhere.
With this, the metal tube is quite long. This means you can use it up high or on the ground without having to bend and stoop. The hose that connects the torch to the tank is 61 inches long, and CSA certified.
Therefore, you don’t have to worry about it breaking down from the heat. An igniter is also included.
Sometimes, this is called a spark lighter. Regardless, it can be a safer way to light the propane into a flame without getting your hands too close to the bell.
3. Flame King YSNPQ810CGA Propane Torch Weed Burner
Those who want an all-in-one, smaller weed torch might like the one from Flame King. It’s designed to be used with the 1-pound propane canisters that are often used for camping. You also get 24,000 BTU, which means it’s less powerful but also lighter.
This product features a brass valve on the handle so that you can control the flame easily. There’s also a self-igniter right on the handle. That means your hands don’t have to get close to the fire.
One odd thing about this weed burner is that the handle is rounded at the end. Therefore, it’s meant to be held up so that the flame shoots down. The awkwardness here means that you have to hold the device very close to whatever you’re burning, which might cause damage.
Though it takes some getting used to, this might be a good choice for small patches of weeds and to melt ice. Plus, the handle is ergonomic and easy to hold for extended periods.
4. Hot Max Propane Torch
The Hot Max comes in three sizes (50,000, 100,000, and 500,000 BTU). Regardless of the one you choose, you’re going to find it suitable for around the home or farm. Plus, it is fully assembled, so all you have to do is hook it to the propane tank.
You can use any standard propane tank, and you get a 10-foot gas hose. This is rated for 300 PSI and UL/CSA Listed. There’s also a brass adjustment valve, which controls the flame and is within easy reach while you’re using the tool.
With the POL safety valve, you can prevent extra propane from flowing when you don’t need it. It also has an included flint striker to light the torch. This product also comes with an idle-boost feature.
Therefore, you can turn the handle to produce a bigger flame whenever you require it. However, it doesn’t always give you such a large fire. That way, you’ve got more control and can save some of your fuel when you are walking around and not burning weeds.
5. Push Button Igniter Propane Torch Weed Burner
If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, the Push-Button Propane Torch might be ideal. It’s designed with a flow valve and a unique turbo-blast trigger. That way, you can give a big shot of flames when you need it most.
Plus, it can be used with your regular propane tank, so you don’t have to buy anything special. This product also features a Piezo electric ignition. Therefore, you can press a button and ignite the propane at the end of the torch.
This can be safer than using a special igniter, match, or lighter. Plus, it can heat to over 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. You also get the 19mm and 17mm open-end wrenches necessary to hook the connection hose to the propane tank.
The bell (flame part of the torch) is smaller than some of the others. This means that you get more precision of where the flame goes when you’re killing weeds.
Though the ‘bell’ of this torch is very small (just a bit wider than the metal handle), it has a high output. You get a very large flame, but you can control it easily. Plus, it is designed to extinguish itself when you’re done.
The weed torch from Bernzomatic can be used for many things. Kill weeds, start up the barbecue, light a bonfire, and melt ice. Plus, it uses MAPP or propane gas.
This product features a handle that is 36 inches long. Therefore, you aren’t going to have to stand on tip-toe or bend down as much to complete your job. Of course, that also means that the flame is farther away from you for safety reasons.
It’s made in the USA, so you can be sure it’s of high quality and designed for use around American households. Plus, it features a trigger-start mechanism, which is integrated into the piece. You can produce a flame right when you need it most.
7. Red Dragon VT 3-30 C Heavy Duty Propane Vapor Torch Kit
The Red Dragon brand is highly popular, and the Heavy-Duty Torch Kit has everything you require. You get a red handle with a flame tip. There is also an igniter, 10-foot hose, and two fittings.
It comes with 500,000 BTU per hour, so it’s a highly powerful vapor torch. This means it can handle almost any job you might have around the house. In fact, it’s designed for use in construction, grounds maintenance, and farms.
You don’t require a regulator, which ensures that you can produce the power you demand. Plus, the bell is 3 inches in diameter, so it provides precision to burn what needs to be burned. The length of the handle and bell is 33.5 inches long.
This kit comes with everything you need other than the propane tank. It’s all made of steel and runs on propane vapors. These kits are designed to be used in Canada and the USA.
8. Houseables Weed Torch Propane Burner
The Houseables brand is a single unit and solid, so it works well in the garden or lawn. It also comes with a quick-start trigger feature, which can produce a large flame. You can adjust or control it from the handle’s base where it attaches to the propane tank.
This is a full unit, so there is no hose. While that can be a bit safer (no tripping hazard), it also means you’re constantly moving the propane tank. Therefore, it might be best to use a wagon or another transportation device if working long distances.
With this unit, you use the smaller, camping propane or MAPP canisters. The self-igniting mechanism allows you to squeeze its trigger to fire up the torch. Your control valve is right next to the canister.
Of course, the ergonomic handle points downward, making it easier to hold and aim the flame where you need it to be. Plus, the handle (by the propane tank) features foam padding to make it easier to hold.
9. BISupply Heating Torch Weed Burner
With the BISupply brand, you get a powerful weed burning torch, but it can also be used to cut, solder, and melt ice. You can reach temperatures of about 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it is designed to attach to a 20-pound propane tank.
Just connect the torch and handle to the provided red hose. Then, attach that to the propane tank. This product doesn’t come with a self-ignition feature or an igniter.
You must use a lighter, match, or have your own ignition option to light the torch. Though the heat gun is 33.5 inches long, you have a safety handle to use. This is ergonomically correct and can protect the hands from burns or excessive heat.
It’s designed to look like a garden hose. One side adjusts the flame output, but the other side has a lever. When you press it, the flame shoots out farther, giving it a bit of a boost for tough jobs.
10. Red Dragon VT 1-32 C Mini Weed Torch Kit
Those who prefer a smaller version of the weed torch might like the Mini from Red Dragon. It’s lightweight, so your arms aren’t going to get tired if you’ve got a big job. Plus, it uses the 1-pound propane tank, making it convenient and easy to use.
The flame is adjustable, and the fitting is right by the propane tank. You also get a padded handle, which makes it more comfortable to hold. This can also protect from heat and burns.
A spark igniter is also included. Just place it near to the tip and press the igniter sides together to create the spark. This automatically lights the torch and allows you to use it how you see fit.
Of course, it is fully assembled. All you’ve got to do is attach the propane canister. It’s also made of steel for durability and safety, allowing you to kill weeds, melt ice, and more.
Considerations When Choosing Weed Torches
There are certain things to consider when picking your weed torch. We go through them all below:
Flame Volume
Many weed torches are designed to produce flames of around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of their size. The difference is primarily the volume of the flame of which they produce.
Smaller, lightweight versions can run between 20,000 and 25,000 BTU. General-purpose ones are about 100,000 BTU, and the 500,000 BTU versions are considered heavy-duty models.
Propane Tank Size
Smaller and lightweight models often use the 1-pound propane cylinder to keep things easy to handle and maneuver. That amount might not last too long, so you’re refilling or buying new canisters all of the time.
Others use the 20-pound propane tank. This could be enough to treat a whole yard, depending on its size. If you are going to have to move about a lot, it’s ideal to get a wagon or a wheeled dolly, so you don’t have to carry that heavy propane tank with you everywhere.
Safety with Gas Flow
Larger models tend to have a regulator so that the gas flow is consistent for better performance. Plus, this is a safety mechanism so that you don’t produce a large flame that the torch can’t handle.
How to Light It
Generally, specialty models have a push-button starter. This mechanism can be quite handy, but it can go out faster than the other components.
It might be better to use a spark igniter. Look for a weed torch that includes this tool. Many of the ones we reviewed did so.
Often, smaller models are just on or off. However, some of them do offer some control options.
Squeeze valves can also be incorporated into the handle on bigger models. That way, the torch can idle but can produce a large flame when you’re working.
How to Use a Torch to Burn Weeds?
Make sure that you do a sweep of the area to remove debris and any flammable materials. Have a fire extinguisher ready or some sand. This can prevent any fires from happening and getting out of control.
Gather together all of the equipment and tools you may need. This includes Personal Protective Equipment. Consider wearing goggles, gloves, and flame-resistant pants and shoes.
If you plan to use a larger weed torch with a 20-pound propane tank, consider the transportation of the tank. Put it on a dolly or in a small wagon to make it easier to drag along.
Hook the hose to the weed torch and the propane tank with everything in the off position. Slowly, turn the propane on until you hear the hiss of gas. Then, adjust the control valve on the weed torch to produce a flame that is large enough for your purposes.
To avoid unnecessary fuel waste, don’t open the control valve all the way. You probably aren’t going to need that much to kill weeds.
Then, slowly move the torch bell (where the flame comes from) over the weeds. Don’t leave the flame in one spot for long. It can pop and damage gravel and concrete.
Please don’t be surprised if the weeds flame up a bit. Watch carefully to ensure that the fire goes out and be prepared for smoldering of the dead weed.
When you’re finished, turn the control valve of the weed torch to the off position. Then, turn off the propane tank and unhook the hose. Store these items in safe places according to manufacturer directions.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best weed torch, you need to know how to pick one. We went through this and talked about 10 different products. If you want a powerful one, the best option might be the Mag-Torch brand.
It comes with 61 inches of hose and has about 500,000 BTU. You also get the igniter, and the design is simple yet effective.
Of course, those who don’t want to transport a 20-pound propane tank might prefer the Red Dragon Mini Torch. It’s a smaller design but is still very effective. You are going to be killing weeds without any issues.
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