You need a blowtorch for your indoor or outdoor uses, but you are not sure about how hot does a blowtorch get and whether your purchased one will serve your purpose or not. Having this confusion is common since blowtorches come with different types and flame temperatures.
A blowtorch gets hot at 1430°C/2610°F to 2200°C/4000°F in general. But this range of flame temperature can exceed depending on the gas inside the blowtorch tank. For instance, an oxygen-fed burns hotter than the one running on air or other types of fuel.
In this article, you will find about the flame temperatures, runtimes, and risks of blowtorches. So, keep reading till the end!
How hot do blow torches get?
Different types of blow torch get hot at different levels. Here are the types of blow torch and their maximum flame temperature –
Propane blow torch
Around 2000°C/3600°F. If the propane torch is a primary flame type, the flame temperature goes up to 1250°C/2250°F. In contrast, if the propane torch is purely oxygen-based, it can achieve a flame temperature up to 2550°C/4600°F.
Butane blow torch
Up to 1430°C/2610°F. Culinary butane torch can reach a flame temperature up to °C – (2500°F – 3000°F).
MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene) gas torch
In general, a MAPP gas torch can reach up to 2054°C/3730°F. However, if oxygen is mixed in a MAPP torch, the flame temperature can rise up to 2925°C/5300°F.
Acetylene torch
Air-fed acetylene torch burns at up to 2200°C/4000°F. Whereas oxygen-fed acetylene torch gets hot at up to 3166°C/5730°F.
Which burns hotter propane or butane?
Butane is commonly known as a hotter burner than propane. Because butane has a boiling point of -2°C, whereas propane has a boiling point of -42°C. However, there is a debate regarding the burning power of these two fuels.
Some say propane burns hotter and faster than butane. If you look at the burning velocity of these two fuels, you will see that propane outperforms butane (19768 BTU/lb > 19494 BTU/lb). Also, the amount of oxygen these fuels require to burn also differs.
At the same time with the same flame level, a volume of propane takes less oxygen to produce a higher pressure compared to a volume of butane which takes more oxygen to provide a slightly lower pressure than propane.
Though all these arguments show propane as more powerful than butane, note that sometimes propane may not work as promised. Therefore, it is better to say that both butane and propane can reach their maximum temperature if their requirements are fulfilled.
How hot does a blowtorch get and how long can it be used?
On average, a blowtorch gets hot at around 2000°C/3600°F. And how long a blowtorch can be used mainly depends on your workload and gas tank of the torch.
If you use a small blowtorch regularly or for heavy work, you won’t be able to use it for a long time. Again, if you use it for light work or occasionally, the gas of the torch can last up to a few months. Big-tanked blowtorches usually last longer than small-tanked blowtorches.
Below is the average runtime of each type of blowtorch.
- Propane torch – 45 minutes to 2 hours.
- Butane torch – 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- MAPP gas torch – up to 4 hours.
- Oxy-acetylene torch – 15 minutes to 1 hour.
What are the risks of using a blowtorch?
If you are using a blowtorch without wearing protective items, the torch toxins will damage your internal organs. Likewise, if your clothes have oil or grease stains, they can catch the torch sparks and cause you injuries. Using a blowtorch in a poor-ventilated setting and a faulty blowtorch are potential causes of a fire hazard.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a blowtorch and a flamethrower?
A flamethrower is more powerful and dangerous than a blowtorch. When a flamethrower comes in contact with a target, it continues burning that thing with its longer-range fluid and flame. In contrast, a blowtorch burns its fuel mainly at its nozzle. Unlike a flamethrower, the flame of a blowtorch only goes up to a few feet.
What is the safest way to use a blow torch?
Always operate the blow torch carefully, wearing safety equipment is a must. Make sure nothing is obstructing the fuel from escaping from the valve. Also, check whether the gas has been switched off after use. Don’t leave the gas open near raw food and don’t create a high flame before aiming at your food.
What is the maximum temperature a blowtorch can reach?
A blowtorch can reach a maximum temperature of 3166°C/5730°F.
Verdict
We hope that this article has made you totally clear about ‘how hot does a blow torch get’. Remember that a blowtorch can reach at its maximum temperature if you handle it correctly in the right environment.
Therefore, make sure to check your blowtorch each time before you use it. Avoid using it if there is any leakage or breakage in the torch metal and or in a condition that can cause a fire hazard.
Also, don’t forget to wear protective items before using your blowtorch.
Also read – How To Fix Butane Torch That Won’t Stay Lit?
