Best Blow Torch For Plumbers and Gas Engineers (2021)

Last updated: June 3, 2021

Table of Contents

While you are advised to always use a Gas Safe engineer if you need your boiler fixing or servicing, you can take a leaf out the expert’s book when it comes to general central heating running repairs by getting yourself a blow torch. A blow torch that’s good enough for a plumber or gas engineer to use, is going to be more than up to the job. From fixing joints and soldering to helping to loosen bolts and even stripping paint, a good blow torch will also be an invaluable addition to your home DIY box. We help you take the heat out of your search with our guide to the best gas blow torch for plumbers and gas engineers that are also a good choice for domestic use.

1. LEXIVON Multi-Function Torch Kit

Key Features

Ergonomic torch with six heads
Adjustable flame and 2-hour run time
Up to 2400°F working heat
Large, refillable tank

Using butane gas, this 12-piece torch set is ideal for home use and puts all the gas blow torch essentials at your DIY fingertips. Versatile enough to be used on a range of jobs, from wood burning and cutting to copper wire soldering and even getting that fire pit lit, the Lexivon is also excellent value for money.

With an adjustable flame, large, refillable tank and a working temperature of up to 2400°F, you also get all the essential safety features, including ignition stopper. Add in six interchangeable tips, a two-hour run time on a single fill and a handy carry case and with the Lexivon, we think you have an everyday blow torch winner.

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2. Dickie Dyer Mapp Pro Gas Torch

Key Features

Durable stainless-steel and brass construction
For use with propane or Mapp
Heats up to 1500 degrees
Swirl flame, variable control and swivel tip

Made with a heavy-duty brass and stainless-steel body and nozzle, the Map Pro from plumbing torch stalwarts Dickie Dyer is a quality piece of kit, without the excessive price-tag. Designed to be used with either Map gas or propane cylinders, you will, however, need to buy your preferred cylinders separately. But once set up, you get a Piezo trigger and consistent swirl flame that comes complete with a variable control for personalised precision. The tip can also swivel 360 so you can reach those awkward spaces. And you can opt for a free squeeze trigger for shorter bursts of heat or a lockdown ignition. Reviewers do report that the flame is a little wide, but for general home use it is perfectly adequate.

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3. S SMAUTOP Mapp Torch 3

Key Features

Works with both propane and Mapp gas
Heats up to 2800℃
Three replaceable nozzles
Auto start and flame lock ignition

With temperatures up to 2800℃ and the option to use either propane or Mapp gas, the S Smautop does find itself at the top of our best torch budget. But it is well-made and, with a choice of three nozzles, is a good buy when it comes soldering, brazing or lightweight welding. It is easy to use too, which is always a plus, and the flame is controllable so you can get the precision you are looking for.

It is however, on the heavyweight side, compared to some other torches in this review, so you do need to factor that in. But overall, there is a lot to like. Add in a quality Piezo ignition which can be either instant trigger or put on run lock, and this is an all-round blow torch which is even classy enough to take into the kitchen to brown off the top of your crème brulees!

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4. Faithfull Quick Pro Auto Power Torch

Key Features

Piezo ignition with Flaresafe function
Swirl flame with fine adjustment valve
Deadman safety function
For propane or Mapp gas

The Quick Pro from Faithfull is a powerful plumber’s blow torch that is easy enough for domestic use. And you get a good amount of spec for your money. Ergonomically designed, the torch is quick to ignite thanks to the Piezo ignition and gives a nice swirl flame that can be adjusted to a fine flow for more precision on delicate jobs. It can also be used at any angle, as it comes with a flaresafe function to keep it safe as soon as it is ignited. You do have to buy a separate gas cannister though, but overall, this model also appears to be economical with its juice, to keep it going for longer.

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5. Campingaz Piezo Ignition Blowlamp

Key Features

For home or camping use
Heats up to 1750°C
Piezo ignition and flame control
Lightweight with ergonomic handle

Compact and easy to handle, the Campingaz comes with everything you need for a basic blow torch that has a range of uses. With its own replaceable gas canister that makes the whole torch unit impressively lightweight and portable, this torch can be used at home or away, as it comes as part of Camingaz’s outdoor range. The ergonomic handle is shock resistant and the Piezo ignition offers the usual quality. With a maximum heat of up to 1750°C, you can even fine tune the flame for more precision. For small welding or soldering jobs, to the kitchen and the campsite, this is a versatile blow torch at a decent price.

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6. Greenfields Heavy Duty Blow Torch

Key Features

For use with propane or Mapp gas
Durable die cast body
Piezo ignition and adjustable flame
Heats up to 1950°C

We finish on a professional grade plumber’s blow torch that is still easy enough for amateur use. This sizeable blow torch feels substantial in the hand but is comfortable to use, even in tricky spaces where only a more angled approach will work! Suitable for use with either propane or Mapp gas, we like its versatility, and the turbine flame can be adjusted to suit the job at hand. Add in a Piezo ignition with ignition lock, workable temperature of up to 1950°C (with Mapp gas) and minimal flare, and this is a good choice for soldering or brazing copper, brass and aluminium.

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Best Blow Torch For Plumbers and Gas Engineers Buying Guide

Here's what you need to know!

Things to Consider When Buying

When looking for the right blow torch for your individual needs, there’s a few key things you need to consider:

Gas type - choosing the gas type the torch uses needs to match what you intend to use it for. For simple or general soldering on a smaller scale, propane gas is a good choice but for jobs that need a higher temperature Mapp gas is ideal.

Ignition – getting your torch instantly up and running is key to a good solder so look for an ignition that works immediately and is smooth and consistent, without having to put on too much pressure. Also, look for functions that include anti-flare as well as an adjustable flame to get your joints spot on.

Durability – your torch will be put through its paces over time, and needs to be built with durability in mind, to protect it from the knocks of use and being transported or stored away. A burn tube made from stainless-steel will stand up to heavy work.

Weight – as well as being durable, the soldering torch also needs to be lightweight enough to be carried from job to job and also not cause you wrist and hand-strain when in use.

Precision – you will want to get that joint as straight and as smooth as possible, so look for features in the blow torch that makes getting a precision weld as easy as possible. An angled head and consistent gas flow can make soldering at angles or even upside down a breeze.

Price – the price will reflect the quality of the blow torch and its added features and usability, so if you plan to use your new soldering blow torch frequently, go for the best torch you can afford.

Types of Torches

A blow torch is an essential piece of kit for any plumber, and you can choose a torch for each of the key jobs – brazing (joining metals at a higher temperature to flow a filler metal into the joints) soldering (using a lower temperature – up to 450c – but a similar method to brazing), and welding (joining metals using the base metal).

To get the right finish, there are actually three main types of plumber’s blow torch to choose from:

Propane torch

A propane-fuelled torch is the most common type and widely used by both DIY’ers and professionals as they are reliable, affordable and easy to use. Propane – or LPG – torches can reach high temperatures and come complete with a disposable steel cylinder to hold the fuel source.

You can get a basic propane model, or a more sophisticated torch, which comes with interchangeable tips and other functions.

Brazing torches

These are similar to a straightforward soldering torch but can reach much higher temperatures and uses a brass rod instead of solder for the metal filler. This means they are a little more complex and can also be used with acetylene as well as MAPP gas, which is a modified form of propane. Brazing torches will create a stronger join, that soldering but needs more skill and experience to use.

Mapp Gas Torch

Mapp gas can reach a decent temperature and can be used without the need for oxygen. This type of gas torch is becoming increasingly popular as it is easy to use and will give higher temperature than ordinary propane. A Mapp torch is also convenient as it can be used with copper and brass and also works faster to heat the metal.

Oxy Acetylene Welding torches

The ‘Big Daddy’ of the gas blow torch world, this type of plumber’s torch used oxy acetylene (pure oxygen and acetylene gas) to reach temperatures over 6,000 degrees and can get hot enough to melt iron. It’s main role in plumbing or engineering is where you need that power to loosen heavily rusted pipes. And, by fusing the metal parts together, you get the strongest joints with this type of flame torch.

Our Top Pick

For everyday use that can step it up for bigger jobs, the LEXIVON Multi-Function Torch Kit is a great buy. With a choice of six heads, adjustable flame, refillable butane tank and a two-hour run time, this is a versatile and hardworking gas blow torch that can turns its flame to a host of DIY jobs around the home. Our best torch top pick for your DIY toolbox.

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FAQ

Q:What torch do plumbers use?

The best blow torch for plumbers is one that is durable and lightweight, as well as easy to use. A blow torch that can provide sufficient heat, is quick to use and creates a strong joint is ideal, with various additional functions designed to make the work of the plumber cleaner and more effective. This means propane, brazing or Mapp gas torches are the types of torches that a plumber will opt for, for everyday use.

Q:What gas do plumbers use for soldering?

As plumbers will largely be dealing with copper pipe, the best gases for a plumbing professional to use when they are soldering is either propane or Mapp.