Best Blow Torch For Plumbers and Gas Engineers
Looking for a new blow torch for plumbing and don’t know where to start?
No problem!
This quick-fire review has got EVERYTHING you need to know about the best gas torches on the market in 2024.
How to choose the best gas blow torch?
There’s a tonne of different blow torches on offer — just jump into any plumbing store and see for yourself. But your decision about which model to buy will essentially hinge on these 2 preferences:
- You want the best-of-the-best and are willing to pay for it.
- You’d prefer to save a few quid and just go with a cheap blow torch.
We won’t bore you with reviews of 20 or even 10 gas torch models. Instead, we’ve listed details for 5 of the best soldering torch models on the market in 2024. The 2 top picks are from well-known brands, and should satisfy a budget of any size; the other 3 are worthy alternatives to consider.
5 Best Plumbers Blow Torch Models in 2024
Based on our extensive research we found these 5 to be the top plumbers blow torches on the market right now.
1. Rothenberger Superfire 2 Gas Blow Torch
Our Pick For: Best-Of-The-Best
If you’re new to the plumbing/gas fitting game, you’re about to hear Rotherberger’s name pop up A LOT, almost every time you search for tools.
They’re known as being one of the higher end brands in the plumbing tool space. So, they produce good stuff, but you’re certainly going to pay for it.
Torch Only
First up, if you’re comparing this to plumbing torch kits, the Rothenberger typically comes as a “torch only” deal.
So, it’s not a full kit, and that entails buying other bits (like gas) separately (yes, more money).
Temperature Concentration
The problem with cheap plumbing torches is that the temperature concentration is either:
- Not concentrated at all
- Intermittent
This makes soldering a pain-in-the-backside.
Rothenberger used the base of the original Super Fire, and then made it MUCH better, to come up with the Super Fire 2.
That means high levels of heat concentration, which makes your soldering work easy and consistent.
Angled Soldering
Another bug with cheap blow torches…
Soldering at angles and upside down? No chance.
The gas distribution to Superfire 2’s outlet is consistent, and we found that soldering upside-down or at angles with this torch is an absolute breeze.
Ignition
You’ll get an Instant Piezo ignition. That’s not just reliable, but durable too.
So, you’ll spend more time soldering and less time clicking away, wondering if you’ve run out of gas.
And, when it does ignite, there’s an anti-flare and adjustable flame built-in.
Gas Type
You’ll be able to use the Superfire 2 with:
- Propane
- MAPP PRO
And, there’s also the option to grab additional adaptors.
Durability
The burn tube is made from heavy duty stainless steel and accepts a range of gas cylinders. We loved how the stainless steel is tough enough to prevent any form of gas leakage if it’s dropped, so it’s much safer than the cheaper untested soldering torches on the market.
The jet is filtered, and that means you won’t end up with a gas flow problem.
Uses
The Superfire 2 blow torch has been designed specifically for plumbers as well as heating and gas engineers. But it’s also suitable for air conditioning and refrigeration professionals.
Weight
Like all Rothernberger blow torches, the Superfire 2 isn’t just about being durable. If you’re soldering all day, the last thing you want is a torch that’s ridiculously heavy.
And that’s definitely not the case here. The Super Fire 2 weighs under 700g.
Online Reviews
I always check out online reviews of a product I’m planning to purchase, especially if I’ve not used it before.
The best thing about Rothenbergers soldering torch? It’s got an absolute tonne of reviews.
And these reviews cover things that fill you with enough confidence to make a purchase. Especially when there are blow torches on offer for a little bit less that you’ve been thinking about buying.
In fact, it sometimes uncovers things you might not think of. A lot of the reviews on ecommerce stores suggest this is the best torch for those not soldering typical copper pipe sizes (i.e. 15mm, 22mm and 28mm).
And to be able to be precisely solder 8mm one day and 54mm the next, you’ll need a highly sensitive adjustable flame…which is exactly what the Super Fire 2 has.
Price
Nothing from Rothenberger is “cheap”. But, that’s not their focus with any product they offer — their products are all about NOT letting you down and standing the test of time.
And that means value for money with the Superfire 2.
There are plenty of no-name brands offering similar (but definitely not the same) models for 20-30% less.
Our view? Don’t bother; the few quid you save you’ll get back 10x over, just through the consistency of the soldering work you can achieve via flame adjustment on the Superfire 2.
2. Monument CGA600 Soldering Gas Torch
Our Pick For: Best Cheap Plumber’s Torch
So, we’d be heading for the Rothenberger, but what if you don’t want to spend that much cash?
There are other options. In fact, search any e-commerce store and you’ll see a tonne of cheap plumbing blow torches on offer. The cheapest? We’d completely avoid them.
But, you can grab the Monument Tools soldering torch for around £15 less than the Superfire 2. And, there’s also a good deal on the Torch + Gas Deal if you can find it.
At my time working in a plumbing merchant, we sold a tonne of tools from Monument with no complaints. So, this is where I’d be heading if I wanted something cheap, but not “imported from who-knows where” cheap.
Torch Only
Like the Rothenberger, this is a torch-only deal.
One thing that is worth mentioning is that Monument have spent a lot of time making this soldering torch comfortable to use. There’s a focus on an ergonomic fit to your hand that few other blow torches on the market have.
So, if your soldering all day, you won’t get RSI in your hand or wrist any time soon.
Temperature Concentration
Using the Piezo ignition, you’ll then be able to adjust the turbine flame to make it super-concentrated. This will make soldering copper joints of all sizes no problem at all.
Once it’s ignited, you’ll get the usual flame lock.
Angled Soldering
This torch isn’t just designed to be used for all types of soldering (i.e. angled/upside down); it’s comfortable.
Soldering at angles isn’t exactly good on your joints, and this is again where the ergonomics of the Monument Tools gas torch comes into its own.
Ignition
The Piezo ignition is the same used on the Rothenberger. And, that means it’s not just going to fire up instantly, it’s going to ACTUALLY last.
So, no, you don’t need to keep a lighter handy in case the ignition fails!
Gas Type
It’s got the usual compatibility with Propane/MAPP gas.
Weight
You’d expect the Rothenberger to be lighter, but it’s not. The Monument weighs just 522g, and that makes this one of the lightest plumber’s blow torches on the market.
Online Reviews
A brand like Monument is always going to have a tonne of positive reviews on their products. And, that’s certainly the case here.
There are over 100 reviews online, with plumbers buzzing about how good the Monument is, and how cheap it is compared to the competition.
Price
And the best bit? You don’t need to have the budget of the Super Fire 2.
You’ll be saving anywhere from £15-20 with the Monument CGA600 (depending on current best prices online) in comparison to the Rothenberger.
3. Bernzomatic TS4000T Trigger-Start Gas Blow Torch
This plumbers blow torch is the American answer to the Rothenberger blow lamps. Like the Rothenberger we described above, it’s a quality-made torch that spews a consistent, reliable flame and is pleasantly simple to operate.
And, like our #1 pick, this torch isn’t cheap.
Torch Only
Much like the 2 models above, this plumbers blow torch from Bernzomatic is a torch-only; you’ll have to buy the gas separately.
Temperature Concentration
We were happy to see high levels of temperature concentration on the maximum flow setting. You can adjust the flame intensity with the control knob, then lock the flame with the click of a button.
Angled Soldering
In our tests, the pressure was consistent enough that we could use this blow torch for angled and even inverted soldering without issues.
Ignition
We thought the ignition procedure was rather painless. All you have to do is turn the ignition button to “UNLOCK”, then press it to ignite the flame. We never had to make more than 2 attempts before getting the flame started.
Gas Type
Per the manufacturer’s instructions, it’s best to use Bernzomatic’s MAPP or propane cylinders with this blow torch.
Weight
Similar to the model above it, this torch weighs just over a half a kilogram, at 540 grams.
Online Reviews
The online reviews — of which there are 2,500+ on Amazon — give us 2 key takeaways.
Firstly, just our tests have shown, other buyers haven’t experienced issues with angled soldering using this blow torch.
Secondly — this blow torch ships from the US, so you can expect some delays with shipping (which is, unfortunately, routine these days).
Overall, people who purchased this blow torch seem just as happy with it as we were.
Price
This is far from the cheapest plumbers blow torch out there. But in our opinion (and that of most reviewers) it’s worth the premium.
4. Rothenberger 35645 Quick Fire Torch
Here we’ve got another entry from Rothenberger. This one’s far more affordable, AND it has some of the same features as its pricier counterpart, the Superfire 2. That said, we’ll be upfront with you about its single major downside — there’s no way to regulate the flame as it’s pre-set.
Torch Only
This no-frills burner from Rothenberger is also a torch-only tool — you’ll have to buy your own gas cylinders.
Temperature Concentration
We had no trouble getting a sufficiently high temperature with its constant swirl flame. The only problem you may encounter is when you need lower temperature for specific tasks — that’s because you can’t control the flame intensity.
Ignition
Just like its more expensive cousin — the Superfire 2 — this gas torch has instant Piezo ignition, so you needn’t worry about digging around for your lighter to get the fire going. We noticed that on occasion it took 2-3 attempts to ignite, but never more than that.
Gas Type
This plumbers blow torch is compatible with your standard fuel types — MAPP and propane.
Weight
Unlike the premium version, this handy little burner from Rothenberger is lightweight enough to not tire you out after a long day of soldering — it weighs only 520g.
Online Reviews
The overwhelming majority of online reviewers are happy with the product. Those who aren’t mostly point out the fact that the blow torch doesn’t not have a flame regulator. Again, keep this in mind before you buy.
Price
This budget-friendly plumbers blow torch from Rothenberger comes in at half the price of the Superfire 2. And, if you’re looking for a bare-bones gas torch that boasts the same quality make, and produces the same reliable flame, then there’s no need to overspend — this model will serve you well.
5. Todays Tools Super Total Fire Blow Torch
We’ll finish off our list of picks with a rather basic soldering torch that nevertheless does its job well and offers superb value for your money.
Torch Only
You’ll be happy to know that this soldering torch comes with 2 MAPP cylinders if you order it on Amazon.
Temperature Concentration
We liked how adjustable the flame was. You’ll find that the minimal setting is sufficient for warming up and removing stuck bolts, whereas the max temps are more than enough for heating solder.
Ignition
We were quite happy with the automatic ignition, which usually worked on the first or second attempt.
Gas Type
The Super Total plumbers blow torch comes with 2 MAPP cylinders, and we’d recommend that you stick with the same fuel once these 2 are empty.
Weight
Like most of its counterparts on this list, this blow torch from Todays Tools won’t weigh you down too much — it only weighs 570g.
Online Reviews
Although this soldering torch comes from a lesser-known brand, it’s amassed a good chunk of positive reviews from professional and DIY plumbers, mechanics, and even amateur cooks.
Price
At the time of writing, the kit sold for just over £65, which is a fantastic deal if you consider the 2 MAPP cylinders you’re getting with the purchase (the pair is worth roughly £20 if you’re buying them separately).
Getting Gas for Your Soldering Torch
Just like the torches, there’s a tonne of brands offering gas online. If you need gas for your soldering torch and want to grab it from a well-known brand, Rothenberger have their gas on offer online.
Final Notes Buying a Plumbers Blow Torch
There’s a good chance you’ve seen a cheap soldering torch online — some are nearly half the price of the cheapest model we mentioned above.
So, why not just buy one of those instead?
There are 2 key qualities a good plumbers torch should have — soldering precision and reliability.
Brands like Monument and Rothenberger have been making soldering torches for plumbers for years, and that means they’re the best in the business.
But more importantly, these products are reliable. I’m not sure about you, but I’d sooner have a torch I know isn’t going to let me down rather than saving a few £ now, only to ditch out from a job to go and grab a new torch from the local merchants!
What’s Next?
Thanks for reading our 5-minute review of plumbing gas torches.
Got a soldering torch you’re happy or unhappy with? Drop a comment below — we’d love to hear what you think of it.
And, if you still have any questions, leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Quality sells itself but thanks for reminding me. I wish sellers clearly stated where there products are made .It’s becoming Increasingly difficult to find this information. I recently bought a cheap blow torch on eBay for a one off job. It didn’t even fit any of the UK sold gas cylinders.
As a patriot l would always consider buying British first and it would be nice to see made in the UK stamped on them.