Can you use any butane for a torch lighter?

Author: Rosina Haag  |  Last update: Saturday, July 26, 2025

A refillable torch lighter can be refilled with universal butane gas when the gas runs out.

Does it matter what butane you use for a torch?

Not All Butane Is the Same

The best butane for a cigar torch is at least triple-refined. Essentially, this means that the maximum number of impurities, or unwanted contaminants, have been removed from the finished product.

Are all butane canisters the same?

Aerosol-type (aka “MSF-1a” or “A4“) 227g butane canisters (pictured left) contain 100% liquefied butane gas. They are available in many different brands. But because they are manufactured to a standard design, any brand will fit any brand of table-top stove.

Are all butane torches the same?

It's crucial to note that not all butane torches can reach these extreme temperatures. The torch's design, nozzle type, and fuel-air mixture all determine the maximum temperature it can achieve.

What is the difference between a butane lighter and a torch lighter?

A torch lighter is a butane lighter with a unique delivery system that creates an air-propelled flame that is incredibly precise and burns incredibly, extremely hot — roughly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Top 5 best life hacks for lighter

Do all torch lighters take butane?

Most torch lighters can be refilled. A refillable torch lighter can be refilled with universal butane gas when the gas runs out. As we mentioned in our tutorial on how to refill a kitchen lighter, it's just three easy steps: Insert the pin of lighter gas into the hole at the bottom of the lighter.

Can I use butane instead of propane on torch?

The difference between using propane or butane with your culinary torch isn't going to have much of an impact if any, on your overall results and the use of your culinary torch. Both will surely get the job done and will get it done effectively.

Can you use any butane?

The butane canisters are standard and you can use a range of brands. I've used Iwatani brand, but my go-to are Volt brand I buy at H Mart, a Korean market and the Volt brand canisters from Korea, of course.

What are the three types of butane?

Are there different types of butane? Butane, or C4H10, is a saturated hydrocarbon. It can have two structural isomers namely n-butane and iso butane or a combination of the two. These isomers differ in the number of carbon atoms in their main chain.

Does the butane brand matter?

If you were to use the super cheap stuff there could be oils in it that might gunk up your fuel valve, so a better quality, name brand is probably going to be purer.

Is butane being discontinued?

Calor has confirmed that its decision to streamline its gas cylinder range remains firm – and the 4.5kg butane and 3.9kg propane cylinders will still be discontinued. However, after listening to affected users, Calor has decided on a longer phasing out period to allow users time to prepare.

Are fuel canisters interchangeable?

They contain a blended gas made by various manufacturers, and most use the same screw-top valve, which means you can often use different brands interchangeably - although it's always wise to verify that any fuel you purchase is compatible with your stove.

Can you use Bernzomatic butane in a torch?

The Bernzomatic® Butane Refill 5.6 oz cylinder is designed to quickly refuel your Bernzomatic micro torches, lighters, cordless soldering irons, and other butane-powered devices.

Why is my butane lighter not working after refill?

Wait for Your Lighter to Warm Up After Refilling

This happens because the butane is very cold when it's transferred from the canister to your lighter. Wait for a few minutes for your lighter to warm back up before igniting it, or you will get an inconsistent flame.

What gas is best for torch?

Butane is the prefect gas if you need simplicity, occasional use or are just starting to experiment with using gas torches and soldering irons.

What kind of gas does a torch lighter take?

Butane: Most commonly used gas, suitable for both soft and torch flame lighters.

Is all butane gas the same?

Butane exists as two isomers, n-butane with connectivity CH 3CH 2CH 2CH 3 and iso-butane with the formula (CH 3) 3CH. Both isomers are highly flammable, colorless, easily liquefied gases that quickly vaporize at room temperature and pressure.

What is the difference between butane and propane blowtorches?

What torch burns hotter, propane or butane? Both of these gases produce blue flames, but propane has a much hotter flame up to 3,600°F (1,982°C).

What can I use instead of a butane lighter?

  • Flame-free lighters. Flame-free lighters don't require butane and are windproof, which is just awesome. ...
  • Piece of glass. While not every piece of glass will work, a magnifying glass or camera lens reportedly can light a joint if someone knows what they're doing. ...
  • Dry spaghetti noodle or a toothpick.

Does Walgreens sell butane?

In addition to lighters, Walgreens carries a number of related accessories. We carry lighter fluid and butane fuel for filling lighters and other purposes. You'll also find a range of smoking accessories for sale online and in stores.

What is the best gas for a blowtorch?

Blowtorches can use different gases depending on the kind of work done. Professional gas torches use acetylene or MAPP gas to mix with oxygen, while smaller, home torches typically use either butane or propane. Let's start with acetylene. Although highly effective, acetylene (C2H2) is a volatile fuel gas.

Why is MAPP gas not made anymore?

If you google it, MAPP was discontinued because it burns cooler than acetylene, and costs substantially more than acetylene.

Which burns hotter, propane or butane?

Propane burns hotter than butane due to its chemical structure, propane – C3H8, Butane C4 H10. Propane has a higher calorific value which means it gives out more energy than butane. Propane has a hotter flame temperature, hence why propane is the preffered fuel for cooking / catering applications (as well as heating).

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