MAP Torch

[Craigar]

Going back at least a year, maybe a year and a half Spinaker has been singing the praises of a MAP torch to light charcoal




while I have been suggesting a propane torch.




Back on March 15 my "trusty" propane torch quit working. The electronic ignition quit work and it wouldn't keep a flame going even if I lit the torch with another lighter. Eventually I was able to get the charcoal chimney lit using the old fashioned (God forbid, ha!) method of newspaper and a fireplace lighter. All was good, but the ash flying around from the newspaper just reinforced why I started using my propane torch. The day on the way home from work I pulled into Home Depot to buy a replacement. As I started to compare what would be my new old torch to the MAP torch I could see the benefits of the MAP over the propane. First off was the warranty. The warranty on the MAP torch is a limited lifetime warranty versus the one year warranty on old blue. The last propane torch lasted me about 5 years using it an average of least once a week. So comparing the two torches AND the cost ($24.97 for old blue versus $45.97 for old yeller) I though I could buy 2 blues for about the same price as one yellow, but the thought of the warranty kicked in...if I buy old yeller I won't have to replace it...theoretically. Long story short, the MAP (old yeller) torch is much heavier and feels like it is built to last being that it is an all metal design versus blue's plastic and brass. As for the flame, it does appear MAP burns hotter as I normally hit the charcoal with about 50-60 seconds of propane lighting three different areas of the SnS (this is for reverse sear cooks). Using the same method with the MAP torch only takes about 30-45 seconds. Due to lousy weather the past week and a half, I have only been able to use the MAP torch a couple of times. As time goes by I will check back in and give an update, but I'm sure Spinaker can chime in to sing its praises.

~Craig

[lschweig]

The Map torch definitely burns much hotter than a propane torch. Think of it like a propane torch on steroids. The other advantage is that with a Map torch it will not go out when it is held upside down, where a propane torch probably will.

I have had mine for over 10 years and also use it to sweat copper fittings.

[Spinaker]

I had this issue too. Once of the reasons I went to MAPP. Also....whio can say No to more power/heat?

[TheCountofQ]

I was unaware of the upside down benefit. My ol' blue had been fighting me lately, so may upgrade. Have thought about it several times, but 50 is a chunk for a charcoal lighter.

[customtrim]

I like mine refillable which i already have butane, flames adjustable and works upside down

[Spinaker]

Very cool. Let's see that flame!

[EdF]

What is that thing?

[TheCountofQ]

Looks like a gas solder iron without the tip. I have one very similar. Always considered it to small for a charcoal start though. Maybe I was wrong.

[Spinaker]

I love using the torch to light my fires. While cooking on a Kamado, its very advantageous to be able to have a small hot fire. That is the biggest advantage to having the MAP torch.

You also get a much heavier torch when you go MAP. You can see that in the pictures above. And as others have mentioned, being able to hold it upside down is crucial.
One unexpected place I find myself using my torch is on my KEG's Daisy wheel. In the winter months, it freezes shut. So before a cook I used to have to start the fire, then hold the lid half open to thaw it out. Now, I just rip the under side with the torch and it breaks free in no time! Super clutch at 5 am in January.

They also work great in the fireplace too!

Glad you like it Craigar

[Steve B]

You forgot to mention in Minnesota. Hehe

[Spinaker]

Exactly! Steve B

[customtrim]

It is a blazer gb4001 on amazon

[customtrim]

Craigar EdF Spinaker

[EdF]

Yeah, that looks pretty impressive!

[lschweig]

When I use a chimney I use the Mapp torch to light it (from the bottom) and it is more reliable than just paper and quicker too.

A propane torch will also work, but will take a lot longeeer. Not sure if a butane torch would work as it just does't have the Wheaties, but probably would given enough time.

[Spinaker]

Oh yeah. great tactic.

[Craigar]

With my old propane torch I would hold it underneath the chimney until the smoke started rolling out of the top, usually only about 20-30 seconds would be my guess. My neighbor thought I was crazy until he noticed I was cooking about 15 minutes before he was.

[customtrim]

I dont light charcoal with this i light these. I dont use the chimney very much, when i do i just use paper works great for me

[Mr. Bones]

MAPP. Definitely MAPP!!!

[Histrix]

The Map torch definitely burns much hotter than a propane torch. Think of it like a propane torch on steroids. The other advantage is that with a Map torch it will not go out when it is held upside down, where a propane torch probably will.

I have had mine for over 10 years and also use it to sweat copper fittings.

They quit making the real MAPP gas many years ago. The stuff they call MAP-Pro is not the same thing and it really isn't that much hotter than the regular (and much cheaper) blue bottled gas (propane).

MAPP temp = 5300°F
MAP-pro temp = 3600°F
Propane temp = 3450°F

The more expensive torch heads allow you to use them upside down because they are pressure regulated heads and they will work the same way (upside down) on blue bottles.

[Craigar]

Thank you Histrix you just answered a question I was going to ask about being able to use blue bottles.

[lschweig]

Histrix interesting. I just checked my current tank and see now that it is Map-pro temp, which surprised me.

The other factor to consider is that the flame width for the Map torch is quite a bit wider than a typical propane torch and thus could affect the overall effectiveness.

[Histrix]

lschweig Flame width has more to do with the torch head itself. If you want a wider flame get one of these - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Some sous vide folks use those for searing but I didn't really like it for that after using it that way for a while so now it is my main torch head for lighting charcoal. The flame is spread out so not quite so concentrated on just one spot so it lights lump faster. At least that is what I choose to believe.

*****

For folks that don't have a pressure regulated head and find that running with the gas bottle upside down is problematic consider getting one of these:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FXGLV2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use that with one of my torch heads to light things where getting the whole bottle/head assembly is difficult. The bottle hanger is nice - just hang the bottle on the edge of a grill or whatever and you can maneuver the torch head itself into tighter spots.

[Strat50]

I use a MAPP gas torch simply because it is the torch I have. Even in -20 and colder temps, it works just fine. Oh, and sometimes I use it for work around the house too....lol

[Willy]

I can second those who have had trouble keeping a propane torch lit--it's been the bane of my creme brulee life. I just "upgraded" to add a hose so as not to need to turn the bottle upside down, but it still goes out some. I may need to look at MAPP. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to solder pipes too!

[Argoboy]

I use my electric heat gun to start the charcoal and I am very satisfied with the results, within a minute the charcoal is burning. I use it to start my Akron Kamado but I do need to use an extension cord though.

[SpookySunny]

If you get the benzomatic one, don't forget to check out the Searzall....I love mine for finishing steaks that I have used in a sous vide. Also works well for touching up stuff that didn't get quite done enough. http://www.bookeranddax.com/searzall/

[Greasy]

I gotta get one of those for my torch!!!