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The Top 5 Best Dab Torches:
My Personal Favorites
Written by: Taylor Walker | Updated: March 16th, 2019
Most concentrate smokers reading this probably already know, a dab torch is an essential tool when it comes to using a dab rig.
Being the wax fiend that I am, I've gone through many different dab torches over the years.
The great thing about dab torches, is that unlike dab rigs (which break easily), they last quite awhile if you buy a good model of torch.
And obviously since their refillable, most stoners should only ever have to buy one torch.
However, me being the concentrate connoisseur that I am, coupled with the fact that I've mainly been ripping dabs over buds for the past several years, I've accumulated quite the collection of torches.
Not to mention the fact that Jeremy still hasn't returned my Cinderwitch Triple Jet (which by the way Jeremy if you're reading this, I'd like that back).
But I'm getting off track...
I assume most of you are here because you're looking to find the best dab torch to suit your needs, so let's get into my top 5 picks.
My Top 5 Favorite Dab Torches
1. ErrlyBird Torch Art
This torch is a very good value for it's size, and is much more unique than most torches because there are a multitude of different art styles to choose from. It is designed to function like most average dab torches without much in the department of bells and whistles. As far as size goes, it is not a mini torch neither is it a mega torch, making it perfect for 90% of dab rigs.
That's not to say little thought has been put into the available features. Using the levers on the torch I have the ability to lock the flame once ignited (goodbye sore finger) and further adjust the size of the flame. The tip of the flame can be adjusted to the size of a pencil-tip, great for avoiding accidental burns. It always ignites the first time if I use it properly & with authority. Minimal effort is required, it isn't like the hardware store torches that require a lot of force to pull back the starter.
The base is removable if it proves too difficult to maneuver with and I personally really like the design I chose for mine. I went with the nature scene for that feeling of relaxing at camp no matter where I find myself toking. As far as raw efficiency goes, I enjoy that it is not a mini torch since the fuel tank has the capacity for a good amount of butane, I never find myself refilling often enough to complain that I'm not getting enough hits per tank.
2. The Blazer Big Shot
This is a big boy without a doubt. At 8 inches tall it is tallest torch on this list, but the increased size directly translates into more rips per tank. The inner pyromaniac in myself wants to test if their claim that a single tank gets you 35 minutes of continuous high-power torching is true, but I have difficulty finding a half hour where I can have a 2500°F torch running the entire time.
What I will say is that the disappointed feeling of running out of fuel when all you want is a big dab hoot is not a common feeling with the Big Shot.
Ensuring the torch ignites is the least of my worries. I'm not entirely sure how the integrated "Piezo Crystal" functions to make ignition a breeze, but my research suggests that the crystal functions to easily transmit electricity through it once it is squeezed via mechanical means. Essentially, squeezing the trigger applies pressure to a crystal that was selected for its natural ability to easily conduct an electric spark to ignite the butane. They naturally brand this as "Piezo Crystal Technology." All I know for sure is that it ignites reliably.
The flame is adjustable within a wide range and can also be turned off entirely by bringing the dial into the off position, which really brings me peace of mind as I am probably one of the few people clumsy enough to accidentally set my whole house on fire bumping into my dab torch.
3. Cinderwitch Triple Jet Flame Torch
The cycle of innovation tends to be fairly predictable with most products. At first, there's products that simply fulfill the need at it's most basic, then there is a 2nd generation that improves upon the first's mistakes, and then finally there are manufacturers that design a product from the ground up to be as fancy and functional as possible. The Triple Jet Flame Torch by Cinderwitch falls into the third category. I mean, just look at the friggin' thing. If James Bond smoked dabs, this is what Q would supply him.
What gets me every time is how downright ergonomic this thing is to use. The trigger is curved perfectly for the human finger and any other curves in the device are very slight and meant to be held in the hand comfortably.
First generation dab torches had very sharp angles (usually 90°) and the triggers were square in design which really just didn't mean long term comfort if you constantly use your torch. The flame is easily locked and adjusted with only a single hand, another rarity for dab torches.
I'm no engineer, but I believe the triple jet design was picked because it was easier to make a torch that harnesses the power of three jets than making a single jet as powerful as the three are in combination. Or maybe it's just because it looks ridiculously cool. Either way, it definitely works and has some primo fuel efficiency to boot.
4. Newport Mini Torch
A micro torch is great when I want to leave the house with one of my smaller rigs or visit a friend and not have to rely on their taste in dab torches. For this reason, I reach for my R Series Micro frequently before my worldly dabbing conquests.
The smallest dab torch on this list by far, it will be the torch most frequently refilled if chosen. It is however extremely inexpensive and I actually just have two that I keep in rotation.
When I'm all stoned up and satisfied it really isn't a huge deal to pop in some more butane if one ran dry. This torch also uses the piezoelectric crystal concept to make ignition a breeze. Instead of the typical trigger style there is a plunger that is pushed in with the thumb since we are working with limited real estate here. R Series still found the space to add in a flame lock and flame adjuster, so really the only thing this torch doesn't have compared to bigger or more expensive torches is fuel capacity.
5. Cinderwitch Single Jet Flame Torch
Cinderwitch also offers a single jet torch that I find is best for it's ease of use. There's a single button on the back of the device used to ignite the torch that has a very pleasant hand-feel. I like knowing my fingers are all as far as possible from the torch when in use as in my experience overindulging in concentrates is pretty easy and can do a number on your fine motor skills.
The Single Jet is much more fuel efficient than their triple jet system also offered by Cinderwitch but obviously this means it sacrificed some of its power, the real world implications of this is just that it'll take a few more seconds before my nail becomes the proper shade of red hot.
The portability and sleek design often has my friends asking to give it a shot. It's the torch that I've had to explain how to use the torch lock and flame adjuster on the least out of all of the torches I've let other people use, so there's definitely a method to the madness in this unconventional design.
What Makes a Good Dab Torch?
There's a reason a fully functioning dab setup is referred to as a rig. That reason is that there are many moving parts necessary for a satisfactory or preferably exemplary dabbing experience. The dab torch functions to make the nail piping hot so that concentrates can be instantly turned into delicious, high-THC smoke.
Dab torches function by igniting butane to make a high temperature blast of flame. Regular lighters don't do the trick for dabbing, the lower temperatures offered don't combust concentrates adequately enough to ensure maximum efficiency. Under lower temperatures, constituents of shatter degrade and become non-psychoactive before they can fully form in the smoke that's going into your lungs. Therefore, the attributes most sought after in a dab torch is the ability to easily obtain a high temperature with minimal fuel usage. Besides that, the size and shape of your rig means some torches will be much more comfortable to use. A small rig is not well serviced by a massive torch and larger rigs need more fuel capacity than what a more compact model can offer.
Safety Precautions
Remember, these torches easily reach temperatures of 1430°C (2610°F) so it is essential to find a dab torch that compliments your rig in a manner that both gets the job done and doesn't expose you to the risk of burning yourself.
With that said, here's five dab torches that make the grade as far as being functional and worth the money. At least one of them should suit your particular dabbing frequency and setup.
Conclusion
So, those are the best torches in the dab game right now. Some people are starting to go with electric nails to completely eliminate the need to have butane on hand, but then you are confined to electrical outlets, so finding the right nail & heat source is completely up to how you decide to enjoy the dabbing experience.
When refilling these torches, an easy trick to remember is that the moment butane begins to spray from the sides of the bottle's nozzle, your torch is refilled and ready to rock.
I like butane torches because they are compact and increasingly easy to use. As they become more efficient over time I wonder just how far I'll be able to take my rig with me with limited amounts of butane.
Well, thats all for now. Be sure to comment down below if you have any questions about the torches I've mentioned, or if your favorite torch isn't listed, comment it down below and let me know!
About the Author Taylor
A marijuana enthusiast, vaporizer connoisseur, a frequent user of CBD and he's also the founder of iMarijuanit.com.