Best Dab Torch: Cheap Torches That Heat Your Nails The Perfect Temp Every Time

Butane vs. Propane Torches

When shopping for a new dab torch, you’ll quickly find out that there are two options you can choose from.

Butane or propane.

Is one better, though?

And can you use a propane torch for dabs in the first place?

Well, yes, but...

To be honest, both have their flaws, but, personally, I would rather use a butane wax torch every time.

Here’s why:

• Butane torches burn cleaner, producing less carbon monoxide.
• They don't burn as hot as propane which can get so hot that it can crack your glass or ruin your nail.
• They're easier and cheaper to refill.
• Plus, they tend to be more portable and easier to use.

With propane torches, though, you can hook them up to rather large tanks.

Big tanks let you never worry about running out of fire when you’re trying to dab a little.

Interestingly enough, most butane torches aren’t made for dabbing but actually cooking creme brule.

This delicate flame, usually used for cooking, is perfect to heat up our nails.

Propane burns hot.

And it’s not just the temperature of the glass that you need to worry about.

Letting your nail get too hot also affects how harsh the dab smoke is.

And, as anyone who’s ever dabbed before knows, dabs can make you cough kinda bad.

Kinda real bad.

Well, the cooler the nail is, the cooler the smoke will be, in turn, making it easier on your lungs.

All of the torches that made our list are butane, so I added a special recommendation at the end for what I think is the best propane torch for dabs.

But, at the end of the day, you probably want to stick with a butane torch for dabs.

How Hot Does Butane Burn?

Butane torches get very, very hot.

Users should be warned about the potential damages to your property and body if you mishandle the torch.

Why?

Because butane, in its purest format, can reach temperatures of up to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is hot enough to melt many common metals.

Butane torches have a slightly different nozzle than propane ones, which emits a more direct flame than a propane torch.

This direct flame is perfect for dabbing.

But it’s also useful for soldering soft metals, and other around-the-house construction projects.

Butane torches are much smaller than propane torches as well.

Even pocket size - so you can dab on the go.

Despite is lower temperature (when compared to propane flames), it's still a dangerous tool and should be kept well out of reach of children.

How Hot Does Propane Burn?

This is a silly question because you should never use propane for dabbing.

Propane is a much dirtier and far less-refined fuel.

It contains many impurities when compared to butane.

Butane, therefore, is a cleaner smoking experience.

Propane does reach much higher temperatures, but the dabber needs to ask themselves if anything above 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit is actually needed to dab.

Propane is an extremely hot flame.

It can reach temperatures of 3,600 degrees!

It’s not only dirty for smoking with, but it's also excessive.

You could damage your dab rig and totally incinerate the product beyond recognition.

So if anyone tries to offer you a dab with their propane torch, even in desperation, turn the offer down.

Sticking with butane torches for dabbing saves your equipment, and saves your lungs from toxic fumes.

You and your friends will thank us later for this advice.

What’s The Perfect Temperature to Dab?

There are two ideas about the perfect temperature to dab.

The first theory is low temperature, usually targeting between 315 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

The low temperature protects the most sensitive cannabinoids and terpenes.

Low-temperature dabbing is for the cannabis connoisseurs, who want to protect the flavor profile and minor cannabinoids from incineration.

Keeping the dab under 450 degrees also reduces the intensity of the high.

If you want to produce colossal vapor clouds, capable of smoking out the room, you’ll need to up the temperature.

Try to target 600 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

These temperatures will burn off some of the lesser-cannabinoids and many of the tasty terpenes, but it will be an intense experience, to say the least.

The high temperature burns everything off quickly, sending a huge hit straight into your lungs.

It’s not about savoring the experience; it’s about getting as high as possible.

Of course, you can always target temperatures in the middle.

Between 450 and 600 degrees will find a perfect balance between tastiness and intensity.

You might also find that some cannabis products require slightly different temperatures.

Feel free to experiment.

How Long Should You Torch a Dab Nail?

Different types of nails cool down at different rates.

An electronic nail is the most precise and gives you perfect temperature control.

Many dabbers prefer a quartz nail, however, which means you need to know roughly how long to let it cool down before use.

Age, quality, and thickness can also alter the cooldown rate, and therefore the time it takes to reach the target temperature.

You’ll need a timer, and a heat gun to figure out the time required to reach ideal temperatures using your dab nail.

After heating your nail to red-hot temperature, set the timer and grab your heat gun.

Point the gun at the nail and wait until it reaches the right temperature for your product and preference.

Usually, it will take approximately a minute to cool down enough for dabbing.

Again, there are many factors which will influence the specific timing for your name.

Even the temperature of your room can change the timing.

Practice makes perfect though, so grab your heat gun and timer and get to dabbing.

Safety First When Dabbing With a Live Flame Torch

It should go without saying, but just in case it isn’t - always be careful operating a butane torch.

With a flame getting up to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll want to be very careful handling it.

This is especially true because you are dabbing to get high, so your reaction time is going to get impaired.

Butane torches aren’t tricky to use, and they usually have safety features, but you never know when an accident can happen with a bit of inattention.

Store in a safe, child-proof location between sessions.

Keep it clean, and free of debris as well.

But enough about safety, let’s get to dabbing and where to buy dab torches.

Where to Buy A Torch For Dabs?

You can buy dab torches at both head shops and dispensaries, but because butane torches are actually a construction tool, you can find them many other places as well.

You might also find a good dabbing torch in a gourmet kitchen store because people use the very same tools for culinary purposes.

Torches at a dispensary are perfect because they are right there when you need it, found alongside the dab rigs, and the cannabis concentrates you’re also buying.

However, the dispensary likely has inflated prices, because they don’t specialize in this kind of equipment.

Instead, you’ll find a better selection and better prices at a hardware store.

For the most selection, and the best prices though - check out big names online.

Being the store that sells everything, Amazon is clearly the best place to start.

The Best Dab Torch

What makes a dab torch the best?

It’s got to be easy to use, and easy to refill.

Unless you exclusively use a dab rig at home, it must also be portable.

Many pocket size versions work just as well as the larger styles.

Also look for an electric ignition, which is usually a bit more reliable than their older styles.

Of course, some folks want a torch with style, but looks are minimally important.

Check out some of the below options, which are the best dab torches on the market today, and you’ll surely find one perfect for you and your dab rig.

The Best Dab Torch

Best Propane Torch for Dabs

For those of you that prefer to use propane, I didn’t want to leave you hanging.

Keep in mind, you can pick up a complete propane torch pretty cheap at your local hardware store, but if you want the best propane torch for dabs, check this out.