Dab torch: butane, propane, heating time and safety

The dab torch is the heating device used in the dabbing to carry the banger or the nail at the temperature required to vaporize cannabis concentrates. It runs on butane or propane and can reach temperatures of over 1,000°C—it must be handled with care at all times.

Butane or propane: which one should you choose?

The vast majority of dabbers prefer the butane for one main reason: it is refined and purified, which means fewer impurities that could affect the taste of the concentrates. Butane burns cleanly with a steady blue flame, making it ideal for heating a quartz banger.

The propane burns at a higher temperature than butane, which can be useful for large bongs or titanium nails that require a rapid temperature rise. On the other hand, propane contains more impurities and is less recommended for sessions where flavor quality is a priority.

How long should you heat the banger?

The heating time depends on the thickness of the banger, the torch, and the material:

• Standard quartz banger : 20 to 40 seconds of direct heating
• Thick quartz banger : 40 to 60 seconds
• Titanium nail : 30 to 45 seconds

The traditional signal—the banger that «glows crimson or orange»—indicates a temperature very high (>600°C), suitable only for high-temperature dab use. For a low temp dab (the recommended method for preserving terpenes), the banger should never turn red: heat it for a shorter time, then let it cool for 30 to 60 seconds before adding the concentrate. It’s the combination with a carb cap which allows for effective spraying at low temperatures.

Torch sizes and types

Small torches (lighter-style torches) : Convenient and discreet, designed for slim bongs. Limited battery life; frequent recharging is required. Suitable for occasional use or on the go.

Medium-sized torches (for cooking) : the most common format in the dab community. Good power, good battery life, and easy to refill with standard butane cartridges. This is the recommended format for most setups.

Large flashlights (plumber's type) : maximum power, for big bongs or titanium nails. Less convenient to use, higher risk of overheating if you don't control the heating time.

Maintenance and Safety

Recharging : Dab torches are refilled with butane or propane cartridges, which are available at tobacco shops, supermarket kitchen aisles, or head shops. Hold the torch upside down when refilling butane models.

Security :

• Never leave a lit torch unattended
• Keep away from flammable materials (concentrates, solvents)
• Let the banger cool completely before touching the rig
• Place the torch on the dab mat after use
• Bleed torches that have not been used for a long time before the first refill

Torch vs. e-nail: Should You Switch to Electric?

The torch remains the most affordable and portable option for dabbing. But the’e-nail offers significant advantages for regular use: consistent and precise temperature, no torch to handle, no risk of burns, and perfect reproducibility of sessions. For occasional dabbers or those on the go, the torch remains the practical choice. For a stationary dab station used frequently, the e-nail is superior in every way except price.