True dabbers know: nothing hits like a torch dab.
The right dab torch with the right dab rig makes all the difference, unleashing the full power, potency, and flavor of terpenes and cannabinoids in a way e-rigs and wax pens simply can’t match.
In this article, we go over the best dab torches and how to choose the right torch for your specific dabbing needs. If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Turbo torch: High power, rapid heating
- Precision dab torch: Pinpoint accuracy, beginner's choice
- Mini torch: Pocket-sized, discreet dabbing
- Adjustable flame torch: Precise temperature control
- Angled torch: Versatile, multi-angle dabbing
- Childproof torch: Family friendly, accident prevention
- Wind-resistant torch: Outdoor use, camping-friendly
- Travel torch: Vacation-ready, easy transport
- Adjustable flame length torch: Multi-concentrate compatibility
- Aesthetic torch: Stylish design, display-worthy
What type of torch is best for dabs?
The best torch for dabs is butane which burns at 2,400°F compared to propane's 3,600°F. The lower temperature and smaller flame size means you’re less likely to overheat your dabs preserving delicate terpenes and cannabinoids that would be destroyed at higher temperatures with propane torches.
Chazzing: Butane’s lower burning temperature reduces thermal stress on your quartz banger, which prevents micro-fractures and chazzing (cloudy white residue). Butane doesn’t just promote a productive dab, it also extends the life of your quartz nails.
Best dab torches
1. Turbo torch: Rapid heating
The Big Buddy Turbo Torch’s 2500°F flame transforms your dabbing heat-up times.
Its powerful turbo flame tech heats thick quartz and complex bangers in seconds so you’ll spend less time waiting and more time dabbing. The rapid heat-up is a game-changer for bangers with longer heat-up times like ceramic, core reactors, opaques, and thermal cores.
What we loved: This torch excels at evenly heating intricately designed bangers, preventing cold spots that can ruin your dabs. The 60-minute burn times mean you’re set for dozens of sessions. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility – start slowly to avoid overheating your dabs.
2. Precision dab torch: Beginner's choice
The Goody Glass Torch's precision flame control band lets you dial in your perfect dab temperature with pinpoint accuracy.
The clever band allows you to fine-tune the flame size with incredible accuracy. Once you've found that sweet spot, you can lock it in place. Accidental dial shifts from moving your torch around become a thing of the past.
What we loved: The auto-lock feature is perfect for first-time dabbers. Once you've dialed in the perfect flame length and intensity for your concentrate, you can easily recreate it every time. This consistency takes the guesswork out of dabbing, you get the same torch length and intensity every time.
3. Mini torch: Fits in your pocket
The Vector Speed Mini Torch packs a powerful 2400°F flame into a pocket-sized package. At just 3 inches, it's the ultimate on-the-go dabbing companion.
Don't let its size fool you! This torch delivers serious heat for potent dabs. Its compact build slips easily into your pockets or purse, perfect for discreet dabbing.
What we loved: The push-and-slide ignition with a locking mechanism is smooth and reliable but also prevents any mayhem and mishaps. It puts a little pressure on the thumb to ignite, but the flame holds strong even in the wind, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. Just be mindful of the compact size because it forces your hands to be closer to the flame than with bigger torches.
4. Adjustable flame torch: Precise temperature control
The Newport Adjustable Medium 6" Torch delivers unparalleled precision for nailing the best dab temps. Its adjustable single-flame design gives you pinpoint control over your heating process.
Whether you’re aiming for a cold start, low-temperature (flavors), or high-temp (potency), this torch is top of its class. The adjustable flame lets you fine-tune your temperatures, making it much easier to hit that sweet spot between 300-450°F for flavor or 550°F - 650°F for potency.
What we loved: This torch crushes it with cold start dabs. Lower the flame to about 40% and the single flame heats your banger nice and slow with zero hotspots. Remember, single-flame torches take a bit longer to heat thicker bangers, but the control is worth the rich burst of flavors and terpenes you get from this dab torch.
5. Angled dab torch: Multi-angle dabbing
The Vector Angle Vantage Torch's head swivels a full 50 degrees, from 40° to 90°, making this the most versatile dab torch there is if you love switching between dabbing devices.
This torch bends to your will, whether you're tackling a nectar collector, mini rig, or a hefty glycerin recycler. The adjustable angle lets you hit that sweet spot every time, making awkward banger reaches and wrist strain a thing of the past.
What we loved: Switching between dab styles was effortless. We found our sweet spot by positioning the head at 60° for nectar collectors and 80° for dab rigs. The ergonomic relief to the wrist was a game-changer but you have to experiment with different angles before your session starts. Your dabs (and your joints) will thank you.
6. Childproof dab torch: For dabbing parents
The Newport Child-Proof 5.5" Torch combines powerful performance with top-notch safety.
This dab torch’s childproof safety lock system guarantees your torch stays off-limits to curious hands, so you can dab worry-free in family environments. On top of that, the adjustable flame control lets you fine-tune your dab temps.
What we loved: The self-igniting piezo ignition is perfect for home environments. No more hunting for lighters or matches to ignite your torch, just unlock, press, and you're dabbing. It's a real lifesaver when you're juggling parental duties and need a quick, safe session. The childproof lock gives us peace of mind, making this torch a natural fit for family households.
7. Wind-resistant torch: Outdoor dabbing
The HEMPER Windproof Torch's innovative design keeps your flame steady in windy weather, making outdoor dabbing a breeze.
This compact torch uses a venturi tube design that mixes butane with air before ignition, creating a powerful, wind-resistant blue flame. The mixture of gas and air pushes through gusts of winds so you can heat your banger even on windy days. It's perfect for beach trips, camping, or porch sessions.
What we loved: The removable cap and keychain loop made this our go-to outdoor torch. We clipped it to our backpack for easy access during hikes, and the cap kept debris out of the nozzle. Just keep in mind that while it's wind-resistant, it's not waterproof, so keep it dry during your outdoor adventures, especially during rainy days.
8. Travel dab torch: Vacation-ready
The Vector Travel Torch packs a 2600°F flame into a compact 5.6-inch frame, perfect for on-the-go dabbing adventures.
This torch is perfect for travel, packing a 2600°F flame into a 5.6-inch body. Its wind-resistant design keeps your dabs going on breezy beaches or mountaintops. The included 107 ML refill can means you won't run dry mid-trip, and its tough build handles the wear and tear of being tossed in bags or bumped around during your adventures.
What we loved: The Vector's power-to-size ratio is impressive. It handled full-sized bangers as efficiently as larger torches, yet fit snugly in our backpack. This compact powerhouse meant we didn't have to compromise on dab quality while traveling. Just remember to empty it before flying and check local regulations.
9. Adjustable flame length torch: Multi-concentrate compatibility
The Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch's adjustable flame upgrades the torch dabbing experience, letting you nail the perfect temperature for any type of cannabis concentrate.
This torch's gas-flow adjustment dial puts you in control, allowing you to fine-tune your flame from a gentle flicker to a scorching 2500°F blast. Whether you're working with sticky shatters, crumbly waxes, or runny oils, this torch adapts to your concentrate's consistency.
What we loved: This torch excels at cold start dabs. Dial the flame down to about 30% and watch as it gently heats your banger, creating a slow, even warm-up that gently coaxes out all the terpenes from your extract. Then crank it up and the turbo flame will finish off the banger with potent vapors so you get the most out of your concentrates.
10. Aesthetic torch: Display-worthy
The Smokerolla Spaceout Flashback Torch stands out from typical industrial-looking dab torches with its comic book-style design.
This torch doubles as an artistic piece, with a sleek blue finish and hidden storage case. It comes with a display stand for display, while still delivering powerful and adjustable flames.
What we loved: It instantly upgraded our dab station's look. Pair this with any blue Kryo dab rig and a matte finish Isoplex for some insanely beautiful dab aesthetics.
What is the best torch time for dabs?
The best torch time for dabs is 30 seconds. Heat the bottom and sides of your banger evenly for 30 seconds. For a stronger but harsher hit, let the banger cool for 15 seconds before adding your dabs, and for a gentler and more flavorful inhale, let the banger cool for 30-45 seconds before dropping in your dabs.
Learn how long you need to heat your dab nail depending on the type of banger you’re using.
Is butane or propane better for dabs?
Butane is better for dabs because it's cleaner and safer than propane. Propane burns at a scorching 3,623°F, which is overkill for concentrates and can damage your banger. It also contains ethyl mercaptan, a smelly additive that leaves a nasty taste in your dabs.
Propane's extreme heat can create titanium oxide buildup on titanium bangers or nails. This white or gray coating forms when titanium reacts with oxygen at high temperatures. It's bad news for dabbers because it reduces heat retention, affects flavor, and may be harmful if inhaled. Butane's lower temperature (2,600°F) doesn't cause this issue, keeping your gear cleaner and more efficient.
How big of a torch do I need for dabs?
Big troches (6+ inches) provide intense heat, are perfect for thicker and more intricate bangers, and work great with larger rigs and recyclers. Medium torches (4-6 inches) are great for standard-sized dab rigs and bangers and are known to offer power and control. Smaller torches (1-3 inches) are great for travel but may take longer to heat larger nails.
Can you smoke a dab with a regular lighter?
You can't use a regular lighter for dabs because it's too weak. While a lighter flame reaches 600-800°F, it's too spread out to heat a banger properly. Dabs need intense, focused heat from a butane torch (2000-2500°F) to vaporize fully. A torch quickly heats the banger to pull vapor from the concentrates. A lighter would just melt the dabs without creating vapor, wasting your product.
Different types of dab torches
Curious about what options you have for dab torches. Below are all the different types of dab torches you can choose from:
Propane torch
A propane dab torch is known for its high-heat output (up to 3,600°F) and long-lasting fuel supply. It produces a hot, intense flame ideal for quickly heating large dab nails. While they’re cost-effective, they contain harmful additives and often burn the banger and heat dabs at temperatures that can easily overburn and waste your concentrates.
Torch tip: Avoid propane and always stick with butane dab torches.
Electric dab torch
An electric dab torch, or e-nail, is a flameless device that uses electricity to heat your nail or banger. It features a digital display box with a coiled wire that wraps around the banger, letting you digitally adjust the temperature your banger heats all without any fire! Popular for its safety and consistency, it eliminates gas leaks and open flames from standard dab torches.
Single-flame dab torch
A single flame dab torch is a compact, butane-powered torch with a focused, adjustable flame. Perfect for smaller dabs, it offers flame length control via a dial. These torches are beginner-friendly and fuel-efficient. While they heat nails slower than multi-flame torches, this gradual heating prevents overburning making it perfect for flavor lovers.
Angle dab torch
An angle dab torch features an adjustable nozzle, making it much easier and more comfortable to heat your banger. They’re particularly useful for hard-to-reach areas on your rig, such as intricate heady-style dab rigs or heating the bottom end of a dab straw. It’s not just easier to control but also provides better visibility, making this type of torch great for improving accuracy when vaporizing.
Triple-flame dab torch
A triple flame dab torch uses three separate flame outlets to produce a wider, more concentrated stream of fire. You get faster heating even with thicker or larger bangers, making it better suited for high-temp dab lovers.
While they are perfect for thicker vapors and stronger effects, they can consume fuel very quickly, and beginners usually find these torches less precise and more prone to over-burning and wasting dabs when not handled correctly.
Wind-resistant dab torch
A wind-resistant dab torch is designed to maintain a steady flame in outdoor or breezy conditions. These torches have a specialized nozzle or flame guard to protect the flame from wind interference. They’re perfect for outdoor dabbing sessions, delivering consistent performance in challenging conditions such as hiking, camping, or just taking a quick dab in the backyard.
Mini dab torch
A mini dab torch is a compact and portable dab torch designed for on-the-go dabbing. These small torches are typically butane-fueled and feature a single flame. They’re perfect for discreet use, travel, or if you have limited storage. Mini torches excel in precision with small dabs and mini rigs but may struggle with larger nails and dab rigs. They’re great for beginners but have limited fuel capacity.
