I Bought & Tested the Best-Selling Propane Torches. Here's Why InfernoReach is #1:
Written by Jake Thornton
After that driveway disaster, I spent the rest of the summer figuring out what actually separates a serious weed torch from a glorified plumber's torch. I tried patching my old unit with a cheap replacement hose from the hardware store, but the burner head cracked within two uses and left me right back where I started.
Next I rented a contractor-grade torch, hoping raw BTU would fix everything. It worked, but the borrowed unit needed a full-size 100lb tank I couldn't store in my shed, and the rental fees added up fast. A bargain-bin model I ordered online arrived with a hose so short I had to drag the tank behind me like a stubborn dog.
That's when I decided to stop guessing and start testing properly, buying five of the best-reviewed propane torches on the market and running each through real yard work, ice removal, and driveway repairs side by side over six full weeks.
Here's what I found.
My Test Results
For six weeks, I put five top-selling propane torches through the same battery of real yard work across three properties — a gravel driveway thick with crabgrass, a stone patio lined with moss, and a fence row overrun with thistle. Each torch got equal time on identical patches of weeds, cracked asphalt, and a frozen birdbath to test ice removal in near-freezing mornings.
I scored every torch on four criteria: heat output power, reach and mobility, ignition reliability, and build durability, timing how fast each cleared a measured 10-foot weed strip and logging every failed ignition attempt in gusty conditions. Our team cross-checked BTU claims against actual scorch results rather than trusting the box.
InfernoReach was the first finding that stood out — it cleared that 10-foot test strip in under 90 seconds on average, nearly twice as fast as the slowest torch in the group. The flame stayed a consistent, focused cone even when I intentionally tested it in 15 mph gusts.
I was also surprised by how well it handled tasks outside pure weeding. It cracked through a half-inch layer of ice on the birdbath in seconds and softened old caulk around a window frame I'd been meaning to replace, all without swapping a single attachment.
The only real limitation I found during testing was availability — I had to check back twice before finally landing a unit in stock. Once I had it in hand, it never once under-performed, including during a light drizzle that stalled two competing torches.
The Results:
After six weeks of side-by-side testing, our top pick earned its #1 ranking by combining raw heat output with genuine everyday usability the competition couldn't match. InfernoReach simply outworked everything else on my test bench.
Value
Once I stopped renting contractor torches and driving to buy chemical weed killer every spring, my monthly hardware store trips basically vanished. InfernoReach replaced three separate tools I used to own — a chemical sprayer, a hand weeder, and an ice scraper — with one you grab from the garage.
Skipping a real torch means more Saturdays lost bent over pulling weeds by hand, more money spent replacing herbicide bottles that only work for a season, and more risk of a cheap torch's hose splitting mid-job. That ongoing drain adds up faster than most homeowners realize.
Build quality held up through six weeks of near-daily abuse without a single seal failure or hose crack, and the warranty coverage beats what most competitors offer. This is the kind of tool that earns its keep for a decade, not a single season.
Weekend Yard Work Without the Backache
Weekend chores look different now — I knock out the driveway cracks and fence line in the time it used to take just to gear up the old torch. No more standing over a leaky hose wondering if it's safe to light, just a quick trigger pull and a clean, controlled flame.
It's not just for weeds either. I've used it to thaw a frozen hose bib, scorch rust off an old gate hinge, and even help my neighbor melt ice off her front steps after a surprise freeze. Anyone with a yard, a driveway, or a long winter benefits from having one in the garage.
Customer Reviews
I run a small landscaping crew and we tested it on a quarter-acre lot choked with foxtail. Cleared the whole thing in under an hour, something that used to take us most of an afternoon with our old torches.
At 68, bending over to pull weeds isn't happening anymore. The telescoping handle means I stand up straight the whole time, and my knees thank me every single weekend.
Our new house came with a driveway full of cracks sprouting weeds every few feet. This burned through all of it in one afternoon and the flame never once sputtered, even in the wind.
Frequently Asked Questions
A propane torch, also called a weed burner or flame gun, uses a controlled propane flame to kill weeds, melt ice, thaw pipes, and handle light asphalt or roofing repairs.
The heat destroys plant cell structure instantly instead of relying on chemicals.
Most consumer models range from about 2,000°F to over 3,000°F depending on burner design and fuel pressure. Higher-end torches like InfernoReach reach even higher sustained temperatures, which speeds up weed clearance and ice removal significantly.
Yes, as long as you follow basic precautions — avoid dry brush, keep a water source nearby, and never use one in high winds.
Checking gas seals before each use also prevents the vast majority of safety incidents.
Most torches work with anything from small 1lb camping canisters up to standard 20lb or even 100lb tanks, depending on the regulator and hose fitting. Larger tanks last longer but add weight if you're not using a tank cart.
A standard 20lb tank typically provides several hours of continuous high-heat use, though exact runtime depends on the torch's BTU output and how often you're triggering the flame.
Lower-quality torches struggle badly in wind, with flames flickering out or ignition failing repeatedly.
Our testing found windproof burner designs and reliable piezo ignition made the biggest difference in maintaining a stable flame during gusty conditions.
Absolutely — a strong, sustained flame can clear ice off steps, driveways, and birdbaths far faster than chipping or salting. Just avoid holding the flame too long on one spot near vinyl siding or wood surfaces.
Warranty coverage varies widely by brand, but look for at least a one-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. InfernoReach backs its build with warranty coverage well above the industry standard, which was a deciding factor in our final ranking.
Purchase and Delivery Process
Ordering is simple since InfernoReach sells directly online, cutting out the retail markup you'd pay at a hardware store.
Delivery is fast once your order goes through, typically arriving within about a week.
I'll be honest though — when I first tried to order mine, it was sold out and I had to wait almost two weeks before a new batch became available. If you see it in stock right now, I'd grab it rather than risk missing the next restock window like I did.
Where Can I Buy the InfernoReach?
Getting your own InfernoReach with a 50% discount is simple. Just follow these steps: