Gas-air burners: seven best offers + selection criteria and operating tips

Many operations performed during repair, construction and roofing work require exposure to high temperatures.We are talking about heating, drying, soldering, roasting, and melting various elements. For these purposes, you need a multifunctional handy tool - a gas-air burner.

There are many options for flame processing equipment on the market. We will tell you about their structure, the pros and cons of the tool. We will give useful recommendations on the choice and use of burners, and consider the most popular and popular models.

TOP 7 best modifications

Hot water burners operating on the principle of burning a mixture of air and propane-butane are called portable torches. They operate from a gas cylinder, are affordable, have a simple design, compact dimensions and light weight, and do not cause any difficulties in operation.

Due to their reliability, safety and fairly high efficiency, mobile burners are widely used not only in construction. They are used to solve all kinds of household, economic, and industrial problems.

The principle of operation of the equipment is simple: a flammable substance under pressure is supplied to the valve through a hose, enters the mixing zone with air, after which the nozzle releases a flame onto the surface to be treated through a glass (mouthpiece)

Despite the general similarity, burners differ in certain features, technical characteristics, can be equipped with additional functions, and have a narrower or broader purpose.

One of the compact types of equipment is gas burners on a can, attractive due to its small size and mobility. To solve one-time problems, manufacturers have proposed a number of mini burners, which find a wide range of applications in everyday life.

Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages. The products are used in almost all types of work where there is a need to heat the material.

Based on reviews from real users and opinions of industry experts, we have selected the seven best modifications produced by various foreign and domestic manufacturers.

1st place - DONMET GV 231

One of the universal models of the autogenous equipment plant, intended for economic and domestic work. The cost of a product positioned as an economy class varies between 800-900 rubles.

The handle of the device is made of durable wood. It is convenient to work with it for a long time. An improved valve extends the service life of the device and ensures its maintainability

Performance characteristics:

• device weight – 0.3 kg;
• product length – 40 cm;
• flammable substance – methane/propane;
• gas consumption – 1-1.3 m³/h;
• working pressure – 0.07-0.2 MPa;
• input connection – 0.6 cm;
• glass diameter – 3.5 cm.

Thanks to the improved design of the mouthpiece, the burner has increased resistance to wind, is lightweight, and ensures complete combustion of fuel. The principle of its operation is no different from similar models.It is based on the suction of external air and forced gas supply.

Using an open flame generated by a burner, metal elements are heated, reinforced concrete panels and brickwork are dried, and bent polymer pipes, melt bituminous materials.

Maximum heating temperature – up to 700 °C. The heat flow power in the device is 9.6/23.2 kW, which depends on the type of gas used.

Among the disadvantages of the burner, a limited radius of work is noted due to the short length of the gas supply tube. However, it is worth considering that compact dimensions provide additional advantages when processing hard-to-reach areas.

2nd place - KRASS GV-100-R

The burner of the Russian brand is produced with a lever fuel supply system, thanks to which it is possible to operate in an economical “standby” mode. The average cost of a product on the market is about 700 rubles.

The gas supply lever is located in such a way that it can be easily adjusted with one hand. The handle is made of heat-resistant plastic. The convenient shape of the handle greatly facilitates the work process

Performance characteristics:

• device weight – 0.37 kg;
• product length – 51 cm;
• flammable substance – propane-butane mixture;
• gas consumption – 0.57 m³/h;
• working pressure – 0.15 MPa;
• input connection – 0.63-0.9 cm;
• glass diameter – 3.5 cm.

An injection-type burner is used for heating and soldering workpieces made of ferrous/non-ferrous metals, drying casting molds, and firing old paintwork at home or in production.

The device is often used for indirect purposes. For example, heating car engines at low external temperatures, singeing animal skins in agriculture.

In general, users characterize the burner as a durable, wear-resistant and easy-to-use device. It provides instant heating, has optimal weight and dimensions, and is made of high-quality steel and brass. No significant disadvantages were noticed in this model.

3rd place - Sievert Turboroofer 60

The SIEVERT turboroofer model is a professional hot water burner made in Estonia. Its price is much higher than other devices participating in the rating, and is about 4,000 rubles.

This amount is justified by the absolute safety, high power and reliability of the equipment, which can be used to ensure the uninterrupted operation of various processes in construction and industry.

The device has several combustion modes - pilot, working, pulsating, constant. The package includes a handle with a regulator, a curved tube, a nozzle and a stand.

Performance characteristics:

• device weight – 0.92 kg;
• product length – 80 cm;
• flammable substance - propane;
• gas consumption – 8.25 m³/h;
• working pressure – 0.4 MPa;
• input connection – 0.6-0.9 cm;
• glass diameter – 6 cm.

A special feature of the device is an improved wind protection system, which provides significant advantages when performing welding work in difficult weather conditions. The burner creates a powerful flame flow, which is controlled by two valves and a trigger that switches operating modes. The heat flow power in the equipment reaches 140 kW.

The body is made of stainless steel and special materials with zinc coating. The reduced weight of titanium tips helps reduce the load on the body during painstaking, lengthy work.

The SIEVERT torch is considered one of the most ergonomic tools in its category.

The model is designed for heating roofing materials before melting, drying surfaces, various road, waterproofing and other large-scale works that require a powerful flame. The only drawback is the high cost.

4th place - Svarog GV-111

A manual valve-type injection burner from Svarog helps to cope with almost all types of work that require gas-flame processing - heating and soldering surfaces, drying roofs, fusing materials, repairing joints and abutment points of the roof, stripping off old paint.

The approximate price of the product is 500-600 rubles.

The convenient location of the valve makes it easy to regulate the gas supply. The plastic handwheel has arrows indicating the direction of rotation when opening/closing the valve block. This eliminates the possibility of making mistakes during adjustment

Performance characteristics:

• device weight – 0.42 kg;
• product length – 93 cm;
• flammable substance - propane;
• gas consumption – 2.2 m³/h;
• working pressure – 0.25 MPa;
• input connection – 0.6-0.9 cm;
• glass diameter – 5 cm.

The burner is equipped with a practical handle made of composite polymer materials, which are characterized by high fire resistance and strength. Good combustion power is achieved due to the well-thought-out design of the device.

The disadvantages of the product include a fairly high gas consumption and the lack of piezo ignition.

5th place - Foxweld Corundum GVP-1000R

The hot water burner model of the Italian brand is an example of excellent quality and good functionality. It costs about 800-1000 rubles.

The burner produces a stable flame with a temperature of 1100 to 1900 °C, which is controlled using a lever.Such a mechanism allows you to accurately control the amount of gas, the length of the flame, switch the device from operating to standby mode, adjusting the strength required at the current moment. Maximum heat flow power – 80 kW

Performance characteristics:

• device weight – 0.66 kg;
• product length – 100 cm;
• flammable substance – propane-butane;
• gas consumption – 4.5 kg/h;
• working pressure – 0.1-0.2 MPa;
• input connection – 0.6-0.9 cm;
• glass diameter – 6 cm.

The device is equipped with a large nozzle, which allows for large-scale roofing work. The tool is indispensable in the repair and construction of roofs and suspended structures; it is used for soldering, heating, drying and melting materials.

It is also used for road work and grass burning. Due to the sufficient length of the hose, it covers a fairly wide radius. The main structural parts of the device are made of metal and stainless steel. It is convenient to work with this burner while standing at full height.

Subject to all operating conditions regulated by the manufacturer, the equipment will last a long time even with regular use. It comes with a 12 month warranty. No significant disadvantages have been identified with the Foxweld hot water burner.

6th place - REDIUS GV-211-R

The burner of the Russian brand Redius is characterized by users as an effective, reliable and safe device for fire processing of various materials. The product costs about 800 rubles.

The torch is most suitable for soldering and heating metal products, stripping work, and fusing rolled bitumen materials. The increased length of the hose makes it easier to perform various types of work in hard-to-reach areas and at heights

Performance characteristics:

• device weight – 0.59 kg;
• product length – 90 cm;
• flammable substance - propane;
• gas consumption – 5 m³/h;
• working pressure – 0.02 MPa;
• input connection – 0.6-0.9 cm;
• glass diameter – 5 cm.

The model belongs to the line of high-power roofing burners, presented in a lever version. It is equipped with a durable design, adapted to use in harsh conditions, a practical curved shape, and an easy-to-maintain removable cup.

In addition to the equipment, you can purchase components for more comfortable and safe operation. For example, the manufacturer Redius produces special stands for hot water burners. Among the disadvantages of the GV-211-R burner is the significant consumption of combustible materials.

7th place - BAMZ GVM-1

The injection hot water burner of the Russian brand is easy to maintain and operate. The universal device is used in road and roofing work, for melting ice and removing weeds, repairing cable lines, and heating seams before welding. The average price of a product on the market is about 1200 rubles.

The recommended external temperature range during burner operation is from -15 to +45 °C. The safety of the equipment is confirmed by declarations of conformity. The model is equipped with an additional stand, which is attached to the tip with screws at a certain distance from the glass

Performance characteristics:

• device weight – 0.8 kg;
• product length – 90 cm;
• flammable substance – propane/methane;
• gas consumption – 0.7-1.5 m³/h;
• working pressure – 0.1-0.3 MPa;
• input connection – 0.6-0.9 cm;
• glass diameter – 5 cm.

The burner ensures complete combustion of gas and provides the ability to operate on methane. The elongated design allows you to work comfortably at full height without unnecessary movements.The intensity of the flame is regulated by a convenient lever adjacent to the handle of the device. Heating temperature – up to 500 °C.

The list of disadvantages of the burner includes difficulties with igniting and adjusting the flame, thickening of the fuel mixture in very frosty weather. However, this drawback is inherent in almost all devices in this category.

Recommendations for choosing hot water burners

To choose a reliable and functional burner that would cope well with the assigned tasks, you need to understand the features of its design and take into account several important criteria. The correct choice of such a product depends on this.

Let us highlight several key criteria for choosing hot water burners:

1. Length and weight of the device.
2. Working gas.
3. Heat flow power.
4. Mouthpiece diameter.
5. A method for regulating the force of gas flow.
6. Ignition method.
7. Heating temperature.

Next, let's take a closer look at the main parameters that you should look at before purchasing.

Glass diameter and burner length

The first thing you should pay attention to is the mouthpiece or glass installed on the tip. It must be made of high-quality heat-resistant materials that localize the lit flame and protect it from gusts of wind.

The diameter of the glass can be from 30 to 80 mm and is selected depending on the required fire strength. The wider the glass, the more powerful and abundant the flame produced.

The design of portable hot water burners consists of a metal cup, a shut-off valve, an extension tube-hose through which oxygen and flammable gas are supplied, as well as a handle holder. The device is equipped with an external air suction system

An important functional nuance is the length of the burner.Short devices up to 50 cm long are suitable for partial repairs, local heating, and melting individual sections of material. For larger jobs, it is more advisable to choose burners from 80 cm.

Flame power and equipment weight

The next point is the power of the gas flow to the nozzle, which determines the strength and length of the flame. Often this parameter is regulated by a valve. Some models have a lever valve that allows you to use the device in operating and standby (standby) modes.

In standby mode, a small flame is maintained with minimal gas consumption, which allows for significant fuel savings when there is no need to use the device at full power. In addition, burners with a lever are more convenient: they do not require constantly unscrewing and tightening the valve

Most devices are ignited with a regular match or lighter. Modernized versions of burners are equipped with a piezoelectric element, providing more convenient ignition.

The temperature of the produced flame can reach 1500 °C or more. The maximum possible parameters are selected taking into account the intended type of work and the specific operating conditions of the burner.

Equipment for roofing work is equipped with several gas-air installations - nozzles. Some products are equipped with additional attachments for different types of operations.

The approximate weight of the devices, depending on the model, is 0.5-1.5 kg. This parameter is influenced by the design and functional features of the device. The weight should make it easy to hold the device in your hands and not cause excessive physical fatigue, which greatly limits the duration of work.

Material of manufacture and equipment

You also need to look at the materials from which the burner is made. Since the device heats up to high temperatures during operation, they must be of high quality and heavy-duty.

To avoid getting burned during various operations, you should carefully select the handle. It is important that the handle is equipped with a holder made of heat-resistant plastic or durable wood.

The devices differ in the type of fuel source used. The devices generally operate on propane or a propane-butane mixture. They show high performance, are safe and affordable. An alternative to propane is methane, but it is used mainly in professional use.

Before purchasing a device, you should always check the reliability of the connecting hose, the tightness of joints and connections, and the integrity of the glass. Any undetected defect can lead to serious consequences.

Precautions for use

A hot water burner, like any tool that produces a flame during operation, is a high-risk tool.

Therefore, when using it, you must follow a number of rules that will help protect yourself and others, as well as carry out the planned processes efficiently:

• regularly carry out a preliminary inspection of the structure, make sure that the equipment is in good condition and that there is no risk of gas leakage due to a damaged hose or connections;
• when igniting gas, do not stand in front of the nozzle, do not direct the fire towards the gas cylinder, hoses, or people;
• in the process of fusing various materials, carefully control the flame, avoid excessive heating and accidental fires;
• do not go beyond the working area with the device;
• do not work near gas cylinders or gas pipelines — the safe distance is at least 10 meters.

Fire extinguishers and sandboxes should be present at the workplace to help suppress a fire in the event of a fire. If the connecting hose or glass is clogged, the device cannot be used. This may be indicated by popping noises, kickbacks, or overheating of the equipment.

Having identified such problems, you should turn off the device by shutting off the fuel supply. Do not use wire or other sharp objects to clean the mouthpiece.

To protect your eyes from the harmful effects of infrared and ultraviolet radiation, it is advisable to use special glasses with light filters. You need to work in clean, oil-free workwear and non-slip shoes

In addition, the device must be extinguished correctly. First of all, the fuel supply is shut off, and then the lever is released.

It is not recommended to leave the tool turned on during breaks in work: it is better to extinguish the flame. If a significant break is planned, you need to shut off the gas supply to the cylinder by tightening the reducer valve.

How to choose a torch for connecting copper pipes is described in detail in next article. We recommend that you read the useful information material. Torch soldering technology is given here, the process is outlined in great detail.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Explanation of the principles of operation, design and rules for using a hot water burner using the example of one of the models:

Hot water burners are efficient, mobile, easy-to-use equipment designed for a wide range of works in various fields involving the use of fire or hot air.

When choosing such equipment, take into account all the criteria and parameters that affect the quality, convenience and safety of performing target tasks.

Would you like to talk about how you chose a gas-air burner or how you used it in practice? Share guidelines for choosing a tool and the technological details of its use. Please leave comments in the block below, ask questions about the topic of the article, and post photos.