Rating of mini gas burners: seven best offers + what to look for when choosing
Compact mini gas burners are in demand due to their versatility, lightness, and ease of operation.They are useful in everyday life, when repairing a car, on a construction site and on a camping trip. The same device can perform several functions - from caramelizing sugar when preparing the next gastro masterpiece to soldering complex parts.
But there are many similar devices on the market, and choosing the right model is not so easy, don’t you agree? Let's figure out which burners will best cope with which tasks.
We have prepared a rating of the most popular devices with a description of their characteristics and application specifics, and also provided practical recommendations for choosing the optimal device.
The content of the article:
TOP 7 best models
The selection includes burners of different types and manufacturers. The best models in their categories in terms of characteristics and popularity were selected.
Location #1 - Pathfinder GTP-R02
The device is domestically produced and belongs to the universal group. The burner will come in handy in many situations: hunting, fishing, or on a camping trip.
The design includes a gas supply button lock - you can turn on the device and install it. There are two flame regulators - length and volume.
Characteristics:
- manufacturer - Russia;
- weight (g) - 177;
- dimensions (mm) - 157*97*57;
- material - plastic, stainless steel;
- Piezo ignition - yes.
The burner has been tested by users in everyday life and in the field, and has been used to work with copper solder, warm up frozen lines, eliminate insects in hard-to-reach places, treat wooden surfaces, remove varnish and paint.
In cooking, the device is convenient for caramelizing foods, processing meat carcasses, changing the texture and color of ready-made dishes, lighting a barbecue, or a fireplace.
The device can be refilled with any lighter gas. In general, it is the simplest and most popular device for household needs. No significant shortcomings were identified in the model.
Place #2 – Fire-Maple FMS-103
This burner is so successful that it has been produced since 2003 and still remains relevant.
In the line of the Chinese manufacturer, it is one of those designs that are lightweight and powerful at the same time. It can be used to heat water and cook food in any conditions.
The device produces a high narrow torch, which gives maximum efficiency with this configuration. The power of the device is 3000 W. The design is minimalist, easy to use, and has a built-in windscreen. The holding feet fold up compactly.
The model is suitable for small group or solo trips. It is popular among fans of light travel, athletes, and is good as an auxiliary or emergency device.
Characteristics:
- manufacturer - China;
- weight - 103 g;
- dimensions (mm) - 123*80 (70*95.5 when folded);
- material - aluminum, stainless steel;
- piezo ignition - no.
The design includes a nipple and a special system that prevents fuel loss when connecting or disconnecting a replaceable cartridge. This technique provides additional fuel savings.
The burner can be used with any threaded type cartridges. If you purchase an additional adapter FMS-701, it can be connected to a collet cylinder.
The device is supplied in a hard box, which prevents damage during transportation and is convenient for storage. Special teeth holders allow you to secure the dishes well.
Users note a stable flame that is not extinguished even by strong winds. And a simple design, no flimsy parts.
Disadvantages include the tightness of the seal and the quality of the rubber sealing ring. Its average service life is 1 year. Another disadvantage is that the gas supply is regulated by a wire that is too thin.
Place #3 – Honest 503 Jet
The main advantage of the model is its compactness. The device is suitable for hookah ignition, can be used for soldering electrical wires and parts, annealing varnish and paint, heating-soldering metal and plastic, crimping heat-shrinkable tubes and as a household lighter.
The burner is equipped with piezo ignition and a safety button. A 10 ml canister guarantees continuous operation for 5-8 minutes. Flame temperature - 1300°C. Refills with ordinary methane, propane-butane.
Characteristics:
- manufacturer - China;
- weight (g) - 61;
- dimensions (mm) - 160*25*20;
- material: heat-resistant plastic, stainless steel;
- Piezo ignition - yes.
Users note good build quality, despite the price. The advantages include ease of use - you can maneuver with one hand, there is a folding stand. One drawback is that during long-term operation, frequent refueling is required.
Place #4 – KEMPER micro 12500
Universal, multifunctional blowtorch. The device can regulate the air supply and fix the flame.
The device generates a directed gas jet, which heats up to 1200°C. This temperature is sufficient for copper soldering, bronze, brass, precious metals, removing old paint.
Characteristics:
- manufacturer - Italy;
- weight (g) - 166;
- dimensions (mm) - 160*97*57;
- material - plastic and stainless steel;
- Piezo ignition - yes.
The stand is removable, you can use the burner without it. The device is convenient as a filling pen in cooking, for heating liquids and frozen pipes.
Among the advantages, buyers highlight the ergonomics of the housing and the presence of a flame regulator. The disadvantages of the model are that there is no wind protection, it is more suitable for stationary use in a garage or workshop.
Place #5 – Kovea Auto KT 2301
The torch is popular among jewelers and aircraft modellers; it is ideal for precision work with metal parts. A thin, needle-shaped flame 5*70 mm warms up to 1300°C.
The cutter is the most compact representative of the manufacturer’s line; it fits completely in the hand. The burner is economical in fuel consumption: it consumes only 15 g of gas per hour.
Characteristics:
- manufacturer - South Korea;
- weight (g) - 125;
- dimensions (mm) - 130*46*144;
- material - plastic, stainless steel;
- Piezo ignition - yes.
The device has a flame power regulator. On the other side of the body it is duplicated and secured with a bolt, if necessary. The burner can be rotated freely during operation.
Place #6 – Tourist Mini-1000 TM-100
This camping burner is compact and functional. The body consists of folding elements; the size of the plate belongs to the smallest category among its competitors.
The device will be a universal solution if you need a hiking assistant for a team of 5-8 people. The device can be used all year round.
A distinctive feature of the model is a remote hose (30 cm), which increases safety and provides ease of use. The design allows you to put the cylinder in a tent or sleeping bag if the weather is frosty.
As the gas is used, when the pressure inside the cylinder begins to drop and the burner becomes unstable, the cylinder can be turned over. Other designs do not allow this. Thanks to the folding legs and pan rack, the stove fits easily into a small box for transport.
Characteristics:
- manufacturer - Korea;
- weight - 450 g (640 g with case);
- dimensions (mm) - 100*60*160;
- material - stainless steel, plastic;
- Piezo ignition - yes.
The maximum gas consumption per hour is 150 g, which is quite economical for such power. The flame does not go out in the wind.
Buyers like the reliability of the assembly, simplicity of design, and stability.Another advantage is the flexible hose with good protective braiding, which does not heat up even after an hour of operation of the device.
Among the disadvantages, users note that the flame is not smoothly adjusted, its weakness at the minimum flow setting and impetuousness at the maximum. The second nuance is the poor location of the ignition button.
The device has good performance in terms of price and quality ratio. If you need a model that is lighter in weight and more stable in operation, it will cost 3-4 times more.
During operation of the device, it is necessary to ensure that no liquid leaks onto the burner. If this happens, it is recommended to wash the stain with soap and wipe dry.
Place #7 – ENERGY GT-03
The burner has an ergonomic design. Despite the simplicity of the design, the device is easy to use.
The flame heats up to 1100°C. To operate, the device is connected to standard collet cylinder cartridges with a butane-propane mixture or isobutane.
Characteristics:
- manufacturer - China;
- weight (g) - 200;
- dimensions (mm) - 200*40*69;
- material - brass, stainless steel, plastic;
- piezo ignition - no.
The model is suitable for lighting a fire in the field, heating frozen pipes, minor repair work, and jewelry soldering. The nozzle unwinds and consists of two parts.
The device is equipped with a manual gas supply regulator, which is quite sensitive. During operation, you need to ensure that the cylinder does not tip over. It is not recommended to tilt the device more than 45° - leaking liquefied gas may ignite.
Users like the long nozzle, low price of the device, and smooth power adjustment.But the visual unreliability of the design confuses me, although all connections fit well, the gas does not bleed.
Features of choosing a compact device
Before buying a gas burner, you need to decide on its purpose - for repairs, soldering parts, tourism, cooking. The choice of model depends on the tasks that the device will have to cope with. And here it is important to understand the differences between burner types.
Varieties of popular devices
There are 4 main designs: “lighters” screwed onto a cylinder, with a fuel hose, blowtorches. There are also integrated cooking systems, but they are difficult to classify as mini. These devices are large in size and weight, expensive, and can only be used with original cookware.
Type #1 - portable torch lighter
The smallest “lighters” are convenient for household purposes and minor repairs. Some models produce more power and can be used for soldering.
Type #2 - balloon type mini-burner
Compact cylinder burners are convenient and light in weight - most devices fit in your hand and fall in the weight range of 70-90 g. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and relatively reliable.
The cylinder itself cannot be forcibly heated, so such burners are not entirely suitable for use in difficult weather conditions.
Another nuance is that the lightness of the design does not allow you to place large-capacity dishes (from 3 liters) on it. But for some models branded adapters are sold: hoses, additional legs.
The rating of the best gas burners for a can is presented in this review.
Type #3 - device with remote hose
But devices with a hose perform well in bad weather conditions. You can place bulky or heavy dishes on them. Fuel consumption in such burners is minimal.
A continuous wind shield can be installed around the burner with a hose, which will increase work efficiency. The design itself is distinguished by the wide setting of the legs and squatness. The permissible volume of dishes is up to 8 liters.
Often in such devices the nozzle itself is larger than that of the bulbs. Due to this, the dishes are heated evenly, and the flame power is conveniently regulated. The burner allows you not only to heat water, but also to fry and stew food.
Devices with a hose also have their disadvantages. They are heavier and larger in size. The hose requires careful operation; the part may break and lead to a gas leak.
Type #4 - blowtorch
Portable blowtorches are designed for the application of machining connections made of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. They are found in piping systems, electrical appliances, cables, and car parts. These include torches for soldering copper pipes.
The characteristics indicate the flame temperature and power. A device whose flame heats up to 1200-1500°C can cope with parts up to 3 mm thick. A power of 2-3 kW is enough to heat and bend reinforcement up to 14 mm.
The scope of application of such devices is not limited to soldering.They do an excellent job of lighting a fire, working in a summer cottage (removing leaves, getting rid of insect colonies), wood burning, and culinary experiments.
Method of connection to the cylinder used
Most models on the market are adapted for threaded cylinders. But purchasing them in remote settlements is problematic.
If the hike will take place in such areas, you need to very accurately calculate the required amount of gas or additionally buy an adapter for a collet one.
Collet cylinders are also called “dichlorphos”. They are sold at almost any hardware store. But the seam design is less reliable, and the gas mixture is sensitive to low temperatures.
There is also a third type of cylinders on the Russian market - without threads with a bayonet mount. But they are represented only by the brand Campingaz and not as widespread as abroad.
There are models adapted for use in conjunction with a threaded and bayonet standard.
Additional device options
The presence of piezo ignition is a useful addition, but it is still worth having a backup fire source with you. For some models, this element quickly becomes unusable.
If your camping burner is missing a grate, a protective cover on your computer fan can easily replace it. It is lightweight and does the job perfectly.
When choosing a device for delicate work, welding, soldering, you should pay attention to the ergonomics and balancing of the model. The shape of the body and the arrangement of the elements matter, because the burner will have to be turned on and off frequently. It is convenient if this can be done with one hand.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The video discusses the types of tourist burners with the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Experience of use, comparative experiments with three burners in different price categories.
Review of cutters + nuances of use, check for inclusion.
When choosing a mobile gas burner, consider its purpose and capabilities. As a hiking option, it is better to use a balloon or a design with a hose. Just remember that such devices cannot be transported by plane. For fine metal work you need a soldering iron torch, but the simplest “lighters” are good for everyday use.
Do you have experience choosing and using a mini gas burner? Or want to ask questions on the topic? Please comment on the post and participate in discussions. The feedback block is located below.
From the list I used a portable gas burner from the company Pathfinder. After the previous cheap Chinese model, the difference becomes noticeable as soon as you pick it up. Stable torch, no spitting, the burner itself rotates in any plane. The combustion temperature is sufficient to melt copper. In general, a convenient and multifunctional thing.
I'm going to buy a burner for my car for universal purposes.I often go out into nature to spend the night, and there I will use it to set it on fire and warm it up. But also in the garage there is always a need to solder something. The burner needs to be compact in size so that it fits into the glove compartment without any problems, and preferably well built so that it works for as long as possible.
After looking at your rating, I was interested in the Pathfinder GTP-R02 and Honest 503 Jet. That's how I look at it and they're about the same price. Although the Chinese can be ordered from Aliexpress, saving 100 rubles is not worth a month of waiting, in my opinion. Which one should you choose?
Hello. Both burners have significant useful characteristics; you should compare the technical ones and then choose the most optimal option for yourself. On my own behalf, I would like to note that in practice, many people praise Pathfinder for its reliability and long service life.