After several weeks using the Semlos Propane Torch Head on steaks, solder joints and campfires, I have learned where its big flame shines and where it does not.
Last checked: December 12, 2025 · Source: Amazon
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My Quick Verdict
Semlos Propane Torch Head is a high output grill style propane torch that absolutely dwarfs the tiny butane wands I used before. For searing sous vide steaks, lighting charcoal and doing occasional soldering or heat shrinking, it has more than enough power and a surprisingly controllable flame once you learn the valve. The tradeoff is weight and noise, plus the lack of a dedicated safety lock, so it suits confident DIYers and pros more than casual cooks. If you want one torch that can jump between kitchen and jobsite, this is a compelling option as long as you respect the flame.
What I Liked
- Serious flame that browns steak and lights charcoal in seconds when opened up.
- Piezo ignition and a safety valve make starts quick without fumbling for a lighter.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Long handle keeps hands farther from heat than stubby kitchen torches.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Works with common small propane cylinders for cooking, camping and light shop work.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Solid metal construction with brass and stainless parts feels durable for the price.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
What Annoyed Me
- Heavier than a typical crème brûlée torch once a tank is attached.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- No dedicated trigger lock or child resistant slider, so careful storage is essential.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Full blast is too aggressive for delicate desserts unless you keep the flame far away.
- Body and nozzle get hot on long runs, so you need to plan for cool down time.
- Price and availability can fluctuate, and at the time of writing Amazon does not always list a featured offer.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Key Specs
| Model / ASIN | GF 8012 torch body, part number MT 905, sold under ASIN B0DWK4FKQZ and B0FFB38CSV on Amazon Canada.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & Weight | Package listed at roughly 15 by 6.5 by 2.5 inches and about 1.34 pounds total, with the torch head itself around 608 grams.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
| Materials / Build | Aluminum and other metal construction with a cast brass gas connector, stainless steel flame shroud and ABS centre grip section.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| What’s in the Box | One Semlos propane torch head only; no propane cylinder is included in the package.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
| Variations | This listing is the 905 Black version, with Semlos also offering a 905 Blue model and related torches such as the GF8012, DH02 and 907 butane torch.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} |
| Warranty | Amazon lists its voluntary 30 day return window and links to additional product warranty information, but the exact warranty term is not specified.:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} |
| Rating | 4.7 out of 5 stars (43 ratings) |
| Price | Not listed. |
Prices and availability change often—and this item sometimes shows no featured offer—so check the Amazon page for the latest details.:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
My Hands-On Experience
I picked up the Semlos Propane Torch Head because my little butane kitchen torch kept stalling on windy evenings and took forever to sear thick sous vide steaks. I also wanted something that could double as a camping and light shop torch without dragging around a full weed burner.
Out of the box there is very little to figure out, just the torch head in a long narrow carton. The threading onto a small propane cylinder felt snug and the brass connector engaged cleanly, with no wobble or hissing once I checked for leaks with a bit of soapy water. The overall feel is closer to a compact grill gun than a dainty pastry torch, with a long barrel that keeps your hand a good distance behind the flame.:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
In the kitchen I use it mainly for finishing steaks, burgers and cast iron pizzas. The long barrel lets me keep a safe distance while laying a wide, hot flame across the surface, and with the valve set to mid range I get a fast Maillard crust without burning the edges. On the DIY side I have used it to sweat small copper joints, loosen a rusty bolt and start a backyard fire pit, all of which it handled faster than my older torch.
The first surprise was how loud and forceful the flame sounds at higher settings, more like a small jet than a gentle dessert torch. The second was fatigue; between the roughly 608 gram head and a full one pound cylinder I am holding just over one kilogram in one hand, which is fine for quick blasts but tiring if I try to hover over a large roofing patch or long metal section for more than a few minutes. After a while I instinctively started using my off hand to steady the tank for better control.
My best results come from cracking the safety valve just enough to light the flame, then slowly opening it until I see a stable blue jet about 20 to 30 centimetres long. From there I keep the torch moving, especially over food, and give the burner a few minutes to cool before putting it away so the hot metal does not singe anything in my drawer. For indoor work I also pay attention to ventilation; the torch is powerful enough that I prefer to sear near a stove hood or an open window.
Performance & Features
Flame power and heat output
Semlos advertises this torch with serious firepower, quoting a long, stable flame that can reach roughly 35 centimetres and temperatures in the four figure Fahrenheit range.:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} In practice the flame is easily strong enough to light lump charcoal in a matter of seconds and to bring a steak from grey to deeply browned in well under a minute per side. For soldering and small brazing jobs I rarely need to go beyond half open on the valve, which gives a tighter, less aggressive jet that is easier to place on fittings or hardware without scorching everything nearby.
Fuel compatibility and runtime
The listing describes the torch as compatible with propane tanks rather than disposable butane cans, and in my testing it threaded directly onto the standard small camping style propane cylinders I already owned.:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16} Because the flame is so powerful, I treat it more like a burst tool; a small cylinder easily survives several long searing sessions or repeated fire pit starts, but if you run the valve wide open continuously you will empty a bottle noticeably faster than with a hobby torch. For longer jobs, such as gently warming roofing materials or thawing stuck hardware, easing back the valve gives a more sustainable burn and keeps the handle cooler.
Ignition, controls and safety
Ignition is handled by a piezoelectric trigger, and Semlos notes that the mechanism has been tested to thousands of presses for reliability.:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17} In daily use I simply crack the valve, click the trigger once and the flame jumps to life, with only the occasional second click needed if the cylinder is very cold. There is a safety valve you rotate open before use, but there is no dedicated child resistant lock or slide, so I store it high and disconnected from any tank. The flame adjustment has enough travel that I can dial from a softer blue plume for finishing desserts up to a roaring jet for outdoor jobs, which makes it more versatile than single setting torches.
Ergonomics, comfort and build quality
The torch combines a long handle with a forward barrel and flame guard that keeps fingers away from the hottest metal.:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18} The metal body, brass connector and stainless cover all feel solid; nothing rattles when I shake it and the finish has resisted scuffs from regular kitchen and garage use so far. The downside is weight, so I tend to use my off hand to steady the cylinder on very long runs or when reaching into awkward corners. After heavy use the front end does get hot enough that I avoid touching it and let it cool on a trivet before storage, which is standard practice with any high output propane torch.
Who It’s For
- Home cooks who want a serious upgrade from a pocket butane torch for searing steaks, burgers and pizzas.
- DIYers and prosumers who occasionally solder, braze or heat stubborn parts and would rather own one compact Semlos propane torch than a separate weed burner.:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- Campers and outdoor cooks who like the idea of one torch that can start a campfire, light charcoal and still pull double duty in the kitchen.:contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Who Should Skip It
- People who only need a gentle flame for delicate desserts such as crème brûlée and do not care about maximum power.
- Anyone uncomfortable handling a loud, high output propane flame without a mechanical child safety lock.
- Roofers or trades who work all day with torch down materials and would be better served by a long handled, hose fed roofing torch designed specifically for that job.
FAQs
Does the Semlos Propane Torch Head come with a propane tank included?
No. The box includes only the Semlos propane torch head itself, and you supply your own compatible propane cylinder when you are ready to use it.:contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Can I safely use this torch head for food like steak searing or crème brûlée?
Yes. The product is marketed for cooking, BBQ and kitchen use, and I have used it mainly for searing steaks and finishing other foods.:contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22} Because the flame is powerful, keep it moving, avoid holding it too close and always work in a well ventilated area.
How hot does the Semlos Propane Torch Head get?
The Amazon listing quotes maximum temperatures in the four figure Fahrenheit range and mentions a flame that can reach about 35 centimetres in length.:contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23} In practice the torch easily browns meat, lights charcoal and handles light soldering, which is more important than the exact number printed on the spec sheet.
What kind of fuel and cylinders does it work with?
The torch is designed for use with propane rather than disposable butane cans, and the connector is compatible with the common small propane cylinders used for camping stoves and grills.:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24} If you plan to use a larger bulk tank, make sure you have a suitable hose and adapter rated for propane.
Does it have a built in safety lock or child resistant feature?
There is a safety valve that you rotate open before lighting, but there is no separate sliding lock or button that disables the trigger completely.:contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25} I treat it like any serious torch and store it disconnected from a tank and well out of reach of children.
Is the Semlos Propane Torch Head suitable for roofing work?
For small roofing repairs and heating up sealant or flashing it works well, especially when you do not want to drag a huge weed burner onto the roof. The compact length makes it less ideal for large flat roofs where a long handled roofing torch would keep you farther from the heat and let you work faster.
How long can I run it continuously before it overheats or empties a tank?
Run time depends heavily on flame size and tank volume, but with a small camping cylinder I can do several minutes of continuous searing without any sign of the torch struggling. For very long jobs I prefer to pulse the flame and give the metal a short rest so the front section can cool down.
What kind of warranty and support does Semlos offer on this torch?
Amazon lists its standard voluntary 30 day return policy for this item and links to additional manufacturer warranty information for longer term support.:contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26} If warranty length is important to you, I recommend checking that link on the product page before buying.
Conclusion
After living with the Semlos Propane Torch Head for everyday cooking and occasional DIY chores, I see it as a crossover tool that strongly favours power over minimalism. It brings restaurant style searing to home kitchens, shrugs off breezy patios and pulls its weight in the garage, provided you are comfortable managing a loud, high output propane flame. The lack of a dedicated safety lock and the overall heft mean it is not for everyone, but if you want one torch that can genuinely multitask, this model earns its place in a gear bag.
- Buy if: You want a single propane torch that can sear steaks, start campfires and handle light soldering work, and you are comfortable respecting a powerful open flame.
- Skip if: You prefer a tiny, lightweight torch with a soft flame and child proof lock, or you need a full length roofing torch for daily professional use.
