What makes a good butane for wax?

You’re probably thinking “the higher the better.” But when it comes to using a torch for wax, you need to consider what you don’t want to breathe in: stinky additives, heavy odorants, and yucky residue that manifests as bad taste, soot, or headaches.

It`s very important to be able to differentiate two completely different items that many people tend to confuse:

• Butane used in your torch (what you add to the lighter/torch)
• The butane is still in your concentrate (this is a testing/quality issue). The regulated industry tests their concentrates for residual solvents, and has set limits on various compounds including butane.

Most of the solvent issues, and most of the unnecessary risks exist in unregulated products.

What “best butane for wax” usually means:

1. Good purity (refined/filtered)
   Find brands that will provide you with laboratory testing (at least claim to be ultra-refined, low-impurity butane). Purity is important; impurities can lead to dirty burns and bad tastes.
2. No odorants, no “all purpose” blends
   Some butane products are designed for general utility use and may include odorants, or be less well-controlled. Odorants in gas systems have been identified as an exposure risk in other contexts, and there’s no reason to expose yourself to them around inhalation habits.
3. Clean burn = less soot
   So, if you see soot, it’s a sign of either dirty fuel, dirty torch, or dirty burn conditions. Clean fuel will help eliminate the first variable.

Quick comparison chart

Fast buyer check list:

• Prefer high-quality, refined butane specifically intended for torches.
• Avoid anything that has a strong, overwhelming smell of gas (beyond the typical smell of butane).
• Store butane cans cold, standing, and far away from heat (general safety, but important).

Quality + Health Note

There are documented health risks to inhaling high concentrations of contaminants / residuals; especially in uncontrolled environments. The only part of the whole process that you will be able to control with cleaner input options (quality test products + quality fuels) is what goes into your products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best butane for wax?
Ultra-refined, high purity butane for torches with known quality / test data.

Is “5x/7x/9x refined” legitimate?
Unless they provide independent testing of their product it’s a marketing term and should be considered a hint rather than a guarantee of performance.

Will cheaper butane damage my taste?
Yes. Poor fuel can create horrible flavor profiles or add a chemical aftertaste and cause the production of more soot.

Does Butane Matter When Buying Wax Instead Of Making It?
Yes. Your choice of fuel when using a Torch determines what you are breathing in. The wax is subject to limits of residual solvent content only on regulated products.

For those wanting to simplify their experience and enjoy a clean and quality cannabis, check out the Canna City catalog and pick the product best suited to your taste, effects, and mood.