You want to make your mark on a product, one that is lasting and meaningful. Branding irons are a great way to get the clean image you want, regardless of the material. When selecting a brand iron, however, you are also going to have to consider the branding iron heater. Should you select a torch-heated branding iron or an electric branding iron? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but one will be the better option for you.
Let’s compare torch vs electric branding iron heaters, so you can make the right decision.
What is a Torch-Heated Branding Iron?
Using a torch as a branding iron heater is a method that has been around for centuries. The torch is, essentially, an open flame that is used to heat the iron until it becomes hot enough to leave a brand in whatever material you are using. The most common method is a butane blow torch for irons around 5 cm in size. Bigger irons may require a more powerful propane blow torch.
The process is simple and effective, but it does take a bit of skill to wield a torch-heated branding iron and make a clean mark.
Advantages of Using a Torch Branding Iron Heater
Using a torch as a branding iron heater has several advantages:
Crisp, Detailed Designs
If you want a more intricate branding iron, one with more detail or a larger size, then a torch-heated branding iron is best. All it takes is even pressure and 3-4 seconds of contact with wood or whatever material you are using.
Longevity
Branding irons will last you a lifetime—as long as you protect it from corrosion or rust. Torch branding iron heaters mean that there are no internal electrical components to worry about.
Disadvantages of Using a Torch Branding Iron Heater
Branding irons heated with torches may provide clean images and require little to no maintenance, but there are some downsides:
Burns
Working with a blow torch or any kind of open flame is much more dangerous than internal heating elements. Plus, once the branding iron has been heated with the torch, you must handle it with care. The iron will be exceptionally hot.
Time Consuming
Depending on the branding iron, the material you wish to mark, and the kind of torch you are using, it could take a long time to get to the required temperature. As such, a torch branding iron heater is not as efficient as an electric one. Furthermore, as the branding iron begins to cool down, it becomes less effective at marking materials, which could lead to inconsistent brands on your products.
You may also need to take some time to learn how much pressure is needed for a clean mark. If you press down too much, you run the risk of scorching the material or marring the words.
What is an Electric Branding Iron Heater?
An electric branding iron is a more modern innovation. Instead of using open flame, internal heating elements are placed inside the brand, warming the iron from the inside out. Using an electric branding iron promises consistency, since the branding iron will stay heated for as long as the power is switched on. The downside? You are going to need to have a cord attached to your branding iron, which may limit the mobility and versatility of your iron.
Advantages of Using an Electric Branding Iron
An electric branding iron heater has many pros, including:
Fast and Efficient
Using electricity removes the need for turning on the blow torch or turning on the gas burner on your stove or even building a fire. It does not take long for the electric elements to heat the branding iron from within, so you can use your iron sooner than you would with a torch.
Improved Safety
Unlike heating your electrical branding iron with an open, blazing flame, you can remove the risk of burning yourself or accidentally starting a fire. Electric branding iron heaters are much more reliable and safe.
Beautiful, Consistent Results
Electric branding irons can be crafted precisely to your needs, ensuring that whatever logo or image you wish to place on materials is perfect every single time. Plus, electric branding irons do not cool down over time. The temperature stays consistent, meaning that you can use it repeatedly without losing the quality of the brand.
Small Learning Curve
Plug in your electric branding iron and have fun. Being that an electric branding iron heater is safer and more efficient than a torch-heated one, you can practice to your heart’s content. You do not need to master any techniques or be trained to handle an electric branding iron.
Disadvantages of Using an Electric Branding Iron
Electric branding irons have far more advantages than torch-heated ones, but there are some cons that you need to keep in mind.
Needs Maintenance and Care
Electric branding iron heaters are an appliance that requires much more careful handling than a branding iron that is heated with a torch. The internal heating elements are complex, and they can get damaged if the branding iron is not properly stored, maintained, and handled. Additionally, while electrical branding irons can last for years, they will inevitably break down. Meanwhile, a torch-heated branding iron requires little to no maintenance.
Electricity Required
The other downside to choosing an electric branding iron heater is that you need to keep the device plugged in for it to work. Not only does having a cord limit where you can work with your branding iron, it also means you must factor in the utility cost.
Torch vs Electric: Which One Is Best?
Although both forms of branding iron heaters have their strengths and weaknesses, you may find that electric branding irons are far more efficient and consistent in the long run. While torch-heated branding irons promise more control over a single brand, electric branding irons give you the option of marking different items and materials all at once. You can better control the heat with your electric branding iron and have a reduced risk of getting burned. However, whichever one you choose, you are bound to get plenty of use out of it.