Is Food Cooked with “Not a Flamethrower” Safe? Exploring the Chemical Residue Implications

When Elon Musk’s Boring Company released the “Not a Flamethrower” in 2018, it quickly became a viral sensation. This propane-fueled device, which is technically a large blowtorch rather than a true flamethrower, has been used for a variety of purposes, from clearing snow to, yes, cooking food. But is food cooked with “Not a Flamethrower” safe to eat? And does the orange flame it produces mean it’s imparting more chemical residue than traditional blue-flame torches? Let’s explore these questions.

Understanding the “Not a Flamethrower”

The “Not a Flamethrower” is essentially a propane torch with a cool design. It uses propane gas, which is commonly used for outdoor grilling and camping stoves. When propane is burned, it produces heat, water vapor, and carbon dioxide, all of which are harmless. However, if the propane is not completely burned, it can produce carbon monoxide, a harmful gas. This is why it’s important to use propane-burning devices in well-ventilated areas.

The Color of the Flame

The color of a flame can tell you a lot about the combustion process. A blue flame indicates complete combustion, meaning all the fuel is being burned efficiently. An orange or yellow flame, on the other hand, indicates incomplete combustion. This could be due to a lack of oxygen or impurities in the fuel. Incomplete combustion can produce harmful byproducts, including carbon monoxide and soot.

Chemical Residue Implications

So, does the orange flame of the “Not a Flamethrower” mean it’s leaving more chemical residue on your food? Not necessarily. The color of the flame is more about the efficiency of the combustion process than the amount of residue left behind. However, if the propane is not completely burned, it could leave traces of unburned fuel on your food. This is unlikely to be harmful, but it could affect the taste of your food.

Is Food Cooked with “Not a Flamethrower” Safe?

As long as you’re using the “Not a Flamethrower” in a well-ventilated area and not burning your food to a crisp, it should be safe to eat food cooked with it. The main concern would be the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning if you’re using it in an enclosed space. But as for chemical residue, the risk is minimal. Propane is a clean-burning fuel, and any unburned fuel that might end up on your food is unlikely to be harmful.

In conclusion, while the “Not a Flamethrower” might not be the most practical cooking tool, it’s not inherently unsafe. Just be sure to use it responsibly, and enjoy the spectacle of cooking with a flamethrower!