A good propane forge is the heart of any blacksmithing or bladesmithing setup. Get it wrong and you're fighting your equipment every session — too cold, uneven heat, wasted fuel. Get it right and the work flows. We tested and researched the top propane forges on the market to give you a straight answer on what's worth your money, whether you're just starting out or building a serious shop.
Quick Picks
- Hell's Forge Portable Double Burner Pro — Best overall value for beginners
- VEVOR Single Burner Square Forge — Best compact square chamber for knife making
- VEVOR Portable Single Burner Forge — Best budget portable forge
- ATkrou GY200 2-Burner Double Door Forge — Best mid-range dual-burner with double doors
- Simond Store Triple Burner Rectangle SS — Best large-capacity forge for serious smiths
- Simond Store Triple Burner Round Forge — Best round-chamber triple burner
- FEBTECH Single Burner Oval Forge Kit — Best oval chamber for knife billets
- USA Cast Master Elite Double Burner Forge — Best recognized brand for beginners
- ATkrou GY100 Mini 1-Burner Double Door — Best mini forge with viewing holes and double door
- 16-Inch Dual Burner Stainless Steel Forge — Best large dual-burner for stepping up from basics
Reviews
Hell's Forge is the go-to recommendation for anyone building their first smithy. This double burner heats up in under 10 minutes, handles stock up to 6 inches wide, and holds forge-welding temperatures consistently. The included refractory coating kit and heavy-gauge steel shell make it the most complete entry-level package available.
Pros
- Reaches forge welding temps reliably
- Refractory coating kit included
- Heavy-gauge steel shell construction
Cons
- Must apply rigidizer before first use
- Ships without a regulator — buy separately
VEVOR's square-chamber single burner maintains even temperature distribution across its interior — critical for knife makers heating billets. The vertical firing design maximizes efficiency, and the full kit including gloves, tongs, and fire brick means you can start forging same day. Rated to 2300°F working temp.
Pros
- Square chamber for even heat distribution
- Complete kit with tongs and gloves
- Vertical firing for maximum efficiency
Cons
- Requires rigidizer application before use
- Fixed door limits airflow control
For anyone not ready to spend on a premium forge, the VEVOR hexagonal single burner delivers solid performance at a lower price. Three layers of insulation — ceramic fiber, refractory cement, and fire brick — keep fuel consumption efficient, and the folding handle makes garage workshop transport easy.
Pros
- Three-layer insulation system
- Folding carry handle
- Ready to connect and use
Cons
- Lower max temp than dual-burner models
- Smaller chamber limits billet size
ATkrou's GY200 features dual doors on both ends — open both for long stock, close one to trap heat for shorter sessions. Stainless steel body resists warping, and the dual-burner output gives more consistent forge welding temperatures than single-burner alternatives at this price point.
Pros
- Dual doors for flexible stock access
- Dual-burner output for higher temps
- Stainless steel construction
Cons
- Larger footprint than single-burner
- Both doors open creates heat loss
The Simond Store triple-burner rectangular forge gives serious smiths the interior volume needed for hammers, axes, and larger billets. Three individually controlled burners let you dial heat zones precisely, and the stainless steel body resists warping under sustained high-temperature use. Rated 2600°F.
Pros
- Three individually controlled burners
- Large rectangular chamber for big stock
- Rated to 2600°F consistently
Cons
- Higher price than single-burner forges
- Heavier — requires dedicated workspace
The round chamber design of Simond's triple burner creates a natural convection loop that distributes heat more evenly than rectangular designs. The brass regulator and steel-reinforced silicone hose are better-quality fittings than typical budget forges. Favored by farriers heating horseshoes.
Pros
- Round chamber for even heat circulation
- Brass regulator for precise control
- 2600°F rated temperature
Cons
- Three burners increase propane consumption
- Larger footprint than compact models
FEBTECH's oval chamber is optimized for knife billets — the geometry keeps heat centered on the stock rather than dispersing into corners. Stainless steel nozzle resists heat damage, and the complete kit with hose, regulator, and all fittings arrives ready for immediate use.
Pros
- Oval chamber focuses heat on billets
- Stainless steel nozzle lasts longer
- Complete kit with all fittings
Cons
- No fire brick included
- Oval opening limits wider stock
The Cast Master Elite double burner is one of the most recognized names in the beginner forge market. Pre-lined with Kaowool ceramic fiber insulation, it heats up fast and stays at working temperature efficiently. Assembly is tool-free and the setup is genuinely straightforward for first-time users.
Pros
- Kaowool ceramic fiber insulation
- Tool-free no-tools assembly
- US-based customer support
Cons
- No refractory included with this model
- Hose connection benefits from a 90° elbow adapter
ATkrou's GY100 packs practical design into a compact frame — double doors for versatile access, side viewing holes to monitor heat without opening, and a folding handle for portability. The high-quality ceramic fiber insulation works without requiring rigidizer application.
Pros
- Side viewing holes for monitoring heat
- Double door for flexible access
- Ceramic fiber works without rigidizer
Cons
- Single burner caps max temperature
- Small chamber limits stock length
This 16-inch dual-burner forge provides enough interior volume for axe heads and small tooling projects that compact forges can't handle. Premium ceramic fiber insulation rated to 3002°F retains heat efficiently during extended forging sessions, reducing propane consumption over time.
Pros
- 16-inch interior for larger stock
- Premium insulation rated to 3002°F
- Dual burner for consistent output
Cons
- Requires rigidizer before use
- Larger footprint demands dedicated space
Frequently Asked Questions
What size propane forge do I need for knife making?
For most knife making, a single-burner forge with a chamber of around 300–350 cubic inches is sufficient. This handles blades up to about 12 inches. If you want to make longer blades or do stock removal on larger billets, step up to a two-burner forge.
Can a propane forge reach welding temperature?
Yes, quality propane forges can reach 2300–2400°F, which is sufficient for forge welding most steels. Budget forges may struggle to maintain welding temperatures consistently. If forge welding is a priority, choose a forge specifically rated for it, like the Devil Forge DFPROF2.
How long does a propane tank last with a forge?
A standard 20lb propane tank lasts approximately 4–8 hours of forge time depending on the forge size and burner. Single-burner compact forges are more efficient. Running at lower temperatures for forging (versus welding) also extends tank life significantly.
Do I need to coat the inside of my forge?
Yes — applying a refractory rigidizer to the ceramic wool lining before first use is strongly recommended. It hardens the surface, extends the life of the wool, and improves heat reflection. Most quality forges ship with instructions for this process.
Is a propane forge safe to use indoors?
Propane forges require adequate ventilation. A well-ventilated garage with an open door is the minimum. Running a propane forge in a completely enclosed space is dangerous due to carbon monoxide buildup. Always have airflow and a carbon monoxide detector when forging indoors.