First, this lantern is quite large. It fills my hand and has some weight. Some might find this bad, but if you want a tabletop burner I highly recommend this item because it doesn't fall that easily, especially if you put it on a stand. The flame has a good temperature cone and can heat a 1/4 inch steel rod in about a minute on the highest setting. In addition, it has very precise flow control, from a short lighter-like flame to a jet burner. This thing's performance is somewhere between a third and a half tank of butane, giving you plenty of time to do whatever you need to do. burn your food for whatever.