Bethlehem Barracuda (discontinued): the high-output surface-mix bench torch
Bethlehem Barracuda · Bench torch · Surface mix
The Bethlehem Barracuda was a high-output surface-mix bench burner for heavier borosilicate and production work. It has been discontinued and succeeded by the Bravo — this page is kept for reference.
Specs
- Mix type
- Surface mix
- Mount
- Bench
- Oxygen
- —
- Fuel
- Propane, Natural gas
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Glass
- Boro
- Best for
- Large boro, Production
- Price
- High ($$$) $$$
Overview
The Bethlehem Barracuda was a high-output surface-mix bench burner built for heavier borosilicate and production work — the larger end of Bethlehem’s surface-mix bench range in its time. It is discontinued and has been succeeded by the Bravo, so this page exists for reference rather than as a current buying recommendation.
Discontinued — and what replaced it
Bethlehem has retired the Barracuda and replaced it with the Bravo. If you’re shopping new, that’s where to start: the Bravo carries Bethlehem’s quiet, oxygen-efficient surface-mix flame and signature mounting hardware in a current model, with the Champion and multi-stage Grand above it when you need more heat. Compare the current tiers in Alpha vs Bravo vs Champion.
What the surface-mix flame gave you
Like the rest of Bethlehem’s burners, the Barracuda was surface-mix: fuel and oxygen meet at the face of the torch rather than premixing inside it, for a quiet, calm, low-backfire flame that’s characteristic of the brand. For the background on why that design is prized for boro and production, see surface mix vs premix torches.
Glass and intended work
The Barracuda was aimed at borosilicate — heavier and more demanding work than the Bravo or Champion — for production-leaning makers. Bethlehem doesn’t publish the Barracuda’s jet count, stage count, or exact oxygen flow in the catalog, so treat its capacity qualitatively rather than by the numbers.
Buying one used
A well-kept Barracuda can still be a capable surface-mix burner, but because it’s discontinued, verify parts availability and support with Bethlehem before committing, and weigh it honestly against a current Bravo or Champion that you can buy new and service easily. If you’re starting from scratch, our how to choose a glass torch guide walks through the trade-offs.
Editor’s note: the Barracuda is listed in our catalog as discontinued and succeeded by the Bravo. Bethlehem doesn’t publish its jet count, stage count, exact oxygen flow (LPM), or any current pricing — confirm details and any used-unit support directly with Bethlehem.
Best for: Reference only — the Barracuda is discontinued. Makers who once ran one, or anyone evaluating a used unit, who wants to know where it sat in Bethlehem's line.
Not for: A current purchase decision — Bethlehem has replaced the Barracuda with the Bravo, so new buyers should look there or at the Champion and Grand.
Pros
- + Quiet, oxygen-efficient surface-mix flame in the Bethlehem tradition
- + Built for heavier borosilicate and production work
- + Bethlehem mounting hardware and build quality
Cons
- − Discontinued — no longer sold new; succeeded by the Bravo
- − Bethlehem doesn't publish jet count, stage count, or exact oxygen flow for the Barracuda — confirm with Bethlehem
- − Parts and support for a discontinued model are worth verifying before buying used
Flame notes
(Discontinued — succeeded by the Bravo) High-output Bethlehem bench burner for heavier borosilicate work.
Maker
Bethlehem Burners
USA
Focus: Scientific, Production, Boro
Alpha/Bravo/Champion/Grand Brander/PM2D and larger production burners; premix.
Related reading
FAQ
- Is the Bethlehem Barracuda still made?
- No. The Barracuda is discontinued. Per the catalog, it was succeeded by the Bravo, which carries Bethlehem's quiet surface-mix flame and signature hardware in a current model.
- What replaced the Barracuda?
- The Bravo. If you were considering a Barracuda, the Bravo is the natural current starting point, with the Champion and multi-stage Grand above it for more heat.
- Should I buy a used Barracuda?
- It can still be a capable surface-mix burner, but because it's discontinued, confirm parts availability and support with Bethlehem first, and weigh it against a current Bravo or Champion.
- What glass was the Barracuda built for?
- Heavier borosilicate and production work — it was the high-output end of Bethlehem's surface-mix bench range in its day.