No, I haven't but I did read somewhere that they don't really kill the perennial weeds, and that's the weeds I hate the most!

carrie

Really? Hmm, I didn't know that. I wonder if they'd kill that nasty grass that pops up in my beds...I don't know what kind it is, but it has a super long taproot and seems impossible to eradicate. It's the ONLY thing that grows up through my weedcloth!

I've also been intrigued by these gizmos!I think I'd be a *little bit afraid* as I don't even like to turn the gas grill on (smile) but if it really worked to kill those weeds dead forever, I'd get one! Hope someone who has used one responds.....

I asked the farmer who rents my fields about those.
He said they don't kill the roots and that can be problematic.
For 3 years I have been using corn gluten meal as a pre emergent, I have to admit this has been a life saver for me. Plus, the addition of at least 4 inches mulch annually.
So far, in the 2 foot by 70 foot bed beside the west side of the house I think I have about 8 perennial weeds to dig out.
The large slope facing north by the pool, closly planted I had some dandelion and a few others that either I will pull out or spot weed killer. The raking of the arborvatie litter will take 3 times the amount of time to clear than weed pulling in there.
Now that you have disturbed the soil you can apply this if you are planting plants, but it will inhibit germination of seeds. You can google corn gluten meal, I buy mine for 16.00/50lb at the local feed store, there is a granular type I also use for 22.00 a 40lb bag. This is the same stuff they have in weed-n-feed and organic.
if you have never visited www.weedalert.com I encourage you do do this also. The site is great,identifies weeds, when they germinate and best removal method.
If I did want to try those I would first go buy a bottle of hand held propane cannisters at walmart and zap a few weeds before I invested in a garden gizmo.