Yes it runs on kerosene. The blowtorch starter is some sort of nozzle with a small hole. When the tank is pressurized and the valve to the burner with the mantle is closed, kerosene will flow to the "blowtorch" via the push button, which is also a valve in addition to allowing to light the jet of kerosene. You have to use a lighter and not a match and be really quick when pushing the button or else kerosene will flood the globe. Hope that makes sense. That being said, the user manual mentions that using the "blowtorch" will cause the mantle to wear out faster than using the alcohol preheater cup.