I see you, golfer on the 19th hole posing with your weekend buddies. You too, legit cigar aficionado laughing at said golf guy. I see all of you, and I raise you the best cigar lighter—nay, the 10 best cigar lighters—in the eastern hemisphere. Hell, I’ll even throw in all the other hemispheres while I’m at it.
What is a good cigar lighter to one person may not be the same for another. The flame that’ll work best for you depends on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and how often you light up, just like a cigar cutter or a cigar humidor.
This list will cover all the bases, including budget lighters, luxury lighters, tabletop lighters, and unique pieces that would make great gifts for the holidays. So grab a stick, sidle up to the nearest mahogany-rich study, golf course, or campfire, and let’s get into it.
The Key Takeaways
The cigar lighter that you choose should be one that burns your stogies to the exact specifications you prefer. That said, butane fuel results in a cleaner burn that helps maintain a cigar’s integrity, and a torch flame is more versatile than the equally effective (and purist-preferred) soft flame.
Scorch Torch triple flame lighter is my top pick. It’s affordable, and that makes it even better. S.T. Lighter is a solid, affordable option. Dupont Defi Xtreme lighter. I don’t envy your decision, but I also kind of do.
Luxury and performance are the hallmarks of the best cigar for enthusiasts. The XIKAR Verano Flat Flame combines the power of a dual flame with the breadth and efficiency of a three-flame, ensuring maximum energy efficiency.
This lighter represents hand-held elegance and simplicity. Constructed entirely of metal and equipped with XIKAR’s latest technology, this lighter promises durability and top-notch performance.
The unique flat flame ensures an even and clean light each time. Whether you’re a casual smoker or a cigar connoisseur, this lighter promises a luxurious and efficient lighting experience. Bonus: It’s backed by XIKAR’s renowned lifetime warranty, ensuring peace of mind with every purchase.
Fuel: Butane | Flame: Flat-flame
Another pocket-friendly lighter with a cigar cutter attachment, the Scorch Torch Triple-Flame Lighter is a handsome, sleek butane number that’s as easy on the wallet as it is on the eyes.
Three jets make this torch strong and windproof. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you’re a fidgeter or the type who appreciates a satisfying light, then you’ll love the Scorch Torch’s slide switch. It’s as simple as flicking it down to activate the flame. Press the switch, and it’s on. The parts are sturdy, but this is not a premium option. If you’re looking for more longevity, you’ll be better served by the more premium options on this list.
Fuel: Butane | Flame: Torch
S.T. Dupont is a luxury lighter manufacturer that has been around for more than a century. It’s a household name among cigar aficionados and those who appreciate impeccably made products.
As its name suggests, the Defi Xtreme Lighter is incredibly durable in any temperature and situation. This lighter is up to the task if you ever find yourself dog sledding on Antarctica and need to light a cigar. Otherwise, it’s an eye-catching torch to keep handy during formal occasions or rooftop-adjacent cocktail parties.
Fuel: Butane | Flame: Torch
The best cigar torch lighters aren’t always the ones that are designed to impress or built to withstand extreme conditions. You may only need a two-pack of cheap butane cigarette lighters on Amazon with more than 4,000 5-star ratings. Oh look—now is one of those times.
The emphasis of Tomolo’s Triple-Jet Torch Cigar Lighter isn’t necessarily on indestructible materials, so this is another product that’s not going to last forever. But I’ll be damned if these little guys aren’t the perfect stocking stuffers for a cigar lover in your life. Otherwise, picking up where longevity leaves off is a powerful, adjustable flame, built-in punch cutter, attractive design, and a size that’s just right for tagging along on all your adventures.
Fuel: Butane | Flame: Torch
Houseplant, a lifestyle brand and smoking accessory company co-founded by Seth Rogen is known for its retro minimalistic aesthetic, and the fact that it doesn’t mind sweating over the little things. Houseplant’s Car Lighter functions just like those old-school car lighters, pop-up action and all. This iteration of the car lighter has been given a major design upgrade.
Made of polished gray or green marble, you’re working with a tabletop electric unit that comes with a five-foot power supply. When it’s not in use, the square conversation piece makes for a smart, deliberate design choice capable of elevating your living room, study, or (if you’re lucky) sunken conversation pit. When it’s time to smoke, you’ll simply press the lighter into the base and wait for it to pop up.
Fuel: Electricity | Flame: Electricity
This is a bright orange plasma lighter that’s not very attractive. As you might expect, you’ve found yourself at the part where we’re going to talk about camping, day-tripping, and other activities that don’t involve lighting cigars while wearing a tie or trying to appear anything other than ruggedly prepared.
You can now fully enjoy the Explorer Dual Arc Plasma Lighter’s adventure-friendly features. It’s compact, waterproof, buoyant, and functions properly even at high altitudes. One thing to note is that this lighter doesn’t run on fuel, so you’re better off leaning on it for short trips unless you plan on having USB port access for recharging.
Fuel: Electricity | Flame: Electricity
Like Houseplant’s offering, Alec Bradley’s The Burner table-top torch lighter is a standout conversation piece that makes for a great gift, drips cigar-lighting know-how, and looks cooler than it probably should.
The Burner deploys a wind-resistant flame that’s fully adjustable to suit your torching needs. The 1.4-ounce fuel container, which is large enough to light 1,000 cigars, is another bonus. Hope you like cigars.
Fuel: Butane | Flame: Torch
Tesla Coil Arc Lighter – Orange is the same as its orange counterpart, Explorer. Both are ideal for adventurous outdoor activities that require a rugged device, but one that’s not too rugged to stop you from enjoying some cigars.
The rechargeable electric lighter creates a windproof arc that’ll get the job done regardless of the conditions. Though it’s compact, durable, and capable, this isn’t a lighter that you’ll want to make your standalone, everyday carry. It’ll light a cigar and light it well, but this particular product will best serve you as a break-in-case-of-hiking-trip option.
Fuel: Electricity | Flame: Electricity
Whether you’re a frequent puffer or tend to find yourself around people who are, it’s never a bad idea to keep a powerful and trusty source of flame on standby in your pocket. Enter the Vertigo Four-Torch Churchill Lighter.
It’s got a large fuel tank and a retractable cigar punch (yes, the latter is certainly becoming a theme here). Vertigo is an everyday lighter that’s made with functionality and quality in mind. Stick it in your pocket, grab a cigar, and don’t overthink it.
Fuel: Butane | Flame: Torch
The best lighter for cigars—and certainly the best-looking cigar lighter—in the compact category has to go to the Siglo Retro II. This stylish little fellow will fit in your pocket perfectly and be sure to bring you compliments each time you pull it out.
These lighters are given a handsome Art Deco style by the 10 different color stripes. And on the functional side, the torch flame gets the job done and there’s an integrated safety mechanism to help prevent accidental ignition. “That’s great, but does it come in a tasteful tin box that also helps make this an ideal gift?” Ah, thought you’d never ask. Yes. Yes.
Fuel: Butane | Flame: Torch
What To Look for In The Best Cigar Lighting Devices
Fuel Type
When looking for the best lighter, you should also consider the fuel type. For best results and a cleaner burn that stays true to the cigar’s intended taste, opt for a butane lighter. The most common alternative to lighter fluid can have a chemical taste.
Flame
Cigar lighters are usually equipped with one of two types of flame: a torch or a soft. Both should be powered by butane, which is cleaner to burn. Torch flames are the most versatile and common cigar lighters, but soft-flame butane lighters—if deployed properly—are also favorites among purists.
Size and Style
The size and aesthetics of your cigar lighter is important. What is the best golf cigar lighter? What about when you’re camping? Are you trying to impress clients? This is a great gift for a guy with everything. In addition to the functional aspects of your flame, it’s worth considering whether its size and appearance play nicely with what you typically find yourself getting into.
Final Verdict
When it comes to lighting cigars, butane lighters are the best choice. Their flame is easily controlled and they burn cleaner. And unless it’s strictly a showpiece, durability and affordability should also be top of mind.
The FAQ
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Certain lighters can ruin your cigar’s taste and the overall smoking experience. Use butane lighters to avoid chemical tastes and keep your smoke pure. A torch lighter gives you better flame control and helps to keep the tobacco intact.
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Zippo lighters are known to use lighter liquid, which can give your cigar a chemical or gas taste. It is generally accepted in the cigar community that lighting cigars with Zippo lighters can seriously compromise their quality.
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Use a butane lighter for best results. It will also burn cleaner. Slowly rotate the foot (the part of the cigar you are going to light) Above Avoid direct contact with the flame. Blow into the foot periodically and rotate over the flame. You’re ready for your first puff when the edges are uniformly darkened and glowing embers are present.
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Each manufacturer has specific recommendations, so consult your owner’s manual before refilling your butane lighter. In most cases, you’ll start by turning it upside down and “bleeding” the fuel tank by pressing down on the fill valve with a multitool, pen, or mini-screwdriver. This releases excess air and lowers the lighter’s pressure. From there, insert your butane can into the lighter’s fill valve for a few seconds, remove it, then repeat until it’s once again full.
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