Best Cigar Lighters: Lighter Type, Usage, and Maintainance

Proper flame and lighting techniques are the only way to ensure you get the most out of your premium cigars. With the best cigar lighter, you’ll enjoy a better-tasting smoke and a more gratifying cigar-smoking experience overall. Join us as we explore cigar lighter types and tips for choosing and maintaining your favorites. Now, let’s get the very best from your cigar adventures!

Types of Cigar Lighters

Types of cigar lighting options such as Butane Lighters, Cigar Matches, etc.

A cigar lighter differs from other lighters as they are designed specifically for cigar use. They often feature extra wide flames, wind-resistant flames, multiple flames, large-capacity fuel tanks, or even built-in cigar cutters. You will find the best cigar lighter for you once you understand the different cigar lighter types and how to fit them to your preferences.

Butane Lighters vs. Petrol Lighters

Butane-fueled cigar lighters are ideal for cigars as the gas is odorless and tasteless. Additionally, butane cigar lighters are pressurized, so the fuel remains intact until used. Many butane lighters have piezoelectric ignition systems that do not need a flint, further minimizing maintenance. So, butane lighters deliver fuel efficiency and require only basic maintenance.

In contrast, fluid or petrol lighters, like the famous Zippo, are not ideal, as lighter fluid affects the taste and aroma of cigars. In addition, fluid lighters will have to be frequently refueled as the liquid evaporates. Fluid lighters also need the wick, flint, and fuel-absorbing material replaced regularly. This makes butane lighters the overwhelming accessory favorites that ensure you enjoy unaltered tobacco flavor and aroma.

Soft-Flame Cigar Lighters

Traditional butane cigar lighters and their fluid-based counterparts feature the classic “soft” yellow flame. Soft-flame butane cigar lighters are popular with cigar lovers who want to add elegance to their cigar lighting ritual and smoke a cigar with style. In addition, the highly visible flame makes it easier to toast and light a premium cigar.

Soft-flame cigar lighters have their disadvantages. While a soft flame is perfect indoors, it is often ineffective outdoors. The slightest breeze can blow out most soft flames. Several soft-flame lighter manufacturers use wind-resistant designs to minimize this. Yet, it is rarely enough to overcome the elements when attempting to light a cigar properly.

Torch Flame Cigar Lighters

Torch flame lighters are the favorite must-have cigar accessories for modern cigar enthusiasts. Thanks to the intensely focused flame, they light a cigar quickly and accurately, no matter where or when. These butane-fueled, piezoelectric lighters provide even greater ease in toasting and lighting a cigar than standard butane lighters do.

Many torch lighters offer enhanced functionality, too, ranging from built-in cigar punches or guillotine cutters to bottle openers, screwdrivers, golf tools, and more. Cigar torch lighters can have one, two, or even more flames and work equally well indoors and outdoors. However, torch flame lighters are ineffective at higher elevations, often bulky, and prohibited from air travel by the TSA. So, if you plan to travel with your cigar lighter, you will need a different alternative.

Cigar Matches

While cigar lighters are the top choice for many cigar lovers, some prefer the simplicity and uniqueness of cigar lighter alternatives. Cigar matches add an undeniable panache to cigar smoking. Cigar matches differ from standard matches in several ways. First, they are made of cedar, providing a pleasing woody note that compliments the cigar’s flavor profile. Second, cigar matches are sulfur-free and do not negatively affect taste or aroma. Finally, cigar matches are longer, allowing more time for proper cigar lighting.

Cedar Spills

Cedar spills are strips of Spanish cedar fashioned from a cigar manufacturer’s cedar scraps or repurposed from cigar boxes or cedar-lined tubes. Similarly to cigar matches, cedar spills enhance the cigar smoke’s texture while adding flair to your cigar lighting ritual. For some cigar smokers, cedar spills are an inconvenience as they must be lit by a lighter or match before lighting the cigar.

Choosing the Right Cigar Lighter for Your Cigars

Cigar lighters come in many shapes, sizes, and styles for every occasion, from eye-catching desktop models to portable, pocket-friendly options. When searching for the best cigar lighter, consider a few factors.

Will you use the lighter mostly indoors or outdoors? Do you want an integrated cigar cutter? Is the cigar lighter sized correctly for the cigars you prefer? For example, suppose you smoke large-diameter cigars, like an H. Upmann Magnum 54. Then you should choose a cigar lighter with multiple flames to help light your cigars faster and more evenly.

You also need to consider the lighter’s size and how well it fits in your pocket or cigar case. If you travel by air, you must ensure it complies with TSA’s air travel restrictions. So, as you see, considerations like these will help you zero in on the best cigar lighter for you.

Maintaining Your Cigar Lighter

Cigar lighter maintenance ensures reliable, effortless flame for your cigars whenever the mood strikes. Luckily, maintaining these essential cigar gadgets is straightforward. Unlike torch lighters, some soft flame lighters require flint replacement. Otherwise, all butane cigar lighters should be refilled according to the lighter manufacturer’s instructions.

Most lighters use the same refilling procedure:

1. Hold the lighter upside down so the fill valve points up.

2. Press the valve with a pen or screwdriver to bleed out old butane and air.

3. Place the butane canister valve over the lighter fill valve.

4. Firmly press the canister downward onto the lighter fill valve.

5. Hold in place and count to 10.

6. Remove the canister and let the lighter rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

The cigar lighter will be cold after the gas is transferred into its fuel reservoir, so letting it rest allows it to return to optimal performance temperature and stops malfunctions. Regularly maintaining your cigar lighter and other best cigar accessories will ensure they remain in top form. Fire up your cigars today with a top cigar lighter.

Ignite a Better Cigar Experience

The best cigar lighters are great investments that pay huge dividends with every cigar you smoke. Choosing a cigar lighter that caters to all your cigar-smoking preferences allows you the freedom to enjoy cigars wherever and whenever you want. Why not treat yourself to a better way to light cigars? Then, of course, you’ll need some sweet new cigars to try it out on. Swiss Cuban Cigars offers a wide range to suit any taste. So, scope out the online shop and find your perfect match!