Best Cigar Lighters & Torches
A torch lighter is the standard tool for lighting cigars because its hot, focused butane flame toasts the foot evenly without tainting the flavor. A torch lighter burns far hotter than a soft flame and resists wind, so you get a clean, even light fast. The wrong lighter — a fluid Zippo or a weak match — leaves an uneven burn and an off taste that ruins the first inch.
This guide explains why butane torches beat the alternatives, how many jets you actually need, and which lighter fits your cigars and your routine.
Why a butane torch, not soft flame or lighter fluid
A butane torch is best for cigars because it burns clean and hot, while lighter fluid leaves chemical flavors and a soft flame struggles to light a thick foot. Naphtha lighter fluid, the kind in a classic Zippo, gives off fumes that soak into the tobacco and taint the first puffs. Butane burns odorless and tasteless.
The case for a butane torch lighter:
- Clean fuel. Butane combusts without leaving flavor on the tobacco.
- High heat. A torch toasts a full cigar foot in seconds, not minutes.
- Wind resistance. A focused jet stays lit in a breeze that would kill a soft flame.
For technique once you have the right tool, see how to light a cigar.
Single vs. double vs. triple jet
The number of jets controls how fast and evenly a torch lights a cigar, with more jets covering a wider foot. A single jet is precise and fuel-efficient; double and triple jets light bigger cigars faster. The right count depends mostly on your ring gauge.
Here is how jet counts compare:
| Jets | Flame profile | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single jet | Narrow, pinpoint | Small to medium cigars, precision | Slower on thick cigars |
| Double jet | Wider, fast | Most everyday cigars | Uses more fuel |
| Triple jet | Broad, very fast | Large ring gauge cigars | Higher fuel burn |
| Quad jet | Widest, fastest | Big cigars, windy outdoor use | Heaviest fuel use |
A single jet is a fine everyday choice and sips fuel. A double or triple jet shines on large ring gauges and outdoors where speed matters. Going from single vs double vs triple jet is mostly a trade between precision and speed.
Fuel quality and refilling
Use triple-refined butane to keep a torch lighter running clean and clog-free. Cheap, impure butane leaves residue that clogs the jets and shortens the lighter's life. Premium butane burns cleaner and feeds a steadier flame.
Refilling tips that keep a torch healthy:
- Buy refined butane. Look for "triple-refined" or "premium" on the can.
- Bleed the tank first. Press the fill valve to release old gas and trapped air before refilling.
- Let it rest. Wait a minute or two after filling so the cold gas settles before lighting.
A well-maintained torch from a brand like Xikar, Colibri, or Visol can last for years. Always store and use lighters away from heat sources.
Wind resistance and outdoor use
Torch lighters resist wind far better than soft flames because their pressurized jet holds shape in a breeze. For patios, golf courses, and other outdoor smoking, a multi-jet torch is the reliable choice. The more jets, the harder the flame is to blow out.
What helps outdoors:
- Multiple jets create a broad, stubborn flame.
- A wind-resistant housing shields the flame opening.
- A fuel window lets you check the tank before heading out, so you are not caught empty.
If you mostly smoke outside, lean toward a double or triple jet with a visible fuel level.
The soft flame exception
A soft flame lighter is acceptable for delicate, thin cigars where a torch could scorch the wrapper. Some experienced smokers prefer a butane soft flame for the gentlest possible light on premium thin cigars. It must still burn butane, never lighter fluid.
When a soft flame makes sense:
- Thin, delicate cigars where a torch's heat risks overheating the wrapper.
- Indoor, still air where wind is not a factor.
- Slow, deliberate lighting by smokers who enjoy the ritual.
For most people and most cigars, a torch is still the more practical, forgiving tool. A soft flame is a refinement, not a starting point.
Best cigar lighters for each kind of smoker
The best lighter depends on your cigar sizes and where you smoke. Match the jet count and features to your habits rather than buying the most jets you can find.
- Beginner: A single or double jet torch with a fuel window. Affordable, forgiving, and easy to refill.
- Everyday smoker: A reliable double jet from a known brand, the all-around sweet spot for most ring gauges.
- Outdoor smoker: A triple or quad jet with strong wind resistance and a visible tank.
- Connoisseur: A butane soft flame for delicate cigars, kept alongside a torch for everything else.
Whatever you choose, insist on butane fuel and triple-refined gas for a clean light every time.
FAQ
Is a torch lighter better than a soft flame for cigars?
A torch lighter is better for most cigars because it lights hot, fast, and resists wind. A soft flame is gentler and suits delicate, thin cigars, but it struggles with thick feet and any breeze. Both must use butane, never lighter fluid.
Can you light a cigar with a normal lighter?
You can light a cigar with a normal butane lighter in a pinch, but a fluid-based lighter like a classic Zippo taints the flavor. Naphtha fuel leaves a chemical taste on the first puffs. A butane torch or butane soft flame is the proper tool. If you want the full breakdown on when a Zippo is and isn't acceptable, see our Zippo for cigars guide.
What butane should I use in a cigar lighter?
Use triple-refined or premium butane in a cigar lighter. Cheaper, impure butane leaves residue that clogs the jets and weakens the flame. Premium butane burns cleaner and keeps the lighter running reliably for years.
How many jets do I need in a cigar torch?
You need one to three jets depending on your cigars. A single jet suits small and medium cigars and saves fuel. A double or triple jet lights large ring gauge cigars faster and performs better outdoors in wind.
Why does my torch lighter have a weak flame?
A weak flame usually means low fuel, air in the tank, or impure butane clogging the jet. Bleed the tank, refill with triple-refined butane, and let it rest before lighting. If it still sputters, the jet may need cleaning.
Traveling with cigar lighters
If you take cigars on the road, a few practical rules apply. TSA allows one disposable or refillable lighter in a carry-on bag but bars torch lighters in checked luggage. A road trip in a car raises no restrictions — but a 12V car socket can power a car lighter adapter if you run low on butane. Pair a travel lighter with a cigar travel case to keep your sticks protected. See our full breakdown of lighters on planes for TSA rules, and the car cigarette lighter guide for road-trip prep.
Conclusion
A torch lighter is the right tool for cigars because it delivers the clean, hot, windproof flame that toasts a cigar evenly without tainting its flavor. Choose your jet count by ring gauge, fuel it with triple-refined butane, and keep a soft flame on hand only for your most delicate cigars. Ready to complete your kit? See our companion guides to cigar cutters and the technique behind how to light a cigar.