Exploring 20 Types of Lighters: Finding the Perfect Flame (2024)

If you’re wild camping or backpacking in the Rockies, you’ll have different priorities to someone who uses a lighter for smoking cigars in an office. (They should be smoking outdoors, anyway!)

My advice is: if you are on an expedition in a cold climate, always carry a modern lighter with you. By all means try traditional fire lighting methods first if you have the time. However, if these fail, you’ll be prepared.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of the different types of lighters, to help you find the best one for your needs.

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1. Torch / Jet lighter

Torch lighters are also called “jet lighters”. They’re a permanent lighter and can be refilled. Usually the gas of choice will be butane, not propane. This is due to how the gasses behave under pressure and how viscous they are. The butane is pressurized and is pushed out along with air.

These look really cool, with their long blue tongue of flame! They’re basically a mini flamethrower!

You can buy them online from stores like Amazon.

PROS:

• Torch lighters can be kept lit by holding down the button.
• They can be angled in any direction – handy for heating up pipes.
• They produce a powerful, long lasting flame
• Can refill them at gas station or hardware store

CONS:

• Not economical -they use a lot of butane. Take a refill cartridge with you.
• You aren’t allowed to take them on airplanes!
• Cheap brands often break quickly.

2. Plasma Lighter

Plasma lighters, also called “Arc lighters”, work without liquid fuel! Incredibly, they work powered by a charge from mains electricity, or from a USB port. So for the environmentally friendly among us, that means no throwaway plastic and no liquid fuel. You can run one off a portable power pack.

They do this by a high voltage charge running through the top part of the lighter. This creates a ‘plasma arc’ between two electrodes. This plasma is hotter than a liquid fuel flame.

Plasma lighters were first marketed in 2015 after a successful Kickstarter project raised more than $198,355 from 2556 backers. The first one looked like a Vape pen. It was wildly successful, and now there are many other plasma brands on the market.

PROS:

• Environmentally friendly
• Windproof
• Easy to use with gloves
• Reliable
• Reasonable price

CONS:

• Only 100 lights per charge
• Need to be near electricity to ‘refuel’ !
• Not waterproof – water can cause it to short circuit!
• Battery needs replacing every 400 charges

3. Plastic Spark Wheel Lighter

Most of us will be familiar with these plastic lighters. You can buy them in any supermarket or off license. They often come in multipacks. They’re cheap and work well enough for most things! BIC lighters are spark wheel lighters.

The spark wheel refers to how the fuel is ignited. You flip the metal spark wheel with your finger and it catches on the ‘flint’ (ferrocerium) underneath, creating a spark. At the same time, gas is released by a valve and meets the spark, creating flame.

Spark wheel lighters were invented in 1996. They were created as a more child-proof alternative.

PROS:

• Cheap
• Refillable (though often disposed of)
• Not reliant on mains power
• Lasts for 3,000 lights on average
• Can often survive a dunk in water if dried out after

CONS:

• Spark wheel can burn your hand if flame is on for too long (yes, I have done this to myself)
• Not windproof
• Not environmentally friendly

4. Plastic Piezoelectric Button Lighters

You’ll most likely have seen or used this type of plastic lighter too. They’re the other common type you can buy at supermarkets and off licenses. They still have a plastic casing, but instead of a spark wheel they’ve got a button on top.

The button presses down on a piece of quartz crystal underneath. Quartz is piezoelectric, so it creates electricity when squeezed!

Piezoelectric lighters were patented in 1965 by Thomas J Buitkus.

PROS:

• Doesn’t get hot when you hold it on (like a spark wheel does)
• Cheap
• Can get child proof models
• 1,800 lights on average
• Can often survive water if dried out completely after
• Flame size is often adjustable

CONS:

• Ignition not always reliable
• Not waterproof or windproof
• Not environmentally friendly

5. Zippo Lighter

Zippos work with an interior flint and spark wheel. This ignites a wick. The wick will stay lit until you shut the lid! As they run out of fuel quickly, they’re not ideal for wilderness camping or expeditions. They do work well in the cold though!

The classic Zippo lighter was invented in the 1930’s by Mr Blaisdell of the Bradford Country Club in Pennsylvania, US. Mr Blaisdell was watching a friend having difficulty using a lighter which needed two hands to operate. He invented a lighter which preserved the chimney shape, making it weather proof. Blaisdell’s design could be operated with one hand.

The Zippo became really popular when used by soldiers in WW2. It didn’t blow out like the other lighters of the time.

PROS:

• More choice of fuels – can use butane, petrol or even strong alcohol! Though not using proper fuel can clog your Zippo.
• Long lasting flame
• Hard wearing parts and case
• Windproof
• Stays lit – can use as a candle

CONS:

• Expensive
• Not waterproof
• Runs out of fuel quickly (3-10 days max use)
• Can leak fuel

6. Permanent Match Lighter

Permanent match lighters are like a cross between a lighter and a match! The lighter case holds naphtha fuel. There’s a spark stick with a wick inside that is screwed into the lighter.

The metal casing is tough and long lasting, but the wick will need replacing after roughly 100 lights. The spark stick will need replacing at roughly the same time. If you can do this, expect the permanent match to last up to 15,000 lights!

They’re popular with survivalists and bush crafters.

PROS:

• Fuel lasts a long time without evaporating – good for stored survival gear
• Durable
• More resistant to wind than normal matches
• Waterproof

CONS:

• Wick and spark stick will need replacing regularly
• Many cheap, poor quality models

7. Utility Lighter

Utility lighters can come with either a rigid neck or a flexible neck. They’re comfortable for your hands and easy to operate with their large push button. They work the same as a piezoelectric lighter.

The utility lighter is also called a “candle lighter”. This is a good choice if what you want to do is light gas stoves or candles. They’re great for getting into the awkward space under a gas/BBQ grill, too!

They’re cheap and disposable. They are refillable if you want to refill them.

PROS:

• Cheap
• Refillable
• Safe to use with gas stoves and grills
• Comfortable to use

CONS:

• Not environmentally friendly
• Not weatherproof

8. Pipe Lighter

Pipe lighters are specially shaped to light from the side. This makes them ideal for lighting tobacco (or anything else!) in a pipe. Some are designed so the flame is enclosed and can be used upside down!

Pipe lighters can be used in the same ways as utility lighters. They can even be used for caramelizing sugar on cakes!

They have durable metal casings and can even come with pipe cleaning tools attached, like the JOPOO Pipe Lighter. They use butane and are often spark wheel operated.

PROS:

• Strong and durable design
• Can be angled into difficult locations
• Refillable

CONS:

• Not waterproof
• Not windproof

9. Waterproof Lighter

Waterproof lighters can be butane or electric (plasma) powered. They are refillable and durable. Most are shockproof. Many come with a nice lanyard so you can hang it round your neck. Some waterproof lighters have a double flame.

If you’re into boating, this is your best choice of lighter. It’s also the best choice if you like fishing, water sports, or just hiking in the rain. Like it says on the tin, it floats and is waterproof. Just make sure the lid is closed!

PROS:

• Waterproof!
• Resilient and shockproof
• Reasonable price
• Refillable

CONS:

• You need to make sure you have spare butane

10. Electric Coil Lighter

Electric coil lighters have no flame! Like an electric hob, they just heat up. You can use them with cigarettes or cigars. Or if you are lucky, you could light a candle from one. The small heating space makes it difficult to light anything bigger.

You can charge them from a USB port. You will most often see these in the dashboards of cars! They’re not suitable for making fires or for bushcraft uses. They can break quickly if they are cheap. They need recharging frequently.

Electric coil lighters run on the same principles that famous inventor Nikola Tesla developed. They were invented in 2016 by Mark Pauling.

PROS:

• Clean
• Safe
• Environmentally friendly
• Windproof

CONS:

• Need recharging frequently
• Can only be used to light cigarettes or similar.
• Not waterproof

11. Mini Capsule Lighter

Mini capsule lighters are more for emergencies than everyday use. They hang on a keyring, so are handy to leave attached to a backpack in case your normal lighter fails or gets lost!

They are quite tough, and very cute, but they don’t last long before needing refilling. They’re something to bring in a handbag to an apres ski club. They’re easily hidden, too!

Mini Capsule lighters use the same lighter fuel as plastic spark wheel and piezo button lighters.

PROS:

• Very portable
• Stylish
• Durable
• Refillable

CONS

• Don’t last long before needing refilling
• Not waterproof (unless a survival brand)
• Not windproof

12. Trench Rope Lighter

Trench lighters work by a strike flint catching a spark in charred rope. The rope holds the spark as an ember, just like char cloth does. You do need kerosene to soak the rope.

The rope is held in a metal case. You can refill it with more rope when it runs out. To put out the ember, you pull the rope back into the case to cut off the air.

This old classic design was used by sailors. It was also used during World War 1. Soldiers needed a lighter that wouldn’t give away their position to enemy fire. This flameless lighter works with an ember from charred rope. So it was the perfect solution.

PROS:

• Refillable (with rope and kerosene)
• Unique and cool!
• Won’t give away your position!
• Durable

CONS:

• Not very easy to use
• Needs rope to work

13. Flint & Steel Manual Striker

Flint & steel works on the same principle as spark wheel lighters. You scrape down the metal rod at an angle with the steel blade. This causes a shower of sparks (if you do it right!). You do need to have some practice with lighting tinder from the sparks!

The flint and steel does come under ‘traditional’ fire lighting tools. It’s manually powered. It’s definitely worth including in the expedition kit though. It’s small, light and doesn’t rely on any external power or fuel!

This is ideal for experienced off grid bush crafters with the time to spend lighting a fire. Less ideal if you are far from sources of dry tinder, on a time limit and less experienced.

Flint and steel was invented over 3,000 years ago!

PROS:

• No fuel source or power supply needed for spark
• Fairly indestructible
• Fun!!
• Environmentally friendly
• Lasts long time (@ 3,000 strikes)

CONS:

• You need lots of dry tinder for it to work
• Needs practice
• Sparks don’t last long/no flame
• Not easy in wet weather

14. Magnesium Ferro Rod Manual Striker

This works on the same principles as the flint & steel striker. The difference is that you have two rods. One is magnesium and one is ferrocerium. You first use the strike blade to shave off tiny fragments of magnesium onto your pile of tinder. You then flip your tool over and strike sparks onto the magnesium with your ferrocerium rod.

Magnesium is very flammable. It will even light in the rain! Together with some man made tinder like cotton balls in petroleum jelly, you can light a fire in most places and in most weathers! You can also use your knife instead of the strike blade.

Magnesium ferro rod strikers were invented in 1903 by Carl Auer von Welsbach. He patented ferrocerium, which is still in use today as the ‘flint’ in most lighters and in manual strike rods.

PROS:

• Starts a fire in any weather
• Ideal for long excursions into the wilderness
• No power source or fuel needed
• Lasts for 3,000 strikes
• Light, can carry on a lanyard
• Almost indestructible

CONS:

• Needs practice
• Needs a supply of dry tinder to make flame
• Sparks don’t last long

15. Semi-Automatic Lighters

Semi automatic lighters work in two parts. The user needs to flip the lid by pressing a button. This in turn then spins a wheel or strikes a flint, creating a flame. These were really developed for use at Victorian smoking tables! They are lovely to look at if you can find a vintage one!

They run on naphtha, which was the most common lighter fuel used before butane took over in the 1940’s. Now you can use modern lighter fluid! You can buy them on antique and vintage collectors sites and shops.

These lighters are a historical style of lighter. They were invented in the 1920’s by the lighter manufacturer Colibri.

PROS:

• Very pretty and stylish!
• Not reliant on mains power
• Sturdy parts made to last
• Refillable

CONS:

• Need lighter fluid
• Not environmentally friendly
• Sometimes messy
• Parts may break due to age!

16. Clipper Lighters

Clipper modern classic plastic lighters have several advantages over plastic spark wheel and plastic piezo lighters. They run on butane. You can buy one online or in any decent off license/supermarket.

It’s easy to recognise one. Clipper lighters have a trademark cylinder shape! They are often decorated with bright, arty designs.

They are easy to take apart, and all the parts – flint, gas and spark wheel – are replaceable. The flame stays lit for a long time, and has a long flame length. You also get a cigarette packing tool for pushing tobacco into a cigarette/cigar. They are versatile – ok for starting fires too!

They were designed in Barcelona, Spain, in 1972.

PROS:

• Comfortable to hold and use
• Flame is long and stays lit a long time
• Replaceable parts
• Stylish
• Versatile uses

CONS:

• Need to bring spare butane
• Not waterproof
• Not windproof
• Not very durable

17. Cigar Lighters

Cigar lighters are usually butane filled. You can get cigar lighters with one to three jets of flame. They can vary massively in price from $25, to over a thousand dollars for a tabletop lighter in ebony or jet!

They often have a cooler flame, allowing you to light delicate cigars without them burning away too fast. Some are windproof, like the Pipita Torch Lighter. Otherwise they work the same as a jet lighter.

PROS:

• Cooler flame heats delicate cigars more slowly
• Refillable
• Can refill at gas stations/hardware stores
• Long lasting flame

CONS:

• Use a lot of fuel quickly
• Not allowed on airplanes

18. Solar Mirror Lighter

This clever design of lighter is based on the old survival trick of lighting a fire with a focussed lens in the sun. It is a convex mirror that focuses all of the sun’s rays into one point. You can then hold tinder in the correct spot and it will catch fire!

The solar mirror lighter has the added option of being usable as a signaling device. It is best used in sunny climates, for obvious reasons!

In the classic survival film and book “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, Piggy’s glasses are used by the stranded boys to light a fire using the Sun’s rays.

PROS:

• Eco friendly!
• Needs no fuel
• Can take on airplanes
• Cheap (less than $10)

CONS:

• Does not work without sun!

19. Chinese Blowing Lighter

The Chinese Blowing LIghter works on a traditional Chinese design. You blow into one end to light it. The Chinese made these out of a copper tube packed with flammable tinder. This has a smouldering coal inside, which ignites when exposed to air.

Modern models are USB electric plasma powered. As the light is within the case it is quite windproof. These models are not the best for a survival situation. They are hard to light fires with.

It is flameless, too. Which means there’s less chance of woodland catching fire. If you run out of charge you may have to reach for your spare BIC however!

PROS:

• Unique
• Teaches fire lighting skills

CONS:

• Electric versions can be badly made and unreliable
• Risk of fire hazard with traditional version

20. Indian Fire Carrier

This manual way of lighting fires was developed and used by the First Nations people of America. It involves collecting tinder and adding a live ember. This is tightly packed inside a layer of damp moss. This is then placed carefully in a container such a buffalo horn or wrap of bark.

It is carried slung over the shoulder on twine as people move from one camp to another. If the ember is checked and allowed to air occasionally, fire can be carried this way for most of a day.

This is one for the seasoned bush crafter rather than an expedition hiker!

PROS:

• Can make out of local natural materials
• Eco friendly!

CONS:

• Fire risk if spilt
• Takes practice
• Can go out easily if not constantly checked

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How do you refill a butane lighter?

Here’s how to refill a butane lighter. Even cheap plastic disposable lighters like BICs can often be refilled, but it’s easier to refill good quality metal bodied lighters. Wait until your lighter is cool before refilling it. If you just used it, leave it to cool down.

1. Use a small screwdriver to turn the flame height adjuster to minimum. This is found on the bottom of most liquid fuel lighters.
2. Push in the refilling valve with a screwdriver. If you hear a hissing sound, wait til it has gone away.
3. Turn the lighter upside down. This stops air getting in!
4. Shake the refill can, press the refill can to the refill valve on the bottom of the lighter.
5. Make sure it stays straight. Check the level after 5 seconds.
6. Allow 5 minutes to let the fluid gas reach room temperature.
7. Turn the flame adjuster screw back clockwise to the required height.
8. Test the lighter. Repeat if needed.

How do I refill a Zippo style lighter?

Zippo and windproof lighters use a different fuel – sold as Zippo lighter fuel. Though you can also use any good quality petroleum based lighter fluid. Here’s how to refill them.

You will need:

• A Zippo lighter ( or similar)
• Petroleum lighter fluid
• Small Flathead screwdriver

1. Buy your lighter fluid. This is easily found online, or in a hardware store.
2. Pull the lighter out of its case by the top half.
3. Turn it upside down. Lift the lever that reads ‘LIFT TO FILL’. If it’s too stiff, use the screwdriver as a lever.
4. Insert the nozzle of the lighter fluid into the compartment under the lever.
5. Squirt lighter fluid in until the padding on the inside is damp.
6. Remove the nozzle and close the lever.
7. Reinsert lighter into case.

IMPORTANT: DON’T USE THE LIGHTER UNTIL IT’S BACK IN IT’S CASE! If it is not in its case, leaked fuel could cause it to explode!

How is a Zippo/Windproof lighter made?

A lot goes into building a windproof Zippo design lighter. Hence the price tag! It’s an interesting process though, and will make you appreciate your Zippo more.

Zippo lighters are made in Bradford, Pennsylvania as they have been since 1933.

The Bradford factory turns out 70,000 Zippo lighters a day.

Case

1. Large pieces of brass are shaped into the top and bottom of the case.
2. The case is put in a nickel bath 5 times. This helps the chrome finish to stick to the casing.
3. The case is left in the chrome finish bath for 4 minutes.

Lighter insert

1. Holes are made in the metal lighter insert. This makes it windproof!
2. The flint spring and flint wheel are added.
3. The cotton and the wick are added. The wick is zig zagged through the cotton. This means it acts as a sponge for the lighter fuel.

Final touches

1. The insert is put into each case.
2. The fuel is added.
3. Each lighter is carefully inspected before going on sale. Every one must make the trademark Zippo clicking noise!

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5 Of The Best Survival & Outdoor Lighters

These lighters have been tested in the field and found to be best for various different outdoor situations. Read on to find your perfect match! I mean, lighter. Ha ha.

Best For Extreme Cold & Wind: Zippo Armor

This is the champion lighter for extremely cold conditions. It won’t freeze in sub zero temperatures. Such as you find in Russia or the Arctic! You can also use alternative fuel sources such as methylated spirits if you need to.

It’s very windproof and has a lifetime guarantee. One of these will set you back a cool $70-$150 however. You will be annoyed if you lose it! You can get a less expensive Zippo for around $30.

They come in a big range of styles and colors. All of which are very cool.

Best Budget Survival Lighter: BIC Disposable!

BIC lighters are pretty reliable, easy to use and (whoo-hoo) very cheap. You can buy them in multipacks of 5 for as little as 5 or 6 dollars.

They work safety at a 45% angle. They are easy and comfortable to use. They store really well and don’t leak. If you lose one, you have more (if you are sensible!).

Stash a pack of these as backup lighters in case of power failure. They also light fires quite well. They will run out of fuel and aren’t that easy to refill however.

Best For Hiking: Explore Arc Lighter

The Explore Arc Lighter is a rugged lighter that’s waterproof for 15 minutes. As long as the top lid is clipped down!

It’s an electric lighter with two coils. It can be used to light fires, as it comes with a paratinder lanyard. This helps you transfer the ember created by the electric current to your fire tinder.

It’s wind resistant as it doesn’t use a naked flame.

It also comes with a neat whistle on a neck lanyard!

You can get one for £13.69/$16.86 on Amazon.

Best For Long Term Survival/Prepping: UCO Stormproof Torch Lighter

The UCO Stormproof Lighter is one tough customer. It’s got an ultra waterproof, windproof and shockproof case made of Acrylonitrile. It clips on anything you have with a carabiner. It helps that it’s bright yellow, so it is hard to lose!

It’s butane powered and refillable. The piezo electric ignition is said to last for 30,000 ignitions. It holds enough butane for 700 ignitions.

Best Waterproof Lighter: UST Floating Gas Lighter

The Ultimate Survival Technologies Gas lighter floats if dropped in water. This is the handiest lighter to have if you are boating, canoeing, or doing some other water related activity such as fishing. Living in Britain or Wales probably qualifies too!

It’s windproof up to 80 mph and works well up to 8,000 feet. Some reviews say it does not work well above this height. Better for the lower level wet places then!

Fun Facts!

• The first ever lighter was made by Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner in 1823. It was named “Döbereiner’s Lamp.” It was very dangerous to operate! Before that, people just had matches.
• Lighters were made from discarded bullet casings in WW1. They didn’t give soldiers positions away in the trenches like matches did.
• The biggest lighter made so far goes to the Giant BIC made by Brainfoo TV. It is rated at 500,000 BTU’s!
• The most popular and iconic lighter ever made is the Zippo Brass Lighter. However, the inventor nearly went bankrupt to start with as he started production in the Great Depression! The soldiers gave it their vote in WW2 and the rest is history.
• The biggest collection of lighters is the one belonging to Francis Hearle of Belgium. He has a grand total of 58259 according to the Guinness Book of Records!

Below is a WW1 lighter made from an old bullet case. A real piece of history!

Types of Lighters FAQ