Recently, I’ve read a lot about the best cigar lighters. What most of the articles I’ve been reading never mention is their reliability. What I want most from a cigar lighter is reliability. That’s why I decided to write this post about the most reliable cigar lighters.
When it comes to torch cigar lighters there are almost endless options of styles, sizes, and levels of price to choose from. It doesn’t matter what type of torch you have or how much you spent. To me, what matters most is, whether will it light up your cigar when you need it most.
Not counting weirdos like me, who collect lighters like my daughter collects instagram followers, most cigar smokers have a bunch of lighters. The main reason that they have all these lighters is that they quit working, break, or just aren’t very good at their one job.
What Happens to Unreliable Cigar Lighters
They tend to end up in a box or a drawer where they wait to be tossed out. Many lighters, even expensive ones end up in the box or drawer within a couple of months of being purchased because they just aren’t one of the tried and tested cigar lighters you need most.
With that being said, many lighters get stashed away because of user error. There was a long time before I knew anything about maintaining lighters I simply thought most torch lighters weren’t reliable.
I’m pretty sure if you are reading this, that you have a box or drawer of lighters destined for the trash. Before you dump those unreliable cigar lighters, do me a favor and hold off trashing them. Check out this guide I put together on troubleshooting lighters. Sometimes all you need to do is purge and refill.
Anyway, there will be some lighters that just won’t work no matter what you do to them. So put together a list of ultra-proven cigar lighters that may just surprise you.
About this list of Reliable Lighters for Cigars
Before I get to the list I want to mention a couple of things quickly.
First off, in my opinion, the standard Zippo and plastic BIC lighters are probably the most reliable lighters ever. There is no doubt in my mind that they are damn neam the perfect lighters. When it comes to reliability and cost you can’t lose. I left them off the list because I wanted to focus on the most reliable torch lighters.
Second, to get the most reliable cigar lighter you don’t need to spend a ton of money. There are tons of reliable and quality cigar lighters out there that are cheap. And when I say cheap, I mean cheap like the $2 gas station torch. I’ve talked to a number of people who swear by using those types of torch lighters. Because you never know what you’re going to get with those disposables I am sticking to reputable cigar lighter companies.
Now, it’s time. Let’s jump into my list of the most reliable cigar lighters.
Cyclone 3 triple torch from Vertigo
Manufacturer’s description:
The cyclone 3 cigar lighter is a ruggedly designed attractive lighter that features powerful triple jet flames and a see-through body. This is perfect for the on-the-go cigar smoker. It outperforms all other lighters in its category and is from a manufacturer who knows a thing or 2 about cigar smokers and their needs. With its low price point, you won’t have to worry about lending it out or losing it along the way. Comes shipped in a cloth-fitted bag and will be shipped without fuel.
Price: Around $8
Is it a Reliable Cigar Lighter?
These lighters are incredibly reliable and seem to last. Over the years I have had several of these and loved them. My only problem is that they are plastic, for a few more dollars you can get a reliable cigar lighter with an all-metal body.
The whole plastic vs metal body thing just boils down to personal preference. No matter what you decide, know that the Cyclone 3 is one of the most unfailing cigar lighters you can find.
Xikar Element ELX Lighter
About the Element ELX
- Reliable double torch flame
- Simple push-button action
- Integrates cigar punch
- Ergonomic comfort design
- Protective cover, easy fuel adjustment, and fuel window
Price: Around $60
Is it a Reliable Cigar Lighter?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love Xikar lighters. One of the things I love most about Xikar is the lifetime guarantee they have. Over the years I have had at least 10 lighters from them and only ever had to send one back to the factory.
The downside of Xikar is the cost of their lighters. Most of them are fairly pricey, at least compared to the other lighters on this list. If you’re willing to spend the money, it’s nice to have peace of mind knowing that if you have problems with reliability Xikar got you covered. If you’re looking for reliable cigar lighters, Xikar has an incredible range.
Zippo Dual Torch Insert
Manufacturer’s description:
ZipThe ZIppo dual torch lighter insert is a new flame for the classic zippo design. The easy push ignition provides quick and consistent torch flames. Its all-metal body is strong and made for standard Zippo cases. It also has easy flame adjustment and is butane refillable for long-lasting and reliable use.
Price: Around $16
Is it a Reliable Cigar Lighter?
I love Zippo lighters but hate the taste of lighter fluid when trying to enjoy a cigar. This new insert combines my love for Zippo’s and cigars without compromise. These inserts work incredibly well and the one I have has been super reliable. I love that they are fairly low cost and are made by a company known for reliability and service.
Jetline Phantom Torch Lighter
About the Phantom:
- Triple Torch Jet Flame
- Single Action Easy Ignition
- Sturdy construction
- Butane refillable
- Large Flame Adjustment wheel
Price: About $20
Is it One of the Dependable Cigar Lighters
I’ve got two of these awesomely reliable lighters. One is on my desk and the other is my overused golf bag. Both work like a charm and I only bought the second one because I thought I had lost the first one. I like the fuel adjustment wheel and the see-through body. At less than $20 the phantom by jetline is a steal.
Lotus Defiant Quad Cigar Lighter
About the Lotus Defiant
- 4X Pinpoint Jet Flames
- Push down Ignition
- Retractable Cigar Punch
- Easy Flame Adjuster
- Solid Metal Housing
Price: Around $49
Is it a Reliable Cigar Lighter?
The only thing I don’t like about this lighter is plastic ignition. I know Lotus makes great reliable lighters, so why couldn’t they have used something other than plastic. I love the sliding cigar punch and the overall look of this incredible lighter.
Ronson Jetlite – The Most Reliable of all the cigar lighters
price: $10 and up
Our Thoughts:
The bottom line is this is the most reliable lighter I have ever used. As a matter of fact, the Jetlite was one of my first cigar lighters, and have had one close ever since I got the first one. They are well-made, sturdy, and just simple. They seem to last forever and overall they’re pretty cheap. The Jetlite though, in my opinion, isn’t very stylish. As I said they are simple cigar lighters. Over the years I’ve had a bunch and whenever I find the one I think is gone they spark up right away. What I don’t like about the Jetlite is that you can only get a single flame. I would love a twin or triple-flame Jetlite torch lighter, but for now, they don’t exist.
What to look for when shopping for the most reliable Torch lighters
Reputation
For me, reputation goes a long way. Xikar for instance has an amazing reputation in the world of cigars. But remember reputation doesn’t always mean reliability though when you’re looking for the most reliable cigar lighters.
Warranty and service:
When it comes to service and warranty a company like Xikar is top of the line.
Always do a little research about the warranty and how easy it is to use it if you need to. The last thing you want is an unreliable lighter that you can’t get service for.
Limited moving parts
I absolutely love torch cigar lighters with the trigger on the side. They look so cool, but for me, these types of lighters have not been very reliable. There are a bunch of small parts inside these lighters and for me anyway, the trigger is usually the first thing to fail. The ST Dupont mini-jet and maxi-jet line are classy lighters and they look amazing. But when it comes to long-term reliability lots of moving parts seem to be unreliable.
For me, the most reliable lighters of any kind have a push-down single-action ignition.
How Reliable Are Your Lighters?
The way I see it you can increase almost any torch cigar lighter’s reliability by doing a few simple things.
Use High-Quality Butane
When you fill a torch lighter with low-quality butane the impurities it will cause your lighter to clog up. After a while, your lighter is going to simply stop working.
Always use high-quality butane like Xikar Purofane, Vector 14X, or something like Colibri butane. To find out more about how to find the best possible butane for your torch lighter.
Purging Your Ciar Lighters makes them more reliable
The most common problem for torch cigar lighters is air that becomes trapped. Purging your lighter before filling it is the best way to keep this problem from happening. It’s a simple process and only adds a couple of seconds to the time it takes you to fill your lighter.
Keep it clean
Get a can of air, like the kind that is used to clean computers. Every time you refill your lighter use the canned air to clean off the jets and igniter stem.
Final Thoughts About the most reliable cigar lighter
Whether you agree with my picks for the most reliable cigar lighters or not, I hope you got some information about what to look for when trying to find a solid cigar lighter.
I’d love to know your thoughts on what you think is a very reliable cigar lighter. Head over to the contact page and let me know.