10 Best Cigar Lighters in 2024

Let's chat about one of the most essential tools in your smoking kit – the cigar lighter. While selecting the perfect cigar is undoubtedly essential, without the right lighter, you might as well be attempting to ignite your cigar with a magnifying glass on a cloudy day. So, let's take a look at which ones are truly worth investing your hard-earned cash in for 2024.

Matches and Traditional Lighters vs. Cigar Lighters

Before we dive into the fancy, high-tech options, let's take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the classic lighting methods that have been around since your grandfather was puffing on his first cigar.

Matches

Ah, the humble wooden match – there's an undeniable nostalgia in the act of striking one to light up your favorite cigar. The soft crackle, the brief flare of light, and that distinctive sulfur scent all contribute to a time-honored ritual that many cigar aficionados still appreciate. However, let's face the facts – matches aren't always the most practical choice for lighting up your prized cigars.

You'll often find yourself fumbling with a handful of these tiny fire sticks just to achieve an even light, and heaven forbid you try to use them outdoors on a breezy day – you'll burn through half the box before you even get a decent puff. Not to mention, that initial sulfur smell isn't exactly the ideal complement to the rich, complex aromas of your premium tobacco. It's a bit like trying to appreciate a fine wine while someone's cooking eggs in the next room – not impossible, but certainly not ideal.

BIC Lighters

We've all got a drawer somewhere in our homes that's practically overflowing with these ubiquitous plastic lighters. They're cheap, they're readily available, and they'll ignite just about anything you need – well, almost anything. When it comes to your precious cigars, these convenient little fire-starters fall woefully short of the mark. The flame they produce is about as intense as a firefly's glow, which means you'll likely end up scorching the delicate wrapper of your cigar long before you manage to get an even light. Save these budget-friendly lighters for lighting candles, birthday cakes, or your backyard grill, and keep them far away from your carefully curated humidor.

Zippo Lighters

Now, Zippos – they've got an undeniable cool factor that's hard to ignore. That iconic 'clink' when you flip open the lid is music to the ears of many, bringing to mind images of old Hollywood stars and vintage Americana. But when it comes to lighting cigars, the fuel they use has a tendency to impart a funky, chemical taste that'll interfere with the delicate flavors of your cigar for the first few puffs – it's like trying to appreciate a fine whiskey right after brushing your teeth. And let's not even get started on how temperamental that flame can be, dancing around like it's auditioning for a ballet when all you want is a steady light for your cigar. Zippos are great for looking slick and impressing your friends with fancy lighter tricks, but when it comes to actually lighting up your favorite maduro, you're better off looking elsewhere.

Types of Cigar Lighters

Now that we've covered what not to use, let's get into the good stuff – the lighters that'll treat your cigars with the respect and care they deserve.

Butane Lighters

Butane has become the fuel of choice for cigar aficionados, and for good reason. This clean-burning fuel is like the perfectionist of the lighter world – it gets the job done without leaving any trace of itself behind. When you're lighting up a cigar that costs as much as a decent bottle of scotch, the last thing you want is some funky fuel taste messing with those carefully crafted flavors. Butane burns hot and clean, giving you enough power to light your cigar evenly without turning the wrapper into something resembling a charred marshmallow.

Torch Lighters

If butane lighters are the workhorses of the cigar world, torch lighters are the thoroughbreds – sleek, powerful, and built for performance. These lighters shoot out a jet of flame that's hotter than a habanero pepper dipped in lava. Whether you prefer a single, double, triple, or even quad flame setup, these lighters have got you covered. They'll light your cigar faster than you can say "Cohiba," which is particularly handy when you're trying to light up outdoors and the wind is determined to ruin your day.

Electric Lighters

Electric lighters are the new kids on the block, the Tesla of the cigar lighting world if you will. No fuel, no flame, just a super-heated coil that'll have your cigar glowing in seconds. They're completely windproof, which makes them ideal for outdoor smoking, whether you're on the golf course or lounging on your patio. These high-tech gadgets are pretty darn cool and offer a level of convenience that's hard to beat. However, be prepared for some side-eye from the old-school smokers in your circle – they might look at your electric lighter the same way a vinyl enthusiast looks at a Spotify playlist. But hey, if it gets the job done and lets you enjoy your cigar without fuss, who cares what the purists think?

Top 10 Cigar Lighters at Northwoods Humidors

Alright, let's get down to the good stuff. Here are our top picks for 2024, ranging from "I just hit the jackpot" to "I've got rent to pay, but I still want to enjoy a good smoke."

Premium Cigar Lighters - Over $100

Elie Bleu J-12 Double-Sided Wide Jet Flame Lighter - Tatuaje The Bride Limited Edition

This isn't just a lighter, it's a bona fide work of art that happens to produce flame. With its double-sided wide jet flame, this beauty will light your cigar faster than you can exclaim "holy smokes!" The Tatuaje The Bride Limited Edition design elevates it from a mere tool to a collector's item that'll have your cigar buddies drooling with envy. Yes, it's pricey – you could probably buy a decent used car for the same amount – but can you really put a price on style? Well, apparently Elie Bleu can, and they're betting there are plenty of aficionados out there willing to pay it. If you're the type who believes that lighting a cigar should be just as luxurious an experience as smoking it, this lighter is your holy grail.

Elie Bleu Cuban Flag J-15 Torch Flame Single Jet

Want to feel like you're lighting up on the streets of Havana, even if you're just in your backyard in suburbia? This stunning lighter, adorned with the Cuban flag, is your ticket to a mini-vacation with every light. It packs a powerful single jet flame that'll have your cigar ready to go faster than you can say "Viva la Revolución!" It's like having a little piece of cigar history right in your pocket – just maybe don't try to take it through customs if you're actually heading to Cuba. This lighter is for the cigar smoker who appreciates the heritage and tradition of their hobby, and isn't afraid to show it off with a bit of flair.

Xikar Volta Torch Flame Quad Jet

Four jets of flame? At this point, we're not talking about a lighter anymore – this is basically a handheld flamethrower disguised as a cigar accessory. The Xikar Volta will light your cigar so fast, you'll barely have time to say "Xikar" before you're puffing away contentedly. It's perfect for the impatient smoker, the one who values efficiency above all else, or anyone who's ever fantasized about feeling like a Bond villain while lighting up their after-dinner smoke. Just be careful not to singe your eyebrows – with great power comes great responsibility, and this lighter has power in spades.

S.T. Dupont Maxijet Torch Flame Single Jet

If James Bond smoked cigars instead of sipping martinis, this is the lighter he'd use. French-made and oozing class, the S.T. Dupont Maxijet combines style and substance in a package. The single jet flame offers precision lighting, perfect for those who treat lighting a cigar as an art form rather than a mere necessity. It's the kind of lighter that makes you want to wear a tuxedo while using it, even if you're just lounging around in your pajamas. Just try not to misplace it after your third glass of scotch – losing this beauty would be enough to make a grown cigar aficionado cry.

Mid-Range Lighters for Cigars - Under $100

Colibri Pacific Air Soft Flame Pipe

Don't let the "pipe" in the name throw you off – this lighter is a cigar's best friend, despite its identity crisis. With its soft flame, it's perfect for those who prefer to take their time with the lighting ritual, savoring every moment as the tobacco begins to glow. It's like the difference between fast food and a five-course meal – sometimes, slower is better. The design is sleek enough to make your smoking buddies green with envy, proving that you don't need to spend a fortune to look like you know what you're doing.

Xikar Turismo Torch Flame Double Jet

Two jets are indeed better than one, especially when they come in a package as sexy as the Xikar Turismo. Inspired by high-end automobiles, this lighter will have you feeling like you're firing up a stogie in a Ferrari instead of your man cave. The double jet provides a perfect balance of power and precision, giving you the ability to light your cigar evenly without feeling like you're wielding a welding torch. It's the kind of lighter that makes you want to wear driving gloves while using it, even if the only place you're driving to is your favorite smoking chair.

Colibri Slide Torch Flame Double Jet

This lighter brings a touch of modern technology to the age-old practice of lighting cigars. With its innovative slide mechanism and dual jet flame, it provides an even light that'll have your cigar burning perfectly in no time. But be warned – the satisfying slide action is addictive. You might find yourself playing with this lighter long after your cigar is done, like a grown-up version of a fidget spinner for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Entry-Level Cigar Lighters - Under $20

Daniel Marshall Cyclone Torch Flame Triple Jet

Here's proof that you don't need to break the bank to get a decent light. The Daniel Marshall Cyclone is like the Honda Civic of cigar lighters – reliable, efficient, and it won't leave you eating ramen for a month just to afford it. With its triple jet torch, it'll get your stogie going faster than you can say "budget-friendly," without setting your wallet on fire in the process. It might not have all the bells and whistles of its more expensive cousins, but it gets the job done without fuss or fanfare.

Vertigo Cyclone Torch Flame Triple Jet

Another wallet-friendly option that doesn't skimp on performance, the Vertigo Cyclone is proof that good things can come in inexpensive packages. With its triple jet flame and clear fuel tank, it offers reliability and convenience at a price point that'll leave enough cash in your pocket for another stick or two. This lighter is perfect for beginners, those on a budget, or as a reliable backup that you won't be heartbroken about if you accidentally leave it behind at the golf course.

Palio Squadra Angled Torch Flame Triple Jet

Angled for your lighting pleasure, the Palio Squadra is the ergonomic dream of the budget lighter world. Its triple jet torch and thoughtful design make it easy to use, even for those new to the cigar game. And the best part? It won't cost you an arm and a leg. This is the lighter for the practical smoker who wants something that works well and feels good in the hand, without all the fancy frills that drive up the price.

FAQs

How much should a good cigar lighter cost?

Look, you can spend anywhere from $20 to north of $500 on a cigar lighter. It's a bit like asking how much you should spend on a car – it depends on what you need, how often you'll use it, and how much you want to impress the valet. A solid torch lighter will typically set you back at least $50, but you can find decent performers for less if you're working with a tighter budget. Just remember, in the world of cigar lighters, you often get what you pay for. That doesn't mean you need to take out a second mortgage for a lighter, but it does mean that investing a bit more can often get you a more reliable, longer-lasting piece of equipment. Think of it as cost per light – that $100 lighter might seem expensive now, but if it's still going strong after your budget option has given up the ghost, it might just be worth the initial investment.

How many flames is best for a cigar lighter?

When it comes to flames, it's not about the quantity, it's about how you use them. Single flames offer precision, allowing you to target specific areas of the foot of your cigar for an even light. They're like the sniper rifles of the cigar world – precise and controlled. Multiple flames, on the other hand, are more like shotguns – they'll light larger cigars faster and are great for windy conditions, but you need to be careful not to overdo it and scorch your wrapper. Ultimately, the best number of flames depends on your smoking habits, the types of cigars you prefer, and where you typically enjoy your smokes. Many experienced smokers end up with multiple lighters to suit different situations – because sometimes you need a scalpel, and sometimes you need a blowtorch.

Is it better to use matches or lighters for cigars?

Asking whether it's better to use matches or lighters for cigars is a bit like asking if it's better to drive a car or ride a horse – sure, one method is more traditional, but is it always the most practical? Matches certainly have that old-school charm, and some aficionados swear by them for certain cigars or special occasions. They argue that matches allow for a gentler light that doesn't overheat the tobacco. However, a good cigar lighter is generally more reliable, especially in outdoor conditions, and allows for more precise control over the flame.

It's also a hell of a lot more convenient – no one wants to strike half a dozen matches just to get their cigar going. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference and the specific smoking situation. Some folks enjoy the ritual of using matches, while others prefer the consistency and ease of a good lighter. The most important thing is that you're able to achieve an even light without altering the flavor of your cigar – how you get there is up to you.