Cigar Lighter

A cigar lighter is a specially designed tool used to ignite a cigar cleanly and evenly, without altering the tobacco’s flavor. Unlike conventional lighters or matches, cigar lighters are typically powered by odorless butane and feature precision flames that allow for controlled toasting and ignition.

Person lighting a cigar
Image by Mohd Jon Ramlan on Unsplash

Why Cigar Lighters Matter

Lighting a cigar is not just about setting fire to it. Done correctly, it’s a critical step that ensures:

  • Even combustion
  • Smooth, consistent draw
  • No bitterness from uneven burning or overheating
  • Preservation of the tobacco’s flavor integrity

Using the wrong lighter—especially one that uses fuel like Zippo fluid—can contaminate the cigar with chemical odors and ruin the smoking experience.

Citation: Cigar Aficionado – Lighting a Cigar

Types of Cigar Lighters

Lighter Type Description Best For
Soft Flame Gentle, candle-like flame (e.g., butane soft flame) Indoors, delicate wrappers
Torch Flame Intense, concentrated jet flame powered by butane Outdoors, thick ring gauge cigars
Triple-Jet Three torch flames for faster lighting and wide foot coverage Gordo and large-ring cigars

Most cigar smokers prefer butane torch lighters for their reliability, fuel purity, and wind resistance.

How to Use a Cigar Lighter

  1. Purge the lighter (if refillable) before use to ensure a clean flame
  2. Hold the cigar at a 45° angle and keep it out of direct contact with the flame
  3. Rotate the cigar slowly while toasting the foot to ensure an even char
  4. Once the foot is toasted, bring the cigar to your lips and draw gently while continuing to rotate
  5. Adjust the flame height if necessary for more control

Man toasting a cigar

Key Features to Look For

When choosing a cigar lighter, consider:

  • Fuel Type: Refillable butane only (odorless and clean-burning)
  • Flame Type: Torch vs. soft flame, depending on environment and cigar size
  • Adjustable Flame Control: Fine-tune for precision lighting
  • Flame Count: Single, double, or triple jet options
  • Portability: Pocket-sized for travel vs. tabletop lighters for home use
  • Fuel Level Window: Allows you to check when it’s time to refill
  • Ignition Type: Piezo (push-button) is more reliable than flint

Maintenance Tips

  • Use high-quality butane to avoid clogging jets
  • Purge air before refilling to maintain flame consistency
  • Clean the burner heads periodically to remove residue
  • Keep the lighter dry and avoid overfilling

Citation: Cigar Advisor – Lighter Troubleshooting

Related Glossary Entries

Summary

A cigar lighter is one of the most important tools in any smoker’s kit. When fueled with clean butane and used properly, it ensures a smooth, even start to your cigar and preserves the delicate flavors of the blend. From single soft flames to triple-jet torches, the right lighter helps turn cigar lighting into an intentional ritual.