Short answer: buy a butane lighter, refillable, with at least a double flame, and a fuel window so you can see when it is empty. Fluid lighters and candles ruin the taste of a cigar.
Torch or soft flame
- Torch: a jet of butane. Fast, wind-resistant, and the practical choice outdoors. Keep it moving so it does not char the foot.
- Soft flame: gentler, slower, and preferred by smokers who want no risk of scorching. Poor in wind.
How many flames
Single flames are fine for small cigars. Double and triple flames light a 50-plus ring gauge evenly and quickly, which is most of what people smoke.
What to look for
- Refillable, with an adjustable flame.
- A fuel window, so you are not guessing.
- A built-in punch, useful if you use one.
- Weight and seal. Cheap lighters fail at the valve first.
Butane quality matters
Use refined butane, ideally triple filtered. Cheap fuel leaves residue that clogs the jets, which is the usual reason a lighter stops sparking.
Before the first fill
Bleed the lighter with a small screwdriver on the fill valve until air stops hissing, then fill. Full instructions in our refill guide.
Shop lighters
See accessories, including Prometheus torches such as the Magma and Ultimo.
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