The Different Types of Lighters: A Complete Guide

Lighters are more than just tools to start a flame — they’re essential accessories in many people’s daily lives, especially for smokers, outdoor enthusiasts, and collectors. There are several types of lighters, each designed with specific uses, fuels, and mechanisms. This guide covers the most popular lighter types, including disposable lighters, refillable butane lighters, torch lighters, electric lighters, and novelty lighters, along with their pros and cons.

1. Disposable Lighters
Overview:
These are the most common and widely available lighters. Typically filled with butane, disposable lighters are designed for short-term use and are not meant to be refilled.

Features:

Plastic body
Flint ignition system
Small flame adjustable via a wheel
Inexpensive
Brands:

Bic is the top name here. Known for reliability and longevity despite being “disposable.” We offer a complete line of custom bic lighters at the lowest prices.
Pros:

Cheap and easy to find
Lightweight and portable
Good for casual smokers

Cons:

Not eco-friendly (single-use)
Can be unreliable in windy conditions
Flame size is limited
Common Uses:

Cigarettes, candles, light-duty needs
2. Refillable Butane Lighters
Overview:
These lighters are a step up from disposable ones, made to last longer and be refilled with butane gas.

Features:

Metal or high-quality plastic body
Refillable fuel chamber
May have a flint wheel or piezo ignition
Brands:

Custom Clipper Lighters (popular for its replaceable flint and refillable design)
Zippo (some models use butane inserts)
Pros:

Better for the environment
Longer-lasting
Refillable = cost-effective over time
Cons:

Needs occasional maintenance
Requires separate butane refills
Common Uses:

Everyday smoking, travel, light cooking or camping
3. Torch Lighters / Jet Flame Lighters
Overview:
Torch lighters, also called jet flame lighters, produce a powerful, concentrated flame using pressurized butane. They burn much hotter than standard lighters.

Features:

Wind-resistant, blue flame
Adjustable flame size
Instant ignition (usually piezoelectric)
Often come with safety locks
Brands:

Xikar, Blazer, Vertigo
Pros:

Works well outdoors or in wind
Great for cigars (even burn)
Refillable and durable
Cons:

Consumes more butane
Can be overkill for small needs
More expensive
Common Uses:

Cigar smoking
Camping, cooking, survival kits
Lighting pipes or joints in wind
4. Zippo Lighters
Overview:
Zippo lighters are iconic for their flip-top metal case and distinctive “click” sound. Unlike butane lighters, traditional Zippos use lighter fluid (naphtha) and a cotton fuel reservoir.

Features:

Metal construction
Windproof flame
Refillable with fluid and replaceable flint/wick
Collectible designs
Pros:

Classic design, highly collectible
Reliable even in wind
Durable and long-lasting
Cons:

Requires more maintenance (fluid refills, wick/flint replacement)
Fluid can evaporate over time
Odor from lighter fluid
Common Uses:

Cigarette and pipe lighting
Outdoor use
Collectors and enthusiasts
5. Electric Arc Lighters (Plasma Lighters)
Overview:
Electric or plasma lighters use an electric arc instead of a flame. Powered by rechargeable batteries, they are windproof and flameless.

Features:

USB rechargeable
Windproof electric arc
No fuel needed
Safety auto shut-off
Brands:

Tesla Coil, Ralix, Saberlight
Pros:

Eco-friendly (no fuel waste)
Windproof and weather-resistant
Safe and easy to use
Cons:

Needs regular charging
Arc can be small and less versatile
May struggle with certain types of pipes or cigars
Common Uses:

Candles, joints, cigarettes
Travel-friendly, indoor/outdoor use
6. Novelty Lighters
Overview:
These lighters are designed with fun, creative shapes and features. Some look like miniature guns, beer cans, or have sound effects.

Features:

Variety of designs
May be refillable or disposable
Often collectible
Pros:

Unique and eye-catching
Great gifts or collector’s items
Cons:

May sacrifice function for form
Durability varies widely
Common Uses:

Gifts, conversation pieces
Occasional use
7. Pipe Lighters
Overview:
Specially designed for pipe smokers, pipe lighters have an angled flame to light the bowl of a pipe without burning fingers.

Features:

Angled or soft flame
Refillable
Some use flint ignition
Brands:

IM Corona, Old Boy, Zippo (with pipe insert)
Pros:

Tailored for pipe use
Prevents singeing fingers
Cons:

Niche product
May be more expensive
Common Uses:

Lighting tobacco pipes
8. Tabletop or Candle Lighters
Overview:
Larger lighters designed for lighting candles, grills, or stoves. They’re often refillable and feature long necks.

Features:

Long, adjustable flame
Refillable or disposable
Trigger ignition
Pros:

Safe for lighting hard-to-reach places
Long-lasting
Cons:

Bulky, not portable
Not practical for smoking
Common Uses:

Lighting candles, grills, fireplaces
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lighters. Smokers might lean toward refillable butane lighters or torch lighters, while outdoor enthusiasts value electric arc or jet flame models for windproof reliability. Collectors love the classic Zippo, and for everyday tasks, disposable lighters still have a spot.

When choosing, think about your primary use, how often you want to refill or charge, and whether style matters. From functional to flashy, lighters are a personal choice – and with so many types, there’s one for everyone.