A lighter is an essential piece of gear for anyone who smokes a pipe, but any lighter you happen to have on hand won’t give your pipe the light it needs.
In this article, we discuss the importance of pipe lighters and give you our top picks for the best pipe lighters available this year.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a pipe smoker or you want to upgrade your current pipe lighter, let this review guide you.
“From my experience and my research, I believe that a quality pipe lighter should not just be about the flame, but also about the consistency, reliability, and of course, the design. Over the years, I’ve found that a great pipe lighter contributes significantly to the tobacco flavour and overall satisfying smoking experience essential to pipe enthusiasts.”
Magnus Lindström, Seasoned Tobacconist
What is a Pipe Lighter?
Wondering if a cheap plastic lighter that you can get from the gas station will work for your pipe? Technically, it’s a butane lighter, has a flame, and will light the tobacco in your pipe, but it’s not the type of lighter that’s ideal for pipe smoking.
The same applies to torch lighters, they too use butane and produce a flame that has the ability to light the tobacco in your pipe. However, they burn hot, can char the tobacco and burn the pipe’s bowl. You might want to buy both a good pipe lighter and one of the best torch lighters available.
Pipe lighters are typically butane lighters that are specifically designed for pipe smoking. So, what’s the difference between a Bic lighter and a pipe lighter? A pipe lighter provides a softer flame that covers a larger area of the tobacco. Your want a flame that burns around 750°C. Some pipe lighters have a design that delivers the flame from the side, so it’s easier to angle without burning fingers or to lose flame before your pipe is lit.
Although butane lighters are the most common, plasma lighters are flameless, electronic, and a popular choice among some pipe smokers.
The best tobacco pipe lighter is the Zippo Pipe Lighter thanks for its design, durability, flame intensity and windproof feature. It might not be the cheapest option, but it will last for a long time.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Lighter For Your Pipe
If you’ve already started shopping around for a pipe lighter, you probably noticed that there are several brand types and styles available. Some lighters have basic a design and functionality, while others are loaded with tools and features. Here are some things to consider before you buy.
Refill Lighter Types & Taste
Running out of fluid is inevitable, and if you buy a nicer pipe lighter, you want to be able to refill it rather than tossing it out.
Many tobacco smokers use lighter fluid as their go-to since it’s available in larger bottles, but it’s best to refill your lighter with butane.
Lighter fluid can affect the taste of your pipe tobacco, because they are usually made with kerosene that has a very strong taste and smell, while butane is tasteless out of the two fuels and more likely provide a satisfying smoking experience.
Different Styles of Lighters
The style of pipe lighter you choose can be as unique as the pipe you smoke. While some pipe smokers prefer vintage metal lighters, others benefit from plasma lighters that can be recharged with a USB.
There are plenty of modern pipe lighters that have a retro look but work better and are safer to use than vintage lighters.
With such variety and each lighter having its advantages and disadvantage, you can choose the type of lighter that meets your requirements or need
Do You Need Pipe Tools?
Many pipe smokers have a toolset for cutting and tamping tobacco, but it can be inconvenient to carry around.
There are several pipe lighters on the market that come with tools built-in to the lighter, kind of like a Swiss Army knife.
Even though a lighter with extras isn’t a necessity, it might be nice to have on hand when smoking with friends or at a social event.
IM Corona Old Boy
The IM Corona Old Boy, is a sophisticated lighter that boasts a soft yellow flame, providing a gentle yet efficient ignition for your favorite pipe blends. Crafted with precision, it features a flint ignition wheel, ensuring a reliable spark every time you strike.
One of its standout features is the unique ninety-degree angled flame, which allows for effortless and precise lighting of your pipe. Gone are the days of struggling to reach the tobacco evenly; the IM Corona Old Boy makes it a breeze.
Designed with both functionality and convenience in mind, this elegant lighter comes with a built-in pipe tamper. No more fumbling around for a separate tool, it’s all within reach, making your pipe smoking experience all the more enjoyable.
To top it all off, the IM Corona Old Boy is proudly made in Japan, a country renowned for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. With this masterpiece in hand, you’ll not only elevate your smoking ritual but also add a touch of refinement to your collection.
Indulge yourself or surprise the pipe enthusiast in your life with this exquisite IM Corona Old Boy lighter. Embrace the tradition, embrace the quality, and embrace the joy of a perfectly lit pipe with this exceptional product from Japan.
SKRFIRE Plasma Lighter
The SKRFIRE Plasma Lighter is a cutting-edge rechargeable USB lighter designed to impress with its sleek and unique gem-like appearance. This lighter is not just a practical tool but also a fashion statement that will make you stand out in any crowd. The touch switch resembles a diamond, adding to its dazzling allure.
Powered by a high-quality lithium polymer battery, this lighter is rechargeable and boasts an impressive lifespan, capable of enduring more than 500 charging cycles. You can easily monitor the battery usage and charging status with the LED battery indicator, ensuring you are always ready to light up.
Equipped with dual electric arcs generated by ionizing air, the SKRFIRE Plasma Lighter offers a windproof solution, guaranteeing quick and stable ignition even in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, its luminous feature makes it exceptionally useful at night, enhancing its usability and appeal.
Crafted using PVD plating technology, the lighter’s surface is smooth, delicate, and highly durable, resembling ceramics. This not only adds to its elegance but also ensures it remains wear-resistant for prolonged use.
Perfect for gifting, this exquisite luminous lighter will make an ideal present for family, friends, relatives, and partners.
CHFG Torch Lighter
The CHFG Torch Lighter is a perfect blend of durability, power, and safety for your lighting needs. Crafted with a sturdy Zinc Alloy body, these lighters are designed to withstand the test of time. The Copper Butane Lighter Nozzle enhances longevity, ensuring a longer-lasting lighter, while the Cooling Holes and Ceramic Ports effectively dissipate heat, safeguarding it from high temperatures.
Experience the forceful Jet Flame that reaches an impressive maximum of 3 inches at a scorching 2200℉. Thanks to the powerful Direct Injection Design, these lighters perform exceptionally well even on windy days, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Safety is paramount, and the CHFG Torch Lighter comes with a manually opened Safety Switch. This feature prevents accidental ignition when the lighter is stored in your pocket or bag, giving you peace of mind during travel or daily use.
Stay prepared with the convenient Fuel Sight Window, allowing you to monitor the remaining fuel at a glance. This way, you can refill the lighter promptly, knowing that for safety reasons, the gas tank should only be filled up to 85% of its liquid butane capacity.
Refillable and easy to customize, the CHFG Torch Lighter features a Fill Hole at the bottom and a large Flame Knob. You can adjust the flame size effortlessly by turning the Flame Adjustment Knob without the need for any additional tools.
Discover the perfect companion for lighting cigars, cigarettes, and more with the reliable, powerful, and secure CHFG Torch Lighters.
BABOBIU Plasma Lighter
The BABOBIU Plasma Lighter is a cool and magical gadget that will impress you with its unique features. This lighter comes with a special projection stone that can project “I love you” in 100 different languages, allowing you to express your love boldly and romantically in front of your favorite person.
Equipped with a high-power arc, this electric lighter offers fast heating ignition, ensuring quick and efficient lighting of your desired target. The increased heating area enhances stability and minimizes the impact of high winds, making it an indispensable tool for your daily life or outdoor adventures.
Presented in an exquisite gift box, the BABOBIU Plasma Lighter is a perfect gift for your loved ones, relatives, friends, and colleagues. The thoughtful packaging reflects our commitment to quality and aesthetics.
For proper maintenance, it’s important to keep the four arc points clean from any foreign objects during daily use. Failure to do so may affect the ignition efficiency and pose safety hazards. If the lighter is not used for an extended period, store it in a dry and cool place, and remember to charge it from time to time to prevent it from becoming unusable.
Our Top Pick for Best Pipe Lighter
Lighters are an essential tool for every pipe smoker, but lighters are not created equal and will not produce the quality of the flame you need. While we like every lighter on our list for different reasons, our top choice is the IM Corona Old Boy.
The IM Corona Old Boy lighter has a design that most people are familiar with, and it’s easy to use. We love the windproof screen, and the pipe insert makes lighting a pipe easy.
References
https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/cigar-pipe-lighter-guide/
In my extensive experience, I’ve found that a quality pipe lighter significantly enhances the overall smoking experience, by providing an even and consistent burn, which a cheap plastic lighter just can’t offer.
You’re spot on, Kepler. Comparing a quality pipe lighter to a cheap plastic one is akin to comparing a fencing duel with a proper épée to a mock fight with a pool noodle; the former inevitably provides a more satisfying, authentic experience.
It’s like reaching for a Stradivarius and being handed a toy violin, isn’t it? I’ve always found that utilising a quality lighter heightens not just the physical process of lighting the pipe but also enhances the whole ritualistic aspect tied to it.
Absolutely Jasper, you’ve hit the nail on the head. For me, it was a no-name copper plated flint lighter I’d picked up from a flea market. It ended up being one of the best lighters I’ve used for my Dunhill Shell Briar. The click-clack sound it makes when the lid opens brings great audio satisfaction apart from a consistent flame, further enriching this timeless ritual.
The first lighter I ever used was an old Zippo that my grandfather handed down to me; it served me reliably for years until I started exploring other variants like butane torches.
I can resonate with your reverence towards Zippo lighters, Zephyr Xanthus. My first pipe lighter was also a handed-down Zippo. There’s something about the click sound it makes when you open it that takes you back to a bygone era. However, as time went and my collection expanded, I found myself more drawn to butane torches for their precision and control.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, Grady. There’s indeed something remarkably nostalgic associated with the click sound from a Zippo lighter. Nonetheless, the precision you get with butane torches is undeniable – it’s almost like comparing a finely adjusted violin to an ancestor’s melodious harp.