Best Tobacco Pipe Lighter – The Perfect Soft Flame Every Time

Alex Mcil author
Alex Mcil

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.

lighters designed specifically for pipes smokers

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.

Quick answer

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.

Our Range of Best Pipe Lighters


#1Zippo Pipe Lighters
1st place editor's badge

The iconic zippo lighter but designed solely for pipes
The unique holes on the side walls of the Zippo Pipe Lighter generates a soft flame that’s also windproof. This design also protects the pipe bowl from aggressive flames.

#2Corona Old Boy Pipe Lighter
old fashioned looking wood piper that's actually butane
The Corona Old Boy Pipe Lighter produces a butane flame that comes out at a 90-degree angle to ensure a quick and easy light of your pipe. It also comes with a built-in tamper and poker for all your piping needs.

#3Lotus Vertigo Angled Flame Pipe Lighter
Angled flame pipe lighter with built-in cleaning tools
Be prepared even on the go. The Lotus Vertigo Puffer Angled Flame Pipe Lighter comes with a built-in tamper, scraper, and spike to keep your pipe clean. The 90-degree flame lights your pipe better than any standard lighter on the market.

#4Novelty Wares Innovative Flameless Lighter
Angled flame pipe lighter with built-in cleaning tools
This Plasma lighting apparatus is rechargeable & comes with a USB charging cable. You can tip it upside down to light your pipe evenly, without the worry of damaging the bowl. It’s windproof, butane free and come with an ultra-durable zinc alloy case.

#5Foxfires Butane Lighter
long neck flexible bend lighter
Not the most attractive lighter on the market, but its flexible adjustable angled neck allows for lighting your pipe quickly and consistently. An excellent lighter to have on hand if looking for a multi-purpose lighter that’s not just for pipe smoking.

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.

Zippo Pipe Lighters

  • Pipe insert works on any standard Zippo lighter
  • Consistently lights at an angle
  • Windproof screen
  • Soft flame for broad distribution
  • Possible pipe insert design flaw
  • Outer decals come off easily
Zippo with metallic case designed specifically for pipes

Zippo lighters are iconic and a popular lighter among people who don’t even smoke. Nearly everyone who’s familiar with a Zippo knows the “click.” The Zippo Pipe Lighter has virtually the same design as other Zippo windproof lighters, but the feature that makes it ideal for pipe smokers is the pipe insert.

When you turn the Zippo to light your pipe, the insert continues to protect the soft flame from blowing out. The unique design will also protect the bowl of your pipe from too aggressive of a flame while distributing heat evenly. As with all types of Zippo lighters, there are a variety of designs and finishes to choose from.

  • Lifetime warranty
  • All metal construction
  • Made in USA
  • Wind proof flame
  • It works or Zippo will fix it

Corona Old Boy Pipe Lighter

  • Lightweight and durable
  • Angled flame ideal for pipes
  • Comes with a warranty
  • Consistently lights
  • Need to replace flint regularly
  • Hard to use with one hand
  • Pricey for a pipe lighters
Zippo with metallic case designed specifically for pipes

If you’re looking for a pipe lighter that looks sophisticated, lights your pipe, and may even spark up a conversation, the IM Corona Old Boy Pipe Lighter is an excellent option. The outside of the lighter is sandblasted briarwood, and the metal parts have a gold plate finish.

The butane flame comes out at a 90-degree angle to ensure a quick and easier light with your pipe.

The Corona Old Boy also comes with a built-in tamper and poker and fits nicely inside your pocket.


Lotus Vertigo Puffer Angled Flame Pipe Lighter

  • Clean and simple design
  • Built-in tools
  • 90-degree flame
  • Easy refill process
  • Outer cover may peel over time
  • The flame is not adjustable
Lotus Vertigo angled pipe lighter

If you’re looking for a pipe lighter with built-in tools so that you’re always prepared, even when on the go? The Lotus Vertigo Puffer Angled Flame Pipe Lighter comes with a built-in tamper, scraper, and spike to keep your pipe clean.

This metal flame lighter is covered with faux leather for a sophisticated look and adds a little extra grip and control when using it. It’s easy refillable with your preferred fuel, and the 90-degree flame lights your pipe better than any standard lighter on the market.


Novelty Wares Innovative Flameless Plasma X Beam Rechargeable Lighter

  • High capacity lithium ion battery
  • Flameless technology
  • Works at any angle
  • Corrosion resistant surface
  • Long battery life
  • Some users complain of weak and inconsistent arcs
  • Needs frequent charging

Since the increase in popularity of plasma lighters, we had to put at least one on our list. When looking at flameless alternatives for your pipe, it’s important to find one that’s can be angled. Some devices are better designed for lighting cigarettes while others are catered for pipes.

The Novelty Wares Plasma X Beam Lighter is rechargeable, has a double arc, comes with a USB charging cable and features an on/off switch to prevent accidental ignition. You can tip this product upside down to light your pipe and not worry about damaging the bowl with an aggressive flame. It’s flameless, butane free, works in all weather conditions and come at a fantastic price.


Foxfires Butane Lighter Long Lighter

  • Flexible head for various angles
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use and adjust
  • Easy flame size control
  • Uses butane
  • Not a “classy” lighter
  • Goes through a lot of butane
  • Some users had issues with inconsistent flame
Lotus Vertigo angled pipe lighter

While the Foxfires Butane Lighter may not be the most attractive pipe lighter on the market, it’s got the right angle for lighting your pipe quickly and consistently. The butane lighter has a long neck that’s flexible, and you can bend to any angle to make lighting your pipe easy and convenient.

The lighter is easy to refill, adjust, and use with one hand. It’s also an excellent lighter to have on hand if you’re looking for a multi-purpose lighter that’s not just for pipe smoking.

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 Zippo Pipe Lighter.

The Zippo 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. Even though the decals and designs are likely to wear off over time, we still think the Zippo is a durable and reliable option.

References

https://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/lighter-vs-pipe-lighter-whats-the-difference

https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/cigar-pipe-lighter-guide/


Frequently Asked Questions
✓ What's the difference between a pipe lighter and a regular lighter?

Pipe lighters often have a "softer" flame that covers a larger area which essentially heats up the tobacco evenly. Most designs have the flame 🔥 come out of the side of the lighter making it easier to angle it into your pipe without singeing your fingers... we all know how difficult it is to use a lighter when it's upside down.

✓ Can you light a pipe with a Zippo?

With the Zippo pipe lighter you can! The circular cut out on the metal side walls allows the flame to be drawn directly into the pipe without bending over the sides. This means lighting your tobacco evenly without damaging your pipe.

✓ What are the best lighters for your pipe?

Here are the 5 best pipe lighters 🔥 on the market today:
1) Zippo Pipe Lighters
2) Corona Old Boy
3) Lotus Vertigo Puffer Angled Flame
4) Novelty Wares Innovative Flameless Plasma X Beam
5) Foxfires Butane Lighter