Cigars are truly things of beauty, and what we love most about them are all the subtle nuances and details that make every one unique. But there’s more to the process than just the cigar. Because what’s a cigar if you don’t light it on fire? A rolled up bunch of leaves, that’s what. The act of smoking a cigar is itself an experience. From picking out the best cigars to allowing them to rest in a humidor to cutting and lighting them. It’s an intentional, meditative act for some. And for the best experience, you need a torch lighter.
How to Use a Cigar Lighter
First off, you’ll want to get yourself a butane torch lighter. A torch lighter is a must-have for any cigar aficionado. Any old cigarette lighter will do in a pinch of course, but a torch lighter offers good flame control and won’t damage the flavor profile of your cigar, when used properly. These powerful lighters produce a concentrated flame that can quickly and evenly light even the thickest cigars. Torch lighters can also stand up to wind, so you can light your cigar in any condition. And because they use butane fuel, they produce a cleaner burn that won’t ruin the flavor of your cigar–plus, the hotter flame helps to prevent the wrapper of your cigar from cracking. So if you’re serious about cigars, invest in a quality torch lighter and enjoy the perfect smoke every time.
When lighting your cigar, don’t allow the flame from your torch lighter to actually touch the foot of the cigar. It’ll singe the wrapper affect the quality of the cigar. Also, keep the power at a manageable level–about half power. You don’t want the torch lighter to burn the wrapper off.
With the cigar in your hands, first toast the cigar foot by:
- Step 1: Holding the cigar in your hand at between a 45- and 60-degree angle to the cigar torch flame.
- Step 2: Hold the foot at least a couple of inches away from the tip of the torch lighter flame.
- Step 3: Move the cigar lighter in a circular motion and also rotate the cigar to toast the entire area of the cigar’s foot.
What to Look for in a Cigar Torch Lighter
The type of flame that you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you only smoke small cigars, then a single flame lighter will be sufficient. However, if you smoke larger cigars or if you smoke in windy conditions, then a dual flame or triple flame lighter will be a better option.
- Single flame: Single flame lighters are the most basic type of torch lighter. They produce a single, narrow flame that is perfect for lighting small cigars. Single flame lighters are also the most affordable type of torch lighter.
- Dual flame: Dual flame lighters have two flames that are side by side. This makes them ideal for lighting larger cigars or for lighting multiple cigars at once. Dual flame lighters are also more versatile than single flame lighters. You can use them to light candles, cigarettes, and other items.
- Triple flame: Triple flame lighters have three flames that are arranged in a triangle. They produce the hottest flame of all three types, making them perfect for lighting thick cigars or for lighting cigars in windy conditions. Triple flame lighters are also the most expensive type of torch lighter.
Here’s what else you should look for:
- Adjustable flame This is paramount. You don’t want a single setting on your cigar torches or you risk ruining your cigar and even injuring yourself.
- Fuel type: Most cigar torch lighters use butane fuel. Butane is a clean-burning fuel that will not affect the flavor of your cigar. Other fuel types, such as propane, can impart a bad taste to your cigar.
- Size and weight: Cigar torch lighters come in a variety of sizes and weights. Choose a lighter that is comfortable to hold and that is not too heavy to carry with you.
- Price: Cigar torch lighters can range in price from around $20 to $200 or more. Choose a lighter that fits your budget and that has the features that you want.
- Brand: There are many reputable brands of cigar torch lighters on the market. Some of the most popular brands include Xikar, Colibri, and Vector. Choose a brand that you trust and that has a good reputation for quality.
- Size:Consider where you’ll be using your cigar lighter. Do you need a compact, portable option? Or are you ok lugging around a large flame torch lighter? Depending on how and when you like to light up, the size of your cigar torch lighter matters.
The Best Cigar Torch Lighters
The All in One: The Scorch Torch Lighter
Cool Material has featured the scorch torch before on our “Best Cigar Cutters” list, and we’re including it here too, because it’s a tremendously good lighter that perfectly plays the role of all-in-one cigar tool. This triple-jet torch is lightweight, compact, and famous for its reliability. Oh, and the cigar punch is an excellent addition. It’s one of the most widely reviewed torches in the world, and there’s a good reason why.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Portable and compact
- Included cigar punch
Cons:
- Not as powerful as pricier lighters
The Most Practical Cigar Lighter: Moretti Vertigo Churchill
Churchills are named after the one and only Winston Churchill, the man who kept the U.K. on its feet during its darkest and most trying hours in WWII. That’s the same man who is purported to have smoked over a quarter million cigars in his lifetime. Churchill cigars are believed by many to be the manliest cigar style of them all, so it’s fitting that Moretti named this badass quadruple-torch flame after him. The all-metal finish comes wrapped with a grippy rubber casing to ensure a firm handle on it at all times, as well as a full viewing window and a built-in cigar punch.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Quad-flame is powerful
- Included cigar punch
Cons:
- Will burn through fuel quickly
For the Top Cigar Aficionados: Culinary Butane Torch
This one is kinda cheating, but it’s something we consider a “hidden in plain sight” secret among cigar aficionados. Any culinary-grade butane torch works wonderfully on cigars because they come with angled flames—usually at between 45 and 90 degrees—which means you can always see what you’re burning. It’s especially useful if you’re new to the game. This particular torch is still small enough for pocket carry, but heavy-duty enough to get the job done anywhere. Common on most culinary torches, this one also features precision controls to keep the flame exactly where you want it, and it’s easy to refill and use.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile
- Angled flames
Cons:
- Not specifically built for cigars
The Monster of All Lighters: Alec Bradley “The Burner”
We’re big at-home smokers, and while we love a good torch, we don’t necessarily need something that can fit in our pockets all the time. The Burner by Alec Bradley is an absolutely gorgeous tabletop cigar lighter that looks more like a retro Bunsen burner than anything. It’s easy to light, easy to adjust, and built like a brick. It looks good anywhere from a garage workshop to the backyard patio, and it’s a conversation piece, if nothing else.
Pros:
- Sturdy and powerful
- Unique design
- Adjustable flames
Cons:
- Not compact or portable
The Best Compact Lighter: Xikar Allume Single Jet Flame Lighter
The Xikar Allume isn’t particularly flashy but it’s a reliable cigar torch lighter. The single jet flame is adjustable and you’ll find a fuel level window on the front and back. The minimalistic design makes it extremely compact and easy to transport. Plus, the universal filling valve makes topping off fuel on the go easy. And if you ever run into any issues with this torch, Xikar’s cigar lighters are backed by a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent design
Cons:
- A little pricey
