A gas station lighter will technically light a cigar. But it’ll also scorch the wrapper, leave a chemical taste, and give you an uneven burn that ruins the first third. How you light a cigar matters more than most beginners realize.

Here are your options, what each does well, and when to use it.

Soft flame lighters use butane and produce a standard flame — like a taller, more refined version of a Bic. They’re the traditional choice for cigar smokers and the preference of most purists. The lower temperature toasts the foot of the cigar gently, which preserves flavor and gives you more control. The downside: wind kills them. Outdoor use is frustrating.

Recommended for: indoor smoking, lounges, anyone who prioritizes flavor over speed. Classic brands include S.T. Dupont and Davidoff.

Single torch lighters are the everyday workhorse. One focused jet of butane flame that’s hot enough to toast a cigar in 15–20 seconds and strong enough to handle a breeze. A single torch gives you control over where the flame hits, so you can even out a canoe (uneven burn) mid-smoke. This is what most cigar smokers carry daily.

Recommended for: daily use, travel, most cigar sizes. Reliable options from Xikar, Vertigo, and Vector.

Double and triple torch lighters throw two or three jets at once. They light large ring gauge cigars (60+) fast and evenly. The tradeoff is butane consumption — a triple torch burns through fuel quickly — and the heat can char the wrapper if you’re not careful. Hold it further from the foot than you would a single torch.

Recommended for: big cigars, outdoor smoking, anyone who hates a slow toast. Don’t use these on thin lanceros or petit coronas — it’s overkill.

Quad torch and table lighters are for the lounge or the patio. They’re bulky, heavy, and drink fuel, but they light anything in seconds and look good on a table. Not something you’d pocket for a walk.

Note: Xikar & Colibri is available at HIGH HEAVEN GALLERY in-store

Our picks by flame type

Here is what we recommend from our own shelves:

• Soft flame: Colibri Continental (single, classic), Colibri Julius (double), Xikar Meridian (triple soft flame — read our Meridian review), Xikar Ardore (slim double).
• Single torch: Colibri Slim, Colibri Rally, Xikar Allume.
• Double and triple jet: Xikar Allume 2, Colibri Rebel, Colibri E3, Colibri Ascari (with punch cutter).
• Tabletop: Xikar Allume 3, Xikar Volta.
• Hybrid (both worlds): Xikar Hedron (1 jet + 6 soft flames), Colibri Heritage Cube (separate soft and torch triggers).
• Pipes: Xikar Pipeline — see our pipe lighter guide.

Quick decision guide

• Mostly indoors and care most about flavor → soft flame.
• Mostly outdoors, golf, patio → torch.
• Big ring gauge cigars (56+) → double, triple or quad jet.
• Can’t decide → hybrid.

FAQ

Does a torch lighter ruin the flavor of a cigar?

Not if you use it right. Keep the flame tip just under the foot — don’t touch the tobacco — and toast slowly while you turn the cigar.

Why is my soft flame lighter not lighting?

Usually it is out of fuel, has air in the tank, or needs a new flint. See how to fix it in 2 minutes.

Browse all cigar lighters or compare brands in Xikar vs Colibri.