If you're smoking premium cigars then you know lighting is as important as the smoke is. It's pretty much a given that you'll need a butane torch lighter for a precise, clean, and easy light. Torch Lighters are are cigar smoking accessories known for their intense heat, burning over 3500 degrees Fahrenheit. Torch lighters can cut through high winds and are effective at high altitudes.Â
A poorly lit cigar may burn, lose its flavor, or even ruin the wrapper. This is why the selection of the cigar torch lighter is important. So, in this article we're going to go over why lighting a cigar is so important to your smoke and give our top 5 cigar lighter recommendations.Â
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Cigar Prep and Why A Cigar Torch Lighter Is Essential
Because cigars are hand-rolled they consist of multiple wrappers, binders, and fillers. Each cigar is like a work of art and craftmanship. So, they must be lit properly in order to be appreciated. A Cigar Torch Lighter is a lighter that creates a jet flame fueled by refined butane like Xikar's high performance butane.Â
A torch flame burns at close to 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit and penetrates wind or wetness. Because of the power of this flame it's essential to toast the cigar before fully lighting it. Toasting is a preparation method that prevents the wrapper from cracking or swelling. Blasting the foot of the cigar with an intense flame without toasting could also leave the cigar tasting burnt. So what do I mean by toasting?Â
Toasting is simply holding your lighter a couple of inches away from the foot of the cigar so the flame doesn’t actually touch, and circling it around the outer edge for a few seconds. This allows the wrapper, binder, and filler to blend, while allowing heat to work its way through the tobacco. As the leaf oils heat up, it prepares your cigar to burn even and flavorful. After you've toasted the cigar, light that puppy! A torch lighter will light your cigar in seconds. Torch lighters make the cigar less prone to canoeing or tunneling compared to cigars that have been lit with matches or soft flames.Â
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Torch Flame vs Soft Flame: A Quick Look
Soft flames give you a slower, more conventional feel, but they don't work well outside and may cause canoeing or tunneling in your cigar. Butane torch flames are wind-resistant and work wonderfully outdoors. The strong heat makes sure that cigars burn evenly, keeping their flavor. But don't just blast the cigar with this intense heat, be sure to toast it first. That's why a cigar torch lighter is the best kind. There are basically four types of torch lighters and both Xikar and Palio make great ones.
- Single and Dual flame torch lighters are for thinner cigar with a smaller ring gauges
- Triple or Quad flame torch lighters for thicker cigars with larger ring gauges
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Flame Type |
Best For |
Description |
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Precision lighting |
Ideal for smaller ring gauge cigars and controlled toasting |
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Everyday versatility |
Balances precision with slightly faster ignition |
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Medium to large cigars |
Lights up cigars evenly and quickly perfect for robustos and toros |
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Large ring gauges, windy conditions |
Maximum firepower for fast, even lighting in tough environments |
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The Strength of Xikar Lighters
Xikar is a name that everyone in the cigar world knows. Their lighters are made for smokers and come in a range of sizes, from single jet torches to quad jet torches for thicker ring gauges. All of the models are comfortable to hold, long-lasting, and easy to refill.
One of the best things about Xikar is that it comes with a lifetime warranty, which is hard to find in the world of cigar accessories. Collectors like knowing that their lighter is supported by good service since it gives them peace of mind. The most crucial thing is that Xikar models use high-quality butane lighters that burn cleanly and without smell. This keeps the flavor of your cigar pure and the exquisite artwork on the rings clear of residue.
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Why Palio Lighters Hold Their Ground
Palio may not be as well-known as Xikar, but it has earned a good name in the cigar community. Palio lighters were first known for their high-quality cutters, but now they are also known for being affordable and high-performing. Their torch lighters have simple, elegant designs that put utility ahead of flash.
Palio models also run on refined butane, which makes them good everyday Cigar Torch Lighters. They are lighter than some other types, which is great for smokers who want to be able to take them with them without losing the quality of the flame. The company's dedication to accuracy makes sure that the light is even, which protects the cigar's wrapper and maintains the rings clean.
Palio lighters don't come with the same lifetime warranty as Xikar lighters, but they do work well and cost less. A lot of collectors choose Palio as a backup for their main lighters or as a trip companion when they don't want to risk losing a valuable piece.Â
Palio Lighter Recommendations
If you’re looking for an affordable yet functional cigar lighter, Palio delivers big value. The Torcia offers lightweight convenience, the Pistola combines power and unique design, and the larger Vesuvio/Veneto units bring quad-jet performance home.
- Best cigar torch lighter for budget buyers: Palio
- Best as backup/travel torch lighter: Torcia
- Best value twin-jet option: Pistola
- Best for at-home lighting power: Vesuvio or Veneto quad-jets
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The 5 Best Cigar Torch Lighters For Lighting Your Cigars
Choosing between the Xikar and Palio usually comes down to price and aesthetics. At Trusted Home Goods, we carry a large range of lighters, cutters, and other cigar accessories that are perfect for both beginners and experts. Shop All Cigar Lighters Today!Â
Without further ado let's get into our top 5 recommended lighters to lighter your cigars.Â
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Xikar Tactical Triple Flame Torch Lighter
The Xikar tactical is a beast if you like big-ring cigars or smoke outside a lot. It lights up even the thickest sticks swiftly and evenly with three strong jets. It feels sturdy in your hand, and like other Xikar items, it will endure a long time. It comes with a lifetime warranty, so it's a serious lighter for smokers who want both durability and power.
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PaliĂł Antares Side Squeeze Dual Flame Torch Lighter
Perfect for minimalist smokers or those on the go, the Antares offers the performance of a premium butane lighter without the bulk. Great value and reliability in a sleek design. Features:
- Slim and stylish dual-jet design
- Butane refillable
- Easy Side Squeeze ignition
- Great for precision lighting and touch-ups
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Xikar Astral Single Flame Torch Lighter
The Astral packs in a slim, pocket-friendly design the firepower of a jet flame with a large easy-to-use ignition trigger prominently featured on the front, a large flame adjuster wheel at the bottom and fuel window on the back. Elegantly styled, the Astral is trusty companion to the cigar lounge or golf course.
- Single jet-flame
- Wind resistant
- EZ-View red fuel window
- Altitude tested to 12,000 ft
- Supported by XIKAR® Limited Lifetime Warranty
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Xikar Ion Dual Flame Torch Lighter
◼️ Double Jet Torch Flame With Protective LidÂ
◼️ Extra Large patterned push in ignition
◼️ EZ-view Red Fuel Level Indicator Gauge
◼️ Durable High Quality Body
◼️ Large Fuel Adjustment System
◼️ Wind Resistant and Altitude Tested Up to 12,000 feet
◼️ Covered by XIKAR's Limited Lifetime Warranty
◼️ Delivered In Custom Xikar Gift Box
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Xikar ELX Daul Flame Torch Lighter
The Xikar ELX is built to last, and it's not just about power; it's also about control. This lighter has two strong jets, a tough finish, and an ergonomic grip, so it feels good even when you're outside for a long time. It's sturdy enough to use a lot, but it's also nice enough to look well in a collection. It features a Simple Thumb Action With New Crosshatch Texture and comes with a Built-in 9 mm Cigar Punch Cutter. This one is both tough and precise, so it meets both of your needs.
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Conclusion
A Cigar Torch Lighter is more than just a tool, it’s part of the cigar smoking experience. You can choose between the prestige of Xikar Lighters and the usefulness of Palio Lighters. Either way, you're getting quality, consistency, and respect for the craft. Both brands use butane that burn cleanly so you know your cigar will be perfect.
If you're ready to take your experience to the next level, our cigar lighters at Trusted Home Goods will help you find the right mix of performance, style, and dependability. Shop all of our cigar smoking accessories today!