The light sets up the whole smoke. A clean, even light toasts the foot properly and starts the cigar off right, while a bad light leads to a cigar that burns crooked. The tool matters, so here's how to choose a cigar lighter, torch versus soft flame, how many jets you need, and the models we trust.
Torch or soft flame?
This is the first choice, and it comes down to where and how you smoke.
A torch lighter (also called a jet flame) uses pressurized butane to produce a hot, focused, windproof flame. It lights cigars fast and evenly, handles big ring gauges, and works outdoors where a normal flame would blow out. For most cigar smokers, most of the time, a torch is the right call.
A soft flame is the gentle, candle-like flame of a traditional lighter. Purists like it for slowly toasting the foot indoors, and it's a nice ritual, but it flickers out in wind and struggles with thicker cigars. Great for a calm indoor light, less so for the patio or the course.
One thing worth knowing: butane burns clean and won't affect flavor, which is why cigar smokers favor butane torches over fluid-fueled lighters that can leave a chemical taste on the first few puffs.
How many jets do you need?
More flames mean more firepower, but bigger isn't always better, since too much heat can scorch the wrapper. Match the flame to the cigars you smoke.
A single-jet torch is precise and ideal for smaller ring gauges and touch-ups. A double-jet balances precision and speed for everyday use. A triple-jet lights medium and large cigars quickly and evenly, a favorite all-rounder. A quad-jet is maximum output for large ring gauges and windy conditions. When in doubt, a double or triple jet is the sweet spot for most people.
Best cigar lighters
Xikar, the do-it-all standard
Xikar is the brand we recommend first. The lighters are reliable, wind-resistant, altitude-tested, and backed by a lifetime warranty on many models, which is rare in this category. Strong picks across the range: the Turismo (a travel-ready double jet), the Tactical series (rugged single and triple jets, some with a built-in punch), the HP4 quad for big cigars, the Volta tabletop quad for the desk, and the Meridian triple soft flame for indoor smokers who want the classic light with modern build.
Palio, the best value
Palio is the value pick and our choice for best cigar lighters under $50. They skip the frills and focus on reliable flames and solid metal-alloy build. The Polaris triple torch and the Veneto quad handle big cigars and wind, and the slim Antares side-squeeze dual jet is a great everyday carry. If you want torch performance without a premium price, Palio delivers.
Why not a Zippo or matches?
A classic fluid Zippo has charm, but the lighter fluid can taint the first puffs of a good cigar, and the soft flame isn't ideal for an even light. Matches can work in a pinch, but avoid paper matchbooks, since the sulfur affects flavor, and use wooden matches if you must. For cigars, a butane torch is simply the cleaner, more reliable tool.
FAQ
Torch or soft flame for cigars? Torch for most situations, especially outdoors and for larger cigars. Soft flame for a slow, traditional indoor light. Many smokers own one of each.
How many jets do I need? A double or triple jet suits most people. Go single for small cigars and precision, quad for big ring gauges and wind.
Why won't my torch light? Usually air in the tank after a refill or low-grade butane. Bleed the lighter, refill with refined butane, and let it reach room temperature. More on that in best refillable butane lighters.
Are expensive lighters worth it? A quality lighter lasts years and lights cleanly every time, and brands like Xikar back many models with a lifetime warranty. That reliability is worth it, though Palio proves you don't have to spend a lot to get it.
Find your lighter
For a lighter you can rely on for years, start with Xikar. For the best performance under $50, go Palio. Shop the full range on our cigar lighters page. Want to compare the brands head to head? Read Colibri vs. Maven vs. Xikar, and for refilling tips see best refillable butane lighters.
Related: Colibri vs. Maven vs. Xikar · Best refillable butane lighters · Best cigar cutters