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 while you can light up with just about anything, the best way to puff a cigar is with a dedicated cigar torch lighter. Sure you could use a BIC or a standard match, but a cigar torch lighter allows more control and power when lighting your cigar.
How to Use a Cigar Lighter
First off, get yourself a butane torch lighter. Any old cigarette lighter would do in a pinch, but the torch lighter offers good flame control and won’t damage the flavor profile of your cigar, when used properly. 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.
Instead, with the cigar in your hands, 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
Consider the type of flame you’ll be getting with your cigar torch. A double or triple flame torch will toast cigar the cigar foot more quickly than a single flame torch. But if you want a compact cigar lighter, the single flame torch might be a better option.
To offer better control when lighting your cigar, an adjustable flame is paramount. You don’t want a single setting on your cigar torches or you risk ruining your cigar and even injuring yourself.
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
We’ve 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
For Those Looking for a Bigger Size Lighter: JetLine Bolero
If you’re a fan of bigger ring cigars, the Bolero from JetLine is a gorgeous, minimal, and super high-quality three-jet torch that’ll burn anything you can throw at it. The square body is compact, beautiful, and feels solid in the hand. The push-button igniter is located in the center of the body, which gives it a unique look when used. It also comes with a punch, as well as a butane sight window. The only real gripe we have with it is that it tends to burn butane quickly (three jets will do that), but doesn’t really hold that much to begin with. Nevertheless, we’re huge fans.
Pros:
- Portable but still sizable
- Unique, colorful
- Poweful flames
Cons:
- Will burn through fuel quickly
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
The Best Design: Black Label Dictator Flat Flame Cigar Torch
The Dictator by Black Label is a cigar torch unlike any we’ve seen. Aside from its bulletproof design, this torch features a flat flame that basically forms a wide sheet of fire. As you can imagine, it makes short work out of lighting even the thickest sticks, and it looks as cool as can be. It’s a little pricey in the $100+ range, but if you’re looking for a torch that’ll turn heads and flawlessly light your cigar every time, the Dictator cigar torch lighter is great.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent design
- Powerful flames
Cons:
- Pricey
Most Versatile (and Hardest to Find): Victorinox SwissFlame
The Swiss Army Knife by Victorinox is a legendary tool that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, but perhaps its crème de la crème, in our opinion, is the super rare Victorinox SwissFlame. The knife came with the standard nail file, corkscrew, blade, can opener scissors, etc. but also included a butane torch for easy lighting. It was only produced from 2002 to 2005, and was banned from sale in the U.S. because of its single-action lighter (which means there was no safety mechanism to avoid accidental flames). It’s no longer in production, but you can still find them on eBay from time to time. If you can get your hands on one, it’s a surefire way to make you a legend in your local lounge.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Unique design
Cons:
- Extremely difficult to find
- Pricey