A torch, or jet-flame, lighter is the standard for cigars because its thin, high-temperature flame lights evenly without scorching the wrapper the way a soft yellow flame can. Single-torch lighters are fine for most cigars; multi-torch models light faster and handle larger ring gauges more evenly.
Lighting a cigar with the wrong flame type is one of the most common ways to ruin the first few draws. Torch lighters solve this with a hotter, more directional flame.
Why Torch Flames Suit Cigars Better
A standard soft flame burns at a lower, more diffuse temperature and can leave petrol-taste residue or uneven char on a cigar’s foot if held too close. A torch flame is thinner, hotter, and more directional, letting you toast the foot evenly without direct contact with the wrapper.
Single Torch vs Multi Torch
A single torch is sufficient for smaller ring gauge cigars and is generally more wind-resistant per flame. Multi-torch lighters distribute heat across a wider area, which speeds up lighting larger cigars evenly, at the cost of slightly faster fuel use.
Our Pick
The Royal Deck Cards Windproof Lighter offers a reliable jet flame suited to cigar lighting, with wind resistance that holds up for outdoor use.
Royal Deck Cards Windproof Lighter at The Smokery Hub →
Lighting Technique Matters Too
Hold the flame just below the foot without direct contact, rotating the cigar to toast evenly before drawing. Even the best torch lighter won’t produce a clean light if the foot is charred unevenly first.
Torch Lighter Types for Cigars
| Type | Best For | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Single torch | Smaller ring gauge, everyday use | Slower on large cigars |
| Dual torch | Medium to large cigars | Uses more fuel |
| Triple torch | Large ring gauge, fast lighting | Bulkier, highest fuel use |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I light a cigar with a regular disposable lighter?
You can, but the softer flame is more likely to leave uneven char or a faint fuel taste, especially if held too close.
How close should the torch flame be to the cigar?
Just below the foot without touching it — close enough to toast evenly, not so close that the wrapper chars directly.
Do torch lighters need special butane?
Yes, refined butane is strongly recommended — impurities in cheap butane clog the jets and cause misfires.
Is a triple-torch lighter overkill for average cigars?
For standard ring gauges, yes — a single or dual torch is usually plenty; triple torches shine mainly on thicker, premium cigars.
Final Thoughts
A torch lighter isn’t just a style choice for cigar smokers — the hotter, directional flame genuinely produces a cleaner, more even light. Match the torch count to the cigar sizes you smoke most often.
Prices listed are approximate and may vary by retailer. Always check current pricing before purchasing.
