The Top 5 Lighters

A trusty lighter is an underrated but important piece to have on-hand. Whether it's for candles, grills, camping, smoking, or any other purpose, a lighter is a home staple. Learn more about what you should look for in a lighter and choose your favorite from our top-rated lighters below.

BIC Lighter Classic

A Classic, Multipurpose Lighter

This traditional lighter design is perfect for any use.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

This classic pack of lighters is a compact and easy way to keep one handy where ever you go. The 12-pack includes assorted colors and is child-resistant for added safety. The oval-shaped design is meant to easily fit into your hand for comfort, and the pre-adjusted flame height is the perfect size for ultimate functionality. These small lighters are also mighty—they last for up to 3,000 lights so you don’t have to worry about replacing them too often.

Pros:

Child-resistant safety guard
Up to 3,000 lights
Pre-adjusted flame

Cons:

Smaller size

SURPUS Lighter Candle Lighter

A Modern Take on a Classic

This unique lighter is designed specifically for candles, making it easy to use and extremely functional.

Best for Candles

Find on Amazon

This long, thin design is the perfect shape for lighting even the trickiest of candles. The lighter features an electric pulse that makes it easy to use both indoors and outdoors because there is no flame that can be blown out. The butane-free design also has a special safety lock for added peace of mind and runs on a rechargeable battery so you can use it again and again.

Pros:

Treble safety protection
Rechargeable battery
Butane-free

Cons:

Longer length

Icfun Waterproof Lighter

A Flameless Lighter That Works Outside

This electric lighter is perfect for camping, hunting trips, or any other outdoor adventure.

Best for Outdoors

Find on Amazon

This waterproof lighter works in any terrain. The flameless design is windproof, so it works in any condition. It’s perfect for lighting fires and the durable design comes with a thick lanyard so you can keep it close while you hike or camp. The lighter also features a built-in, rechargeable battery that doesn’t need gas or butane, so you don’t ever have to worry about running out of fuel.

Pros:

Durable zinc alloy exterior
Rechargeable battery
Waterproof

Cons:

Must be charged

Lighter, Electric Arc Lighter

A Flameless Version of a Traditional Lighter

This lighter gets an upgrade with a flameless, butane-free design.

Best Flameless Design

Find on Amazon

This portable lighter is about the same size as a standard lighter, but much longer-lasting. The rechargeable design has a long battery life and four LED light indicators that let you know when it’s running low. The dual-arc design is built with plasma technology to make it more convenient to light anything. The design is also butane-free so you don’t have to worry about refilling the fuel or a flame getting blown out in the wind.

Pros:

12-month warranty
Butane-free
Long battery life

Cons:

Only one lighter included

Zippo Matte Pocket Lighters

A Lighter with a Stylish Edge

This sleek lighter is a totally modern and fashionable take on the classic style.

Most Stylish

Find on Amazon

This sleek lighter is a stylish alternative to the traditional style. The all-metal design is refillable and the wicks and flints are replaceable so you will have it for years to come. The windproof design works in even tough conditions, and the lighter has a lifetime guarantee so you’ll feel confident using it again and again.

Pros:

All-metal design
Refillable
Made in the USA

Cons:

Lighter fluid sold separately

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lighters recyclable?

Most lighters cannot be recycled. Residue from the butane or other lighter fluid means that the plastic cannot be processed at a recycling center.

Do lighters expire?

If lighters are stored in a cool, dry place, they can last for many years. The fuel in a lighter—usually butane—does not expire, but it can run out over time. As long as the lighter doesn’t rust or isn’t exposed to extreme heat, it will not expire.

How do lighters make a spark?

In a butane lighter, the lighter fluid is stored under pressure inside the lighter. The wheel on the lighter creates a spark when turned and also releases the butane gas, turning the gas into a flame.