What types of lighters are there?
When choosing a lighter, we usually look at two things: how is the spark created, and what fuel does it use? The spark comes from a flint wheel or a piezo button. The fuel is either butane gas or liquid lighter fuel. This gives you familiar types such as Zippo, Clipper, jet flame, windproof, piezo and disposable lighters.
First, the technology
Flint or piezo?
On a flint lighter, you turn a wheel with your thumb. It rubs against the flint and creates a spark. The flint wears down with use and needs replacing occasionally.
A piezo lighter works differently. You press a button and a piezo element creates an electric spark. This means there is no flint to wear out.
Gas or liquid lighter fuel?
Most Clippers, jet flame, windproof and piezo lighters use butane gas. If you see a refill valve, you can refill the lighter with a can of lighter gas. The classic Zippo uses liquid lighter fuel, which is absorbed by the cotton inside.
Not sure how your model works? The product page will tell you whether the lighter uses gas or liquid fuel.
The best-known types of lighter
Zippo
A Zippo is a metal flip-top lighter with a wheel, flint and wick. It runs on lighter fuel. The perforated windscreen around the wick shields the flame. Browse the models in our Zippo lighters collection. Read Which Zippo is right for you? if you still want to compare them. For separate parts and extras, see our Zippo accessories.
Clipper
A Clipper is a refillable gas lighter with a refill valve on the bottom. Browse our Clipper lighters or read Clipper vs Zippo to compare the two.
Jet flame and torch lighters
A jet flame or torch lighter produces a blue jet flame rather than a yellow flame. This jet flame is less affected by wind. You can find them in our jet flame lighters collection. If you are flying, leave this type at home: you cannot take a jet flame lighter on a plane. Read Can you take a lighter on a plane? for the exact rules.
Windproof lighters
A windproof lighter is designed to stay alight outdoors in the wind. Most models use a gas-powered jet flame. Not every windproof lighter is refillable, so check the product page. Browse our windproof lighters.
Piezo lighters
On a piezo lighter, you press a button to ignite it. The piezo element creates the spark, so no flint is needed. Browse our piezo lighters.
Disposable lighters
This is the simple gas lighter without a refill valve. Once the gas runs out, you cannot refill it. It is handy as a spare, when travelling or to keep in a drawer. Browse our disposable lighters.
Which one suits the way you use it?
If you often use a lighter outdoors, a windproof or jet flame lighter is an obvious option. If you want a metal lighter that you can maintain and use for years, a Zippo may suit you better. A Clipper is useful if you want to refill the gas instead of throwing away the lighter.
Prefer not to replace a flint? Consider a piezo lighter. A simple disposable lighter is often enough for travel. You can compare every model in our complete range of lighters.
Refilling and maintenance
A refillable gas lighter needs fresh gas from time to time. With a wheel lighter, you sometimes need to replace the flint. You can find both in our lighter gas and flints collection.
In How to refill a gas lighter, we explain how to refill it and what to do if the lighter does not work afterwards. For a Zippo, read How to maintain a Zippo: step by step. To check whether a Zippo is genuine, see How to spot a genuine Zippo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of lighter?
It depends on how you use it. A jet flame works in windy conditions, a maintainable lighter is suited to longer use and a simple model is often practical for travel.
Which lighters can you refill?
Lighters with a refill valve can be refilled, including Clippers and many windproof and jet flame lighters. A Zippo is filled with lighter fuel. Disposable lighters are not refillable.
What do you mean by a piezo lighter?
It is a lighter operated with a button. A piezo element creates the spark, so no flint is needed.
Which lighters are not allowed on a plane?
Jet flame, torch and other "blue flame" lighters are not allowed. Under IATA rules, you may take one small standard lighter, but only on your person. Always check your airline's rules.
Want to see the differences for yourself? Browse all lighters or visit us in Nijmegen. We are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00.