If you’re a smoker, owning a reliable lighter is of paramount importance. However, with the prevalence of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices, some smokers may not be aware of the wide range available within the traditional cigarette lighter market.
There are various considerations when selecting a lighter, including convenience, safety, and design. To make sure you have the right lighter for you, use this guide to help make a decision that meets your physical and budgetary needs.
Overview of Types of Lighters
There are many types of lighters available, each designed with different features to meet various smoking needs and preferences. Traditional cigarette lighters are available in many sizes, styles, and types. Standard sizes usually measure on average 1 – 3 inches long, with different designs and finishes to choose from, such as chrome and brass.
The most common type of cigarette lighter is disposable lighters. These lighters, as the name suggests, are intended for single use and are relatively inexpensive. Disposable lighters require no fuel refilling and can be disposed accordingly after use.
The next type of lighter you might encounter is the refillable flint cigarette lighter. As the name implies, these lighters are slightly larger and heavier than disposable lighters and require fuel refilling. The fuel used with these lighters is often a combination of butane gas and naphtha, both of which can be purchased in hardware stores and convenience stores. Refillable flint lighters are more durable and reliable than disposable lighters, making them a more practical and economical choice.
The last type of lighter you might consider is the torch lighter. Torch lighters are more expensive and offer more convenience than either disposable or refillable lighters, as they don’t require any fuel refilling. Torch lighters feature replaceable O-ring seals, which allow them to be filled with fuel. This makes them longer lasting, as they don’t need to be disposed of after a single use. Torch lighters are fuelled by either butane or propane and require a Butane adapter for filling the lighter.
Understanding Differences Between Time-Tested and Modern Lighters
Time-tested lighters, such as refillable flint graphic lighters, furnish longtime reliability and durability. These lighters feature a refilling mechanism that requires butane and naphtha fuel and a flint wheel to make the spark. Using a lighter like this requires practice to ensure that it lights up properly.
In recent years, modern lighters such as the st dupont gold lighter have become more prevalent in the market. These lighters usually boast convenience and safety features, such as adjustable flame height, safety mechanisms, and other designs to make them more user-friendly.
Safety and Design
When selecting a lighter, it’s important to consider the safety and design of the lighter. Pay attention to the following:
- Fuel Refillability and Design Durability – refillable flint graphic lighters are typically the most reliable and long-lasting lighters. Consider the construction materials used, as well as the ease at which the fuels (butane and naphtha) can be refilled.
- Understand “Child-Proofing” Mechanisms – many modern lighters are designed with child-proofing mechanisms and adjustable flame heights. These features help to keep the lighter from being used by young children and to prevent any potential injuries.
Assessing Convenience Features
Consider additional convenience features, such as lighter color, design, and ease of use. Some lighters are designed with a fuel gauge so that you can easily determine whether the lighter needs to be refilled or not. Others have adjustable lids, while some are designed with a hole in the end of the lid to make the flint wheel easier to use.
Conclusion
If you want to have an optimal smoking experience, you must choose the right type of lighter. The process of becoming an informed consumer starts with familiarizing yourself with the different types of lighters available on the market. But that’s not all–you must also consider your own smoking needs and habits, safety features, convenience, price points, and aesthetic preferences when deciding. Be sure to research thoroughly and ask questions before settling on a particular product.