Can You Light Your Cigar with a Zippo?

New cigar smokers have quite a bit to learn. Just a few of these include the proper lighting process, how to relight a cigar and even how to take care of uneven burns.

New cigar smokers have quite a bit to learn. Just a few of these include the proper lighting process, how to relight a cigar and even how to take care of uneven burns. However, one of the very first lessons should involve the proper lighting implements. Most smokers believe that using Zippo lighters is an acceptable thing. It is not. You should never use a Zippo to light a cigar, unless you simply do not want to enjoy that smoke. Why should you avoid these lighters? What are your options?

First, the reason that you should stay away from Zippos is that they use lighter fluid. In fact, you should avoid any type of lighter that burns standard lighter fluid. This is due to the fact that lighter fluid contains numerous impurities. When the fluid is burned, the impurities are released into the air. You''ve smelled them before - now imagine those smells becoming embedded in a great tasting cigar and you can certainly see why you should avoid using these devices.

In fact, any type of lighter that uses standard lighter fluid should be avoided. Instead, you should opt for the new torch lighters on the market, as these use butane. Butane has no odor, no taste and no color. This is because it is virtually free of impurities. Therefore, when you use it to light your cigar, you''ll taste only the cigar and nothing else.

Dedicated cigar smokers prefer to use matches, or matches and cedar shavings to light up. They do this because the aromas and tastes emitted from burning cedar can have a pleasant effect on your cigar. Of course, you likely do not have the time or patience for this method, so torch lighters should be your lighters of choice. In addition to the benefits derived from using butane, these lighters are windproof and available in single, double and even triple jet forms. That means you can light up in even a strong wind.

As you can see, using that Zippo to light your cigar is probably not the best idea in the world. If you would prefer to taste your cigar, rather than the impurities in the lighter fluid, then you should opt for a butane lighter. These are available from a number of manufactures online and come in a very wide range of configurations and styles. With minimal trouble, you can easily find a lighter that will work for your needs.

Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including lotus cigar lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring cigar lighter maintenance.