If you’re questioning whether the best pipe lighters are really worth it over a standard Bic, I’m here to assure you that yes, yes, they are. Rather than constantly fumbling to get a flame or cursing under your breath with every gust of wind, the best pipe lighters will carry you through any situation with minimal stress and maximum smoke.
For a peaceful pipe smoking experience without singeing the bowl (or your hair), the top lighter will ensure you have it and so much more. I’ve rounded up the six best pipe lighters based on personal recommendations from pipe-smoking men far and wide. Read on to discover the best fiery companion for your tokes.
Key Takeaways
If you’re seeking the best lighter for pipe, Zippo’s pipe lighter line reigns supreme for the unmatched price, windproof design, and special pipe insert that controls the flame.
For a more upscale choice, the IM Corona Old Boy is the creme de la creme of pipe lighters and will be your new go-to daily essential, whether you smoke at home or out and about.
Keep reading to discover more of the best pipe lighters below.
Why It’s great: Zippo reigns supreme when it comes to the best pipe lighters – always has, always will. This metal lighter is designed to work anywhere with a windproof design and durable construction.
Unlike standard Zippos, the dedicated Pipe range features a special insert that helps draw the flame down to light your smoke without burning the pipe.
Who is this for? The Zippo Pipe lighter is a top choice for the smoking man on the go. The wind protection means that it’s suitable for lighting up outside no matter the exterior conditions. They’re also awesome small gifts for men and come in many different designs and finishes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The only downside to buying Zippos is they don’t come filled. You’ll need to purchase butane separately and fill the lighter yourself.
Type: Butane | Flame: Soft | Dimensions: 3.25” L x 2.25” W x 0.88” D
Why It’s great: Most quality pipe lighters will run you between $50 and $100, but this budget option does the trick without breaking the bank. In fact, it’s the ideal pipe lighter, considering the soft horizontal flame is designed to light tobacco without singeing the pipe.
It also comes with built-in pipe cleaning tools to have a fresh smoke every time.
Who is this for? Great for the guy who loves a clean pipe, this lighter is the ultimate choice if you’re always struggling to keep your draught hole clear or pipe stem-free from gunk. Now you can keep it spick and span on the go, all thanks to a simple lighter.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because this pipe lighter is made from high-quality metal, it can be a bit hard to push down the button to release the flame. Additionally, if the lighter is overfilled, butane may leak from it.
Type: Butane | Flame: Soft | Dimensions: 3.14” x 1.8” x 1
Why It’s great: To put a vintage spin on your smoke, this is the pipe lighter. Capturing retro essence in a fully functional body, this metal lighter has a cotton core to enhance the longevity of the fuel and an old-fashioned flint wheel.
Sure, it works like a charm, but you must prepare yourself for the compliments. This is a total showman piece that’ll capture the attention of anyone you’re smoking with.
Who is this for? Ideal for the gent with a knack for history, this pipe lighter will remind him of the good old days as he puffs away.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The biggest flaw with this lighter is it lacks a proper safety mechanism. You should be mindful where you place it, since bumping up against the lighter may accidentally set it off.
Type: Kerosene | Flame: Soft | Dimensions: 2.6” x 1.4” x 0.55”
Why It’s great: I really like this pipe lighter as an everyday essential. It has plenty of features that make it worthy of being on this list, like an adjustable flame and windproof design so you can smoke outside with ease.
The flame also comes out at an angle, specially designed for pipe lighting, and the fuel window is a unique addition that ensures that you always stay topped up.
Who is this for? If you always like to keep a lighter on hand, this is one of the best pipe lighters to own. Prime for lighting, the added details, and textured body (for enhanced grip) make it a standout choice for a more advanced flame.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The flame can be a bit finicky and may take some adjusting to get it right. It’s also a jet flame, which is normally suited to cigars, so be mindful when lighting a pipe to avoid singes.
Type: Butane | Flame: Jet | Dimensions: 2.88” x 1.38” x 0.75”
Why it’s great: Aside from the Old Boy, the Kabuto Kuroi is a chart-topper among the best pipe lighters. Recommended continually as the best lighter for pipe, this is a foolproof pocket companion that will get you through any situation with ease.
Although it doesn’t have the same degree of wind protection as a Zippo, it’s still a worthy choice for any pipe enthusiast because of its sturdy metal construction and envy-worthy aesthetic.
Who is this for? For any guy seeking a take-anywhere, look-sharp-always lighter, the Kuroi is as good-looking as it is dependable. It’s also a solid, compact size to slip into any pocket with ease.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This Japanese-made lighter can be hard to come by, with relatively limited stock.
Type: Butane | Flame: Soft | Dimensions: 2.81” x 1.33” x 1.33”
Why It’s great: IM Corona is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to the best pipe lighters. With a solid brass construction, the Old Boy lift arm model is the top choice for daily use. It has a considerable weight to it, lasts ages without a refill, and has an adjustable angled soft flame, perfectly designed for lighting a pipe.
Who is this for? This is the best pipe lighter for the man who doesn’t want to buy a replacement in a couple of months. Made to last decades, the Old Boy lighter is a worthy investment for any avid pipe smoker and makes for one of the best gifts for men who love a good smoke.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: At more than $100, this is certainly one of the more expensive pipe lighters, but considering their longevity, it will serve you better than a simple Bic ever could. Maybe get Uncle Richie to buy it for you?
Type: Butane | Flame: Soft | Dimensions: 2.63” x 1.18” x 0.48”
Buying Considerations for the Best Pipe Lighters
Size
One of the top considerations when choosing the best pipe lighters is the size. Although pipe lighters tend to be slightly larger than the average plastic Bic or cigar lighters, it’s worth choosing an option that’s still portable so that you can light your pipe on the go.
Zippos are a standard-size pipe lighter that can be slipped in a pocket to smoke on the move but will last you ages longer than a checkout line lighter.
Material
Material is also a consideration when choosing the best pipe lighters because you’ll want something sturdy enough that won’t need replacing every few weeks, months, or years. For this reason, all of the pipe lighters, at least on this list, have a solid metal construction that can be refilled as needed.
Not only does this give it a better hand feel (the added weight makes for a satisfying smoking experience), but it also doubles down on durability so that your trusty lighter will always be on hand when it’s time to spark up.
Plus, in my personal experience, I find it much more difficult to lose a quality metal lighter than a flimsy plastic Bic, which makes them wonderful Christmas gifts for men or birthday presents for guys who have everything.
Usability
Finally, and arguably the most important consideration in your choice of the best pipe lighters, is the usability of the lighter. Most pipe enthusiasts choose Zippos because of their high degree of practicality – they’re windproof with a long-lasting flint and wick, making them unparalleled in the usability department.
However, other contenders like the IM Corona Old Boy or the Kiribi Kabuto Kuroi score high marks in this area, too, specially designed for pipe smoking on the go.
How We Chose
It should come as no surprise that there are a lot of lighters on the market. And I mean… a lot. Because of the sheer number of options, determining the best pipe lighters can quickly become overwhelming and lead you back to the same plastic lighter you’ve been replacing week after week.
I chose the lighters on this list for their durability, longevity, and brand reliability, each coming from renowned brands that focus specifically on lighters for pipes. Combining brand reputation with user reviews and personal experience, the pipe lighters on this list will see you through any smoking session for years to come.
Design and Durability: A lighter should not only perform well but also boast a design that reflects the elegance of pipe smoking. We looked for products combining aesthetic appeal with robust construction to withstand the test of time.
Brand Reliability: Our picks for the best pipe lighters come from brands with a proven track record for quality. We chose companies known for their craftsmanship and customer service, ensuring that you get a product that’s both reliable and supported.
Why Trust Us?
Jane is a lifestyle and fashion writer for Fashionbeans, specializing in men’s accessories, cologne, and all things luxury. Jane’s articles detail her hands-on experience and share her findings with readers around the world.
Drawn to high-end brands, especially for everyday items like lighters, she believes in finding the beauty in the mundane and investing in quality essentials designed to last for years to come.
Jane’s methodology in selecting products, including the best pipe lighters, is rigorous and thoughtful. She dives deep into product specifications, user experiences, and industry trends to ensure that her recommendations stand up to the expectations of her discerning audience.
Her articles are not just lists of products; they are curated selections based on extensive research, personal testing, and a genuine understanding of what her readers value. Trusting Jane’s recommendations means benefiting from her vast knowledge and genuine passion for enhancing men’s grooming and fashion experiences.
Final Verdict
If you’re finally convinced that it’s time to graduate from plastic Bics, then the most dependable and overall best pipe lighter is a Zippo. For something slightly fancier, the chrome-plated IM Corona Old Boy is a status symbol in the world of pipe smoking and well worth the splurge for any enthusiast.
FAQ
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The best lighters for pipes have a refillable, windproof design, like the Zippo pipe lighter line. This ensures that the flame stays protected while lighting the pipe at an angle, especially while smoking outside. Aside from Zippos, IM Corona, Colibri, and Kiribi lighters are all wonderful options for pipes.
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Zippos are great for pipe lighting, especially the Zippo pipe lighter line, which includes a special pipe insert that angles the flame down to focus it on the pipe bowl.
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