The typical lighter is either a Zippo or a regular BIC lighter. There are more different sorts of lighters than people realize, including those with diverse designs, ignitions, fuels, and even multiple flames. Each form of lighter has distinct advantages and disadvantages, as well as primary usage and typical applications. In this post, we discuss each of the nine various types of lighters in more detail.

BIC Lighters

The lighters that most people would associate with bulk lighters in convenience stores are BIC lighters, also referred to as sparkwheel lighters. These lighters typically consist of a plastic body with a metal wheel perched above a flint. If the wheel is spun downward at a fast enough rate to rub against the flint below, a spark will result. The fuel will be released through a valve as the wheel is rotated downward while simultaneously applying pressure to the plastic lever. A flame will be produced when the released fuel comes into contact with the spark. Although certain BIC lighters can be refilled, the majority of them cannot because they are so inexpensive and frequently discarded.

Butane Torch Lighters

Butane torch lighters, often referred to as turbo lighters, cigar lighters, or jet lighters, include butane-filled pressurized chambers. Butane is used as fuel, and when released with oxygen through a nozzle, it creates a highly concentrated flame. Butane torch lighters can be pointed in any direction, including sideways and upside down, because of the powerful flame. This also portends a quick run-down of butane fuel. These lighters are also quite useful and versatile because they frequently have replaceable batteries and are wind- and rain-resistant.

Electric Coil Lighter

Flameless lighters are another name for electric coil lighters, which run on batteries. The coils inside the battery receive heat from the battery and become hot enough to be used as lighters. These lighters work on batteries that can be charged via a USB, making them relatively easy to use and fuel-free.

Pipe Lighters

Pipe lighters release the flame from the side, as opposed to the top, like conventional lighters. This innovative style was developed as a result of the difficulty in lighting pipes with conventional lighters that burn from the top. Some pipe lighters even include a flame-enclosing metal construction that makes it simpler to direct the flame into a pipe.

Candle Lighters

Given their long necks and versatility, candle lighters are frequently referred to as utility lighters. The neck’s extension makes it easier to reach and light candle wicks. Candle lighters are even available with flexible or curved necks, which make them very useful for starting flames that would otherwise be dangerous or difficult to access with a conventional lighter.

Permanent Match

Permanent matches, which resemble a cross between a lighter and a match, are also known as forever matches. Permanent matches feature metallic chambers that contain the fuel and are screwed with wicks and spark plugs. These matches have been shown to offer many more lights and to be more wind-resistant than conventional matches. Permanent matches are great for long-term storage since they can keep the fuel within for years because the gasket prevents fuel evaporation.

Zippo Lighter

Zippo lighters, which have been around for almost a century, also use a spark wheel to light a flame when a spark from the flint strikes gasoline coming from within. Until the lid is closed and the oxygen contact is broken, the flame persists. Zippos are made to keep a flame that resembles a burning candle. Zippo lighters are perfect for habitual smokers looking for a customized and aesthetically pleasing lighter design, even though they might not be the most practical for camping due to the fuel quickly evaporating from oxygen.

Piezo Spark Ignition Lighters

Piezo spark ignition lighters do not have a standard spark wheel; instead, a button that produces electric voltage ignites the butane filling and produces a flame. These lighters include adjustable flame capabilities and childproof safety measures, despite the fact that they may not be suitable for wet or windy conditions.

Electro Arc Lighter

Electro arc lighters, also referred to as plasma lighters, are entirely different from electric coil lighters, with the exception of their flameless design. High-voltage electricity is used by electro-arc lighters to create a charged plasma arc between electrodes. In comparison to a traditional flame, the plasma emits more heat and is even effectively wind-resistant. Additionally, electro-arc lighters have very attractive constructions, can be recharged, and don’t require gasoline.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, there are more varieties of lighters than one might imagine, and they all have the same basic function. Although the aim of any lighter is to start a flame, there are numerous methods to use a flame, especially in different situations. The collection of several lighters above makes it simple to identify each one and comprehend its characteristics.