Best lighter

Here's a list of the best lighters for camping, grilling, and more!

best lighter
(Image credit: Marek Szturc via Unsplash)

A lighter can be used to keep you warm while camping, get your grill started, fire up a citronella candle, and more. The useful tool is available in several styles all aimed at making flame-required tasks easier while keeping fingers and hands safe. Choose one from my list of favorites to add one to your backpack or bag.

Staff pick

REIDEA electronic candle lighter

(Image credit: Amazon)

REIDEA electronic candle lighter

Light wicks and more

This long, slim option makes lighting everything from tealights to jar candles simple.

Pros:

  • Long and slim design
  • Great for candles
  • One USB charge lasts for 60 uses
  • Windproof flame
  • Non-slip switch

Cons:

  • May not last as long as expected
  • Not very sturdy

This lighter is perfect for home use. It has a sleek profile that easily reaches into jars or holders to light candles without burning your fingers. Simply press the non-slip switch to ignite the windproof flame and release the switch to extinguish. With one full charge via the included USB cable, this lighter can last up to 60 uses. 

Best versatile

best lighter

(Image credit: BIC USA, Inc.)

Bic Multipurpose lighters

These are child-resistant

These colorful lighters can be used for grilling, camping, and more.

Pros:

  • Four-pack
  • Multipurpose lighters
  • Long-nose design
  • Easy to store

Cons:

  • Can be a little hard to ignite
  • Lighter fluid may not last as long as expected

These lighters are great to have on hand. Their elongated design is terrific for safely lighting candles, grilling, and more; it provides much-needed distance from the flame. Along with their extended styling, the lighters have a child-resistant mechanism that requires the trigger and latched to be pressed simultaneously to ignite the flame. Keep one in your home, car, shed, and equipment bag to stay prepared.

Best eco-friendly

best lighter

(Image credit: Amazon)

VEHHE candle lighter

This one is electric

This fluid-free lighter is conveniently powered by electricity and lasts for multiple uses.

Pros:

  • Electric
  • Rechargeable
  • 360-degree gooseneck design
  • Wind and splash-proof
  • LED display

Cons:

  • May not last as long as expected after a full charge
  • Instructions are not in English

This electric lighter features an LED display that tracks battery life. So, the device will always be ready to go. It is designed with a 360-degree gooseneck, bending to accommodate hard-to-reach places. The flame produced is both wind-proof and splash-proof, which is terrific for outdoor use. And since this lighter is electric, it will warm up and cool down quickly.

Best for camping

best lighter

(Image credit: Amazon)

DEMALO torch lighter

Rugged and precise

This waterproof lighter is excellent for use on outdoor adventures.

Pros:

  • Water and windproof
  • Comes with a lanyard
  • Can withstand falls up to 33 feet
  • Heavy-duty

Cons:

  • Can be a little hard to ignite
  • Butane may leak a little

Featuring an IP56 waterproof rating, this windproof and shockproof lighter is perfect for bringing along with you on any outdoor adventure. Its shell is made from sturdy metal and features a locking mechanism so it's secure on explorations. But if you accidentally drop it, its heavy-duty design can withstand falls of up to 33 feet. The flame can be adjusted for long-term or short-term use to ensure you're not wasting any lighter fluid. Store this lighter around your neck with the handy lanyard.

Best for cigars

best lighter

(Image credit: Amazon)

Yusud vintage trench lighter

Timeless style

This lighter has an appealing wooden body that artfully elevates its design.

Pros:

  • Vintage design
  • Great for cigars
  • Can be flipped and tilted
  • Made from solid alloy and sandalwood
  • Ergonomic

Cons:

  • Butane may not last as long as expected
  • Flame may increase in size while in use

This ergonomic lighter is great for cigars. It has an easy-ignite design that can be tilted and flipped while in use. Aside from its functionality, the lighter has an antique-inspired design constructed from solid alloy and sandalwood. Give this lighter as a gift or keep one in your pocket.

The bottom line

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best lighter makes igniting candles, grills, and more simple. The REIDEA electronic candle lighter features a slender design to make lighting hard-to-reach areas easy. This rechargeable device features a windproof flame, so it's great for indoors and outdoor use.

If you're going on a nature adventure, the Demalo torch lighter makes a great safety companion. It's water, wind, and shatter-proof, making it a great choice while exploring the outdoors. The heavy-duty design can withstand falls from up to 33 feet, so it's ready for anything.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.