Refillable lighters can provide years of service but only so long as they are properly-maintained. Part of that maintenance involves selecting the right fuel for the lighter. Cheap fuels may save some money in the short run but the cost is decreased performance and, if the lighter is being used to light cigars or pipes, the chance that the lighter will end up flavoring the tobacco.
Where butane lighters are concerned, the fuels are rated in terms of impurities. This works in much the same fashion as do the octane ratings on gasoline. Fewer impurities is the equivalent of higher octane and means a hotter, more reliable flame. It also means the flame will burn cleaner which may reduce the chance of fouling. Lighters which have two or three flames, such as some of the Colibri lighters, will be particularly sensitive to fuel quality. Butane lighters must only be filled with butane. Anything else risks ruining the lighter and poses a very real safety risk to the user.
Butane lighters function best when a lighter fluid which is as free of impurities as possible is used. There are brands that advertise themselves as having zero impurities and, if one has purchased a high-performance lighter, these fuels will ensure reliability. Impurities cause lighters to light with less reliability, to foul and, eventually, they may compromise the components that deliver gas to the jet. They will also cut down on the life of the sparking devices as they’ll have to be tripped more to get a flame out of the device.
Butane torch lighters have rapidly become the most popular way to light cigars among aficionados. These lighters impart no taste at all as the gaseous fuel is consumed very efficiently by the lighter. There are different grades of fuel available but, where butane lighters advertise no impurities, it’s not so much a question of whether or not the fuel will be tasted as it is a question of reliability and taking care of the lighter itself. These lighters are available in exotic designs which feature double and triple flames, upscale styling and beautiful finishes. They have become favorites among dedicated cigar smokers.
Substituting any other fuel for butane or lighter fluid will most certainly destroy a lighter and may pose a safety risk to the user. Butane lighters, in particular, must only be fueled with butane and only from a can which fits exactly the filling adapter at the bottom of the lighter. These lighters are fairly sensitive devices but, treated properly, they can offer years of reliable service. Attempting to mate an improperly-fitting refill can will seriously damage the valve and certainly means that the refilling canister is not meant to be used with butane lighters.
Brian is a business consultant for an online lotus lighter store and has expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including cigar cutter lighters.
