Old-school disposable butane-powered lighters are a thing of the past. As we enter an era of green energy and technology evolving at unprecedented rates, disposable lighters appear to be headed out the door due to their un-recyclable nature.
There heir, electric lighters, are flameless which means no more getting your friends to huddle around to block the wind just to light something. They are powered by a rechargeable battery that powers electrodes at the tip of the lighter that gets incredibly hot. Not quite as hot as torch lighters which can reach temperatures over 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, but certainly hot enough to light something on fire.
So whether you’re sparking up a campfire or lighting a candle electric lighters are more practical for your wallet and the environment. Not to mention they are more durable and have a certain cool factor that traditional lighters lack.
With that in mind, we've reviewed dozens of the most popular electric lighters to come up with an exhaustive list of our favorite electric lighters.
Electric lighters are a modern and innovative way to light candles, cigarettes, and other combustible materials. Unlike traditional lighters that rely on butane or other fuels, electric lighters use a rechargeable battery to create a plasma arc that ignites the material. This makes them a more sustainable and eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Electric lighters are also windproof and flameless, making them ideal for use in windy or outdoor conditions. Whether you’re lighting a candle at home or sparking up a campfire, electric lighters offer a reliable and environmentally friendly solution.
Electric lighters offer several benefits over traditional lighters. They are obviously more environmentally friendly, as they do not use butane or other fuels that can harm the environment. Instead, they rely on rechargeable batteries, reducing waste and the need for disposable lighters. They are also more convenient, as they can be recharged via USB and do not require refilling. This means you can easily keep them powered up using your laptop, car charger, or a power bank. Electric lighters are also safer, as they do not have an open flame that can be hazardous in certain situations.
Electric lighters work by using a rechargeable battery to create a plasma arc that ignites the material. The arc is created by an ignition switch that is activated when the user presses a button or flips a switch. This arc is then directed at the material, such as a candle wick, and ignites it. Some electric lighters also feature a flexible neck, allowing for easy maneuverability and precision, especially in tight spaces. Additionally, many electric lighters come with a protective cover to prevent accidental ignition and add an extra layer of safety. Overall, electric lighters are a convenient, safe, and eco-friendly way to light candles and other combustible materials, making them a smart choice for modern users.
Don’t let the BBQ in the name fool you. This lighter is a great multipurpose tool that can be used to light anything you can think of.
The windproof electric arc lighter comes with a long flexible gooseneck and a USB charger. It generates multiple plasma arcs per charge, enhancing its ignition capabilities, especially in windy conditions. It has 9 LED charge indicator lights and charges in about 1.5 hours and lasts for hundreds of uses. It has a safety switch to prevent children from accidentally using it and has advanced electronics that protect the arc lighter from overcharging, over-heating and will power off automatically after 10 seconds.
If you’re looking for the “ole reliable” of electric lighters, this is the one for you.
The ARECTECH electric lighter checks all the boxes you want from an electric lighter and costs less than $12. It is designed to effectively ignite candle wicks, even in votive candles where proximity to the wick is crucial for successful ignition. It has a retractable head for child safety that also protects the electrodes from getting damaged when you throw it in the kitchen junk drawer. A durable stainless steel shell. A LED battery indicator to warn you when it needs to be charged.
It can be fully charged via a USB cable in 40-60 minutes and can hold a charge for up to 6 months. As an added bonus it includes a travel case and USB cable to charge it with.
When it’s time to light up the charcoal or wood-burning grill a little electrode may not do the trick, but this electric fire torch from HomeRight will!
Stick lighters are particularly effective for reaching into tight spaces or lighting items at a safe distance, such as votive candles and gas stoves.
Instead of a small electrode, this torch uses electric heating coils and fans to produce a blast of superheated air that can light cold logs or coal into a roaring fire in less than 2 minutes. This is the perfect tool for lighting charcoal grills, wood smokers, or even fire pits.
The only downside to the Electro-Torch is that it does have to be plugged in so you lose some of the portability compared to other battery-powered devices. Either way, when you need to light something big, this is the tool for the job.
If you’re an avid camping enthusiast, hiker, or survival geek you probably agree that there is no such thing as “too many” flashlights. And, this waterproof flashlight and electric lighter combo is exactly what you'll want to keep in your backpack.
It’s compact and can be charged via included USB cable from your car, laptop, wall socket, or even power bank. We were shocked at how bright the flashlight is. Surprisingly, the flashlight doesn’t drain the battery as quickly as expected. We were able to use the flashlight for 45 minutes and still have enough battery power to light a fire.
It should be noted that while we named this our best electric lighter for camping, this would be a great addition to anyone’s glovebox, tackle box, or any other place you may keep a flashlight.
Sleek and compact this lighter looks like a traditional butane lighter, but under its zinc allow flip-top cover is a powerful dual arc lighter. Powering the lighter is a large battery that has enough capacity to fire this thing up several hundred times on a single charge.
It has a bright led battery display and an easily accessible power button. In fact, the only downside to this lighter is that it’s so easy to use that you should be extremely careful to keep it away from children. Unlike many other lighters, this item does not have child safety functions.
The Extremus waterproof plasma arc lighter packs a lot of function into a small form and price tag. In addition to the included USB charging cable, this lighter also includes a multipurpose survival tool, paracord, whistle, and a carabiner.
The multifunctional tool functions as a can opener, Phillips screwdriver, regular (slotted) screwdriver, wrench (1/8in, 1/4in, 5/16in, and 9/32in), and has a serrated edge for cutting. When you pair the waterproof lighter with the included gadgets, there is no other lighter that has more function than this.
The 360 degrees flexible design on this lighter makes it perfect to reach inside of glass jars or for reaching those candles up on the mantle. In addition to being practical, it also safe. It includes a child safety lock and an extra module that will shut off power to the device if the temperature gets too hot.
Another thing we liked about this lighter is that it’s available in various colors. While black and white are sleek, bright red or yellow are much easier to find in a drawer.