Is Your Zippo the Right Choice for Lighting that Cigar?
New cigar smokers have quite a bit to learn. Just a few of these include the proper lighting process, how to relight a cigar and even how to take care of uneven burns. However, one of the very first lessons should involve the proper lighting implements. Most smokers believe that using Zippo lighters is an acceptable thing. It is not. You should never use a Zippo to light a cigar, unless you simply do not want to enjoy that smoke. Why should you avoid these lighters? What are your options?
New cigar smokers have quite a bit to learn. Just a few of these include the proper lighting process, how to relight a cigar and even how to take care of uneven burns. However, one of the very first lessons should involve the proper lighting implements. Most smokers believe that using Zippo lighters is an acceptable thing. It is not. You should never use a Zippo to light a cigar, unless you simply do not want to enjoy that smoke. Why should you avoid these lighters? What are your options?
The reason you should avoid these lighters is because of the fuel they burn. These lighters use standard lighter fluid, which is filled with impurities. When burned, this fuel releases those impurities as odors and tastes, most of which are not remotely nice. When you use such a lighter to fire up your cigar, you risk allowing those odors and tastes to make their way into your cigar, ruining the taste and smell that you want.
A better option is to use a butane lighter, such as a torch lighter. These are available in single jet, dual jet or triple jet configurations. This allows you to ensure that the entire foot of your cigar is lit at the same time. In addition, butane does not have the same number of impurities that you'll find in lighter fluid.
Dedicated cigar smokers prefer to use matches, or matches and cedar shavings to light up. They do this because the aromas and tastes emitted from burning cedar can have a pleasant effect on your cigar. Of course, you likely do not have the time or patience for this method, so torch lighters should be your lighters of choice. In addition to the benefits derived from using butane, these lighters are windproof and available in single, double and even triple jet forms. That means you can light up in even a strong wind.
Hopefully, you can see that the use of Zippos is not a good idea and will result in a subpar smoking experience. Save your cigar's flavor and aroma by using a quality butane lighter. You will find that purchasing a dual or triple jet lighter will even help ensure that you're able to light that cigar on the first try every time.
New cigar smokers have quite a bit to learn. Just a few of these include the proper lighting process, how to relight a cigar and even how to take care of uneven burns. However, one of the very first lessons should involve the proper lighting implements. Most smokers believe that using Zippo lighters is an acceptable thing. It is not. You should never use a Zippo to light a cigar, unless you simply do not want to enjoy that smoke. Why should you avoid these lighters? What are your options?
The reason you should avoid these lighters is because of the fuel they burn. These lighters use standard lighter fluid, which is filled with impurities. When burned, this fuel releases those impurities as odors and tastes, most of which are not remotely nice. When you use such a lighter to fire up your cigar, you risk allowing those odors and tastes to make their way into your cigar, ruining the taste and smell that you want.
A better option is to use a butane lighter, such as a torch lighter. These are available in single jet, dual jet or triple jet configurations. This allows you to ensure that the entire foot of your cigar is lit at the same time. In addition, butane does not have the same number of impurities that you'll find in lighter fluid.
Dedicated cigar smokers prefer to use matches, or matches and cedar shavings to light up. They do this because the aromas and tastes emitted from burning cedar can have a pleasant effect on your cigar. Of course, you likely do not have the time or patience for this method, so torch lighters should be your lighters of choice. In addition to the benefits derived from using butane, these lighters are windproof and available in single, double and even triple jet forms. That means you can light up in even a strong wind.
Hopefully, you can see that the use of Zippos is not a good idea and will result in a subpar smoking experience. Save your cigar's flavor and aroma by using a quality butane lighter. You will find that purchasing a dual or triple jet lighter will even help ensure that you're able to light that cigar on the first try every time.
About the Author:
Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including lotus cigar lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring cigar lighter maintenance.