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Lighters

How to Choose the Right Lighters for Emergency Storage

There are many lighters on the market today. Differences include ignition method, fuel type and endurance, flame strength and direction, whether they are refillable or disposable, the materials used in their casing, and their overall durability and design. That’s a lot to consider!

For our purposes, which lighters are best suited for emergency preparedness? While your choice will always depend on your specific needs and preferences, here are six different categories of lighters to consider adding to your fire starter preps. Purchasing every type isn’t necessary. Select a few that complement each other and suit your emergency storage plan.

Disposable Lighters

BIC is a well-known brand of disposable lighter. They’ve been around forever, and the brand is known for their reliability and consistent performance. They are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk. They are widely available and can be found at most convenience stores, gas stations, and supermarkets.

While they are priced competitively, disposable lighters are not exactly eco-friendly, as each unit is discarded once it runs out of fuel. However, this can be an advantage in emergencies—being able to simply grab a new one without the need to refill.

When considering the storage strength of any given lighter, BIC shines. If stored in a dry container, BIC lighters can last for up to 25 years in storage, provided proper conditions are maintained to prevent rust and fuel leakage.

Traditional Lighters

The traditional general-purpose lighter produces a flame with a lower temperature and a wider surface area compared to a torch-style flame. This “soft flame” is ideal for lighting items such as candles, lanterns, stove burners, and cigars. Most traditional lighters use butane and are refillable. However, soft flame lighters may struggle to ignite denser materials—if you need to light thicker or damp wood, a torch-style lighter with a concentrated flame is more effective.

There are many durable general-purpose lighters on the market today. For example, Zippo lighters are widely recognized for their reliability and are popular for everyday use. They come with a lifetime warranty when properly maintained, and while they utilize butane (and Zippo’s own butane fuel is recommended for optimal performance), they are just one option among several trusted brands.

Common Brands: Zippo • S.T. Dupont • Xihkar • Jetline • Visol

Torch Lighters

Torch lighters are refillable devices that produce a jet of flame rather than a soft flame. This concentrated, high-temperature flame makes them ideal for outdoor or windy conditions where a traditional lighter might struggle. One drawback is that most torch lighters use butane—a fuel that tends to perform poorly in very cold weather. To counteract this, many torch lighters are designed to be windproof and can operate in moderately cold conditions, though performance may still decline in freezing temperatures.

Common Brands: Zippo • Scorch Torch Skyline Triple Jet Flame Butane Torch Lighter • Guevara Jet Lighter • WindBlaze

Utility Lighters

Utility lighters, also called fireplace lighters, are durable and have a soft flame. Most of them are refillable and designed to be safe, with a long nozzle to keep your hand away from the flame. People often use them to light fireplaces, grills, stoves, lanterns, candles, and other things around the house.

Common Brands: Scripto • Ronson • Vertigo • Zippo • BIC (none-refillable)

Electric Lighters

Electric lighters, also known as plasma lighters, are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional butane-fueled lighters. They use electricity from a rechargeable battery to power plasma technology, which creates a high-voltage electric arc between two tiny electrodes at the tip of the lighter. This electric arc ignites materials without the need for a traditional flame or fuel.

These lighters feature rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can be quickly and easily charged via a USB port—whether from a computer, power bank, or other USB-enabled device.

Common Brands: Suprus • Ronxs • LcFun • Tesla Windproof • MEIRUBY

Cold Weather Lighters

Because butane tends to perform poorly in cold weather, most lighters may be unreliable under freezing conditions. Fortunately, several lighters are designed specifically for cold weather use. These typically rely on liquid fuel, piezo‑ignition, or pressurized propane/isobutane mixes that maintain performance in low temperatures.

Top Cold-Weather Brands: UCO • Zippo • Worthington/Bernzomatic • Exotac • SOTO

Lighter Fuel Types

All refillable lighters (anything not disposable) are sold empty, and fuel must be purchased and added separately. This applies to butane lighters, liquid‑fuel lighters, and torch‑style models that use propane or isobutane canisters.

Because each lighter is engineered for a specific type of fuel, choosing the correct one is essential for reliable ignition, safe operation, and long‑term performance. Using the wrong fuel can lead to clogging, weak flame output, or damage to the lighter.

The good news is that all common lighter fuels are widely available online and at hardware stores, outdoor retailers, and general stores. Whether you’re refilling a pocket lighter, a camping torch, or a classic metal lighter, the right fuel is easy to find.

Butane for refillable lighters

Many refillable lighters use aerosol butane canisters. While generic butane works for most models, some manufacturers recommend using their own branded fuel to maintain performance and reduce clogging. If the nozzle on the butane canister does not fit your lighter’s refill valve, an adapter tip can be used.

Common Brands: Zippo • Ronson • Colibri • Xikar • Vector

Common Brands
Zippo • Ronson • Colibri • Xikar • Vector

Safety Considerations

  • Sensitive to heat; pressure rises quickly in hot environments
  • Should not be stored in vehicles for long periods
  • See general storage conditions below

Liquid fuel for Zippo‑style lighters

Classic metal lighters often use liquid lighter fluid rather than butane. These lighters typically ship empty due to shipping regulations and must be filled before use. Liquid fuel is absorbed into a cotton reservoir inside the lighter, offering dependable ignition in a wide range of temperatures.

Common Brands: Zippo • Ronsonol • Naphtha‑based lighter fluids

Common Brands
Zippo • Ronsonol • Naphtha‑based lighter fluids

Safety Considerations

  • Vapors are extremely flammable and can ignite at low temperatures
  • Must be kept tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and vapor buildup
  • See general storage conditions below

Propane & Isobutane canisters for torch‑style lighters

Torch lighters, camping igniters, and many cold‑weather models use pressurized fuel canisters instead of traditional lighter fluid. This includes propane, MAP-Pro, and Isobutane/propane mix canisters (threaded backpacking‑style canisters). These fuels maintain pressure better in cold weather and are also used for camping stoves and small torches.

Common Brands: Coleman • MSR • Gas One • Snow Peak • Bernzomatic

Common Brands
Coleman • MSR • Gas One • Snow Peak • Bernzomatic

Safety Considerations

  • Must always be stored upright
  • Should not be stored indoors in large quantities due to pressure and vapor risks
  • See general storage conditions below
Fuel Use Requirements
  • Use only the proper fuel type for your lighter to ensure reliable ignition, safe operation, and long‑term performance.
  • When recommended, use the manufacturers own brand of fuel to maintain performance and reduce clogging.
  • If the canister's nozzle does not fit, use an adapter tip designed for lighter refills.
  • Fill lighters slowly and carefully to avoid overfilling, leaks, or pressure bursts.
  • After refilling, allow the lighter to rest for a few minutes so excess vapors can dissipate before ignition.
  • Wipe away any spilled fuel before lighting the lighter.
Fuel Storage Requirements
  • Store in cool, stable temperatures, ideally between 40°F and 80°F. Avoid any area with temperature swings.
  • Store in a well-ventilated area; a ventilated garage cabinet or shed is safer than indoor storage.
  • Keep away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight.
  • Store in an upright and secure position, regardless of container type.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets; liquid lighter fluid is especially dangerous if swallowed.
  • Do not store large quantities indoors; keep only what you need for regular use.
  • Check containers periodically for damage, corrosion, or leaks, and replace if compromised.
  • Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent vapor release and evaporation.

Butane for refillable lighters

Many refillable lighters use aerosol butane canisters. While generic butane works for most models, some manufacturers recommend using their own branded fuel to maintain performance and reduce clogging. If the nozzle on the butane canister does not fit your lighter’s refill valve, an adapter tip can be used.

Common Brands: Zippo • Ronson • Colibri • Xikar • Vector

Common Brands
Zippo • Ronson • Colibri • Xikar • Vector

Safety Considerations

  • Sensitive to heat; pressure rises quickly in hot environments
  • Should not be stored in vehicles for long periods
  • See general storage conditions below

Liquid fuel for Zippo‑style lighters

Classic metal lighters often use liquid lighter fluid rather than butane. These lighters typically ship empty due to shipping regulations and must be filled before use. Liquid fuel is absorbed into a cotton reservoir inside the lighter, offering dependable ignition in a wide range of temperatures.

Common Brands: Zippo • Ronsonol • Naphtha‑based lighter fluids

Common Brands
Zippo • Ronsonol • Naphtha‑based lighter fluids

Safety Considerations

  • Vapors are extremely flammable and can ignite at low temperatures
  • Must be kept tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and vapor buildup
  • See general storage conditions below

Propane & Isobutane canisters for torch‑style lighters

Torch lighters, camping igniters, and many cold‑weather models use pressurized fuel canisters instead of traditional lighter fluid. This includes propane, MAP-Pro, and Isobutane/propane mix canisters (threaded backpacking‑style canisters). These fuels maintain pressure better in cold weather and are also used for camping stoves and small torches.

Common Brands: Coleman • MSR • Gas One • Snow Peak • Bernzomatic

Common Brands
Coleman • MSR • Gas One • Snow Peak • Bernzomatic

Safety Considerations

  • Must always be stored upright
  • Should not be stored indoors in large quantities due to pressure and vapor risks
  • See general storage conditions below
Fuel Use Requirements
  • Use only the proper fuel type for your lighter to ensure reliable ignition, safe operation, and long‑term performance.
  • When recommended, use the manufacturers own brand of fuel to maintain performance and reduce clogging.
  • If the canister's nozzle does not fit, use an adapter tip designed for lighter refills.
  • Fill lighters slowly and carefully to avoid overfilling, leaks, or pressure bursts.
  • After refilling, allow the lighter to rest for a few minutes so excess vapors can dissipate before ignition.
  • Wipe away any spilled fuel before lighting the lighter.
Fuel Storage Requirements
  • Store in cool, stable temperatures, ideally between 40°F and 80°F. Avoid any area with temperature swings.
  • Store in a well-ventilated area; a ventilated garage cabinet or shed is safer than indoor storage.
  • Keep away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight.
  • Store in an upright and secure position, regardless of container type.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets; liquid lighter fluid is especially dangerous if swallowed.
  • Do not store large quantities indoors; keep only what you need for regular use.
  • Check containers periodically for damage, corrosion, or leaks, and replace if compromised.
  • Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent vapor release and evaporation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about using lighters as emergency fuel.

  • For emergency use, it's wise to store a variety: disposable lighters like BIC for convenience, torch lighters for wind resistance, and electric lighters for a fuel-free option. Each type has strengths in different conditions.

  • Yes. For example, BIC lighters can last up to 25 years if stored in a dry container. Refillable lighters should be emptied or stored upright to avoid leaks, and electric lighters should be kept charged and away from extreme heat.

  • Traditional lighters use a soft flame and are ideal for general indoor use. Torch lighters produce a concentrated, jet-style flame that is wind-resistant and better for outdoor or difficult ignition situations.

  • Yes, electric (plasma) lighters are reusable, fuel-free, and rechargeable via USB. They're ideal in fuel-scarce situations but require access to power for recharging, such as a solar panel or battery bank.

  • Zippo lighters with specially formulated butane or propane torch lighters like the Worthington Trigger Start are ideal for cold weather, as standard butane lighters may underperform in freezing temperatures.

  • While many lighters can be refilled with generic butane, manufacturers often recommend using their branded butane for best performance and compatibility. Use adapters if the nozzle doesn't match your lighter.