G'day Legend,

Back in the mid-1990s, a bloke by the name of Kurt Van Keppel had a problem. He'd inherited a love of cigars from his old man but couldn't find a decent cutter anywhere that did the job properly. So he and his mate Scott Almsberger started building their own… in a garage in Kansas City. They called the company Xikar (a cheeky twist on "sikar," the original Spanish word the Taíno people used for cigar, with the S swapped for an X to represent two guillotine blades). That garage invention became the market leader in cigar cutlery. But here's the bit that matters for today's yarn: it was their customers who pushed them into lighters. The message was simple…

"If you blokes make one, it'll be the only lighter we ever buy." Xikar listened. And the rest is cigar accessory history.

The lighter you choose for your cigar isn't just about gettin' a flame. It changes how the tobacco heats, how the oils release, and how the first few puffs set the tone for everything that follows.

Torch or soft flame?
Single jet or triple?

The right answer depends on the cigar, the setting, and the kind of experience you're after.

TL;DR

• There are two main categories of cigar lighter: torch (jet flame) and soft flame. Each produces a fundamentally different lighting experience and suits different settings.
• Torch lighters produce a focused, high-temperature flame that's wind-resistant and precise. They're the go-to for outdoor smoking and larger ring gauge cigars.
• Soft flame lighters produce a gentle, cooler flame that warms the tobacco gradually. They preserve delicate flavour nuances and suit indoor smoking and smaller, more refined vitolas.
• The vitola of the cigar matters when choosing a lighter. Bigger ring gauges and thicker cigars need more heat to light evenly. Smaller, thinner vitolas respond better to a softer, more patient flame.
• A great cigar deserves a proper light. CigarBox carries premium cigar lighters from Xikar, Prometheus, and Rocky Patel across single flame, double flame, triple flame, and soft flame options. One for every setting you find ya self in and for each type of stick you're treating ya self too. And yep, we deliver to every corner of Australia.

What Are the Main Types of Cigar Lighters Available?

Before you can pick the right lighter, you've gotta understand what each type actually does to your cigar and why it matters. This isn't just gear talk, mate. The flame you put to the foot of your stick determines how the tobacco heats, how evenly it burns, and how the flavour develops from the first puff through to the final third.

Torch Lighters (Jet Flame)

A torch lighter uses pressurised butane forced through a small nozzle to produce a concentrated, blue jet flame. That blue flame burns hot (we're talkin' around 1,300°C) and it burns clean, which means no chemical taste on the tobacco. Torch lighters come in single, double, and triple jet configurations. Single jets give you precision. Double jets give you broader coverage. Triple jets throw serious heat and can light even the thickest ring gauge cigars quickly and evenly.

The big advantage of a torch? Wind resistance. If you're smokin' outdoors (and let's be honest, most of us in Australia are) a torch lighter will fire up reliably when a soft flame wouldn't stand a chance. They're also brilliant for touch-ups. If your cigar starts to canoe or burn unevenly, a quick kiss from a torch sorts it out without scorching the wrapper.

Soft Flame Lighters

A soft flame lighter produces a gentle, amber-coloured flame similar to a candle or a match. The temperature is significantly lower than a torch (roughly half the heat) and the flame flickers rather than concentrating in a tight jet. That sounds like a disadvantage on paper… but in practice, it's exactly what makes a soft flame special.

The cooler temperature warms the tobacco gradually rather than blasting it with intense heat. The oils in the wrapper and filler open up slowly, which lets delicate flavour notes come through that a hotter flame can overwhelm. Think of it like the difference between searing a steak on a screaming hot pan versus slow-cooking it low and slow. Both work. Both produce something worth eating. But the experience is genuinely different.

The trade-off? Soft flames are useless in the wind. Even a gentle breeze will knock the flame around or snuff it out entirely. They also take longer to achieve an even light, particularly on larger ring gauge cigars. But indoors, on a still evening, with a refined cigar in hand… a soft flame is the purist's choice.

What Is the Difference Between a Torch Lighter and a Soft Flame Lighter?

The fundamental difference comes down to heat, precision, and the way the tobacco responds to each.

A torch lighter delivers concentrated, high-temperature heat in a focused stream. You can control exactly where the flame contacts the foot of the cigar, which means you can achieve an even light quickly and correct any burn issues on the fly. The detailed comparison at Holt's Cigar Company puts it well: torch lighters burn at roughly 2,300°F (about twice the temperature of a soft flame), which is why they're the standard for most cigar smokers worldwide.

A soft flame lighter delivers a broader, cooler heat that warms the foot of the cigar more gently. You need to rotate the cigar slowly above the flame, toasting the tobacco evenly before you take your first draw. This slower ritual appeals to blokes who enjoy the process of lighting as part of the experience itself (not just a step to get through before the smoking starts). The flavour payoff is real too. A slow, cool toast lets the oils in the wrapper warm without scorching, which preserves subtle flavour notes that a hotter flame can burn right through.

Neither is universally better, mate. They're genuinely different tools for different situations, different cigars, and different moods.

Does the Type of Lighter Change Based on the Vitola I'm Smoking?

Too right it does. And this is the question that separates blokes who've thought seriously about their lighting ritual from those who just flick and puff.

Small ring gauges (38 to 46: Lanceros, Panetelas, Petit Coronas)

These thinner vitolas have less tobacco mass at the foot, which means they need less heat to achieve an even light. A soft flame or a single jet torch is the right call here. A triple jet on a Lancero is overkill… you'll scorch the wrapper before the filler has a chance to light evenly, and the delicate flavour profile these vitolas are known for will cop it in the first few puffs.

Medium ring gauges (48 to 54: Robustos, Coronas, Churchills)

This is the sweet spot where both torch and soft flame work beautifully. A single or double jet torch gives you reliable, even coverage. A soft flame works if you're indoors and willing to take your time with the toast. Most blokes reach for a double jet here because it balances precision with enough heat to light the full foot evenly without requirin' the patience of a saint.

Large ring gauges (56 and above: Toros, Gordos, 60+ ring gauge monsters)

Bigger foot means more tobacco to heat. A single jet will get there eventually but you'll be standing around rotating the cigar for longer than most blokes have patience for. A double or triple jet torch is the right tool here. The broader heat coverage lights the full diameter of the foot evenly and quickly, which is exactly what these bigger vitolas need to start burning properly from the jump.

When Should I Use a Soft Flame Lighter Instead of a Torch?

The simple rule is this: soft flame for indoors and calm conditions, torch for outdoors and wind. But the real answer goes deeper than that once you start payin' attention to what each flame does to the tobacco.

A soft flame earns its place when you're smokin' a premium cigar with a complex, nuanced flavour profile and you've got the time and the setting to enjoy a slower, more deliberate lighting ritual. Indoors, on a still evening, after dinner with a glass of somethin' worth sippin'… that's soft flame territory. The gentle heat opens the oils in the wrapper without overwhelming them, and the slower toast lets the filler light gradually from the outside in. The result is a first few puffs that are cleaner, more balanced, and free from the slightly charred edge that a hot torch can sometimes leave.

A torch earns its place everywhere else. Outdoors at a barbecue, on the back deck with a breeze blowin' through, at the beach, on the golf course, or anywhere the wind has a say in proceedings. A soft flame in these conditions is a waste of butane and patience. A torch fires up, stays lit, and gets the job done regardless of what the weather is doin' around you.

Some blokes own both and switch depending on the situation. That's not overkill… that's a bloke who understands that different moments call for different tools.

Xikar Volta Quad Tabletop Lighter Silver

 

How Do I Properly Toast and Light a Premium Cigar?

This is where the rubber hits the road, mate. The technique is the same regardless of whether you're usin' a torch or a soft flame. The only thing that changes is the distance you hold the flame from the foot and the amount of time the process takes.

Step one: Toast the foot. Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and bring the flame to the foot without touching it directly. With a torch, keep the tip of the blue flame about 2 centimetres from the tobacco. With a soft flame, you can bring it closer. Rotate the cigar slowly, warming the entire foot evenly until you see a faint orange glow beginning to form across the surface.

Step two: First draw. Once the foot is evenly toasted, bring the cigar to your lips and take a slow, gentle draw while continuing to rotate the cigar above the flame. Don't rush this. A slow, even draw pulls the heat evenly through the filler and ensures the cigar is lit consistently across its full diameter.

Step three: Check the light. Hold the cigar up and look at the foot. You should see a uniform, even glow with no dark unlit patches. If there's an uneven spot, give it a quick touch-up with the flame and take another draw. That's it.

The biggest mistake most blokes make? Holding the hottest part of a torch flame directly against the tobacco. That scorches the filler, produces a bitter, ashy taste on the first few puffs, and can throw the burn off for the rest of the smoke. Patience at the light saves you frustration down the track.

Key Takeaway

The lighter you choose directly affects how your cigar tastes, burns, and performs. Torch lighters deliver focused, high-temperature heat that's wind-resistant and ideal for outdoor smoking and larger ring gauge cigars. Soft flame lighters deliver a gentler, cooler heat that preserves delicate flavour nuances and suits indoor smoking and more refined vitolas. The best cigar smokers own both and choose the right tool for the setting and the stick. Toast the foot slowly, rotate evenly, and never let the hottest part of the flame touch the tobacco directly.

What Is the Best Cigar Lighter for Beginners?

For a bloke just startin' out, a quality double jet torch lighter is the most versatile and forgiving option. It delivers enough heat to light most common ring gauges quickly and evenly, handles outdoor conditions without drama, and doesn't require the patience and technique that a soft flame demands.

Xikar's double jet range is the benchmark here. Reliable ignition, clean burn, ergonomic design, and backed by a lifetime warranty that actually means somethin'. A Xikar double jet will cover 90% of the cigars and situations a beginner is likely to encounter in their first year of smoking.

Once you've got your technique dialled in and you're startin' to appreciate the subtler aspects of the ritual, adding a soft flame lighter to your kit opens up a whole new dimension. That's the natural progression… torch first to learn the fundamentals, soft flame later to refine the experience. Both earn their place in a serious smoker's collection.

Explore the full range of cigar lighters at CigarBox and find the right flame for where you're at in your journey.

What Is the Best Cigar Lighter for Outdoor Smoking in Australia?

Let's be honest, mate… most of us in Australia are smokin' outdoors more often than not. Whether it's the back deck, the beach, a mate's barbecue, or the golf course (and if you're smokin' a stogie on the golf course, you're my kind of bloke) the wind is a factor more often than it isn't.

For outdoor smoking in Australian conditions, a double or triple jet torch lighter is the only reliable option. Single jets can work in mild conditions but anything more than a light breeze and you'll be standing there clicking away while your mates give you grief. A double jet handles most outdoor situations comfortably. A triple jet is the nuclear option for genuinely windy conditions (think coastal smoking, open paddocks, or anywhere the wind has a proper run-up).

Brands like Xikar, Prometheus, and Rocky Patel all produce torch lighters specifically engineered for wind resistance and altitude performance. Xikar in particular has altitude-tested their torch lighters up to 14,000 feet, which is probably more than you need for a smoke on the back deck in Fremantle… but it's nice to know the engineering is serious.

FAQ

What are the different types of cigar lighters and why would you choose a soft flame over a torch? There are two main categories: torch (jet flame) and soft flame. Torch lighters produce a concentrated, high-temperature blue flame ideal for outdoor smoking and larger ring gauge cigars. Soft flame lighters produce a gentle, cooler flame that warms the tobacco gradually, preserving delicate flavour nuances. You'd choose a soft flame over a torch when smoking indoors, on a still evening, with a refined cigar where subtle flavour complexity is worth savouring through a slower, more deliberate lighting ritual.

Does the type of lighter change based on the vitola I'm smoking? Yes. Smaller ring gauge vitolas like Lanceros and Panetelas need less heat and respond best to a soft flame or single jet torch. Medium ring gauges like Robustos and Churchills work well with either a single or double jet. Large ring gauge cigars (56 and above) need a double or triple jet torch to achieve even coverage across the full foot. Matching the lighter to the vitola ensures the cigar lights evenly and the flavour profile isn't compromised by too much or too little heat.

How do I properly toast and light a premium cigar? Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and bring the flame to the foot without touching it directly (keep the tip of a torch flame about 2cm away). Rotate the cigar slowly until a faint orange glow forms evenly across the foot. Then take a slow, gentle draw while continuing to rotate above the flame. Check the foot for an even glow and touch up any dark spots. Never hold the hottest part of the flame directly against the tobacco.

What is the best cigar lighter for outdoor smoking in Australia? A double or triple jet torch lighter is the most reliable option for outdoor conditions across Australia. Single jets can struggle in even mild wind. Double jets handle most situations comfortably. Triple jets are built for genuinely windy settings like coastal areas and open country. Xikar, Prometheus, and Rocky Patel all produce torch lighters specifically engineered for wind resistance and reliable outdoor performance.

What is the best cigar lighter for beginners? A quality double jet torch lighter is the most versatile starting point. It delivers enough heat to light most common vitolas quickly and evenly, handles outdoor conditions reliably, and doesn't require the patience and technique a soft flame demands. Xikar's double jet range is the benchmark for beginners -  reliable ignition, clean burn, and backed by a lifetime warranty. Once technique is dialled in, adding a soft flame lighter opens up a new dimension of the ritual.

The Bottom Line on Cigar Lighters

Kurt Van Keppel and Scott Almsberger started Xikar in a garage because they reckoned cigar lovers deserved better tools. That same principle applies to lighters just as much as it does to cutters. The right flame for the right cigar in the right setting is the difference between a smoke that performs exactly as the blender intended and one that never quite gets there.

A torch lighter is your everyday workhorse. Reliable, wind-resistant, precise, and built for the way most Australians actually smoke (outside, with a breeze, and a cold one in the other hand). A soft flame lighter is your evening ritual. Slower, gentler, and built for the moments when the cigar and the setting deserve a more deliberate approach.

The best cigar smokers don't pick sides. They own both and let the moment decide which one comes out. That's not excess… that's a bloke who respects the ritual. And if there's one thing every member of the CigarBox Family has in common, it's exactly that.

 

Joe Box | Your Brother of The Leaf 🍂

 

PS: Next time we're yarning about cigar ashtrays, mate. And before you reckon "it's just an ashtray," think again… the right one changes how you rest your stick, how the ash falls and how the whole setup looks and feels.

Stay tuned for that one, legend...