Lighters

Lighters

What Are Lighters and How Do They Work?

Lighters are compact ignition tools designed to create a controlled flame or heat source on demand. Whether you’re lighting a camping stove, starting a barbecue, sealing rope ends, or firing up a wood burner, a reliable lighter is one of those small essentials that quickly becomes indispensable. At Uttings, our range of lighters includes practical everyday options as well as specialist models built for outdoor use, field sports, and demanding conditions.

Most modern lighters work by producing a spark or heated element that ignites a fuel source. Traditional flint lighters use friction to create sparks, while many contemporary designs use piezo ignition (a push-button spark) for consistent, easy lighting. For outdoor and professional applications, you’ll often see windproof lighters, jet flame lighters, and long-reach lighters that provide safer handling and improved performance in awkward or windy environments.

In practical terms, choosing the right lighter is about more than just “making a flame”. It’s about ignition reliability, flame control, fuel type, durability, and how comfortably it fits into your kit. If you regularly spend time outdoors, it’s worth selecting a model that performs consistently when conditions are less than perfect.

How to Choose the Right Lighters for Your Needs

The best lighter for you depends on where you’ll use it, what you’ll be lighting, and how much reliability you need. A casual BBQ lighter may be perfect for the garden, but if you’re heading out for a weekend wild camp or working outdoors, you’ll likely want a more robust, wind-resistant option.

Fuel type: butane vs petrol

Butane lighters are popular for their clean burn, consistent ignition, and convenient refilling. They’re widely used for camping stoves, barbecues, and general outdoor tasks. Butane is also ideal when you want minimal odour and a tidy flame.

Petrol lighters (often associated with classic designs) can perform well in cold conditions and are known for their rugged simplicity. They’re a favourite among users who want a traditional, reliable option that’s easy to maintain with the right fuel and wick care.

Flame type: soft flame vs jet flame

Soft flame lighters are great for everyday use and controlled lighting jobs where you don’t need intense heat. They’re typically efficient on fuel and easy to manage.

Jet flame lighters (also called torch lighters) produce a hotter, more focused flame that’s far more resistant to wind. If you’re lighting stoves, firelighters, or need a dependable flame in exposed conditions, a windproof jet lighter is often the smarter choice.

Wind resistance and outdoor reliability

If you’re buying lighters for camping, fishing trips, or field sports, windproof performance matters. A gusty hillside or a wet lakeside isn’t the place to discover your lighter struggles to stay lit. Look for features such as wind guards, jet ignition, and sturdy casings designed for outdoor use.

Ignition style and ease of use

Many lighters use push-button piezo ignition, which is simple and dependable. If you’ll be using gloves in colder months, it’s worth choosing a model with a larger ignition button and an easy-grip body. For home use, long-reach lighters are ideal for safer ignition of candles, fires, and barbecues without bringing your hand too close to the flame.

Refillable vs disposable

Disposable lighters are convenient, but refillable lighters are often better value over time and create less waste. If you use a lighter regularly, choosing a refillable model makes practical sense, especially when you want consistent performance for outdoor cooking or stove lighting.

Safety and flame adjustment

Many lighters include a flame adjustment wheel or dial so you can tailor the flame size to the task. This is especially useful if you want a small, controlled flame for precision lighting, or a stronger flame for quicker ignition outdoors. For households and shared kits, safety locks can also be a valuable feature for added peace of mind.

To help compare common options, here’s a quick guide to choosing a lighter style based on typical use:

If you’re building a full outdoor kit, it’s also worth browsing complementary essentials like camping equipment and outdoor cooking gear, so your ignition solution matches your stove, fuel, and setup.

Top Lighters Brands and Models at Uttings

When you’re shopping for lighters, brand choice matters because it often reflects build quality, ignition consistency, and how well a lighter performs after repeated use. Uttings focuses on practical, dependable models that suit real outdoor and lifestyle needs, whether you’re preparing for a camping trip, stocking up for the BBQ season, or choosing a robust lighter for regular field use. Zippo are the premier brand for lighters and related accessories.

Within our selection you’ll find popular lighter styles including:

• Windproof lighters designed to perform better in exposed conditions
• Jet flame lighters for powerful, focused ignition
• Long-reach lighters for safer lighting of fires, stoves, and grills
• Refillable lighters for long-term value and reduced waste

If you’re shopping for other practical outdoor essentials, you may also want to explore our trekking accesories and survival equipment to round out your kit with reliable, pack-friendly gear.

Lighters Tips and Expert Advice

A good lighter is easy to take for granted, but a few simple habits will help you get better performance and longer life from it. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, these practical tips can make a real difference.

Keep your lighter dry and protected

Even windproof lighters can struggle if they’ve been soaked or filled with debris. If you’re heading outdoors, store your lighter somewhere protected, such as a zipped pocket, pouch, or a dry bag. For fishing trips and damp conditions, it’s a smart idea to carry a backup lighter in a separate place.

Use the right flame strength for the job

Turning the flame up to maximum isn’t always the best option. A lower flame can be safer and more fuel-efficient for close-up tasks, while a higher flame is useful when you need quick ignition in wind. If your lighter has flame adjustment, take a moment to set it appropriately before use.

Refill and maintain regularly

Refillable lighters are a great choice for regular users, but they do perform best when topped up properly. If you notice weak ignition or inconsistent flame height, it may simply be time for a refill. Keeping the nozzle area clean can also prevent misfires.

Practical use cases for beginners

If you’re new to camping or outdoor cooking, a lighter quickly becomes part of your routine. Typical beginner-friendly uses include lighting a gas stove, igniting firelighters, or starting a charcoal BBQ without struggling with matches in the breeze. Pairing your lighter with reliable fuel and accessories from our camping stoves range makes outdoor cooking far easier and more enjoyable.

Professional and frequent-use scenarios

For professionals and serious hobbyists, reliability and speed matter. A dependable lighter is useful for repeated ignition tasks such as lighting multiple stoves during group camps, firing up barbecues at events, or ensuring you can quickly get heat when conditions change. If you’re regularly outdoors, it’s worth prioritising wind resistance, durability, and a design that’s comfortable to use repeatedly.

Why Buy Lighters at Uttings

When you buy lighters from Uttings, you’re choosing a retailer with genuine outdoor experience and a reputation built over decades. Uttings is a family-run business based in Norwich, established in 1976, with a long history in outdoor and field sports retail. We stock premium products from the world’s leading brands and back it all with expert customer service, fast delivery, and a genuine passion for the great outdoors.

With over 45,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, you can shop with confidence knowing you’re supported by a knowledgeable team that understands the difference between a basic lighter and one you can truly rely on when it matters.

Lighters FAQs

What is the best lighter for camping?

For camping, a windproof or jet flame lighter is usually the most dependable choice, especially for lighting stoves and firelighters in exposed conditions.

Are jet flame lighters better in wind?

Yes. Jet flame lighters produce a focused, high-temperature flame that is far more resistant to wind than a standard soft flame lighter.

What’s the difference between a soft flame and a torch lighter?

A soft flame is broader and gentler for everyday lighting, while a torch (jet) lighter creates a hotter, concentrated flame for faster ignition outdoors.

Should I choose a refillable lighter or a disposable lighter?

If you use a lighter regularly, refillable models tend to be better value long-term and reduce waste, while disposable lighters are convenient for occasional use.

What fuel do butane lighters use?

Butane lighters use pressurised butane gas, which burns cleanly and is ideal for general outdoor use, barbecues, and camping stoves.

Do lighters work in cold weather?

Some lighters can struggle in very cold conditions. Choosing a quality lighter designed for outdoor use and keeping it warm in a pocket can help maintain performance.

What is a windproof lighter?

A windproof lighter is designed to keep the flame stable in breezy conditions, often using a jet flame and a protective burner design.

Are long-reach lighters safer for BBQs and fires?

Yes. A long-reach lighter helps you ignite barbecues, fire pits, and stoves from a safer distance, keeping your hand further away from heat and flare-ups.

Can I adjust the flame on a lighter?

Many refillable lighters include flame adjustment so you can increase or reduce flame height depending on the task and conditions.

Should I carry a backup lighter outdoors?

It’s a good idea. Carrying a spare lighter in a separate pocket or waterproof pouch gives you extra security if your main lighter gets wet or runs out of fuel.

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