Whether it’s firing up the grill, lighting candles to add some ambience, or starting a campfire, lighters always have been a handy tool. But disposable lighters can’t be recycled and must be purchased again and again as needed. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly one billion disposable lighters are sold in the United States each year. Electric lighters, also called rechargeable lighters, are one small step toward keeping non-recyclable products out of landfills.
Charged by USB, these gadgets are flameless, so they don’t blow out if you’re lighting something in a windy location. They use no butane like traditional lighters and also can replace lighter fluid. They’re powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that creates a high intensity electric arc between two tiny electrodes at the tip. They’re also super-hot, with some companies claiming their lighters reach 2,012 degrees. They come with a USB charging cable, and most also have a safety lock switch which must be depressed or pushed before pressing the ignition switch.
Ahead, our top picks for the best electric lighters:
This lighter has a flexible neck so you can reach down into tall or votive candle holders or grills, making it our top choice overall. LED indicator lights remind you when it’s time to charge, a useful feature not found on most USB lighters. There are several different finish colors, including black, blue, silver, gold, and red.
Best Overall
RONXS Lighter
The manufacturer says it you’ll get 600 uses on a full charge. It’s quieter than other lighters and it’s great for lighting candles quickly. However, if you have kids, note that there’s no child-safety lock.
Price at time of publish: $13
With a retractable tip and LED indicator on the side, you’ll always know when it’s time to charge up this little lighter. At roughly 7 inches long, it’s also a good bet for tucking into your pocket for lighting beachside bonfires or campfires because the electrodes tuck away when not in use. It automatically shuts off if the ignition button is held for more than 7 seconds. It charges quickly, but some people find ignition sound to be unpleasant.
Best Budget
Suprus Lighter Candle
Price at time of publish: $14
Can a lighter be pretty and practical? Well, yes! This lighter has a minimalist, unobtrusive look and elegant shape so it’s attractive enough to sit out if you use it frequently. It’s available in many different colors and patterns, including olive green, tan, pink, red, blue, and even watercolor.
Best Design
The USB Lighter Company The Molti Light
It has a soft rubberized feel to the exterior so it’s easy to grip and lasts up to 300 uses on a single charge. It also has a small flashlight, which is super useful if you’re trying to light candles outside after sunset or if the power goes out. If you don’t use it frequently, a single charge can last for months.
Price at time of publish: $45
At almost 11 inches long, this lighter’s flexible neck can reach into grills, candles, or campfires with ease. It’s one of the longest necks available in the marketplace and can be rotated 360 degrees. It can be used 200 times before recharging. For safety, the ignition spark will power off after 7 seconds of continuous pressing and it has a child-safety lock. It works well in wind when a match would have blown out, but you may need to hold it very close to the fuel source because the spark is not huge.
Best for Grills
Grillmatic USB Grill Lighter
Price at time of publish: $22
This handsome lighter looks like a traditional lighter and will fit neatly in your pocket or purse. It lasts 300 uses on a single charge, which takes 1.5 hours to fully charge. There’s an indicator light to let you know when it’s charged. It comes in a range of fun colors a finishes, including rainbow, rose gold, purple, gold, and many more. We like its size, colors, and ease of use, but note that this style is not ideal for reaching into grills or deep candle holders.
Best Pocket-Sized
The USB Lighter Company USB Rechargeable Pocket Lighter
This waterproof lighter, which resembles a traditional lighter, has a sealed cover with a latch. It’s meant for wet conditions such as camping and even can survive a quick dunk in water. It also comes with a lanyard for easy carrying or fishing out of your backpack. There are several color options, including red, camo, black, and green. It’s lightweight and feels sturdy, although the case is plastic. It would also a great addition to your emergency pack.
Best Waterproof
Icfun Waterproof Lighter
Price at time of publish: $20
What to Consider When Buying an Electric Lighter
How You’ll Use It
If you’re looking to light grills, fires, or pilot lights, you’ll want a lighter with a long neck. If you plan to leave it out on your mantel to light decorative candles, you may want a more attractive design. If you’re looking for something to take camping, a waterproof design is good idea.
We like the RONXS Lighter for best overall, while the stylish The USB Lighter Company Soft-Touch Rechargeable Lighter is attractive enough to stay out and within easy reach all the time.
Safety Features
If you have children, it’s best to get a design with a safety lock. Some designs also have automatic shut-off features that turn off the lighter after a certain number of seconds (like five or seven), but these may be harder to use when trying to get a campfire going.
Charge Indicator
Some lighters, like our Best Overall pick, have small LED lights on the side of the device to let you know if the battery is fully charged. If they don’t light up, it’s time to plug in.
Why Trust Treehugger?
Treehugger wants to make it easier for our readers to avoid the use of disposable products whenever possible. Arricca SanSone specializes in writing about home, shelter and gardening for print and online publications.
It’s against TSA rules to put an electric lighter in your checked bags, and charging an electric lighter while on the airplane is also prohibited.
