How to Use a Single Jet Cigar Lighter for a Perfect Light
By Smoke-King Tobacconist | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the proper technique for lighting a cigar with a single jet torch lighter. This guide covers preparation, flame adjustment, and toasting to avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Use a single jet cigar lighter by first purging any air from the tank, adjusting the flame to about 1 inch, then toasting the cigar foot evenly before drawing the flame in for a full light.
Why a single jet lighter works well for most cigars
A single jet torch lighter focuses a concentrated flame that reaches the right temperature for lighting tobacco without burning the wrapper. Unlike soft flame lighters, it works in wind and doesn't leave a sooty taste. The trade-off is that you need to rotate the cigar more carefully to avoid charring one side.
Step-by-step lighting process
- Purge and refill the tank: Press the fill valve to release any remaining gas. Fill with high-quality butane until liquid appears at the valve opening. Wait 2 minutes for the gas to stabilize before lighting. Skipping the purge can trap air, causing a weak flame that won't light evenly.
- Set the flame height: Turn the adjustment wheel at the base of the lighter to produce a flame about 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall. Too high and you risk scorching the wrapper; too low and the flame won't reach the center of the cigar. Test the flame on a piece of paper first so you can see the size before touching the cigar.
- Toast the foot of the cigar: Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and rotate it slowly about 1 inch above the flame. Keep the flame from touching the wrapper. Toast until the foot glows evenly orange. If you see a dark ring forming, you're holding it too close. Back off and rotate faster.
- Draw the flame in: Once the foot is evenly toasted, bring the cigar closer to the flame and take a few gentle puffs. Continue rotating until the entire foot is lit and producing an even smoke. A common mistake is puffing too hard, which pulls in a hot flame and burns the wrapper. Use short, gentle draws.
- Check the burn and touch up if needed: After lighting, inspect the ash end. If one side is burning faster, use the lighter to touch up that area by holding the flame near the slower-burning edge. A single jet is precise enough for touch-ups. Just avoid holding the flame on one spot for more than a second.
Lighter options for the job
- Xikar Allume Single Jet Cigar Lighter - Silver: The Xikar Allume Single Jet Cigar Lighter features a side squeeze action, fuel level window, and flame adjustment wheel. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The fuel window lets you see when you're low on gas, so you never start a light with an empty tank. The warranty adds peace of mind for daily use.
Xikar Allume Single Jet Cigar Lighter - Silver - Palio Ballista Single Jet Cigar Lighter - Red: The Palio Ballista Single Jet Cigar Lighter is a simple, reliable design priced lower because it omits a fuel gauge, punch cutter, and cigar rest. If you already carry a separate cutter and don't need extra features, the Ballista gives you a dependable torch at a budget-friendly price.
Palio Ballista Single Jet Cigar Lighter - Red
