The different types of electric lighters

The first "electric" lighter appeared in 1874. It was the Saturn lighter. For some time now, they have been making a big comeback on the market. Electric lighters are more durable, therefore less polluting and more environmentally friendly.

What types of electric lighter are available on the market? How do you choose one? How do they work? Let's take stock.

The arc lighter

There are two types of arc lighters: the simple electric arc lighter and the double electric arc lighter. The first generates a single arc, whereas the second produces two that intersect.

Its mode of operation is identical to that of a taser, in other words, they generate a high-intensity electric current to allow lighting a cigarette. It only takes a few seconds to achieve this.

Their great advantage lies in the fact that they can withstand very unfavorable weather conditions, since wind or rain cannot affect the arcs.

• The pros : works anytime, even under complex weather conditions, easily rechargeable, a simple press of a button allows the arc to light up.
• The cons : its price and the need to have a charging source on hand if necessary.

The spiral lighter

The spiral lighter is rechargeable via USB port, which is why it is also called a "USB lighter." The lithium-ion battery it contains recharges in a few hours.

Thus, a heating coil allows you to light a cigarette in no time. Presented like a USB flash drive, you just need to push up the small button to extend the coil and light the cigarette.

• The pros : works even outdoors, in any weather, very quick ignition, flame-free, no burns on the fingers, rechargeable and very affordable price
• The cons : some models can be fragile, require access to a PC (or any other source) for charging.

The luxury electric lighter

As in all families of lighters, there are low-end, mid-range, high-end, and luxury lighters. S. T. Dupont is one of the leading brands in the field, and the company was quick to offer its electric model.

Elegant and functional, no one would guess that it is an electric lighter. And yet: no flame, but a heated wire designed to light a cigarette.

• The pros : the strengths are the same as any other electric lighter, with added elegance. The brand's reputation is a guarantee of quality. An ideal gift to give or to treat yourself.
• The cons : its price.

The multi-purpose electric lighter

In the range of electric lighters, there are also lighters called multi-purpose. In addition to being able to light a cigarette, there are those that also aim to be a backup battery for dead smartphones, those that also serve as flashlights, counterfeit bill detectors, and even breathalyzers, like the Primo lighter.

• The advantages: a multi-service device, practical and easy to use.
• The drawbacks : the price, which can be very high depending on the services offered and the brand.

How do electric lighters work?

If all electric lighters are intended to light a cigarette, not all have the same way of achieving it. As seen previously, there are several types of electric lighters. Nevertheless, all are recharged in the same way, at know, via USB port or with a battery (less and less common).

Indeed, the charging method therefore remains mostly the USB port. It is therefore enough to charge the electric lighter with a laptop, a desktop computer, a tablet, etc.

Once charged, the lighter is ready to light your cigarette. For this, depending on the model, you will need to press a button to make the arc(s) appear, turn a knob to make the coil appear, or remove the cap to make the heat source appear.

As a general rule, Electric lighters have variable battery life, reaching up to 90 hours for the most efficient models. On average, they last around a hundred ignitions with a single charge.