What makes a lighter windproof?
A regular lighter goes out as soon as there is a bit of wind. Frustrating at the campfire, on the terrace, or on the go. A storm lighter solves this.
Three features distinguish a good storm lighter:
- Jet flame instead of a regular flame. A jet flame burns under pressure and is much harder to blow out
- Multiple flames make the effect even stronger, especially in strong wind
- Sturdy body that doesn’t blow away and provides a good grip during use
Below are our top 5, tested for wind resistance, reliability, and ease of use.
Buying a storm lighter: what should you look for?
A good storm lighter is an investment that lasts for years, provided you pay attention to the right points. Five criteria to consider in your choice.
Type of flame
A jet flame is the basis for every storm lighter. This concentrated, blue flame burns under pressure and reaches temperatures up to 1300°C. More importantly: it is almost impossible to blow out, even in strong wind. A regular yellow flame goes out at the first gust of wind.
Number of jets
The more jets, the more wind-resistant. A single jet works fine in light wind, but in truly stormy weather a quattro flame (four jets) is unbeatable. The jets reinforce each other and keep burning even if one jet is briefly disturbed.
Refillable with butane gas
A refillable storm lighter is more economical and sustainable in the long run. You can refill it in 10 seconds with a bottle of butane gas. Disposable storm lighters are thrown away after a few weeks, which is a waste of money and bad for the environment.
Sturdy body
Outdoor use means your lighter must be able to take a hit. Choose a model with a robust casing made of metal or sturdy plastic. Pen lighters are handy for the pocket, table torches are more stable on a table.
Safety
A good storm lighter has a child lock or safety button. Especially for families or if you carry it in a bag or backpack, this is no unnecessary luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions
A storm lighter has a jet flame instead of a regular yellow flame. This jet flame burns under pressure and is therefore wind-resistant. A normal lighter goes out at the first gust of wind.
In light drizzle usually yes, because the jet flame is hotter than a regular flame and rain evaporates faster. In a downpour, it's better to wait or seek shelter.
With normal outdoor use (lighting a few times a day), a full refill lasts 4 to 8 weeks. Quattro flame models consume gas faster than single jet models.
Butane gas. That is the standard gas for all refillable jet lighters. At PyroProducts, you will find different sizes of butane gas bottles that are compatible with all lighters from this top 5.
A refillable jet lighter is NOT allowed in carry-on or checked baggage according to international aviation regulations. A disposable gas lighter is allowed in carry-on baggage (maximum one per person), but not in checked baggage.
In many cases, it is due to an empty gas reservoir, a clogged nozzle, or air bubbles in the system. On our page about refilling lighters, you will find a step-by-step guide to get your lighter working again.
All models in our top 5 have a safety mechanism or child lock. Always keep them out of reach of children, even after use.
Yes, all five models work great for BBQ. For a deep fireplace, a pen shape like the PyroPen Turbo is more practical because you can light deeper inside the fireplace.
Conclusion of our top 5
For most people, the PyroTorch Quattro is the best storm lighter of 2026. Four jet flames, affordable and reliable in any wind. A strong combination without unnecessary extras.
Want more options? Then check out our full collection of lighters, including specific models for BBQ, fireplace, and outdoor use.
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