Zippo Butane Insert vs Torch Lighters: Which Is Better?
By Ron’s Cigar Store | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Zippo Single Flame Butane Insert, Beep Triple Flame, Vertigo Venom, and Lotus Defiant Quad torches to find the best lighter for your cigar or everyday carry needs.
Quick answer
For most cigar smokers, a dedicated torch lighter like the Vertigo Venom or Lotus Defiant Quad outperforms the Zippo Butane Insert in flame power and fuel capacity. The Zippo insert only makes sense if you already own a Zippo case and value the classic look over performance.
Flame count and wind resistance
The biggest difference is in how many flames you get. The Zippo Single Flame Butane Insert delivers one blue torch flame, which is fine for lighting a pipe or a single cigar in calm conditions. Torch lighters like the Beep Triple Flame, Vertigo Venom, and Lotus Defiant Quad offer three or four jets. That means a wider, hotter flame that lights a cigar faster and stays lit in a breeze.
Fuel capacity and refill convenience
The Zippo insert uses a butane canister that fits inside a standard Zippo case. That limits fuel tank size compared to a dedicated torch. The Vertigo Venom has a clear fuel tank so you can see when it's low, and a large flame adjuster for fine control. The Lotus Defiant Quad also has a fuel level window and a large adjuster. If you smoke multiple cigars in a session, a torch lighter will need fewer refills.
Build quality and price tradeoff
The Zippo insert costs about $27 and comes with Zippo's famous guarantee. But you also need a Zippo case, which adds to the total cost. The Beep Triple Flame is only $7, making it a budget option, but it lacks a fuel window and has a plastic body. The Vertigo Venom at $14 offers a good balance of price and features. The Lotus Defiant Quad is the most expensive at $56, but it's all metal, has a built-in cigar punch, and works at high altitude.
Tradeoffs at a glance
- Zippo Butane Insert: Best for: collectors or Zippo fans who want a butane torch in a classic case. Not for: anyone who needs a fast, wind-resistant light for multiple cigars. If you already own a Zippo case, this is the easiest upgrade. Otherwise, a dedicated torch gives more value.
- Beep Triple Flame: Best for: budget buyers who need a simple, reliable torch for occasional use. Not for: heavy smokers who want a fuel window or metal build. At $7 it's a no-brainer for a backup lighter, but don't expect premium features.
- Vertigo Venom Torch: Best for: everyday smokers who want a clear tank, large adjuster, and triple flames at a mid-range price. Not for: those who need a built-in cutter or all-metal construction. The Venom offers the best balance of features and price for most cigar smokers.
- Lotus Defiant Quad: Best for: serious cigar enthusiasts who smoke outdoors, at altitude, or want an all-metal lighter with a built-in punch. Not for: budget shoppers or those who prefer a single flame. If you smoke regularly and want a tool that will last, this is the top choice.
Product facts
- Zippo Single Flame Butane Insert: Single bright blue torch flame, odourless heat, fits any regular Zippo lighter case, backed by Zippo's best-in-class guarantee. You get the iconic Zippo look with a butane torch, but the single flame and small fuel tank mean slower lighting and more frequent refills.
Zippo Single Flame Butane Insert - Beep Triple Flame Torch Lighter: Triple flame torch design for a concentrated, wind-resistant burn, available in Black or Red, compact and durable. Three jets light a cigar quickly and resist wind, making it a practical everyday carry at a very low price.
Beep Triple Flame Torch Lighter - Vertigo Venom Torch Lighter: Triple wind-resistant torch flames, clear fuel tank, large flame adjuster, refillable with butane (random color). The clear tank and large adjuster give you control over fuel level and flame height, a step up from basic torches without breaking the bank.
- Lotus Defiant Quad Torch Lighter: Four torch flames, single action ignition, wind resistant, fuel level window, all metal housing, retractable 10 mm cigar punch, lights to 10,000 feet. Four flames and a built-in punch make this the most capable cigar lighter here, especially for outdoor or high-altitude use.
Which one should you choose?
Best for
- Smokers who want a fast, wind-resistant light for multiple cigars: choose a triple or quad torch like the Vertigo Venom or Lotus Defiant Quad.
- Budget-minded buyers or those who need a backup lighter: the Beep Triple Flame is hard to beat at $7.
- Collectors or Zippo fans who value the classic look: the Zippo Butane Insert is your only option.
Not for
- Heavy outdoor use: the Zippo insert and Beep Triple Flame lack the wind resistance and fuel capacity of a quad torch.
- High-altitude smoking: only the Lotus Defiant Quad is rated to work at 10,000 feet.
- Smokers who want a built-in cutter: only the Lotus Defiant Quad includes a retractable cigar punch.
