Why a special lighter for the fireplace?
In a fireplace, the log or kindling is often deep inside. A regular lighter can't reach it — or forces you to put your hand near the flames. That's awkward and unsafe.
A good fireplace lighter has three key qualities:
- Powerful jet flame that lights first time, even in damp or draughty conditions
- Safe ignition at a distance thanks to a long nozzle or sturdy body
- Refillable so you don't need to buy a new one every season
Below are our top 5, ranked by the best combination of these features.
Which fireplace lighter suits you?
Looking for the best all-round choice? PyroPen Turbo. Powerful, affordable, and easy to use.
Many or large fireplaces? Champ Extreme. The most powerful flame in our top 5.
Got a fire pit or BBQ as well as a fireplace? PyroTorch Quattro. Four jet flames make it brilliantly versatile.
Want something that looks great on the mantelpiece? Champ Tatin. Works beautifully and looks the part.
Compact and precision important? Atomic Pen Torch. Slim design, pin-point ignition.
What should you look for in a fireplace lighter?
Not every lighter is suitable for a fireplace. A standard disposable lighter burns too briefly and its flame is too small to light wood. A good fireplace lighter scores well on five key points.
Length and reach
In a deep fireplace, logs or firelighters sit at the back, so you need to light them safely from a distance. Two approaches work: a lighter with a long nozzle (pen-style), or a table torch with a powerful flame you operate from a safe angle. Both are valid — it mostly comes down to your fireplace type.
Type of flame
A jet flame burns under pressure and reaches temperatures up to 1300°C. A regular yellow flame tops out at around 800°C. For lighting wood and firelighters, a jet flame is far more effective — especially if the wood is slightly damp or there's a draught in the chimney.
Refillable or disposable
A refillable lighter running on butane gas is always better value in the long run. A canister of butane gas costs less than a new disposable lighter, and you can top it up in ten seconds. It's kinder to the environment too — no plastic and metal thrown away every season.
Adjustable flame
An adjustable flame lets you match the size to what you're lighting. Turn it down low for a small firelighter, higher for a large log. Not all lighters offer this, but for fireplace use it's a real advantage.
Safety
Choose a lighter with a child lock or safety button — particularly important if children or pets are in the home. All five models in our top 5 include a safety mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions
A jet flame is a concentrated, blue flame under pressure. It burns hotter than a regular yellow flame and is wind-resistant. As a result, it lights wood and firelighters much faster and more reliably.
Yes, all five are designed for controlled use and have a safety mechanism. Always keep them out of reach of children.
With normal use (lighting a fire a few times a week), a full tank lasts 4 to 8 weeks. A bottle of butane gas refills it in 10 seconds.
Virtually all five work well with a fire starter wool. The Atomic Pen Torch and PyroPen Turbo are particularly suited, as their slim design lets you reach deep into the fireplace even when the wool is positioned at the back.
Our top 5 conclusion
For most people, the PyroPen Turbo is the best fireplace lighter of 2026. Powerful jet flame, affordable and easy to use — everything you need, nothing you don't.
Want more choice? Browse our full range of lighters, including models for BBQ, candles and outdoor use.
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