My Lighter Desire - A Collector of Lighters

Brett Huguenard
     I've been collecting lighters for many years now and over time I've acquired over 30 different lighters. I think it's kind of an odd thing to collect, being it's a collection of all different types of lighters and not a specific brand or type. However, my favorite type and brand of lighter would probably be the Ronson Jetlite because of its practical use of the very hot and direct blue flame. The Ronson Jetlite is also a windproof lighter, which is extremely important, particularly if you're a smoker.

     About a year ago, I was in Kuwait during a deployment and was smoking about a pack a day. Unfortunately, the only kinds of lighters that were available were the cheaply-made disposable lighters, similar to the common Bic. However, these were not even Bic, and would often quit working prematurely because of sand build-up, the climate, carrying the lighter all the time, or other factors. On the rare occasion, the lighters were physically functioning like they should, the windy desert conditions would often snuff the flame out before having a chance to light a cigarette. Well, being stationed in Kuwait, soldiers would willingly pay good money to have just one decent lighter in their possession. It was at this time I would have loved to have one of my Ronson Jetlites with me, but I unfortunately left them back home in the States.

     Ronson makes many of these types of lighters, with the most popular and common one being the Ronson Jetlite. I own three of the Jetlites and they all work great. They're reliable, easy to refill, and very affordable. Ronson makes many different kinds of lighters, though. Some are fancy, some are rare, some are vintage, and some are just simple and basic. Have a look throughout this site to find the right kind of lighter for you.

Ronson Jetlite

Below are the kinds of Ronson lighters that I own a few of. They work great, are very reliable, are refillable, and are very affordable. Another great quality about these lighters is that they are the "jet lighter" type, given the lighter's namesake, and are not easily blown out by wind. In fact, it would take a very brisk breeze to extinguish the flame from a Ronson Jetlite as I have learned from personal experience. These piezoelectric ignition lighters are great multi-purpose lighters and are ideal for just about any application requiring a flame. An ideal use that I've found mine particularly handy for is lighting incense because it gets the incense burning much faster than a traditional lighter because the flame from a Ronson Jetlite is much hotter and more direct than that of a regular flame lighter. This is one of the many ideal applications for a jet flame lighter such as this. Another great use is for cigars since they require much more flame time to light compared to a cigarette.

Ronson Jetlite Video Review

Video credits: The Proffessor's Garage

Ronson Aurora - A Stylish & Classy Lighter from Ronson


Image credits: TheBackyShop.co.uk
The Ronson Aurora is a very classy lighter with some rather unique design features. Available in a polished chrome or a black lacquer finish, the Ronson Aurora is one of the most stylish lighters I've ever seen in my life. Sporting a classy, vintage look of a lighter from the 1940's, the Aurora is a flint lighter fueled with butane. Ronson Aurora lighters are moderately rare, yet still coming with an affordable price tag. To me, these are one of the most unique and classy lighters that I've ever seen. See the video below for a demonstration of how this lighter works.

Ronson Varaflame - A Classic Elegant Lighter from Ronson

Image credits: TheBackyShop.co.uk
This is the prize lighter of the Ronson Company. Granted, they're not cheap and rather rare, but they're an excellent collector's item and the Ronson Varaflame is arguably one of the most classy lighters available on the market today. With a very classic and vintage look, the unique and beautiful Ronson Varaflame is a flint lighter with butane as it's fuel, common with almost all Ronson lighters. The video below shows a demonstration and some of the features of the Ronson Varaflame lighter. However, the one in the video is a 50th Anniversary 24-karat gold plated limited edition version...
Video credits: according2ed

Ronson Comet


Image credits: mec.ca
The Ronson Comet is quite a bit more affordable than the vintage or fancy lighters such as the ones above, but it's one of the more functional and affordable lighters available. However, this lighter isn't too be confused with the Ronson Super Comet, a much more rare and expensive lighter made by Ronson. Like almost all Ronson lighters, this is a refillable butane lighter, however this model operates using piezoelectric ignition system. Available here in packs of 4, you choose either the white or black pack.

Ronson Tech Torch - The Workhorse of Ronson Lighters

A very utilitarian lighter built for a purpose, the Tech Torch is practical for a variety of purposes from soldering to caramelizing. In many cases, this can take the place of the more bulky and expensive blow torch. Click the image on the left for more information if you're interested. Also, you can see a video review, credits to Kevin Millard, of the Ronson Tech Torch below.

Rare, Vintage, & Unique Ronson Lighters

This is the Ronson Banjo Lighter. First released in 1926, this was
the first "automatic lighter", also being very commercially successful.
Information credits: Wikipedia.com - Image credits: Etsy.com
Rare lighters such as the Ronson Venetian, Ventus, or Banjo lighters have a very unique and vintage quality that makes them highly desirable for collectors. While these lighters may not be the most affordable lighters, they are very sought after and only go up in value once acquired. Have a look at the selection below for some of these rare lighters from Ronson.
Ronson Firebird Lighter
There are a few different
styles of this particular
lighter available. Click the
image above to see others.
 

Ronson Ventus Lighter
Ronson Phoenix Lighter
Ronson Venetian Lighter
There are a few different
styles of this particular
lighter available. Click the
image above to see others.


Ronson Sophie Champagne Lighter
Ronson Barrel Lighter
There are a few different
styles of this particular
lighter available. Click the
image above to see others.
Ronson Trend Lighter
There are a few different
styles of this particular
lighter available. Click the
image above to see others.
Ronson Angle Lighter
Available in chrome
or gunmetal colors.