(Update – since writing this article I have found an even better lighter for lighting my chimney starter that I detailed in this particular article.)
I was really tired of grabbing one of my cheap lighters to light up the charcoal in my Weber chimney starter or to light my fireplace only for it to crap out on me. It seemed like I was buying a new lighter every month or so. So I did a little research and found the Zippo Flex Neck Utility Lighter online and I know now that I will never go back to those cheap lighters again! (Don’t miss my youTube video below!)
I actually purchased this lighter back in July, roughly 9 months ago, and didn’t want to recommend it until I put it through its paces. Well, it’s still going strong and I use it almost every day to light my wood stove or my chimney starter. I also love the fact that it’s refillable with butane so it’s always ready to go. I cannot recommend it more highly for any BBQ enthusiast or just a homeowner who needs a light every now and then.
So what’s so special with the Zippo Flex Neck Utility Lighter? Just about everything but the most important thing is that it is refillable so I can buy a container or two of butane and just refill it when it is running out. It is also extremely heavy-duty. It has durable metal construction so it actually has some weight in your hands when you hold it.
It has a really nice sleek design so it feels really comfortable in your hands. But, to be honest, one of the most important aspects of this lighter that was a prerequisite for me was that it had a wind-resistant flame because I tend to grill and barbeque in all kinds of weather. I oftentimes need my lighter to cut through the wind to light the newspaper at the bottom of my Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter.
Check out my youTube video below which shows me using it and a demonstration on how to fill it…
There is also a child-resistant safety button which is a great feature if you have children. Another really cool feature is that it has a folding metal loop at the bottom of the lighter which allows you to hang it from a nail or a hook if you choose.
Features of the Zippo Flexneck Utility Lighter
- Color:Silver (Black is another option)
- Material:Durable Metal Construction
- Dimensions:12″ long X 1″ wide
- Wind-resistant dual flame technology
- Adjustable flame dial
- Flexible neck allows you to get to hard-to-get spots
- Refillable with butane (not included)
If you are tired of your cheapo lighters that last for a month or two, you might want to make the reasonable investment in the Zippo Flexneck Utility Lighter. I’ve had mine for about 9 months now and it’s still going strong!
If you have any questions please leave them in the comments or contact me via my Contact Me page!
Bob started this passion site, Life with Grilling, in 2012. Life with Grilling has been a trusted source for grilling and barbecue tips, techniques, and accessories for over 10 years. Bob has been charcoal grilling for most of his adult life and smoking meats using a personally-configured stick-burner Brinkmann smoker since 2012.
His passion for charcoal grilling was instilled into him by his father who used charcoal on a basic grill to cook for his family on warm summer nights. Charcoal grilling and tending to his smoker has been a happy pastime of Bob’s, especially as he enters his retirement years. His love of all things grilling and smoking has allowed him to review the best charcoal grills and grilling accessories available in the martketplace and to develop many recipes, grilling tips, and techniques over the years. He is eager to share his lifelong grilling experiences and expertise through Life with Grilling!
