I Tried a $10 Electric Candle Lighter and I’m Never Using Matches Again

I’m obsessed with candles. The scents! The mood lighting! The aesthetic! My candle collection ranges from affordable single wicks from Ikea that I burn with abandon to three-wick splurges that I light only on special occasions and do double duty as home decor.

But when it comes to lighting candles, I’m not so in love with matches and lighters. I’ve singed my fingertips and tried to strike dud matches more times than I can count. And I don’t like tossing used-up plastic fluid lighters in the trash. But it turns out there’s a better way to light candles: an electric candle lighter. Now, I light candles with the touch of a button.

Psst. If you like this, you might also like the viral Candle Warmer Lamp. Oh and, here’s how to stop your candle wicks from mushrooming.

What Is an Electric Candle Lighter?

Electric candle lighters, also called rechargeable lighters, solve the problem of finicky and dangerous matches and lighters. Instead of using flammable fluids or friction to start a flame, electric candle lighters contain a lithium-ion battery in a slim case about the size and length of a thick pencil.

Once charged, you simply slide up the cover to reveal a button. Click it and get a small electrical arc that’s much hotter than an open flame. You’ll also hear a small zapping noise and see a bright line of light. Touch that line to the candle wick and your candle will light immediately. Magic!

Since you’re not dealing with an open flame, you can use an electric candle lighter in outdoor or windy situations. There’s no smoke, waste, or flames to deal with.

These candle accessories give you the most burn for your buck.

Why I Love Using an Electric Candle Lighter

An electric candle lighter is one of those home items I don’t realize I needed until I had one. Not only is an electric candle lighter super simple to use, it’s cost-effective, reduces waste and is safer than using open flames to light wicks.

The long neck reaches wicks in large jars—a serious struggle with matches. And I can hold the electric candle lighter upside down and sideways without disrupting the electric charge.

I’ve had my electric candle lighter for over four months and I’ve used it almost every day and charged it once. Manufacturer’s instructions state that one charge lasts about 400 uses. It takes about 20 minutes to fully charge the lighter after the battery dies.

Pros

• Light candles with the touch of a button
• Configured to use on all candle depths and sizes
• No smoke! And no smoke pollutants
• Flameless is much safer than matches and lighters; no burns
• It’ll light in any conditions, regardless of wind or fans
• Power lights remind you when it needs a charge
• Safety switch automatically turns off after seven seconds
• No lighter fluid required

Cons

• You have to remember to charge it! (But the battery lasts months.
• The initial cost is more than most matches

Where to Buy an Electric Candle Lighter

I bought my electric candle lighter on Amazon for $9.99. I chose black, but it’s also available in more fun and fashionable colors like rose gold, ruby red, sapphire blue, space gray, and tiffany blue. If you’re gifting a friend with a candle, add an electric candle lighter to the gift bag. I promise, they’ll love it.

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