Quick choice by use
| For | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Every day, in your pocket | Classic | Refillable, replaceable flint, steady fixed flame |
| Small and light | Micro | Works like the Classic, shorter and slimmer |
| Candles and the fireplace | Mini Tube | Long neck, flame away from your fingers, adjustable |
| A gift that lasts | Metal | The same Clipper with a metal body |
| Outdoors and in the wind | Jet | Electronic ignition, windproof flame |
| Collecting or sharing | Classic 4Pack | Four designs on one theme |
To see every model with its size side by side, including the ones we do not sell, read all Clipper models. This guide is about which one suits you.
For every day: the Classic
If you want a light on you at all times, the Clipper Classic is the safe choice. You refill it with gas, and the flint unit with the wheel pulls out at the top, so you replace the flint and keep the lighter. Clipper states about 3,000 lights per fill for the large size.
You cannot adjust the flame: according to Clipper a fixed flame valve gives a steady flame of at most 30 mm. When the flint is worn, there are the Clipper Universal Flints; when the wheel is worn, you replace the whole Clipper Flints System. The steps are in replacing a Clipper flint.
Small and light: the Micro
If the regular Clipper feels too big, or it has to fit a small pocket or an evening bag, take the Clipper Micro. According to Clipper it is 6.3 cm tall against 7.4 cm for the large Classic, and slimmer too. Otherwise it works the same way, with gas and a replaceable flint. The Micro also comes in series, with several colours in one series.
At home, for candles and the fireplace: the Mini Tube
A candle burned halfway down a tall jar, firelighters at the back of the fireplace: with a pocket lighter you soon burn your fingers. The Clipper Mini Tube is 11 cm long with a long neck that keeps the flame away from your hand. Clipper lists an adjustable flame and a tank you refill with gas. It is a lighter for the kitchen drawer or the mantelpiece, not for your pocket.
As a gift: the Metal
For a present, a Clipper Metal stands out more than a regular one. Same shape, same workings as the Classic, but with a metal body: heavier, cool in the hand, and it keeps its looks. A plain finish without a print suits someone who likes things simple. Because it is refilled and the flint replaced, the gift lasts for years.
Outdoors and in the wind: the Jet
On a windy terrace or when camping, you want a flame that does not blow out. That is the job of the Clipper Jet. It has no flint: an electronic ignition lights a blue, concentrated windproof flame that Clipper says you can adjust. In the shop these are models with a metal body.
Watch out when you travel: under IATA rules a blue flame lighter is not allowed on a plane, not even in your pocket. Take an ordinary Classic instead (more in taking a lighter on a plane). For a storm lighter with several flames, read which storm lighter to choose.
Flint or jet flame: what difference do you notice?
The biggest difference between Clippers is how they light. On a flint Clipper you roll the wheel with your thumb: the spark lights a soft yellow flame that you cannot adjust. It is simple, and you know at once when the flint is running out, because there is no spark any more. On the Jet you press a button and get a hard, blue, directed flame. Great in the wind, but it cannot fly with you.
If in doubt, start with a Classic. Flints and the wheel unit are sold separately, and it suits almost every use.
One Clipper or a 4Pack?
A Classic 4Pack is not a different model: it is four ordinary Clippers, each with its own design on one theme, such as Christmas, animals or funny slogans. A 4Pack suits you if:
- you want the whole series, without hunting for the missing designs later;
- you plan to give some away, for example keep one and hand out three;
- you tend to lose lighters and like a few spares in a drawer.
If you only want one, or one particular design, choose it singly in the Clipper Classic range.
Why does one Clipper cost more than another?
We do not quote prices here, because they change. The difference itself is easy to explain:
- The material. A Classic is nylon. A Metal and the Jets in our shop have a metal body.
- The ignition. A flint and wheel is simple. An electronic ignition with a windproof flame is a different, costlier mechanism.
- Single or set. A 4Pack is bought as a whole series. When you compare, work out the price per lighter.
- What you spend later. Every Clipper is refilled with gas, and on the flint models you replace the flint now and then. A lighter you refill for years is one you only buy once. How refilling works is in how to refill a Clipper lighter.
And for a collection?
Clipper keeps bringing out new series, and collectors usually choose by series rather than by single lighter. For series, displays and the brand's story from Barcelona, read collecting Clipper lighters. The whole brand is under Clipper lighters.
