Does Zippo screw up the flavor?

[mudcamper]

A newb here, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I find that I have to hold a soft flame butane lighter over the tobacco much longer than a pipe Zippo. I have to swirl it around a few times to get a good light (the butane). But with the pipe Zippo, I draw in the huge flame for just a brief instant and I have a good light. So either I burn some tobacco too hot, or I get a very brief whiff of Ronsonol. Six of one, half dozen of the other. I am still experimenting with both.

 

[cajomu]

A newb here, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Don't apologize for being new to the "hobby." You're observations are as valid as mine and everybody else's.

 

[theloniousmonkfish]

I'm a princess and can taste fuel during the bowl, maybe it's all in my head but I can't use a Zippo and enjoy my pipe. Have been matches only for years.

 

[pufferfish]

I use lighters but prefer matches.

 

[onestrangeone]

I used Zippo’s for decades (cigarettes) you get used to the taste after a while and don’t notice it anymore. Cigars seem to be more sensitive, possibility because once you draw the fumes in there’s no way for it to evaporate, I prefer my tobacco to not taste like naphtha.

 

[jpmcwjr]

A newb here, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I find that I have to hold a soft flame butane lighter over the tobacco much longer than a pipe Zippo. I have to swirl it around a few times to get a good light (the butane). But with the pipe Zippo, I draw in the huge flame for just a brief instant and I have a good light. So either I burn some tobacco too hot, or I get a very brief whiff of Ronsonol. Six of one, half dozen of the other. I am still experimenting with both.

If you like a large flame, you can adjust the butane lighter.
However, a gentler lighting of tobacco is often "a good thing".

 

[jazz]

I came across this topic that Zippo fluid screws up the taste and flavor of tobacco. Is there such thing?

Yes, there is such a thing but the only way I have found to do it is by overfilling the lighter and/or use bad quality fuel. Not all lighter fuel is created equal.
Also, don't have your wick too long. With my pipe insert, I tend to have it so it goes no further than halfway up the hole in the chimney.

 

[seanv]

I like matches for indoor use or perfect conditions outside. I have a vertigo pipe lighter. It has not failed me now for two years.

 

[headhunter]

For me the lighter fluid is a no-no. My son-in-law bought me a butane Zippo and I love it.

 

[warren]

Tried the pipe insert on my Zippo. I think it's something they made just because they could. It wasn't an improvement, just required a different technique. I tip the lighter a bit towards the pipe, tip the bowl towards the lighter, and suck the flame to the tobacco. Then, pipe well lit, I go about my merry way. I read the instructions which came with my first Zippo. After getting in the habit of letting the flame burn a second, no fuel taste. I do the same with matches, even the sainted Vesta, so as not to taste the match ignition.

 

[jfred]

I tried lighting with a the Zippo (pipe insert) for the first time today. Worked just fine, but I did get a whiff of fuel taste even after letting it burn for a couple of seconds. Only on the first puff though, and I think this will be my future choice for windy condition lighting.

 

[bnichols23]

I do admit the fluid insert is probably more windproof than the Thunderbird (butane) insert. I'm just this butane guy, y'know, so the T'bird is my alternate to the Imco in windy situations.
Bill

 

[instymp]

No, use one all day, everyday

 

[jpmcwjr]

I am butane and matches all the way.
However, to minimize the intrusion of lighter fluid taste, hold the flame further away from the tobacco. The super heated air beyond the tip of the flame is enough to gently ignite the tobacco. Just draw the flame to near the tobacco, don't point it in.

 

[crashthegrey]

I don't prefer them for many reasons, but in answer to your question, no.

 

[pufferfish]

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[pufferfish]

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[pufferfish]