Sizzle front

With summer at our doorstep, there’s no better time to stock up on some handy outdoor living accessories, like lighters, for those backyard barbecues, lakeside picnics, and camping trips. With everything going electric it was only time before battery powered lighters hit the scene. They offer a combination of safety, convenience, and environmental benefits. But are they better than traditional lighters?

I’m reviewing five new electronic lighters from Sizzle. These are USB plasma arc lighters that contain lithium-ion batteries. Plasma lighters use a high voltage arc to create heat instead of a flame. This makes them windproof, flameless, and more convenient to use. The big question is, are they any good and are they safe? Let’s find out. 

Design of the Sizzle plasma arc lighters

Sizzle Flare lighter

Each of the five Sizzle lighters have their own unique design elements. The Pitmaster is designed for lighting gas, wood, or charcoal barbecues. It’s long with a hole at the end to hang it off a BBQ. There is a black switch that turns the device on and showcases the power on LED lights below. Drawing back the sliding switch activates the plasma arc lighter which retracts open when activated.

The Sleek has an elegant and futuristic look to it. It sits upright and the power button and micro USB port are located on the bottom. It’s made for indoor use to light things like birthday candles. Conversely, the Survival is designed for outdoor use. It features a waterproof LED flashlight and weighs only 56 grams. The Flare looks like a modern day Zippo lighter. Flipping the lid open and pressing the engage button activates the plasma arc. Finally, the Extender has an extendable 49cm metal shaft to light things up from a distance. This makes it great for lighting campfires, furnace pilot lights, or BBQs from a safe distance.  

Using the Sizzle lighters to light a BBQ

These lighters couldn’t have arrived at a better time. I just finished cleaning my BBQ and I haven’t fired it up yet. It has an igniter button that sometimes works so I usually have a BBQ lighter on standby. The Pitmaster is designed for BBQs but instead I opted for the Extender. With the long retractable handle, it was better suited for my needs. You can see in my video review that I was able to reach all the burners with it, both from the top and bottom of the BBQ. I like the fact that it is flameless and windproof. This made it easy and safe to light BBQs in various weather conditions.  

Using the Sizzle lighters to light a candle

Sizzle Survivor

In all, these arc lighters can be used to light anything a traditional lighter can. From my experience, the key is to place material across the arc to ignite. For this review, I used a birthday candle. Once the wick was between the arc, a flame was produced on the candle. The wick was small enough to fit in between the arc. One issue I can foresee is wax getting on the arc. That would likely affect the performance. Therefore, if you do get residue on it, immediately clean it up with a dry cloth or brush. 

Charging the Sizzle plasma arc lighters     

According to Sizzle, these lighters ignite approximately 100 times on a single charge. To charge, simply plug it into any USB port with a DC 5V output voltage and output current below 3000mA. You cannot use a fast charging USB port. It’s advised to charge it at least once a month. In addition, do not keep a plasma arc lighter charging overnight. This prevents overcharging. It should also not be placed in direct sunlight while charging. 

Plasma lighters use lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, they will not last forever. The typical lifespan is about 2 years. You cannot extend the lifespan of these lighters by infrequent use. Basically, once you get it, use it as much as you can during the 2-year lifespan.  

What can you light with the Sizzle plasma arc lighters?

As a general rule, anything a traditional lighter can ignite, a plasma lighter can as well. This includes cigarettes, matches, kindling, paper etc. The difference is how you light it. With the Sizzle lighters, technique is key. Ideally, you want to place the object right in between the plasma arc but that may be difficult for larger items. In that case, start the arc, and then touch it to the object. Be mindful the whole time to ensure debris, like wax or dirt, doesn’t get on or around the arc area. If it does, clean it up right away with a dry cloth. 

Sizzle Top angle

What I like about Sizzle plasma arc lighters

Given the choice to use a traditional flame-based lighter, or a Sizzle lighter, I would choose a Sizzle plasma lighter. Trying to light something with a flame-lighter in the wind has always been an issue. That’s not an issue with the Sizzle lighters. The plasma arc works very well in windy environments. The only issue would be keeping the fire going while it’s still windy. 

Another thing I like is the long battery life. Typically, you can expect about a 100 uses before you need to charge the battery. That makes it incredibly convenient, especially when you’re camping or off the grid. The Survival is a must-have accessory for anyone who spends a lot of time in the great outdoors. With the built-in light and strobe function, it could be a lifesaver out in the back country. 

What I don’t like about the Sizzle plasma arc lighters

The big issue I have with the Sizzle lighters is the 2-year shelf life. No matter how well you care for your Sizzle lighters, it will eventually stop working. This means you won’t be passing this down generations like some do with Zippo lighters. Another issue is the micro-USB port. In 2023, we really should only be seeing USB-C ports on new devices. I suspect this was done to keep the costs down but for consumers this means carrying or holding onto more cables to charge our devices.   

Sizzle side 2

Final thoughts

At some point in time, everyone needs a lighter. Disposable lighters will also be a part of our lives. The only difference is we now have new electronic options to start a fire. With their enhanced safety features, convenience, and stylish designs, Sizzle plasma lighters offer a compelling alternative to traditional lighters. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further improvements in electronic lighters, providing even greater convenience and safety for users worldwide, and perhaps even a longer shelf life. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, safe, and eco-friendly option, consider embracing Sizzle electronic lighters. If anything, it will ‘spark’ some great conversation this summer.

Andy Baryer
Andy Baryer
http://handyandymedia.com
Andy Baryer aka “Handy Andy” is a technology journalist, gadget reviewer, and DIY/how-to content creator. Known as the handyman of tech, Andy enjoys fixing poor wireless networks, building smart homes, and cooking with the latest kitchen gadgets. He’s a competitive whistler, a budding woodworker, and loves gardening in his home-built smart garden.
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172 COMMENTS

  2. I think the Flare style of Sizzle plasma arc lighters is best for me – I like the style of it – very flashy. It’s a perfect blend of form and function!

  3. I think the Flare style is perfect for me to take on my day trips – a perfect blend of form and function! It’s extra stylish to catch the eyes.

  10. The Survival would be the most useful for all my outdoor use, because it has a waterproof LED flashlight and is so lightweight. I could also make good use of the Extender for lighting the BBQ more safely.

  11. I really like the Extender Sizzle lighter. It would be fantastic to light camping firepits and barbeques- plus it would be a godsend when we’re helping out at the farm. The wind wouldn’t blow the Sizzle lighter out !

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