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10 Best Fire Starters of 2020

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It’s easy to forget just how vital fire has been for human society. But when one removes himself from modern conveniences it’s a lesson quickly relearned. Having a proper fire starter ensures safety, light, warmth and food. It can set the mood or save a life. But no matter the use, one needs to know a fire starter is reliable. The following article will examine ten options for the best fire starters.

We’ll judge each lighter by price, intended function, reliability and versatility. This will help everyone from campers to fireplace owners pick the best fire starter for their needs.

10. Robolife Electronic Ignitor Fire Starter

Robolife Best Fire Starter

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The Robolife Electronic Ignitor Fire Starter is one of our best recommendations for natural gas, coal, and liquefied gases.

Pros
The shaft extends from 11.81” to 14.57”. This length makes it safe to use with especially flammable material which might otherwise catch one’s arm. It’s also made of stainless iron that’s heavily resistant to rust.
Cons
This larger size makes it impractical for most hiking or camping related activities. In part because it require more space. But also because the trigger might catch on a pack’s contents.
Ideal for: The shaft size makes it somewhat impractical for camping and hiking. But it’s a good match for home use with stoves, fireplaces or grills.

9. Yuauy Emergency Hiking Survival Camping Fire Starter

Yuauy Best Fire Starters

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This Yuauy Fire Starter weighs only 17g and lasts for at least 15,000 strikes. While it’s perfect for survival and emergency preparedness, it can also be used for lighting stoves and gas BBQ.

Pros
The Yuauy’s main feature comes down to size. It’s one of the best options for ultra light hikers and campers. It’s even small enough that one can simply toss it in a spare pocket when running out the door.
Cons
The small size also means that it stores less lighter fluid. A smaller form factor also makes it more difficult to strike than larger models. Especially for people with larger hands.
Ideal for: Anyone who’s prioritizing storage space over anything else. The Yuauy fire starter measures only 1x3x4.8 cm.

8. Landmann USA 28-155 Fire Starter

Landmann Best Fire Starter

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The Landmann USA 28-155 Fire Starter is an environmentally safe option providing a low flame that can burn for about 10 minutes.

Pros
It’s among the easiest to use fire starters. It’s not just easy to start a fire either. It gets around common mistakes by offering about 10 minutes of active flame per use. This should provide one with ample time to properly start a larger fire.
Cons
Each box contains 24 handy packs. And each of these packs offers a single use. This essentially means that it needs replacing every 24 uses. This makes it somewhat ill suited for long term continual use.
Ideal for: People who value speed and efficiency over cost. It’s an easy to use solution. But this chemical based solution only works for a single use per pack.

7. Zippo Animal Lighters

Zippo Best Fire Starters

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These Zippo Animal Lighters are windproof and refillable for a lifetime of use.

Pros
There’s enough choices to ensure anyone can find something which speaks to them. The metal design also helps reduce wind interference. And it operates in a similar way to standard lighters. This ensures that almost anyone can use it without needing additional experience.
Cons
It requires one to continually refill the lighter fluid. The design also makes it more difficult to notice low reserves.
Ideal for: People who want a combination of natural art and simplicity. It uses a fairly standard Zippo system for the actual mechanics. But the exterior comes in a variety of different animal based designs.

6. UCO Stormproof Torch Windproof Lighter

UCO Best Firestarter

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This UCO windproof lighter is a field-tested emergency survival accessory that holds enough gas to last for about 700 ignitions.

Pros
It’s field tested as wind and water-proof. The adjustable triple jet flame provides additional benefits in rough weather. The ignition system provides a longer lifespan as well. It’s estimated at 30,000 uses. This fire starter even includes a bottle opener.
Cons
The ignition system might have some performance issues with extremely high altitudes. The additional jets burn through fuel at a comparatively faster rate. The more flame the more fuel burned.
Ideal for: It’s among the best fire starters for rough or unpredictable weather. The main features center around keeping a flame active even in normally impossible conditions..

5. QUICKFIRE Instant Fire Starter

QUICKFIRE Best Fire Starter

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The QUICKFIRE Instant Fire Starter burns at over 750° and can be used even indoors because it is odorless.

Pros
It’s one of the best fire starters for anyone who needs to plan for the future. One can purchase it and only bring it out years later while still expecting reliable results. Additionally, it has no noticeable chemical odors or fumes.
Cons
Each pouch only provides a single use. This means that it can only be used a limited number of times before needing replacement.
Ideal for: Anyone who needs to factor in long term storage. While chemically based, it has not set expiration date. This ensures that one can store it for years or even decades.

4. Light my Fire Swedish FireSteel with Emergency Whistle

Light My Fire Best Fire Starter

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This option from Light my Fire includes built-in emergency whistle and can last for approximately 12,000 strikes.

Pros
It would rank among the best fire starters from simple reliability. It boats an estimated strike count of over 12,000 uses. But on top of that it also functions as an emergency rescue whistle. The spark is even bright enough to function as a signal for rescue.
Cons
It’s slightly more expensive than the average fire starter. But not by a wide margin.
Ideal for: Anyone venturing very far from civilization. It doesn’t just start fires. It can also function as a rescue whistle or emergency signal.

3. Ralix Rechargeable Electronic Lighter

Ralix Best Fire Starter

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This Ralix Electronic Lighter features a Zinc alloy construction which ensures it durability. A full charge lasts for about one week and doesn’t use gas or fluid.

Pros
The electrical system makes it easier to use than analog fire starters. It works with a single button press. And there’s no need to worry about fuel. Other than the device’s internal USB battery. It’s also quite efficient, with a single charge lasting around one full week.
Cons
The reliance on electricity. People who want to immerse themselves in nature might not appreciate charging their fire starter before or during a trip.
Ideal for: People who camp infrequently or for shorter periods of time. Solar power enthusiasts will also appreciate how well it integrates into portable chargers.

2. The Friendly Swede’s Magnesium Flint Fire Starter

Magnesium Flint Best FIre Starter

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This fire starter from The Friendly Swede which can also be used as a bottle opener is the ideal option that can be used by both beginners and experts.

Pros
It produces more powerful sparks thanks to a magnesium based system. The spark then works with a flint rod and built-in first stage tinder. It even doubles as a bottle opener. And it even ships in three packs. All for a cost roughly similar to standard fire starters.
Cons
Some people might not like the overall divergence from standard metal flint fire starter designs.
Ideal for: It’s among the best fire starters for people who value size. This fire starter is only 77x25x10 mm. But that small size produces some impressive results.

1. SE KHK6320-FFP Outdoor Tanto Knife with Fire Starter

SE-KHK6320 Best Fire Starter

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Moving on to the very top of our list, we have the SE KHK6320-FFP knife with fire starter. It’s probably the best and most affordable option for the value and versatility it offers.

Pros
It ranks among the best fire starters due to overall utility. By combining a utility knife and fire starter one can have two essential items in a 7.5” package.
Cons
The blade makes it somewhat unsafe for storage around children. And the overall price is slightly higher than a bare bones magnesium alloy fire starter.
Ideal for: People who spend any time outdoors. It combines a fire starter and utility knife to create one very useful tool. It can help cut tent pegs and then start a nice campfire in front of it.

Recommended read: If you’re interested in other useful survival and tactical items to bring with you on your trips, you can find out what are the best tactical flashlights you can buy today or what reliable tactical watch to choose.

Final Word

There’s a wide range of choices for best fire starters. But one of the most important traits in our top picks is versatility. This is also why readers should share their own ideas, experiences and suggestions. One can always find innovative new uses for these fire starters.

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