Lighters & Matches

Best Lighters & Matches in the UK: Stylish, Practical and Where to Buy Them

Introduction: small essentials, big impact

Looking for the perfect lighter or match to light your candles, start a fire pit, or add a touch of style to your home? These small tools punch above their weight: they keep your hearth alive, make barbecues easier, and even act as design accents. Whether you want a classic matchbox with a retro label or a refillable windproof lighter that lasts for years, the UK market offers plenty of great options. In this guide I'll walk you through trusted retailers, product types, buying tips, safety advice, and eco-friendly alternatives so you know exactly where to shop and what to pick.

Why choosing the right lighter or matches matters

It’s tempting to pick up the first disposable lighter at the checkout, but choice matters. A quality lighter gives reliable ignition in wind and damp conditions, while designer matchboxes can become part of your décor. Refillable lighters reduce waste, and safety features protect you and your home. Beyond utility, the right option saves money over time: a refillable Zippo-style lighter or a butane torch might cost more up front, but it lasts where throwaway items fail.

Nordic Nest: Scandinavian style for matches and holders

Nordic Nest is a go-to if you love minimal, Scandi-inspired pieces. They curate tasteful matchboxes and clever holders that look great on a mantle or coffee table. Think simple color palettes, high-quality packaging, and curated sets that make lighting a candle feel intentional rather than incidental.

Solstickan & Eldstickan — classic match brands with character

Brands like Solstickan and Eldstickan combine nostalgia with practicality. You’ll find options in different pack sizes — for instance, small matchboxes for everyday use and match tubes for longer-term refills. Their wrappers and tins often feature vintage-style graphics, so they’re perfect if you want practical matches that double as décor. These matches are often sold in packs of 30, 50, 60 or 100, giving you flexibility depending on how often you light candles, stoves, or logs.

Stylish matchbox holders and display pieces

Nordic Nest and similar retailers also stock holders designed to sit on a shelf or beside a fireplace. These holders keep matches handy while adding a touch of design to the room. If you entertain, a well-designed holder and a matching box can be a conversation starter — small design touches that look intentional rather than an afterthought.

Menkind: novelty lighters and personalised gifts

Menkind specialises in gadgets and gifts, and their lighter selection reflects that playful spirit. From personalised black lighters to novelty designs that suit a themed gift, Menkind is where you go if you want something unique or customised. These pieces are great for birthdays, anniversaries, or as a practical keepsake.

Personalisation for a memorable everyday item

A personalised lighter can be both useful and sentimental. Menkind often offers engraving or customisation options for metal lighters, making them ideal for commemorating special moments. If you prefer gifts with personality, this is a solid stop on your shopping list.

Other top UK retailers for lighters and matches

If you’re expanding your search beyond design-focused stores, the UK has several reliable retailers where you can buy everything from disposable lighters to professional gas torches. Here’s a quick rundown of well-known places to shop and what they typically offer.

Argos — everyday convenience and wide selection

Argos is a convenient high-street option with a broad selection of disposable lighters, refillable models, and bulk match packs. Their prices are competitive, and you can often reserve online for in-store pickup if you want it the same day. Argos is a great first stop when you need a no-nonsense solution quickly.

Lakeland — household-focused and stylish picks

Lakeland specialises in practical household items and often stocks artisanal matches, kitchen torches, and candle lighters. If you want something that’s both functional and attractive for the kitchen or dining table, Lakeland tends to have well-designed tools that fit a domestic setting.

Robert Dyas & B&Q — hardware and outdoor-focused options

For heavier-duty lighters and outdoor firestarters, Robert Dyas and B&Q are solid choices. They usually stock barbecue lighters, bulk matchboxes, and windproof torches suitable for camping or DIY. These stores are also useful when you need sturdier gear for outdoor living and garden firepits.

Screwfix & Wickes — professional-grade torches and refillables

If you want professional performance, Screwfix and Wickes sell butane torches, industrial lighters, and accessories suited to tradespeople. These are excellent for tasks that require high heat or a controlled flame, like soldering, roofing, or finishing wood. They prioritise durability and reliability over decorative appeal.

John Lewis — premium choices and gift-ready options

John Lewis carries higher-end lighters, designer matchboxes, and elegant holders that are perfect for gifting. If you’re after a balance of function and presentation — think luxury packaging and trusted brand names — John Lewis is often a go-to department store option.

Amazon UK & specialist online shops — widest range and niche finds

Online marketplaces like Amazon UK offer vast inventories, including rare match types, Zippo variants, and refillable torches from multiple sellers. The upside is variety; the downside is sifting through listings for quality. Specialist online shops and boutiques, however, can be great for curated or artisan matchmakers and bespoke lighters.

Types of lighters and matches — what fits your lifestyle?

Not every lighter fits every task. Matching the tool to the job ensures better performance and longer life. Below are common types and the situations where they shine.

Disposable lighters — cheap and convenient

Disposable lighters are ideal for quick, low-cost needs: lighting cigarettes, birthday candles, or a quick fire in good weather. They’re not built to last and can perform poorly in wind or after many uses, but when convenience is the priority, they do the job.

Refillable butane lighters — balance of convenience and longevity

Butane refillables are a popular middle ground. They offer adjustable flames, refillability, and a longer lifespan than disposables. Look for models with visible fuel windows and replaceable flints to keep them working for years.

Windproof and Zippo-style lighters — reliable in poor weather

Want something that lights in a breeze? Windproof lighters and Zippo-style models use a different ignition system and fuel that resist wind. They’re ideal for outdoor use, campfires, and grilling. Many are refillable, and some come with lifetime warranties — a small investment for long-term reliability.

Butane torches — high heat for outdoor and hobby tasks

Butane torches create a strong, focused flame and are perfect for culinary work, DIY, and outdoor tasks. They’re commonly used for caramelising desserts, soldering small metal pieces, and igniting fire pits quickly. Safety training and careful storage are essential due to the higher heat and pressure involved.

Matches — simple, stylish, and often more sustainable

Matches remain a favourite for candle lovers and those who enjoy the ritual of lighting. Long matches, match tubes, and safety matches come in many styles, from rustic wooden sticks to designer matchboxes. Sustainably sourced wooden matches and compostable packaging are becoming more common for eco-minded buyers.

Eco-friendly options and reducing waste

If sustainability matters to you, there are easy ways to reduce the environmental impact of lighting products. Choose refillable lighters instead of disposables, buy matches from responsibly managed forestry sources, and look for biodegradable packaging. Some brands also offer exchange or refill programs, which cut down on single-use plastic and metal waste.

Practical safety tips for using and storing lighters and matches

Safety is non-negotiable when it comes to anything that produces flame. Store lighters and matches out of reach of children, keep them away from heat sources, and ensure matches are fully extinguished before disposal. For fireworks, grilling, or campfires, keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Treat lighters like a tool: respect them, use them carefully, and maintain them when they’re refillable so unexpected malfunctions don’t occur.

How to choose the right product: a quick checklist

Choosing the best lighter or match is simpler when you consider your main needs. Ask yourself: Will I mostly use this indoors or outdoors? Do I want it to be decorative or purely functional? Am I willing to refill or prefer a throwaway model for convenience? Also consider budget, durability, safety features, and whether you want rechargeable or refillable fuel. Answering these will point you toward the right category and retailer.

Durability and maintenance

A durable lighter is one you’ll keep for years. Look for metal bodies, replaceable flints, and easy refilling. For matches, choose quality-tipped sticks and a solid matchbox holder if they’ll sit near a fireplace or table where moisture could be an issue.

Aesthetics and gifting

If presentation matters — perhaps you’re buying a housewarming gift — choose a store that offers premium packaging or personalised touches. Retailers like Menkind and John Lewis often have attractive gift options that feel more thoughtful than a standard pack from a supermarket.

Final buying tips and deals hunting

Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, especially around holidays when candle use spikes and retailers discount matchbox sets and themed lighters. Buying in multipacks lowers cost per unit for matches, while investing in a mid-range refillable lighter will save money versus repeated disposables. Read reviews for build quality if you’re buying online and compare prices across niche shops and larger retailers to get the best mix of price and quality.

Conclusion

Whether you prioritize style, sustainability, or rugged outdoor performance, the UK market covers every base. Nordic Nest is a top pick for stylish matches and holders, Menkind offers personalised and novelty lighters, and mainstream retailers like Argos, Lakeland, Robert Dyas, Screwfix, and John Lewis provide a range of practical choices. Match your choice to your lifestyle — decorative matchboxes for candle lovers, windproof lighters for outdoor use, and refillable butane models for long-term value. With a little thought, the small act of lighting becomes safer, smarter, and even a bit stylish.