Zippo
Zippo lighters
A Zippo is a refillable petrol lighter with a windproof flame and a click you recognise straight away. The design has barely changed since 1932: a metal case, a hinged lid and an insert with a wick, cotton wadding and a flint. You top it up with lighter fluid and keep using it for years.
At Dutch-Smart you will find three classics: the 200 Chrome Brushed, the Tumbled Brass in solid brass and the 1941 Replica Black Ice. Zippo backs the mechanism with a lifetime guarantee. Other lighters and smoking accessories are in our smoking accessories section. We only sell lighters to customers aged 18 and over.
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Zippo: the windproof petrol lighter since 1932
George G. Blaisdell founded Zippo in 1932 in Bradford, Pennsylvania. His lighter became famous for one thing: the flame stays lit when the wind picks up. That is down to the chimney, the perforated hood around the wick. The holes let in enough air for the flame while the metal blocks the wind. Every Zippo still uses that principle, from the basic model to the replicas.
How does a Zippo work?
Inside the case sits a removable insert. At the bottom is cotton wadding that you soak with lighter fluid. The wick draws the fuel upwards. When you run your thumb over the flint wheel, the flint throws a spark that ignites the vapour at the wick. Snap the lid shut and the flame goes out because it is starved of oxygen.
The Zippo lighters in our range
200 Chrome Brushed
The 200 Chrome Brushed is the pure basic model: brushed chrome with a fine horizontal texture, no print or engraving. It is one of the longest-running Zippo models and still one of the most popular. It comes in a gift box.
Tumbled Brass
Zippo launched its Brass collection in 1982 to mark the brand's 50th anniversary. The Tumbled Brass is tumbled brass with a warm, matt sheen instead of a mirror polish. Fingerprints and small scratches barely show, and over time the brass develops its own patina. Wipe it with a dry, soft cloth and avoid harsh cleaning products.
1941 Replica Black Ice
The 1941 Replica Black Ice is based on the 1941 Zippo model. You can tell by the flatter sides with sharper edges, the four-barrel hinge and the flatter insert with angular edges. The Black Ice finish gives the lighter a dark, glossy look. This one also comes in a gift box.
Filling and maintenance
For the best performance, use Zippo lighter fluid. Pull the insert out of the case, lift the felt pad at the bottom and slowly drip fuel into the wadding until it is saturated. Do not overfill, wipe off any spills and let the lighter air for a moment before you light it. Never refill near an open flame.
Lighter fluid evaporates, even when you are not using the lighter, so a Zippo needs regular topping up. If the wheel sparks poorly, the flint is worn and you replace it through the tube under the felt. If the wick is black and charred, pull a little more through and trim off the burnt end.
Lifetime guarantee
Zippo guarantees the working of the lighter for life. If the mechanism fails, Zippo will repair or replace it. Consumables such as the flint and wick, and wear to the finish, are not covered.
Frequently asked questions about Zippo lighters
What fuel does a Zippo use?
Lighter fluid, ideally Zippo lighter fluid. Gas does not work in these classic models.
Is a Zippo really windproof?
The chimney around the wick keeps the flame burning in the wind, where an ordinary gas lighter often blows out. In a proper gale it still helps to shield the flame with your hand.
Why does my Zippo run dry so quickly?
The fuel evaporates through the wick and lid, even while the lighter sits in your pocket. Topping up every few days to once a week is normal, depending on how often you use it.
Will my Zippo be shipped discreetly?
Yes, we ship with PostNL in discreet packaging that does not mention the contents. Looking for more for your smoking kit? Have a look around our head shop.
Still have questions? Our customer service team is here to help.
