I want a lighter that doesn't evaporate fuel. What is the best butane insert for a Zippo case?

If your main goal is keeping butane from slowly evaporating while the lighter sits unused, I’d pick the Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Insert (65800).

Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Lighter Insert

$21.25

Why this one

• Best fuel retention: Zippo specifically says the pressurized insert helps keep fuel from escaping/evaporating.
• Longest rated fuel life: up to 125 five-second lights per 0.9 g fill, versus 100 for the single torch and 60 for the double torch.
• Traditional Zippo ignition: flint wheel + button, rather than piezoelectric ignition.
• Odorless butane flame, unlike the classic liquid-fuel Zippo.
• Fits regular/classic Zippo cases. It does not fit Slim or 1935 Replica cases.
• Current Zippo list price is $23.95, although availability varies.

What I'd avoid for your particular goal

The single- and double-torch inserts are better if you specifically want a hot, wind-resistant blue torch flame, but they aren't as fuel-efficient. Zippo rates them at 100 and 60 lights per fill, respectively.

Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Insert

$21.25

Zippo Single Torch Butane Insert

$17.55

Zippo Double Torch Butane Insert

$19.95

My pick: Yellow Flame 65800. It's the closest thing to a "Zippo that doesn't dry out" while retaining the familiar Zippo form and striking action.

One caveat: no butane lighter is completely evaporation-proof. Butane inserts are substantially better for storage than the traditional porous-wick Zippo fuel system.

Here are top web results for exploring this topic:

Reddit·https://www.reddit.com Which is the best Insert for EDC? : r/Zippo - Reddit Which is the best Insert for EDC? Discussion. I'm kinda considering getting a butane insert as I'm running out of normal Zippo fluid. A butane insert (torch or yellow flame) would be nicer to have as YouTube·https://www.youtube.com What Is The Best Butane Insert For Zippo ? - YouTube I am not promoting Thunderbird but rather sharing some info. I purchased a Thunderbird butane yellow flame insert back in 2012. It's truly a yellow flame which totally mimics classic Zippo lighter flu ESEE Knives·https://eseeknives.com**BUTANE INSERT** OPTIONS FOR ZIPPO'S REVIEW - ESEE Knives For cigars you want to use a butane lighter and not a ZIPPO or BIC so these are a great option. Butane lighters in general are finicky from the most expensive down to the cheapest and that includes th Dependable Flame·https://dependableflame.com**Zippo** Refillable Butane Soft Yellow Flame Insert Review 10 thoughts on “Zippo Refillable Butane Soft Yellow Flame Insert Review: The Best Upgrade So Far”. Parameter says: June 14, 2023 at 5:33 pm. Thank you for recommending Zippo refillable yellow flame. I YouTube·https://www.youtube.com What Is The Best Zippo Insert For You ?? Many Inserts ... - YouTube ZIPPO butane lighter insert - yellow flame - The latest in ZIPPO evolution Awesome. 2nd Chance George•11K views · 14:36 · Go to channel Zippo Fanatic 77 Outdoors ... Zippo.com·https://zippo.com**Lighter Inserts** - Zippo.com Collection: Lighter Inserts. All, 2026 Core Collection · 2026 Spring Supplement · Accessories · All Products · America's 250th Anniversary · America250 Licensed · Americana Lighters · Anne Stokes Ligh Oklahoma Shooters·https://www.okshooters.com**Zippo inserts recommendations** ? | Oklahoma Shooters OK Corgi Rancher. Sharpshooter. Supporting Member. Joined: May 14, 2020. Messages: 12,197. City & State/Province: Greater Francis, OK metropolitan area · Jan 28, 2025 · #3. I bought one for a Zippo I Pitch and Rudder·https://pitchandrudder.com**Butane Lighter Insert** - Zippo Double Torch Insert - Pitch and Rudder Butane Lighter Insert – Zippo Double Torch Insert. $16.96. No fuel smell and your fuel lasts longer and is a double blue flame! Double bright blue flames deploy at the push of a button, in this double Dependable Flame·https://dependableflame.com Is There A Superior Butane Lighter Fuel For Zippo Inserts And ...There were times previous to using the Vector product that I felt as though the JetLites just weren't very good lighters but I have relied on them as an essential tool in my EDC(Every Day Carry) rotat Amazon.com·https://www.amazon.com Butane Zippo Lighter Insert - Amazon.com Single Torch Butane Lighter Insert · Ideal gift for Birthdays, Father's Day, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Weddings, Graduations, Groom Usher Office Events · 1K+ bought in past month. Add to cart. See a

If you want to stop the frustrating weekly evaporation of traditional lighter fluid , switching to a sealed butane insert is the way to go. The fuel is held under pressure in a metal tank, meaning it won’t evaporate even if left sitting in a drawer for months.

The consensus among Zippo enthusiasts is to stick with official Zippo-branded inserts rather than third-party options (like Thunderbird or generic brands), which tend to have worse fit-and-finish, loose lids, or higher failure rates.

Zippo offers a few distinct butane options depending on what you prefer:

This is widely considered the best balance of performance and reliability. It produces a wind-resistant blue torch flame (1,260°C / 2,300°F), gives you about 100 lights per fill, and features a push-button piezo ignition. It handles outdoor breezes much better than soft flames.

If you want your Zippo to behave more traditionally without a jet torch, this uses a wheel-and-flint mechanism to create a classic soft yellow flame. It doesn't get completely blown out by a mild breeze as easily as a normal wick, but it isn't strictly windproof. It's great if you find torch flames too harsh for lighting cigarettes or pipes.

Offers a wider, high-powered twin blue flame. However, it burns through fuel significantly faster than the single torch and isn't as necessary unless you specifically need a wider heavy-duty flame for cigars.

Note: Genuine Zippo butane inserts fit all classic/regular Zippo cases, but they do not fit Slim, Armor, or 1935 Replica cases. Also, always use high-purity, multi-refined butane fuel to keep the tiny nozzles from clogging.

Are you planning to use the lighter mostly for cigars/pipes, cigarettes , or just as an everyday carry (EDC) backup , and do you prefer a soft flame or a jet torch?

If by “doesn’t evaporate fuel” you mean you want to avoid the classic Zippo liquid-fuel insert, then a butane insert is definitely the right direction. Butane is stored in a sealed reservoir, so it doesn't slowly evaporate out of the lighter the way Zippo lighter fluid can.

My pick: Zippo Single Torch Butane Insert

Zippo Single Torch Butane Insert

$42.78

The genuine Zippo Single Torch (65850) is the one I'd buy for a standard Zippo case. It has:

• Sealed/refillable butane reservoir
• Adjustable blue torch flame
• Push-button piezo ignition
• Up to 100 five-second lights per fill
• 2-year Zippo warranty
• Fits standard/classic Zippo cases

Zippo lists the fuel capacity at 0.9 g and says the insert produces a flame up to 2,300°F.

Single vs. double torch

I'd actually choose single torch over double unless you specifically want a very aggressive flame. The double uses the same 0.9 g capacity but gives only about 60 five-second ignitions per fill, versus about 100 for the single.

Zippo Double Torch Butane Insert

$20.31

One important caveat: these fit classic/regular Zippo cases, but not Slim, and Zippo specifically excludes Armor and 1935 Replica cases for the current torch inserts.

If your main priority is the longest possible time between refills, I'd also consider Zippo's Yellow Flame Butane Insert—it claims up to 125 five-second lights per fill, more than either torch version.

If your main goal is “put it in my Zippo case and forget about fuel evaporation”, I’d pick the Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Insert (65800).

Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Lighter Insert

$21.25

Why I’d choose it

• Sealed butane reservoir — unlike traditional Zippo lighter fluid, butane doesn't evaporate through a wick while sitting in your pocket.
• Traditional Zippo-style ignition: flint wheel rather than a piezo button.
• 125 × 5-second lights per fill, according to Zippo, versus 100 for the single-torch and 60 for the double-torch.
• Yellow flame, rather than the harsh blue jet, so it feels much more like a normal Zippo.
• Fits regular/classic Zippo cases; it does not fit Slim or 1935 Replica cases.
• Zippo gives it a 2-year warranty.

What about the torch inserts?

I'd rank them:

1. Yellow Flame — best overall / best for fuel retention
2. Single Torch — best if you want wind resistance and a hot blue flame
3. Double Torch — best for maximum heat, but uses fuel faster

The single torch is 2,300°F and gets about 100 five-second lights per fill; the double torch gets only about 60.

One caveat: no butane insert is literally immune to leakage or slow fuel loss. And recent owner reports are mixed on the reliability of Zippo's butane inserts, particularly the torch versions.

So if your priority is specifically “I want to leave it sitting for weeks/months and have it still work,” I'd take the Yellow Flame 65800 over the torch inserts.

If you tell me whether you want the most reliable insert regardless of brand (Zippo, Thunderbird, Zorro, etc.), I can compare those too—the answer gets more interesting.

If you want to stop the frustrating weekly evaporation of traditional Zippo lighter fluid, switching to a butane insert is a game-changer . Butane stored in a sealed metal canister insert will not dissipate over time, meaning your lighter will sit for months and still fire right up.

The "best" option depends entirely on whether you want a classic soft yellow flame or a modern wind-resistant torch, and whether you prefer an official Zippo-branded product or an aftermarket classic.

1. The Most Reliable Overall:

• Type: Soft yellow flame (traditional style)
• Ignition: Flint wheel with a piezo/push button combo
• Pros: It maintains the closest aesthetic and operational feel to a classic Zippo. It uses replaceable flints, doesn't have the finicky reliability issues that plague cheap torch jets, and holds fuel for ages without evaporating.
• Cons: Not windproof like a torch, and the flame height isn't adjustable.

2. Best for Cigar/Pipe Smokers & Wind Resistance:

• Type: Jet blue torch flame (up to 2,300°F / 1,260°C)
• Ignition: Push-button piezo igniter
• Pros: Highly windproof, cleanly burning, odorless, and backed by Zippo's 2-year warranty. The single torch is more fuel-efficient and reliable than the double torch.
• Cons: Requires holding down a small electronic ignition button rather than a traditional flint wheel. Torch flames can also be picky if you use low-quality fuel.

3. Best Aftermarket Alternative (The Purist Choice): Vector Thunderbird Soft Flame Insert Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Type: Soft yellow flame linked to the lid cam
• Ignition: Strike wheel
• Pros: Unlike Zippo's own yellow flame insert (which requires a button press), the Thunderbird's gas valve is actuated by the lid cam. You open the lid and spin the wheel, and it behaves precisely like an original vintage Zippo—shutting off automatically when you close the lid.
• Cons: Aftermarket fit can occasionally be slightly loose or tight depending on the specific vintage of your Zippo case.

Pro-Tips for Butane Zippo Inserts:

• Avoid cheap fuel: Always use high-purity, triple-refined (or more) butane. Cheap or generic butane contains impurities and oils that will instantly clog the tiny micro-jets on torch inserts.
• Check your case compatibility: Official Zippo butane inserts fit standard, classic Zippo cases. They do not fit Slim cases, Armor cases, or the 1935 Replica cases due to minor interior dimension differences.

Are you looking for a soft flame that feels like a traditional Zippo, or a blue torch flame for outdoor/windproof use? Let me know and I can give you exact refilling and maintenance tips for that style.

If your main goal is “put fuel in it and have it still be there days later,” a butane insert is much better than the traditional Zippo wick/fluid system. The liquid fuel in a normal Zippo is inherently prone to evaporation.

My pick: Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Insert

Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Insert

$20.31

I'd choose the Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Insert (65800) for most people. It:

• Fits classic/full-size Zippo cases
• Uses a flint wheel, retaining the traditional Zippo feel
• Has a soft yellow flame rather than a harsh jet
• Holds 0.9 g of butane
• Is rated for up to 125 five-second lights per fill
• Has a sealed pressurized fuel reservoir, so you don't get the rapid evaporation of Zippo lighter fluid.

The important caveat: no butane insert is literally evaporation-proof. Butane is stored under pressure in a sealed reservoir, so losses while sitting unused are dramatically less than with traditional lighter fluid.

If you want maximum wind resistance

Zippo Single Torch Butane Insert

$17.81

The Single Torch is my second choice. It's hotter and better outdoors, but Zippo rates it at about 100 five-second lights per fill, versus 125 for the yellow flame.

I'd skip the Double Torch unless you specifically need a very aggressive flame—it gets only about 60 five-second lights per fill.

Bottom line: For an everyday Zippo case where avoiding fuel evaporation is the priority, Yellow Flame Butane Insert is the one I'd buy. Just make sure your case is a classic/full-size Zippo, not a Slim or 1935 Replica.

When you want to stop the classic Zippo fluid evaporation headache while keeping your favorite metal case, moving to a butane insert is the way to go . Because butane is stored in a sealed pressurized tank, it won't evaporate away over weeks of non-use.

The "best" insert depends heavily on whether you want a traditional soft flame or a windproof torch, and whether you prefer official reliability or third-party features.

1. The Best Overall / Most Reliable: Zippo Single Torch Insert

If you want something hassle-free that fits seamlessly and carries a manufacturer warranty, the official Zippo Single Torch Butane Lighter Insert is the top choice.

• The Flame Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: Single windproof, odorless blue jet torch reaching up to 2,300°F / 1,260°C.
• Pros: Highly windproof, fuel-efficient compared to the double-torch, doesn't leak or dry out, features the signature Zippo click, and gives you around 100 lights per fill.
• Cons: Uses push-button piezo ignition rather than a flint wheel.

2. Best for Tradition (No Buttons):

If you hate holding down a tiny electronic button and want your Zippo to behave more like a traditional lighter, look at the [Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Insert Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://zippo.com/pages/yellow-flame-butane-insert?srsltid=AfmBOopwCMs4_sCQhjDTf1AheG6hwysYB90ebFqOaGnV-THQQjsdKcXm).[[1]](https://zippo.com/products/butane-lighter-insert-yellow-flame#:~:text=The%20Yellow%20Flame%20Butane,Replica%20cases.)[[2]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgH-2v22KTA#:~:text=I%20would%20highly,flame.)

• The Flame Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: Standard non-torch yellow flame (also available in a specialized Yellow Flame Pipe Insert version).
• Pros: Retains the classic flint-wheel striking action and flint replacement mechanism, meaning no dead electronic piezo clickers. Excellent fuel capacity (up to 125 lights per fill).
• Cons: It is not windproof (blows out easily in a gust), and some users find the gas release button a bit small to angle your thumb against.

3. Best Aftermarket Alternative: Vector Thunderbird (Flint / Cam-Action) Inserts Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

Manufactured by KGM, the Thunderbird Go to product viewer dialog for this item. line (specifically the soft flame or dual-feature versions) has a cult following among Zippo modders.

• The Mechanism: Unlike official Zippo torch inserts, some Thunderbird models use the lighter's lid-cam as the gas lever—opening the lid releases the gas, and spinning the flint wheel ignites it.
• Pros: Mimics the exact physical muscle memory of a traditional fluid-based Zippo.
• Cons: Third-party torch inserts can occasionally be finicky about the purity of the butane used and may require more meticulous purging/maintenance over time.

Quick Buying Guide Summary

Choose the Single Torch Go to product viewer dialog for this item. if you want a reliable, fiercely windproof flame for outdoor use or general EDC.

Choose the Yellow Flame if you want the classic wheel-strike action and hate push-buttons, but don't mind a flame that can blow out in the wind.
(Note: None of these butane inserts fit Slim®, Armor®, or 1935 Replica cases—they are engineered specifically for classic/regular size Zippo cases).

Are you planning to use the insert for cigars/pipes or general everyday carry , and do you prefer a windproof torch flame or a traditional soft flame?

If your main goal is eliminating fuel evaporation, then a butane insert is the right solution. Unlike the standard Zippo naphtha insert, a sealed butane reservoir can stay full for months if it isn't leaking.

For most people, I'd rank them like this:

Best overall: Zippo Single Torch Butane Insert

Zippo Single Torch Butane Lighter Insert

$14.41

Why it's my top pick:

• Sealed butane tank—virtually no evaporation when stored.
• Wind-resistant torch flame.
• Uses less fuel than the double-torch version.
• Fits standard Zippo cases and retains the familiar Zippo "click."

Best if you want a classic lighter flame

Zippo Yellow Flame Butane Insert

$20.31

Pros:

• Soft yellow flame that's more like a Bic.
• Flint-wheel ignition gives a traditional Zippo feel.
• Also eliminates the evaporation problem.

Cons:

• Not nearly as wind-resistant as the torch models.
• You have to hold the button down while the flame is lit.

I would skip

• Double Torch Insert unless you specifically need extra heat for cigars or outdoor use. It burns more fuel and has a more mixed reliability record.

The consensus across the Zippo community and official offerings is that the genuine Zippo-branded butane inserts Go to product viewer dialog for this item. are the most reliable and secure option for avoiding fuel evaporation. Unlike third-party inserts that can suffer from loose tolerances, quick valve leaks , or awkward sizing inside standard cases, the official Zippo inserts Go to product viewer dialog for this item. maintain the iconic "click" and fit standard cases seamlessly.

Choosing the "best" one depends entirely on your preferred flame style and use case:

• Zippo Single Torch Insert (Best Overall / For Cigars): Features a wind-resistant, adjustable blue torch flame reaching up to 2,300°F / 1,260°C. It's efficient, reliable for outdoor use, and doesn't suffer from the rapid fuel depletion of double-torch models. You can pick one up directly on the Zippo Lighter Inserts Page.
• Zippo Yellow Flame Insert Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best Classic Feel): If you want a traditional soft yellow flame rather than a jet torch, this is your choice. It uses a flint-wheel striking mechanism (with a push-button assist) that mimics the look and operation of a classic Zippo without the fluid evaporation.
• Zippo Double Torch Insert (Best for Heavy Wind / Quick Lighting): Offers dual blue torch flames for maximum ignition power, though it consumes fuel faster than the single torch version.

Note: None of these butane inserts fit Slim®, Armor®, or 1935 Replica cases.

Are you looking for a soft yellow flame that acts like a traditional Zippo, or a windproof torch flame (single/double jet)? Let me know and I can share tips on fuel maintenance and purging to keep it running smoothly.