BIC Multi-purpose Classic Edition Lighter Review (2-Pack, Assorted Colors)

When it comes to household lighters, BIC has long been a name associated with reliability, quality, and ease of use. The BIC Multi-purpose Classic Edition Lighter, Assorted Colors, 2-Pack is a standout product in their lineup, offering a versatile, safe, and user-friendly option for a wide variety of tasks. Whether you're lighting candles for ambiance, firing up a grill for a summer barbecue, or igniting a fireplace during colder months, this lighter gets the job done efficiently and safely.

Let’s explore what makes this lighter a household favorite, where it shines the brightest, where it might fall short, and answers to some common questions you might have before purchasing.

Overview

The BIC Multi-purpose Classic Edition Lighter comes in a pack of two and features long metal wands, designed to keep your hand at a safe distance from the flame. With an extended reach and BIC's signature quality construction, these lighters offer a great balance between functionality and affordability. Each lighter arrives in one of several assorted colors — usually a mix of vibrant reds, blues, greens, and blacks — lending a touch of personality to an otherwise utilitarian tool.

Key Features

Here are the standout features that the BIC Multi-purpose Classic Lighter offers:

• Long Reach Wand: Makes lighting grills, candles, fireplaces, and hard-to-reach wicks safer and more convenient.

• Child-Resistant Mechanism: Each lighter is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), with a child-resistant safety lock to prevent unintended use.

• Fuel Supply Window: Easily check remaining fuel, reducing the likelihood of being caught off-guard with an empty lighter.

• Reliable Piezoelectric Ignition: Provides a consistent spark with every click — no need for batteries or flint.

• Assorted Colors: Adds a fun and customizable element, making each lighter visually distinctive.

• Refined Ergonomics: Designed to fit comfortably in the hand, with a thumb-friendly ignition mechanism.

Advantages

1. Safety-First Design

BIC is well-known for prioritizing safety in all its lighter designs, and this model is no exception. The child-resistant mechanism is both effective and minimally intrusive. While it does require a firm press, it prevents accidental ignitions and ensures the lighter is less likely to be activated by small children.

2. Versatile Functionality

These lighters shine in various use cases:

• Lighting candles, especially tall ones or those in deep holders.

• Igniting charcoal or gas grills.

• Starting fireplaces or wood-burning stoves.

• Lighting campfires or lanterns during outdoor activities.

• Emergency preparedness kits.

The extended wand adds that crucial bit of reach needed to safely light fires without singeing your fingers.

3. Consistent Flame

One of the best things about this lighter is how consistent the ignition is. Thanks to the piezoelectric mechanism (a small spring-loaded hammer that strikes a quartz crystal to generate a spark), you rarely need more than one click to get a flame.

4. Transparent Fuel Window

The ability to visually confirm how much fuel remains is surprisingly helpful. You’ll always have a good idea of when it’s time to replace the lighter or have a backup ready.

5. Quality and Durability

The plastic housing is solid, well-finished, and durable enough for daily use. These aren’t flimsy lighters that will fall apart after a few weeks. Many users report that they last for months or even years under moderate use.

6. Great Value for Money

Considering you're getting two lighters per pack, the price point is more than reasonable — especially when you compare the longevity and reliability with cheaper or off-brand alternatives.

Disadvantages

No product is perfect, and even a strong contender like this lighter has its drawbacks:

1. Non-Refillable

Probably the biggest con is that these lighters are disposable — once the fuel runs out, there’s no way to refill them. For environmentally conscious users, this can be a deal-breaker. Some competitors offer refillable models, which might be more sustainable in the long run.

2. Stiff Child-Safety Lock

While effective, the child-safety feature can be a bit stiff for some adults, especially those with limited dexterity, arthritis, or grip strength. It’s not a huge hurdle, but it's noticeable.

3. No Adjustable Flame

Unlike some lighters on the market, the flame height on these BIC models is fixed. It’s adequately sized for most household tasks, but it may not be suitable if you need a stronger or more concentrated flame.

4. Limited Color Choice

Although the “assorted colors” are fun, you don’t get to choose which ones you receive. This is a minor gripe, but for those who like coordinating tools or color-coding, it might be inconvenient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are these lighters safe to use around children?

Yes, they are considered child-resistant, which means they meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission's standards. However, no lighter is completely child-proof, so it's still crucial to store them out of children’s reach.

2. Can I refill the BIC Multi-purpose Classic Lighter?

No. These lighters are disposable and not designed to be refilled. Once the fuel runs out, the lighter should be discarded according to your local waste guidelines.

3. How long does one lighter typically last?

This largely depends on how frequently it's used. For casual use (lighting candles, grills, or occasional fireplace use), a single lighter could last several months. For heavy, daily use, expect it to last a few weeks.

4. Does it work in windy or outdoor conditions?

The flame is relatively stable and performs decently outdoors, but it isn’t windproof. For high-wind environments or camping trips, consider a windproof butane torch lighter instead.

5. What are the dimensions and weight?

Each lighter is about 10 inches long and weighs roughly 2.5 ounces. The length helps keep your hands safely away from the flame while offering precision and control.

6. Can I use this lighter for a gas stove?

Absolutely. It’s a great tool for manually lighting gas stovetops that don’t have a built-in ignition or when the igniter fails.

Use Case Scenarios

Here are a few situations where the BIC Multi-purpose Classic Lighter proves especially helpful:

• Birthday Parties: Lighting multiple candles on a cake? The long wand and easy ignition make it quick and safe.

• Holiday Decorating: If you use scented candles during holidays or winter months, this lighter saves time and effort.

• Camping Trips: Lightweight and compact, it’s easy to pack and dependable for campfires or portable stoves.

• Power Outages: Keeping one in an emergency drawer ensures you can light candles or gas burners if the electricity goes out.

• Fireplace Evenings: Whether using real wood or fire-starter logs, this lighter makes fireplace ignition safer.

Environmental Consideration

One of the more pressing concerns for many users is sustainability. Because the BIC Multi-purpose Lighter is non-refillable, it does contribute to landfill waste. If you're looking to minimize your ecological footprint, consider investing in a refillable butane torch lighter or rechargeable electric lighter. That said, BIC lighters are made under strict manufacturing standards and quality control, which means they are built to last longer than many competitors’ disposable models — potentially reducing waste by requiring fewer replacements over time.

Final Verdict

★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5)

The BIC Multi-purpose Classic Edition Lighter (2-Pack) is a fantastic choice for virtually every household. It combines safety, reliability, and ease of use in a very affordable package. While the lack of refillability and flame adjustability holds it back from a perfect score, the overall performance and build quality more than compensate.

Whether you’re a casual user lighting birthday candles or a more frequent user who relies on it for daily grilling or fireplace maintenance, you’ll likely find this BIC lighter to be a trustworthy tool that you can depend on.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s a staple in many homes for good reason — it just works. Keep one in your kitchen, one in your emergency drawer, and you’re covered.