I've lit up with matches, cedar spills, torch lighters, standard lighters, and yes even a zippo ( I was desperate). Other than the zippo I would say that as far as taste goes I could not tell the difference between any of them. Matches and spills work fine but are limited to no wind situations and can be a little bit of a pain IMHO. For me its torch lighters all the way. I have more control and more time to make sure I get that nice toasting. Specifically for me I fell in love with the Black Label El Presidente flat flame lighter after I was gifted it for Christmas a few years back. I'm gonna wear it out and then get another one when its done.