KINGZENDO JOURNAL · TORCH COMPARISON
S.T. Dupont Maxijet vs Minijet: Which Torch Lighter Should You Buy?
One is a fuller cigar companion; the other is a genuinely compact everyday jet. The better choice depends on what—and how often—you light.
Maxijet product image: S.T. Dupont
Quick Verdict
Choose Maxijet if cigars are the main job: its larger 63g body offers a steadier grip and feels better suited to repeated lighting. Choose Minijet if pocket space, low weight, and general everyday use matter more. Both provide a blue torch and use the same black gas, but Minijet’s 50g format is easier to carry while Maxijet feels more purposeful around cigars.
Maxijet and Minijet share S.T. Dupont’s modern side-trigger philosophy, yet they are not simply large and small versions of one lighter. Maxijet is presented as an ergonomic cigar companion. The current New Minijet is positioned as a compact, modern everyday lighter. That difference shapes nearly every buying decision.
Maxijet vs Minijet Specifications
| Feature | Maxijet (REF 020157N) | New Minijet (REF 010885) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 65.5 × 37.5 × 13.5mm | 54.5 × 33 × 12.5mm |
| Weight | 63g | 50g |
| Flame | Powerful blue torch | Powerful blue torch |
| Material | Chrome on comparison reference | Chrome and lacquer on comparison reference |
| Gas | Black refill, REF 000430 | Black refill, REF 000430 |
| Best fit | Regular cigar smoker | Compact EDC or secondary cigar lighter |
Size and Carry: Minijet Wins
The current Minijet is 11mm shorter, 4.5mm narrower, 1mm thinner, and 13g lighter than the compared Maxijet. Those numbers seem modest, but together they make Minijet noticeably less intrusive in trousers, a small pouch, or an evening bag.
Maxijet remains pocketable; it simply announces itself more. Its longer, wider body fills the hand and gives the thumb more leverage on the side ignition. If you have larger hands or use a lighter repeatedly during a cigar session, that extra surface can feel reassuring rather than bulky.
Torch Performance: Maxijet for Cigars
Both lighters produce a focused blue torch that handles ordinary breezes better than a soft flame. For cigarettes, candles, and cigar corrections, either is fast and precise. Minijet is particularly convenient as a backup lighter.
Maxijet earns its advantage during a complete cigar toast. The larger grip promotes controlled rotation and feels more comfortable through repeated bursts. Neither offers the broad 20mm coverage of Megajet, so very large ring gauges still require patient movement around the foot.
Fuel and Ownership
Both official comparison references use S.T. Dupont black gas REF 000430 and ship empty. S.T. Dupont does not publish a universal ignition count, so fuel life depends on flame setting and burn duration. Maxijet’s larger body suggests room for greater practical endurance, but buyers should not treat that as an official capacity figure.
Generation note: KingZendo carries several earlier MiniJet references commonly listed near 2 × 1.25 inches. The table uses the current official New Minijet REF 010885; always verify the exact product reference before comparing dimensions.
Choose Maxijet If
You smoke cigars regularly, prefer a fuller grip, and accept a little more size for comfortable repeated use.
Choose Minijet If
You want the lightest, smallest option for daily carry, occasional cigars, cigarettes, candles, and quick touch-ups.
Models to Compare at KingZendo
The MaxiJet Matt Black is the understated cigar-focused choice, while the MaxiJet Honey Yellow adds stronger color and gold accents. For maximum portability, compare the MiniJet Optic White. Availability and specifications can change by reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maxijet or Minijet better for cigars?
Maxijet is generally better for regular cigar use because its larger body offers a fuller, steadier grip during repeated lighting.
Which is smaller, Maxijet or Minijet?
Minijet is smaller. Current REF 010885 measures 54.5 × 33 × 12.5mm, compared with Maxijet REF 020157N at 65.5 × 37.5 × 13.5mm.
Which is lighter, Maxijet or Minijet?
Minijet weighs 50g, while the compared Maxijet weighs 63g, giving Minijet a 13g advantage for everyday carry.
Do Maxijet and Minijet use the same gas?
Yes. The official references compared here both specify S.T. Dupont black gas REF 000430 and are delivered empty.
Are Maxijet and Minijet windproof?
Their blue torch flames resist ordinary breezes better than soft flames, but Défi Extrême is the specialized severe-weather model.
Which lighter is better for a beginner?
Minijet is easier to carry and suits mixed everyday tasks; Maxijet is the stronger beginner choice for frequent cigar smoking.