A piezo igniter is a push-button stove ignition system that is often integrated directly onto upright canister stoves for convenience and ease of use. The system works via use of a striker that hits a piezo-electric crystal, which generates electricity even when slightly deformed. When the ignition button is pushed the resulting electrical charge generates a spark.

With the integrated ignition system there’s no need to hunt down your lighter or use matches – simply open your stove’s gas valve slightly and push the button to start your stove.

This is especially beneficial on early morning wake up calls when a cup of coffee – and as fast as possible – is in order. With moving parts and a mechanism that can simply wear out however, piezo ignition systems can and do fail in the field on occasion (I subsequently always take backup methods); whether the convenience and slight extra weight is worth it is up to each one of us.

On this example (MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe) the piezo igniter is integrated directly on the side of the stove, and simply pushing the lever will light the stove with the valve simultaneously slightly open.

Forms of Piezo Igniters for Backpacking

Piezo igniters come in two forms – those attached and integrated into the stove and those that are a separate all in one item like the MSR handheld piezo igniter. Separate igniters have limited use; they can’t for example start a fire and are only designed to work with lighting stoves or items utilizing canister fuel. They can however be convenient, and don’t result in a singed thumb like you can sometimes get with a lighter.

Editor's Note: This Jargon installment originally appeared in Issue 38 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here.