Zippo Classic High Polish Chrome Lighter (250) in El Paso

The Zippo Classic High Polish Chrome, model 250, is the plain mirror-finish version of the lighter that has defined the brand since 1932. It is a windproof, refillable, all-metal pocket lighter: a brass case plated in chrome and buffed to a reflective shine, with no engraving or artwork. It ships empty, you fill it with lighter fluid before first use, and it carries Zippo’s lifetime guarantee. Below is exactly what the finish is, how the windproof flame works, how to keep it running, and how to buy it locally in El Paso.

What the High Polish Chrome Finish Is

High Polish Chrome is Zippo’s mirror finish: the brass case is chrome-plated and buffed to a clean, reflective shine with no design on it, which is why this is called the plain or classic 250. The trade-off collectors note is an honest one. That glassy surface shows fingerprints and can pick up fine scratches with daily pocket carry, more readily than Zippo’s brushed or satin chrome. Plenty of Guests like exactly that, because a working Zippo earns its marks over the years. If you want a lower-shine, more scratch-forgiving look, ask our Hosts about the brushed chrome version.

How the Windproof Flame Works

Zippo’s windproof reputation comes from the design, not a marketing line. The slotted windscreen, often called the chimney, shields the wick while feeding a steady supply of fuel, so the flame stays lit in wind that would snuff out a butane lighter. Flip the lid for the signature Zippo click, spin the flint wheel, and it lights. The all-metal construction means there is no plastic tank to crack or warp.

Fuel, Flints, and the Wick

This lighter is fully refillable, which is the whole point of owning one. For the cleanest light and the longest wick life, fill it with Zippo premium lighter fluid: lift the metal insert out of the case, raise the felt pad, and saturate the cotton underneath. Fuel evaporates slowly even when the lighter sits unused, so top it off before a trip. The flint is a wear part; swap in replacement flints roughly every week or two of regular use. Over years of use the wick eventually chars and can be replaced with a replacement wick. Genuine Zippo fuel, flints, and wicks keep the lighter striking and burning the way it was engineered to.

Zippo's Lifetime Guarantee

Every genuine Zippo windproof lighter carries Zippo’s lifetime guarantee, summed up in their trademark line, it works or Zippo fixes it free. If the mechanism ever fails, you send the lighter to Zippo and they repair it free of charge, regardless of how old it is. To be clear on who does what: El Paso Smoke Shops sells you the lighter, and Zippo honors the guarantee and performs the repair. The chrome finish and any personal engraving are not covered, but the working parts are.

Buying It at El Paso Smoke Shops

El Paso Smoke Shops is a locally run chain with 10 stores across El Paso, Texas. This lighter is stocked at some of those stores rather than every one, so check the live availability on this page to see which El Paso store has it before you head over. Every lighter ships empty for safe transport, lighter fluid is sold separately, and purchase is 21 and older with a valid government-issued ID. A Zippo is a flame lighter, not a vape and not a concealment device.

If you want one classic lighter you refill instead of a drawer full of disposables, the High Polish Chrome 250 is the benchmark: simple, windproof, all metal, and guaranteed for life by Zippo. Check the live stock above, then pick it up at your nearest stocked El Paso Smoke Shops location.