The Hobbico glow lighter works for me.

They don't particularly "eat" batteries. I've had glow lighters that lasted several seasons. Keep'em charged and you'll get a long life out of one.

Choke the engine, clip on the glow lighter, start the engine. As soon as it's runnnig, move to the rear of the prop arc and remove the glow lighter. You don't "leave it on" at all. Only enough to start the engine.

Dr.1