Mr.357
I assume items like that with short cords tend to minimize the liability of the manufacturers. If you run an extension cord to the electric lighter, and someone trips over it, the manufacturer of the lighter and deny liability since the cord was not part of the appliance and you used an extension cord which was not recommended in the owners manual.

George
Because anyplace you will be using a charcoal lighter will not be near an electrical outlet. So you will have to have an extension cord. Since you need an extension cord anyway they can use short cords and cut down on cost. If they used a longer cord the whole thing would cost you more to buy and you will still need an extension cord.