Subjective I know, but the flame looks mor attractive than the "grey" LED lights, although they are getting better. Keepers for nostalgic reasons, but the next generation won't save them.
Is there a case for the gas/kerosene lantern in the age of LED lights?
- Thread starter Elkins45
- Start date
This is a valid point.
I've used Aladdin lamps in a TN cabin during freezing temps. They tend to produce about 2,500 BTU each, and when 3 of them are in use, they will keep a cabin well lit and warm.
Because they use a mantle, the combustion is very complete and there is far less odor than using a Kerosene heater.
By way of comparison, a true 1500W electric heater will produce about 5000 BTU of heat. Powered with a Honda EU2000 inverter generator, it will consume about a gallon every 4-5 hours and fully load the generator (they make 1600W cont). Whereas each Aladin lamp will consume about a 12 ounces of kerosene in the same time frame.
Of course it takes 2 Aladdin lamps to match a 1500W heater. So 24 ounces of Kero vs. 1 gal of gasoline per 4-5 hour period.
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Everyone should experience being in a closed tent with a Coleman Lantern filled with white gasoline.
Grew up with Coleman Lanterns.
Never did I ever hear anyone refer to one as a heat source....glad to hear it.
But, isn't there always the questions of combustion air, oxygen depletion and CO concerns, huge fire risk and extremely limited dimmability of a mantle source of light?
Never did I ever hear anyone refer to one as a heat source....glad to hear it.
But, isn't there always the questions of combustion air, oxygen depletion and CO concerns, huge fire risk and extremely limited dimmability of a mantle source of light?
Nope
Just don't be stupid and you will be fine.
I would do everything in my pwer to avoid that
dnewton3
Staff member
There is one true advantage to the lantern over any LED ... They are EMP proof.
Propane lantern, no. Oil or kerosene lamp, yes. Even BITOG members can have a romantic side.
I know that.
You know that.
But what about everybody else-BITOGers excluded-? (attempted humorous response)
I’ve got 2 kerosene heaters, 2 kerosene lanterns, a propane lantern, a few jugs of kerosene and some propane cylinders in my hunting shack.
Heading up there for the first time in 5 years and I’m pretty confident I will have heat and light, wouldn’t say the same if I was relying on solar panels and batteries after having been away for so long.
Heading up there for the first time in 5 years and I’m pretty confident I will have heat and light, wouldn’t say the same if I was relying on solar panels and batteries after having been away for so long.
There is just something about the quiet “hiss” and warm light of a Coleman. I have all sorts of LED lighting. But there is still a Coleman, spare mantles, an extra pump, and a gallon of fuel in my garage.
Presumably you could still use that old lantern as a Molotov Cocktail.
Of all the things people do in a day using a lantern is pretty much at the bottom of the list of things that will kill them. Using their phone while driving will get most of them according to my son that is a truck driver.
For the record, I love the new LED lighting, but I think lanterns still have a place. I still have a Coleman that I use. They will heat a small shelter for ice fishing or butchering deer in the field while providing light. If the stuff really hits the fan and the power grid is down LEDs could be a problem and depending on the quality of the power supplies they don't like water. We use a lot of the DeWalt 20V LED light accessories since I have a lot of their tools and batteries. They are durable, put out a lot of light, and are rechargeable.
I have kerosene lanterns. Not only are they ultra-reliable and simple but they will run on all kinds of liquid fuel if necessary. The bugs hate them. The option of having fire rather than just light can be a real plus depending on the situation. Traipsing around the foggy moor after midnight waving a proper lantern is way more cinematic than holding an LED lantern. Gotta be careful rolling around in the hay barn, though. 
Feuerhand brand makes my favorite lanterns. They have remained pretty much unchanged for 130 years.
Feuerhand brand makes my favorite lanterns. They have remained pretty much unchanged for 130 years.
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Propane gas cylinders can be kept almost forever, no maintenance whatsoever, ready to go during a power blackout using Coleman lanterns.
Not so with LED.
Not so with LED.
I'm going to let the pics tell the story.
One word:
Helene
I bet there's plenty of people with dead LED lanterns who tonight will wish they had a backup.
Helene
I bet there's plenty of people with dead LED lanterns who tonight will wish they had a backup.
I have a Coleman dual fuel lantern and compact guide series dual fuel stove tucked away for just in case. As long as I have unleaded fuel on hang I'm good to go.
A Kerosene lantern would be fun to have. What is the shelf life of Kerosene?
A Kerosene lantern would be fun to have. What is the shelf life of Kerosene?
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