Kerosene Lanterns for the prepper or camper

[PawPaw]

Interesting post. I completed a patio project this past summer, and now I'm considering lighting options. Frankly, I had never considered kerosene lanterns, but this makes me think in a whole new direction.

[evan price]

Interesting.

How long can kerosene be stored?

If stored in a sealed, preferably opaque container away from temperature swings, forever. Kerosene is an oil not a solvent. It can get condensation in the container so you should have a way to deal with that. I've used kerosene that is 30 years old.

[blackeagle603]

worthy of a wiki

[skb12172]

Interesting post. I completed a patio project this past summer, and now I'm considering lighting options. Frankly, I had never considered kerosene lanterns, but this makes me think in a whole new direction.

You'll love it from an ambiance standpoint. Add a fire pit and/or hot tub? You can keep your 'ol rope lighting and LED lanterns.

[skb12172]

Interesting.

How long can kerosene be stored?

If stored in a sealed, preferably opaque container away from temperature swings, forever. Kerosene is an oil not a solvent. It can get condensation in the container so you should have a way to deal with that. I've used kerosene that is 30 years old.

So a "plastic" Walmart gas can would be out?

[rightisright]

Great post! Any thoughts on this stuff? http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/k ... tive-1-gal

[Weetabix]

I have a couple of Uco mini candle lanterns that I bought from Countycomm.

The bigger Uco lanterns are much better. I own both kinds.

[Greg]

I have a couple of Uco mini candle lanterns that I bought from Countycomm.

The bigger Uco lanterns are much better. I own both kinds.

May I ask, better in what ways and to what degree? I always found the larger lanterns appealing but the candles are, burn time per dollar, a bit over an order of magnitude more expensive than tea candles.

[blackeagle603]

found this Kleen Heet review on Home Depot's website

Excellent for oil lamps, especially my Aladdin mantle lamps.

February 22, 2013

I repair and restore oil lamps, be they flat wick, tubular (round) wick or mantle lamps like ALADDIN lamps.
All perform better with this oil, and the odor is so small as to be negligible. Make sure to leave at least 1/2 inch of headspace in the font when filling, as any oil expands when it warms.
I particularly like it's clean-burning properties.
I discovered Klean-Heat when a friend moved and left me four gallons...I started using it in oil lamps, and have not looked back>
It is also competitively priced with liquid paraffin, as I've seen a 3 liter (3 qt. 4 oz.) container for as much as $18 within the last few days.
It is stable for as long as it's in the original container, or properly stored in a kerosene (blue color) container.

DO NOT store the oil in the lamps if you can prevent it, as any oil will give off volatiles over time, decreasing it's burnability. Instead, keep the oil safely stored, with a funnel and paper towels to hand for cleanup.
IMMEDIATELY after wiping up any spills, move the oily rags/towels outside to a METAL container in case of fire.

[Weetabix]

I have a couple of Uco mini candle lanterns that I bought from Countycomm.

The bigger Uco lanterns are much better. I own both kinds.

May I ask, better in what ways and to what degree? I always found the larger lanterns appealing but the candles are, burn time per dollar, a bit over an order of magnitude more expensive than tea candles.

Mind you this is qualitative and based on affection, but...

The larger one seems to burn a bit brighter. I'd guess it's because the shape of the candle holder and the spring that feeds the candle as it burns keeps the flame in a good spot for throwing light and keeps the fuel source of the melted wax uniform and... optimum? It's probably a function of the size of the wick in the larger candles as well.

The fact that it collapses seems to make it travel better as well. I've had the small one's glass break.

It disassembles easily for cleaning. Although the small one may not need the same sort of cleaning.

Now you've got me thinking I need to break both out and compare them side by side, though.

I use mine to read at night when camping. I have a two reflectors I hang on it: sometimes a side reflector, and usually a top one. That probably contributes to the difference in perceived brightness, too.