Oil Lamps??

[bodydamage]

The wife an I want to pick up a few oil lamps to have around the house.. Are there any differences between the el cheapos at Wally World and some of the more expensive ones around?

 

[Absintheur]

In a straight oil lamp, not too much difference. But once you go beyond the basic oil lamp there is. If you want really bright it is hard to beat the Petromax Kerosene Lantern, the light output is equal to a 400 watt electric. During the last power outage last week I used a Coleman Propane, it not only provided lot's of light but kept the bedroom warm as well.

I would suggest you browse through Lehman's Non-Electric Catalog, http://www.lehmans.com/ they have everything from basic to lamps for those who never use electricity. For cheap and nice I bought several wine bottle conversions from them and with the added glass globe they work great. http://www.lehmans.com/images/us//local/products/detail/11140.f.jpg Lehman's also offers wall mount lamps, hanging lamps, without a doubt they have the best selection of non-electric lighting around.

 

[Bob W]

Oil lamps are great to have around the house in case of power failure.

We have some very nice antique oil lamps, and some cheapies from WalMart. The antiques are much better made - thicker glass and heavier metal fittings. But they burn the same oil and the same wicks, so there's really not much difference with regards to function.

That Leyman's company has the best selection I've seen anywhere. You might also shop around the antique stores to see if anything catches your wife's eye.

 

[kvaughn]

I made some emergency lamps out of empty Tabasco sauce bottles and cut regular lamp wicks in half lengthwise. Use the best quality lampoil you can find. Smokes less.--KV

 

[bladefixation2]

If you get a pressurised paraffin (kerosene) lamp like a tilley lamp they will give out many times more light than a standard unpressurised oil lamp.

http://www.tilleylamp.co.uk/lamps.htm

Theyre very good if you need a lot of light - I have the red one

 

[Iron City]

I bought a kero lantern from Kirkman... really great customer service.

http://www.lanternnet.com/

 

[DPris]

One major difference is the quality of the burner assembly.
Cheaper lamps use flimsier construction that may not hold up with use over the years. The "ratchet" shaft may break, leaving you with no way to adjust wick height.
Denis

 

[stockman242]

I have a Bundeswehr surplus Petromax and like it a lot.

Peter