UCO Candle lantern?

Magnussen said:
I have the original and the mini... I prefer the mini, to tell you the truth. I realize this thread is directed at the original but I can pack (3) 8hour tea lights in my mini and the whole thing slips into a small soupcan for safe keeping.

I have used them as a heatsource when crouched down under a blanket... excellent kit addition IMO.

Rick
Click to expand...

Any pictures, Rick?

Doc
 
Here is the mini:
fw4vae.jpg


They have a 3 candle "Candlelier" model now too!
2whq938.jpg
 
I have an old UCO candle lantern but i managed to break the glass mantle about a decade ago,lol.
My next MEC order will include lots-o spare candles, a couple of glass mantles and a neoprene case.
Any body use the citrus or beeswax candles (question mark).
(weird i`m house-sitting and the puter here has suddenly decided it will not allow me to type question marks just a É !)
 
Easy fix? Turn the keyboard up on end and whack it on the tabletop sharply (gets crumbs under the keys). Or copy/paste a question mark from another post. :)
 
Codger_64 said:
Easy fix? Turn the keyboard up on end and whack it on the tabletop sharply (gets crumbs under the keys). Or copy/paste a question mark from another post. :)
Click to expand...
lol! Tried that, now it does not like apostrophes either.
hmmmm.......
Probably i need to check the language settings and then reboot. But its not my puter (i am house-sitting) so i will let the owner deal with it when they get home in a few days.
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Any pictures, Rick?

Doc
Click to expand...

Here's my mini set-up Doc (I just picked up 2 new ones about a month ago)... I have (3) minis packed in separate kits... I just love them. I'm not sure why you'd go back to the original after using one. Perhaps portability when lit? The tea light is pure liquid once it heats up... not good for walking around the bush for sure. The original is more stable.

The mini, 2 extra 8hr tea lights, a can and bandana...
IMG_0093.jpg


The extra tea lights stack nicely inside the lantern (there is almost enough space for a 4th)...
IMG_0094.jpg


Place the bandana over the can and push the lantern down into it...
IMG_0095-2.jpg


Wrap the rest of the bandana around it...
IMG_0096.jpg



Rick
 
Mini - Weight: 3.2 ounces (including candle)
Original - Weight: Aluminum 7.5 ounces (including candle)
Candelier - Weight (with 3 candles): 21 ounces

These specs per basegear.com (couldn't find weights on the UCO site)
 
I've used the original for many years. It has the advantage of being able to collapse down so that the glass chimney is protected. It doesn't look like the mini works like that. That, coupled with the shorter burn time of the mini (necessitating extra candles that push the weight up near that of the original), makes the mini less appealing to me.
 
I get longer burn times from my mini and it weighs less, Smersh.What candles are you using? A tin can takes care of protecting the glass.
 
My first candle lamp was also a Coghlans one. I thought it was ok at the time. I had nothing to compare it to. I do remember that it was a pain to light the tea cup candles. You had to light it first before you carefully lower it into the lamp without burning yourself or you just drop it into the bottom and hope you don't snuff out or flip it over.

I've now got the UCO mini and it's it so much easier to use by lighting from the bottom section before you lock the bottom section onto the lamp. The tea cup candles I have last about 6 hours. Considering they only cost about 3$ for a pack of 30, they're real cheap to run. It's also lighter and better constructed than the Coghlans one. I thumbs up from me on the Mini!
 
abchopper said:
My first candle lamp was also a Coghlans one. I thought it was ok at the time. I had nothing to compare it to. I do remember that it was a pain to light the tea cup candles. You had to light it first before you carefully lower it into the lamp without burning yourself or you just drop it into the bottom and hope you don't snuff out or flip it over.

I've now got the UCO mini and it's it so much easier to use by lighting from the bottom section before you lock the bottom section onto the lamp. The tea cup candles I have last about 6 hours. Considering they only cost about 3$ for a pack of 30, they're real cheap to run. It's also lighter and better constructed than the Coghlans one. I thumbs up from me on the Mini!
Click to expand...

I'm sold, I'm grabbing a couple.
 
CSG said:
I believe the Candelier actually makes for an ok water boiler.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking it might make a good tent heater too. Except for the weight if I had to carry it any distance. I am kinda put off by the weight. 21 ounces without spare candles is pretty heavy. Especially when I am trying so hard to reduce pack weight.

The original with one candle puts out more heat that you would think. And the bail with hanging chain works well in my tent. The chain keeps it far enough below the tent top (the mesh "attic" in my case) that overheating the tent fabric isn't a problem.

The mini is interesting though. I'd be tempted to give one a try. I wonder what the difference is in the heat/light given off by the two (the obvious "1 candlepower" doesn't seem right! :D )
 
Speaking of weight; I used the regular (aluminum) UCO candle lantern for many years but recently (several years ago) converted to a light weight tap light with a Nite Izes led conversion. Its lighter than the aluminum candle lantern (even without an extra candle), lasts 16 hours (continuous) on 2 AA batteries and give off much more light (functioning as a tent light, lantern and flashlight). The candle lantern (with nickle plated matchbox) lives next to my railroad lantern as a curiosity now.

Enjoy!
 
I admit we use our traditional UCO's more often for power outages now but one always travels in the rig with a spare candle. Lighting the rig with candlelight is much more relaxing than draining a battery for rig lights or headlamps.
 
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