Kerosene Lanterns

Kerosene lanterns produce light by burning petroleum oil. This is commonly used as an alternative to candles when electricity is not available. This type of lantern was especially popular when kerosene replaced all other types of combustible oil. Now people use them when out camping or simply for an ambient effect.

Sometimes called the hurricane lantern, kerosene lanterns were the commonly used household equipment in the 1800s up until the 20th century. The kerosene lantern is the rough-and-tumble version of the kerosene lamp designed to allow for more portability. They usually come with side tubes and a metal chimney that act together to support the glass globe and to protect it from breakage. The side tubes and metal chimney also contain a ducting system that not only stabilizes but also enhances the flow of air that reaches the flame. The result is a stable and bright light that is capable of resisting the wind. This enhanced drafting may come in the form of a cold blast or hot blast tubular lantern. The cold blast tubular lantern is the more common design.

In the early times, kerosene lanterns were commonly used to light the rural homes and barns. They were also important complements to horse drawn carriages, ships, railroad cars and many other early automobiles. This type of lantern was also heavily used for signaling and some navigational purposes. They were also used for firefighting purposes and for public works. With electricity reaching the rural areas, the rise of portable gas lanterns, and the improvements of many automatic and electrically powered equipments, this crude lantern lost its popularity. Some people still patronize the product though. They love the quaint feel the lantern gives. And besides, kerosene remains to be one of the most accessible fuels available.

Kerosene lanterns are best used as an outdoor décor. They give off a quaint ambient feel. They also give your exteriors a sophisticated look. And of course you can always use them for outdoor camping. They are not the best among camping lanterns though. Rechargeable lanterns are a tad more convenient and the gas lantern a lot brighter. The LED camping lantern and electric lanterns for camping are good options as well.