What to Look for When Buying a Kerosene Lamp

There is something quite nostalgic about the childhood memories of having fended off darkness and all its mythical creatures with a simple kerosene lamp. Even if the lamp was used in the safety of one's back yard, the steady glow was quite reassuring. First used in the mid-19th century, kerosene lamps today are most often used by those who appreciate historical ambiance and antiques.

  1. Size

    • Since kerosene lamps come in a variety of sizes, determine where you will use the lamp. If it's for a small table or room, or to augment other light, then choose a smaller lantern. If the lamp will sit in a main living area or hang on a hook for hours at a time, choose a larger lantern. When reading the specifications of kerosene lamps, look for the term "fount capacity," which is the amount of kerosene fuel a lamp can hold. Lamps with larger founts burn longer without having to be refueled. Kerosene lamps vary in their fount capacity from 8 ounces up to 84 ounces.

    Light

    • When choosing a kerosene lamp, consider how much light you expect it to give off. Just as different light bulbs give off different amounts of light depending on their wattage, kerosene lamps give off different strengths of light depending on their wicks -- strings or fibers that burn inside the lamp. The width of the kerosene lamp's wick determines the breadth of the flame. Therefore, a thick wick will produce more light than a narrow wick. Kerosene wicks come in 1/2-inch, 7/8-inch and 1/8-inch widths. For ambient light, get a lamp with a thin width. If you want to be able to read by the light, get as wide a wick as possible.

    Cost

    • New kerosene lamps generally cost less than antique kerosene lamps, which have become collector's items. In addition, most older kerosene lamps were made of more expensive materials, such as solid bronze. The cost of kerosene lamps also depends on the lamp's size, finish and general quality and start at just a few dollars but can easily cost a couple hundred. Most kerosene lamps produced today have a painted finish, which is less expensive than plated or solid finishes.

    Warranty

    • Antique kerosene lamps don't come with warranties, but brand new kerosene lamps should, and the warranty gives you hints as to the lamp's quality. A 1-year warranty is typical for a standard, painted-finish camping kerosene lamp, although it will likely last much longer if you take care of it. Some high-quality lamps, such as the Polish Galician lamps often used in Amish households, come with a lifetime warranty.