I have decided that simple is better where lighting is concerned, so I have dropped any battery powered light sources from my shopping list. The list has been narrowed to 2 lamps: The Aladdin and the Petromax lanterns. The Aladdins look fragile while the Petromax seems much tougher, but the Aladdins seem to have a lot less to go wrong with them, but the Petromax says it burns any liquid fuel. Help! Anybody care to give me some input on which you think best and why?

-- Steve A (albrecht@ndak.net), July 29, 1999

Answers

I bought a Petromax and two Aladdin lamps.

The Alladin lamps have the benefit of being nice to look at even if you never use them. The are simple to use.

I have yet to fire up my Petromax. The instructions are very confusing. While it isn't unattractive, it looks like a camp lantern.

Steve, odds are that you will need more than one lamp. Buy at least one of each if you can afford it.

-- walt (longyear@shentel.net), July 29, 1999.

i havent received my petromax yet, but the reason i bought one is that it can burn #2 fuel oil; the aladdin cant. the petromax can be used for lighting and cooking (with a new stove-type attachment they will be introducing shortly). i plan to order several more if the first one works out.

-- lou (lanny1@ix.netcom.com), July 29, 1999.

I echo Walt's statement. I fire up my Aladdin every so often because I love the warm glow it produces. A perfect lamp to read by. I've heard it suggested one should purchase a couple extra mantles & a spare chimney, which I have done.

FWIW, I do not own a Petromax. Nearly universal feedback which I've heard/read has been the following:

1. Guaranteed frustration right out of the box. 2. Lousy directions. 3. Difficulty getting the lantern started. So much so, a call to customer service is generally required. 4. Tremendous amount of heat output. 5. Light output is unmatched by any other lantern. 6. Long-time owners swear by them (not at them). It is said the lanterns last forever & a day.

What about kerosene lamps which use wicks, not mantles? I have half a dozen of various size & configuration. These lamps are very inexpensive & are available at Wal-mart & other chain stores. Especially handy are the hurricane-style lamps. The carry handle is a great convenience. Must-haves in my book.

Best Wishes,

-- Bingo1 (howe9@pop.shentel.net), July 29, 1999.

I don't have either a Petromax or Alladin, just a couple of old flat wick kerosene lanterns that we almost never use. I remember having duty of cleaning and filling lanterns when we lived in a house with no electricity when I was a kid, in the summers, for a few years, and the romance of it all goes away fast. That's why we have solar panels, batteries, wind generators, and low voltage DC lights. Not open flames on top of containers of flammable liquids in the house for me!

But- I do have friends who use flat wick lanters, Alladins, and Petromax regularly, along with various types of LP (propane) lamps- the permanently piped kind. I have heard only good about the Petromax from those that use them, and I have recommended the Petromax to others, and they have been pleased also. I haven't heard of any problems with the Petromax from any of my friends.

-- Jim (jiminwis@yahoo.com), July 29, 1999.

Going with battery lanterns for safety--no fires.

-- Mara Wayne (MaraWAyne@aol.com), July 29, 1999.

The petromax looks like a camp lantern but burns anything. You can get intructions for it at their website. (sure wish I remembered what it was) Probably the better lantern. The aladins are very nice and effecient. I would get both. (The all glass aladdins are beautiful!)

And get fire extinguisers and learn how to use them.

Oh, and the cheap lanterns are expendable. (but only put out about 7-9 candle power)

watch six and keep your...

-- eyes_open (best@wishes.net), July 29, 1999.

I have both Petromax and Aladdin . The Aladdin gives off a nice light for inside, but to read by it, it must be right next to you. Try taking a 40 watt light bulb and using only it in a room. That is not much light. the Petromax gives off a good amount of light, but is noisy, and can be a bit trying on one until he gets the hang of it. It took me two long evenings before I could use it half way efficently. I got the Aladdin light primarly for using in the barn for milking when there is no elec. It really is great for that and for using when cooking dinner, but it is not the light I want on for the long evening. One of the $6 wick lamps that Wal-mart sells is about like a night light in the bathroom. Enough to see where you are going, but not enough to do anything.

I just picked up a steel 55 gallon drum the other day to fill with Kerosene. This should last me two years. If I do not need it for light, then I will burn it in my tractors mixed with Diesel in the winter time.

-- chicken farmer (chicken-farmer@ y2k.farm), July 29, 1999.