- Joined
- Jun 4, 2002
- Messages
- 3,930
Granted, they aren't nearly as bright as modern electric or pressurized gas lanterns that use mantles. Since I really don't plan on doing field surgery or needlepoint, I can live with that. What they are, is a very safe, efficient, and economical alternative to candles as emergency lighting during power outages, et cetera. That's something near and dear to an old Floridian's heart. Just saw on the news the other day about a family, including several small children, killed in a fire started by a candle. They'd been without electricity for whatever reason, and had been using candles for light. Candles are crap for that, save 'em for setting a romantic mood sometime, and keep kids/pets away from the dayumed things.
Back to the lanterns. Did I mention they're safe? Because the flame is fully enclosed in glass and steel, there's far less chance of igniting your drapes, etc., or having "Fluffy" get too close and fill the house with the unmistakable aroma of singed cat. And, these style lanterns (cold draft, tubular) are the only kerosene/oil lamps I know of that are actually designed to self extinguish if tipped over (no joke, they really do).
Did I mention they're efficient and economical? My smallest Dietz, a "Comet" (picture below), is only 8 1/2" tall, puts out the same amount of light as three candles burning simultaneously, and will burn for 15 continuous hours on 6 ounces of cheap kerosene. And, I've thoroughly tested the little devil for reliability. Wind, rain, ha, nothing short of a strong thunderstorm will put it out. Try that with a candle, it'll be a short test.
Here's a little blue Comet, like the one I've been talking about (it travels about with me, while my big fellers do house duty)
Why all this talk of "hurricane lanterns"? Duh, it's hurricane season ain't it? There's a rather bothersome tendency (to me at least) for folks to scramble for the latest hi-tech, state of the art, gizmos, when technology that's served well for more than a century will still reliably get the job done today.
Want a simple, sturdy, inexpensive, but infinitely reliable, "old school" lantern to stash with your disaster preparedness gear? Here's two excellent sources for 'em; http://www.lanternnet.com/ :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: (yes indeed, that's three thumbs up, superb website) ~and~ www.lehmans.com a company many of you will already no doubt be familiar with.
Git 'r done, and give the messy, inefficient, and just plain dangerous, candles to somebody you don't like. They'll marvel at your generosity. 
Sarge
edited to add: The genuine Dietz lanterns may cost a few bucks more than the cheap imitations that are out there, but having already gone that route, I can tell you in earnest, there's a very noticeable difference that's well worth the few extra bucks
another added: For outdoor use, these things will burn quite well on Citronella oil (to help discourage skeeters). I was in Homestead, Florida, for Hurricane Andrew. Dayumed thing hit us in August, and no power meant no AC, not even a fan. It was unbearably hot and humid, and the dadburn skeeter's just added to folks' misery.
Back to the lanterns. Did I mention they're safe? Because the flame is fully enclosed in glass and steel, there's far less chance of igniting your drapes, etc., or having "Fluffy" get too close and fill the house with the unmistakable aroma of singed cat. And, these style lanterns (cold draft, tubular) are the only kerosene/oil lamps I know of that are actually designed to self extinguish if tipped over (no joke, they really do).
Did I mention they're efficient and economical? My smallest Dietz, a "Comet" (picture below), is only 8 1/2" tall, puts out the same amount of light as three candles burning simultaneously, and will burn for 15 continuous hours on 6 ounces of cheap kerosene. And, I've thoroughly tested the little devil for reliability. Wind, rain, ha, nothing short of a strong thunderstorm will put it out. Try that with a candle, it'll be a short test.
Here's a little blue Comet, like the one I've been talking about (it travels about with me, while my big fellers do house duty)
Why all this talk of "hurricane lanterns"? Duh, it's hurricane season ain't it? There's a rather bothersome tendency (to me at least) for folks to scramble for the latest hi-tech, state of the art, gizmos, when technology that's served well for more than a century will still reliably get the job done today.
Want a simple, sturdy, inexpensive, but infinitely reliable, "old school" lantern to stash with your disaster preparedness gear? Here's two excellent sources for 'em; http://www.lanternnet.com/ :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: (yes indeed, that's three thumbs up, superb website) ~and~ www.lehmans.com a company many of you will already no doubt be familiar with.
Git 'r done, and give the messy, inefficient, and just plain dangerous, candles to somebody you don't like. They'll marvel at your generosity.
Sarge
edited to add: The genuine Dietz lanterns may cost a few bucks more than the cheap imitations that are out there, but having already gone that route, I can tell you in earnest, there's a very noticeable difference that's well worth the few extra bucks
another added: For outdoor use, these things will burn quite well on Citronella oil (to help discourage skeeters). I was in Homestead, Florida, for Hurricane Andrew. Dayumed thing hit us in August, and no power meant no AC, not even a fan. It was unbearably hot and humid, and the dadburn skeeter's just added to folks' misery.
ne of those simple timeless designs. A good and timely thread Sarge. Thanks.