The Best Kerosene Lamps
The best kerosene lamps make excellent decorative items in the home, as many models fit right into a rustic or old-fashioned home decorating theme. Additionally, kerosene lamps are excellent for outdoor lighting in the backyard or around the campsite, and many people keep several kerosene lamps on hand for emergency lighting in the case of electricity outages. While exceptionally cheap kerosene lamps can be found at outdoors centers and surplus stores, the best kerosene lamps can commonly be found in stores that deal in specialty and vintage lighting and furniture.
Typically, kerosene lamps are simple wick lamps in which the bottom section of a cotton cord dips into a fuel reservoir, wicking the fuel up the cord to the burning flame. Less common designs include the mantle lamp and the pressure lamp. Kerosene lamps, of course, are designed to burn kerosene. Most can also burn on alternative fuels, including standard lamp oil, synthetic kerosene, and other fuel blends. In most cases, these alternative fuels are best for indoor use due to the odor of kerosene. If you plan to burn proper kerosene in your lamp, it is essential that you use a kerosene with a flash point between 124 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid so-called “run-away flames” and other safety issues. If you plan to use an alternative fuel product, make sure it is designed specifically for burning in a lamp.
Aladdin Lamps
Aladdin Lamps are among the most popular and best quality kerosene lamps available today. Virtually all Aladdin Lamps are suited for both decorative and emergency use. The Genie II Shelf Lamp is a particularly flexible kerosene lamp that can be fitted with any number of Aladdin lampshades or a lampshade of your own. It has a long, slightly fluted tube and nice cut-glass base that holds enough kerosene for about 12 hours of light. The Genie III Shelf Lamp has a brown-orange ceramic base that matches very well with the wood of a mantelpiece, table, or bookcase shelf.
The Brass Series Oil Lamp is a stately piece, especially when combined with the dogwood blossom formed glass lampshade. The Brass Series lamp is built from solid brass and features a shiny lacquer finish. This is an excellent piece for a living room. For a more subdued color without missing the sleek lines, try the Aluminum Table Lamp, a super tough, durable lamp for the kitchen table of the campsite.
Kosmos Oil Lamps
Kosmos lamps are prized for their fine ornamental designs, superb craftsmanship, and stellar performance. They are manufactured in France and look like they are straight out of the Old American West. Among the numerous lamp models available are rustic brass table lamps, copper sitting room lamps, ornamental globe lamps, and high fashion shaded lamps. Note that only 150-degree flash point kerosene is recommended in Kosmos oil lamps.
Handsome Lamplight Farms “Montana” Lamp
The Handsome Lamplight Farms Montana lamp is a bronze wall lamp with a fine antique finish. It comes to about 12 inches in height. With or without its optional ornamental hood, this wall lamp is perfect for virtually any rustic home design. Once the wall brackets are secured in place, the lamp can easily be removed for refilling or for use as a small table lamp. The Montana lamp can be purchased in bulk for placement around a room or throughout the home.
