Hi Everyone..

I have found a great source for Petromax multi-fuel lanterns. The main importer/distributer for the US sells them direct. The only problem is that now that I want another one, they're backordered for 2 weeks. It is an awesome light! (a little pricey, but worth it).

It burns almost any type of liquid fuel. The directions say that it'll burn the following: Lamp Oil Kerosene Mineral Spirits Alcohol Unleaded Gasoline Diesel Fuel Home Heating Oil (I'm a little hesitant to use gasoline as a fuel for anything other than my generator, especially if I use the lantern inside. I think kerosene is much safer...)

It puts out (they claim) the equivelant of 400 watts of light. It's pretty darn bright indeed.

The web site is: http://www.web-comm.com/petromax

-- Rich Badish (webmaster@ponj.org), January 12, 1999

Answers

I have had a Petro-max lantern for over 20 years. It is probably about the best light you can buy. You are right about using gasoline! DO NOT use gasoline indoors for any purpose. It is very volatile.

As far as winter goes, my Petro-max also generates enough heat to heat a small room! (kind of a disadvantage in the summer ) And the light output is really intense -- in the "high" setting, it's about 5 times brighter than my coleman lamp. I've found that it uses about 1 quart of fuel per 16-20 hours (medium setting). I have nothing to compare that to since my coleman is a propane unit.

The web site you listed has a great picture of the lamp. It has a neat finish and really looks "cool". I have ordered parts from them before for my lantern. Believe it or not, the parts produced today will fit any lantern ever made by the manufacturer. The design has not changed in 100 years. They have a technician there that knows more about these lanterns than anyone I've ever encountered. I recall that the're located down south.

As you stated-- these lights are a expensive (I paid around 150 or so-- seems like they're a bit less now). But it's worth it! This thing'll last forever! Make sure to buy a few extra mantles and maybe an extra glass globe just in case.

I also have a Coleman propane lantern for outdoors use. It's ok but not really well built and for safety issues, you're not supposed to use them indoors. (the Petro-max can be used safely indoors-- NOT with gasoline though-- USE ONLY KEROSENE OR LAMP OIL INDOORS)

Good Luck. Dale

-- Dale T. Scherer (dtc51@aol.com), January 12, 1999.

Dale-

Husband wants to know what the primary fuel was that you used in your lamp, and also what different fuels you used, please.

Thanks. Blessings...Mercy

-- Mercy (prepare@now.com), January 12, 1999.

P.S. Thanks Rich!!!!!

Blessings...Mercy

-- Mercy (prepare@now.com), January 12, 1999.

Rich et.al.,

When I was in slavery my only light was a Coleman lantern:

" A gas lantern provided a gloomy light in my shack. It was more luxurious than a candle and I did not like candles anymore, especially at Christmas time. This lantern was to be used outdoors only, for it produced a lot of soot. In the black deposit on the ceiling above, I traced with my finger "HOME SWEET HOME. My profound message was sent to the dump when my slave master discarded my home after I moved out. Will I get to benefit from the lamps fumes far in the future?"

Will the Petromax produce soot? I don't want to breathe anymore because I have to catch up on life.

-- TTF (seenit@ww2.com), January 12, 1999.

TTF-

Just got off the phone with the woman at Petromax. She is the nicest person you would ever want to meet! We had a conversation about the products...I ordered the lantern and the stove. I asked her about soot output and she said basically it would depend on the type of fuel used. There would be a small output as with any other kind of lantern of this type, but she didn't think it worth worrying about.

What a way to start the day...ordering a great product from such a really nice woman...makes you feel like you've known her forever!

Hope this helps. She mentioned it will take 2-4 weeks and any inquiries can be emailed or you can call.

Blessings...Mercy

-- Mercy (prepare@now.com), January 12, 1999.

I ordered (after visiting their web site). A stove and lantern should arrive today. On the survival NG a lot of good things were said about the Petromax. email britelyt@earthlink.net phone 727-856-9245 Diana Clifton

-- ronbanks (phxbanks@webtv.net), January 12, 1999.

Hi, everyone, and thank you all SO VERY MUCH for your kind words.

In answer to some of your questions.....the K-1 (kerosene) is generally the preferred fuel, depending on each person's own preference. Since these lanterns are so versatile, you can even mix fuels if needed. That's one of the nice things about these lanterns & stoves.....you don't have to depend on one particular fuel for it's operation. Since they are pressurized, these lanterns are a bit safer to use;however, I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH......SAFETY FIRST! Especially, when there are kids around. Always make sure there is plenty of ventilation, when using these products, just as you would do if you were using the fireplace as a heating or lighting source.

The heat output of these products depends on the level at which you run these things. I use them here in Florida (Tampa....the lightning capitol of the world), as we are always having power outages. I really don't notice any difference in the temperature level, as it's hot-as-all-get-out down here anyway....especially during the summer.

Our mantles are NOT radio-active, and the life expectancy for each, depends on the mantle itself. I have one that has lasted over a year & a half now, and it's still going strong. I always enclose three (3) extra mantles with an order, and a few spare parts (should you ever need them), and I am presently working on developing a web site that will give more information concerning the operation of the products (for beginners), parts breakdowns, trouble-shooting, etc. Please be patient.....these things take time. (Smile)

If you need technical info, just call "Eddie" (30 years experience) between the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.(EST), and he'll be glad to assist you. I'm here from 5:30 a.m. until whenever........(oh, me).

Call 727-856-9245 or fax - 727-856-7715.

OH, YEAH!!!.......Check out the "Bio-Diesel". This is a new fuel that we will be testing in our product shortly. I will let you know the burning time, etc., after testing is completed. You can see the "store" at www.hiperfuels.com

If you would like a copy of the comments from Mr. Steve Howell, Research Director, National BioDiesel Board, I will be happy to share those with you.

Thanks again, everyone, and .......KEEP SMILING!!!! God Bless!!

Diana.....Britelyt britelyt@earthlink.net http://www.petromax.com http://home.earthlink.net/~britelyt/

-- Diana Clifton (britelyt@earthlink.net), January 12, 1999.

Hi, Folks!!

O.K.......My "techs" just let me know that I left them out....(so sad).......and wanted to make double sure that I let everybody know the following: (They are jumping around with joy now.....happy, happy; joy, joy......)

Just a little note to let you know that I forgot to let you know about the "soot output". The lanterns are an incandescent, pressurized lantern, so it burns vapors......therefore...no "soot", as with use of a "wick" lantern. You may have a little smell from such fuels as diesel or scented lamp oils. I kinda like the strawberry, myself.....but to each; his own. Citronella (wards off mosquitoes) has a pretty heavy scent, so I wouldn't recommend using in the house, unless you have to. It'll drive you away, too. (Smile) Kinda smells like cooked oranges........ewwwwwwwwwwwww!!! Like a Florida "pulp" plant.......well....you'd just have to smell it, to see what I mean.

See ya!! AND KEEP SMILING!!

Diana....Britelyt britelyt@earthlink.net

-- Diana Clifton (britelyt@earthlink.net), January 12, 1999.

TTF, I've been following your memoirs. The style is interesting, and the content very moving.

I would have asked you in private email if you posted it, so I'm left with asking here; would you care to send me what you have already written via email? My address is real, would you email me please, even if it's to refuse my request?

-- Chris (catsy@pond.com), January 12, 1999.

FWIW, this is really a great lantern. The h|tten (cabins) built in the alps to accomodate hikers and climbers use these and they are bright. When my husband, who is German, saw me looking at Aladdin lamps, he immediately suggested I look for Petromax instead.

-- Maria (encelia@mailexcite.com), January 13, 1999.

Any HVAC or others with sensitive CO testerd fired up one of these up in the house for a few hours and monitored levels? (Please don't forget to tell us what you were using as fuel)

'Ventilation' is somewhat vague and if it's -10, some folks may be reluctant to open windows. Obviously good idea to have batteries and battery operated household style CO dectector or two...

On different topic:

Solar oven report - my nephew and I built on based on plans we got from the net. With all the snow and clouds so far I can safely report that if we were relying on it since Jan 1 this year we would not have had a hot meal yet. Hope to try it out on a cold bright day - will post results. Doesn't bode well for Photovoltaics without backup. (Knew it was cloudy this time of year, never paid attention as to just how cloudy)

Good Luck jh

-- John Hebert (jhebert@co.waukesha.wi.us), January 14, 1999.

Hi, Folks!!

Just a note to let you know the new web site should be finished soon;however, we are still in the process of getting more info to you.

I will also be updating you (hopefully tomorrow) about the status of the orders, so keep watching.

For those who cannot locate our fax #, it's 727-856-7715. You can also e-mail us at diana@petromax.com, or diana@britelyt.com. For those who prefer to call, just dial up 727-856-9245. We are available from 5:30 a.m. to around 8:30 p.m.(EST)... (and, most of the time, later to accommodate those in the Western part of the country, 7-days per week. If we have to step out for a few, just leave a message, and I will get back with you.

Great talking to each and every one of you. You keep me smiling. Thanks to all!!

Diana....Britelyt diana@britelyt.com www.petromax.com

-- Diana Clifton (diana@britelyt.com), January 15, 1999.

My Petromax products arrived on the 12th....6 days UPS from Florida to Phoenix...I had been given a tracking number but was not necessary. Everything about my purchase transaction has been correct and first class. A nice thank you note was enclosed along with complete parts list and FAQ's. A shipping list/original order form marked paid also enclosed plus complete operating instructions. I have not put in the fuel, as yet, but the quality of the merchandise shows. I have taken the time to post my complimentary remarks because I have made some Y2k purchases that were unsatisfactory but I am very happy with this purchase.

-- ronbanks (phxbanks@webtv.net), January 15, 1999.

That "Petromax" lantern by the way, is a generic Petromax- type copy-cat lantern, not a genuine Petromax. BriteLyt makes those.

-- Thomas Rishart (thart@hotmail.com), February 05, 2005.