Lanterns were a big topic last winter. There was a lot of discussion about Petromax being too difficult to work. Some of us haven't bought one of these (Petro or Alladin) premium lanterns. Please let us know your thoughts on this thread.

-- Puddintame (achillesg@hotmail.com), October 11, 1999

Answers

I went solar. Two solar battery chargers, 16 premium regargable "D" cells and a two tube floresent lantern. Total cost about $110. Should last forever with no risk of fire. I will be charging one set of batteries, while using the others. The light output is good considering the size of the unit.

-- Bill (y2khippo@yahoo.com), October 11, 1999.

Hi Puddintame, I think I'm qualified to answer, because I have BOTH kinds of lamps.

Basically, I would say that they address different needs. The Petromax is a large, rugged lantern that is VERY bright. Its assets include the ability to run on virtually any hydrocarbon fuel including diesel, gasoline, kerosene, white gas, etc.

The bad part, is that it requires the user to pressurize the fuel. This requires the use of a small pump on the side. It also requires warming up the fuel (except gas) so it can vaporize correctly. This procedure, is, well, exciting. Involving lots of flames shooting about and very noisy. It can be nerve wracking to say the least. But after you've done it a couple of times, no sweat.

The Alladin lamps are indoor lamps. They frequently have beautiful glass shades, and sometimes elaborate artwork. They require kerosene or lamp oil. They do not need pressure, and are completely quiet.

The light they yield is white, and adequately light a room for reading.

Both lamps require mantles. The Petromax mantles are cheaper, but break frequently, especially during pressurizing. The globes on the Alladins can crack or break easily as well. The globes are shaped in a special way and you cannot substitute a different globe.

If I could only get one, I'd get an Alladin. One of the aluminum models, with a white shade. We have a "watchman" model, which we frequently use now and it's great. No muss, no fuss. We have stockpiled 55 gallons of Kerosene, and expect that to last several years. (we don't have anything else that uses kerosene).

When we go on camping trips, or tail-gate party, we take the Petromax in its bag. It lights up the entire campsite, and draws all the bugs from 3 counties.

Jolly

-- Jollyprez (jolly@prez.com), October 11, 1999.

I've got a dozen of the old hurricane lamps, and a dozen brass lanterns (different shapes, sizes, and mounts). Around here, a dog pisses on the pole and "no phone, no lights, no motor car, not a single luxury". So I've had plenty of opportunity to experience days without power. You will want plenty of them, I can tell you that. We burn one in the kitchen, two in the living room, one in each bath, one in the bedroom, on one on the stairs. And this is just minimal lighting. My wife will also have three-wick candles going in whatever room we're in. To me, it's plenty of them, and cost would be a factor as well as ease of operation. Spare parts are easy and cheap for hurricane and brass lanterns. And the oil is cheap and easy to store in quantity.

-- IKnow (Im@ready.now), October 11, 1999.

Jollyprez:

Did you ever manage to open up Guarino's SEP99 WSU file that bobby1776 sent you a while back?

-- Randolph (dinosaur@williams-net.com), October 11, 1999.

I really like our Alladin lamps. I would recommend the lighter-weight shades, since the heavier, fancier shades can make the lamp more unstable. Excited kids (whenever there's a power failure) make the greater instability with the heavier shade a bit stressful at times, though maybe they'll grow out of it.

If you've never used a lamp with a mantle, you'd probably be surprised at how bright it can be, during a power failure--ours is at least as bright as a 60 watt bulb. The lamps with just a wick and flame aren't anywhere near as bright.

The fire hazard factor, though not that bad, would also suggest getting extra fire extinguishers for the rooms the lamps or candles are in. Baking soda can also be thrown on the flames to effectively deal with a fire. Try putting out a candle with some baking soda as an experiment, and then try to relight.

-- S. Kohl (kohl@hcpd.com), October 11, 1999.

Thanks for the great responses. Is the Petromax primarily for outdoor use?

-- Puddintame (achillesg@hotmail.com), October 11, 1999.

I have one petromax, two aladdins, two baygen wind up flashlights, and clean burning fuel for three months. Y2K or not, I am happy to have all of the above. On the move or for problems on the road, the baygens are practical. Around the yard or camping, the petromax is bright. Inside, the aladdins are centerpieces on the dining room table or on the fireplace mantle. I recommend them all for just under $300 (if you are lucky): one petromax, one tall aluminum aladdin, one baygen, spare parts, and clean burning lamp oil. If I had to go with just one and was staying put, I'd go with the aladdin lamp, bug screen, spare mantles, wicks, and chimneys. If on the move, I'd get a Baygen flashlight with solar for recharging and extra batteries and bulbs.

Sincerely, Stan Faryna

-- Stan Faryna (faryna@groupmail.com), October 11, 1999.

The Alladin is suitable for peace.

The Petromax is adaptable for war.

-- Randolph (dinosaur@williams-net.com), October 11, 1999.

I concur with Jollyprez. The Alladin is the way to go for all indoor lighting, and the aluminum model -- the Watchman -- gives you a bit of durability you wouldn't have from the glass models. It is the chminey that is fragile on these, and for emergency lighting no lampshade is needed. Buy an extra lantern if you can find one, and at least 3 mantels per lantern (manufacturers recommendation -- I'd get a few more since there is no substituting for these palladium coated mantels). Also, a little methyl alcohol in the kerosense promotes clean-burning and gets rid of the resideul kerosene smell. There are a few commercial products -- like Wick-Cleener and Kero- kleen -- for this prupose, but I am finding them very hard to get already. I've had 2 dozen bottles on order for the last three months, and just got a call from the retailer that 5 (only 5!!) of the 24 bottles have finally been shipped. Petromax is a great guy- lantern, and best suited for outdoor use due to the hiss, the mess from pressurization, the startling inferno of the pre-burner, and the potential for consuming O2 and producing C0 if used indoors.

-- Roch Steinbach (rochsteinbach@ excite.com), October 11, 1999.

I have 2 Alladin's and love them for indoor use only.

-- smfdoc (smfdoc@aol.com), October 12, 1999.

We have an Alladin, broke the chimney right away, replaced it and have a spare, may buy another spare. The chimney prices are obscene. Twenty dollars for two cents' worth of glass, with a "Made in China" label on the box. Gimmeabreak. Can you say "captive aftermarket"?

Been thinking of one of those "clones" of the Petromax that run about fifty bucks. Hoping to hear a report or two from someone who has one first.

Don't ignore the humble Coleman lantern. We have a propane and a dual fuel, and plan on getting a second propane to mount on top of the "tree". We were lucky enough to find a pile of heavy duty Coleman mantles on eBay at a decent price. Around here, they're about impossible to find, and they *do* last a *lot* longer than the regular mantles, especially if you're moving the lantern around. I don't know how many times I gave the lamp a knock (when you're fishing at night, you tend to move the lamp while it's on) accidentally, then cringed at the thought of tying on a new mantle, only to discover that the heavy duty mantle was still fine.

There's a device someone sells that lets you use a regular chimney on an Alladin. I found it once, then lost the link, then someone sent me a URL for it, and I lost that too, dang. (Been having a less-than- grand year here with RL stuff, and lost track of a lot of info.)

As I recall, it cost something like six bucks. If someone knows what I'm talking about, please post something here!

-- Ron Schwarz (rs@clubvb.com.delete.this), October 12, 1999.

Petromax has a pump adapter available to allow you to pressurize the lantern using a bicyle pump. It seems like this would make life a lot easier, but I haven't tried mine yet.

-- David Palm (djpalm64@yahoo.com), October 12, 1999.

Still thinking off & on about buying a Petromax from Diana at Brytlight, so keep the first-hand accounts coming! Thanks. We're feeling real iffy about storing fuel. The instructions say the Petromax must be lighted outside, and we need something that's capable of exclusive indoor operation.

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), October 12, 1999.

Where can one buy the mantles for the Petromax? I have one but no extra mantles.

Also, are the CO monitors available in places like Wal Mart or hardware stores?

-- walter (wsvnsk2@juno.com), October 12, 1999.

I have only used the Petromax once, but I LOVE IT! I got it for exactly the reasons that I now love it: it is so sturdy that it would take a lot to break or tip it over. This is important as can be to me, and should be a consideration for anyone having pets or children who could topple the delicate Aladdin. Secondly, it gives great light, more than any other lantern. Thirdly, it can use ANY FUEL THAT BURNS, AND EVEN A MIX, IF NECESSARY. That was its first selling point to me. It is also an adornment for the dining room right now, and is an heirloom-sort of little treasure. It takes a little bit of pumping, but if this senior citizen can do it, you all can too!

You can get the mantles at brytelight, but mine took a couple of months to arrive. Just came, in fact, a week ago.

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), October 12, 1999.

My preference is Coleman Dual Fuel Lantern. Small tank of unleaded gas will last for 14 hours. Couple of 5 gallon gas cans will be enough for a long, long time.

-- Boris (MSIS@cyberdude.com), October 12, 1999.

I bought 2 of the Petromax lanterns from www.petromax.com (one was the original 500cp and one is the newer and smaller 150cp)

They are awesome! Words cannot say enough about them... I would suggest buying the pump adapter though.

I just pre-ordered the EZ Cooking Stove Adapter from them -- it lets you cook on top of an existing 500cp lantern!!

h

-- Richard Badish (alpha4@p5.com), October 12, 1999.

Lived a couple of years on an island, with no elec., with 2 Aladins. Used a Coleman outside. The Aladins were very reliable, gave off a pleasant light, a cozy feeling, enough light to read by etc. But the thing is - gets dark so early in the winter and one must cook and/or wants to do other projects. The Aladins just aren't bright enough, imo. Finally installed 2 propane lamps, above the stove/sink area and by a big work table. What a difference in quality of life those lights made!! I agree about not overlooking the good 'ol Colemans. I've been using mine now for about 20 years and have only had to replace a pump part. Very bright, reliable and easy to use. Have eschewed the Petromax because I know from experience that things must be easy to use, somewhat effortless, on a daily basis, to provide a sense of calm and to reduce frustration.

-- cat (ccordes@ashland.baysat.net), October 12, 1999.

There is a VHS or CDR. out. With the starting Ins. and how to take the lamp apart and replace any part on the petromax lamp. And a new E- Z cook top that goes on top of the lantern and makes it a stove.It will let you cook for 8 hours on a quart.You can get at BriteLyt.com

-- George E. Draper (eddie@britelyt.com), October 12, 1999.

Part N236AB - Aladdin Brass Burner Heelless gallery Model 23 brass burner fitted with heel-less gallery to use heel-less chimneys. Fits lamps which used A,B,C,21C,and 23 burners. Price: $49.95 WWW.goodpick.com

-- ExCop (yinadral@juno.com), October 13, 1999.

Sorry for the delay in response, but getting everyone's shipments out, can be a tad bit hectic.

Alladin & Coleman lanterns are nice lanterns;however, from personal experience, I have found that using the Petromax type lanterns worked the best for giving me,.... not only for the warmth my kids and I needed, but the security of a VERY bright light. When you are put out of your home, and, basically stuck on the side of the road, with two small kids, you'd better have something that gives enough light so the whole world can see what's going on......if you know what I mean? A very small woman, and two little boys.....considered easy prey.......(very spooky!!). That's why I made a promise to find out who sold these things, if they were still being manufactured, and, if given the opportunity to sell them, to make sure that they didn't cost an arm and a leg.

If you'd seen me back then, you'd have thought it was an Abbott & Costello movie........Nobody to tell me how to use it, except some old hand-written instructions from my uncle (this lantern was used during the war, so it looked really rough...). When I ran out of the kerosene in the lantern, I didn't know what to do......Then I remembered that he said that during the war they used to use whatever they could get their hands on to make that thing work. Syphoning gas is not a very lady-like thing to do, but, you do what you have to....and, since I was afraid that I might blow up my kids and myself, I took it as far away from them and the car, and told them to flag down the next car, if it did blow up. You think I'm kidding.....but, I'm not. I was scared to death, let me tell you!!!

Anyway.....Without a hitch, the lantern lit up, the kids and I were safe (well, as safe as we could be, anyway), and, with that bright light, we were able to see anything that might be heading in our direction to cause harm. THAT'S a secure feeling, in itself.

So.....Needless, to say, I am extremely proud of these lanterns, plus the fact that I can ACTUALLY get parts for them, and these parts haven't changed in over 80 yrs. They're made to last, and not, as I call the "American Way"....made to break down, so you'll have to spend more money to replace it.........Sorry....But my budget wouldn't allow for that.

With the new EZ-Cook adapters, you'll be able to use the lantern for, not only heating and lighting, but cooking, as well. It WILL hold large pots (I used a big "Gumbo" pot...approx. 4 gal. capacity), and within about 7-mins. two (2) gallons of water was too hot to touch...almost to a rolling boil. That's hot!! We made the EZ-Cook in two pieces, so that you'll have the convenience of a fast-cook grill, and a slow-cook grill (coming soon). Don't know about most of you ladies out there, but I don't have time to sit and watch a pot boil. Got better things to do.

The EZ-Pump adapter is a neat item, as I'm getting too lazy to pump up a lantern......mercy!!! With this, I can just hook a bicycle pump to it, and with about three pumps, the pressure is up, and I can go fishing. That is.....When I had time for fishing......(Smiling) Is that lazy, or what?

We have videos (or cd) available to show the how-to's and don't do's, as far as the lantern goes. We offer those at $5.00. The video also gives you a complete breakdown of the lantern, for your convenience, if you aren't able to get in touch with us for some unGodly reason, and, as I'm not one for reading instructions, this video shows you all you need to know in the operation and complete breakdown for any repairs needed, of the product. You will get a chance to see the new EZ-Cook adapter, as well as the EZ-pump, so there are no surprises.

The reason for urging folks to light the lantern outdoors, is the fact that, if you're a first-time user, or haven't quite gotten the knack for lighting the lantern, we don't want you to be surprised by the "torch" effect. I know the first time I used it, that torch nearly scared me to death. Your first reaction is to jump away from it. So....Until you are comfortable with the lighting process and get that downpat, then you're o.k. I still light mine outdoors, and bring it it, as, just like other people, I can get ahead of myself, and cause a little flame-up. That's MY error....not the lantern.

Now....We will be having a forum on the website, as soon as our webmaster recups from his back surgery. Our prayers and thoughts are with him, and we wish him a speedy recovery. He is truly amazing, and I am so proud to be associated with him and his staff. Also...He is working very hard to get the website updated very soon, and I thank him for that. (Smiling)

The forum will allow folks to speak their minds, and we can better assist you with the product. As we have quite a few folks out there, who can operate these products, with no problems, it'll be great to have their assistance in any technical questions, etc. Besides.....It'll make it much easier to keep in touch with all of you, and your input is very important to me.

Oh, yes.....In response as to the "attracting the bugs" thing.....If you use Citronella, you won't have that problem. You can even mix it with any fuel you're using. Works great, here in Florida. Of course, as the Germans say....."The light kills the bugs, like a bug zapper".....Too hot to get too close to.

Well....Since I've written this very boring book, and put most of you to sleep, I guess I had better get back to work, and get more shipments out.

Looking forward to hearing from you all.......God bless!!

Diana.....BriteLyt www.britelyt.com

-- Diana Draper (diana@britelyt.com), October 21, 1999.

Diana, THANK YOU so much for the update! It was good of you to post here again. The Petromax is first in its class; you are providing a valuable service. Hope you can fulfill all the orders ...

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), October 21, 1999.