Light and warmth are two of the most essential things that we need to survive. But because we have electricity, we no longer have to worry about the availability of them for our everyday living. However, it is smart to have a backup in times of a power outage or a storm.
One great solution to this situation is an oil lamp. It is not only functional during these times of need, but would also look exceptional as decorations and accents to your home. Remember that you just can’t choose anything, you deserve to have the best oil lamps out there.
And because there are a lot of products that currently dominate the market, we have narrowed down the best options for you. Along with this, we also included some necessary information you need to know before purchasing one.
We will make sure to assist you in your decision-making until the end of this review.
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Benefits and Drawbacks of Oil Lamps
If you're wondering, are there advantages of owning an oil lamp? To answer that question, yes, there are. In this section, we will provide you with some information regarding its benefits and drawbacks as a light source.
Safe and Economical
Oil lamps are much safer alternatives compared to candles in terms of blackout emergencies because it reduces the risk of catching the surroundings on fire. They are also more economical because they can produce light for a more extended period of time without electricity.
Comes with Various Choices
Moreover, you have a variety of choices to fuel your lamps with, such as kerosene, olive oil, or lamp oil. If you are not a fan of the harsh smell of wax, do not worry because there are little to no odors when using them, but kerosene is an exception. Compared to other fuels and candles, oil lamps produce less smoke.
Portable
Lastly, you can either hang or mount them on your walls, for convenience. But there are also some, which are designed to be portable.
Maintenance
As for the drawbacks of this product, it requires frequent filling and cleaning since it is reusable. Another is that it includes breakable glass as part of its construction, making it a potential hazard. And when you choose to use kerosene, the fuel can produce bad odors, causing irritations to people near its vicinity.
11 Best Oil Lamps Review
Since you are now aware of the benefits and drawbacks of oil lamps, it's time to take a look at some of the leading products in the market!
1. Clear Pedestal Style Oil Lamp
Brighten up the room with this antique style oil lamp from Crisa! The clear pedestal style oil lamp will not only bring light into the area but add personality to the room as well.
You cannot deny the stunning appearance of this glass lamp's construction. Because of its transparency, you can easily see the level of oil it contains. With this, you can monitor the amount if it needs refilling.
Additionally, this product allows you to use a variety of colored oils to match your indoor or outdoor decorations.
The lamp works well with citronella, paraffin, and ultra-pure oil, but remember not to combine or mix these together, as recommended by experts. Its reservoir can hold fuel of up to 32 ounces, which is already sufficient for producing light for a prolonged period of time, and it stands with an estimated height of 18 inches.
Depending on your need, you can adjust its flame level to your desired brightness. It comes with a brass-plated burner that you can fasten in a counter-clockwise direction for additional safety and security.
The package includes a bulged globe, a pedestal lamp base, a ¾-inch wick, and an extra red-stripe wick. Since this product is made with durable materials, be assured that it can last you and your family for generations.
But better take precautions when you're transferring or transporting this oil lamp to another location because it has a fragile construction. Bring that classical and elegant look to your home with a clear pedestal style oil lamp, a reliable and stunning light source!
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2. Lamplight 52664 Farmer’s Lantern
Take on that old-school lane and use a farmer's lantern by Lamplight! It is not only great for that barnyard vibe that you might be going for, but it also serves as a great light source during emergencies.
Its construction is made of metal along with a black matte finish that prevents rust and chipping. This contributes to its overall appearance and aesthetics, making it perfect for beautifying your space.
Well, if you think that it is suitable for decorative purposes only, then you're wrong. It is fully functional and you can use it during a storm or a power outage. The lamp can provide you with a decent level of brightness, which is enough to lighten up your surrounding areas.
In just one refill of its 5-ounce oil reserve, you can get up to 15 hours of burn time. With this, you don't have to bother about constant cleaning and refilling because it can surely last for a prolonged period.
If you love to camp and travel, then you have found your perfect match. Because of its compact size and portable design, you can effortlessly bring it anywhere with you. Not to mention that it is also lightweight, despite its metal construction.
Most oil lamps release unpleasant odors upon use; fortunately, you won't experience any issues regarding this matter because this unit doesn't produce harmful fumes.
There are some downsides to this product. Most users experienced oil leakage due to difficulty in seeing its maximum oil fill line. Also, in comparison with the other lamps in the market, it cannot compete in terms of durability.
Still, it is a great product that can deliver its primary purpose well enough for you to try. Get your own farmer's lantern by Lamplight; you can receive much at such an affordable price!
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3. Danforth-Skipper Pewter Oil Lamp
Danforth's skipper pewter oil lamp will definitely catch your eye upon first glance. Elevate any room's character with this finely-crafted oil lamp! Here's some interesting information about this particular product.
This unit is the smallest among the Mariner family of oil lamps the brand has created. It features a base that is wide and stable, shaped similar to the decanter of a ship. Even without flame, the product still glows due to its satin finish, giving it an elegant and sleek exterior.
Its reservoir can hold an approximate amount of 4 ounces of oil to fuel its fire. You can enjoy its uninterrupted brightness for about 3 hours per ounce of liquid paraffin oil. It can last for a much extended time due to the design of its chimney.
Even though it is small and compact, you should never underestimate its ability to give off a steady and bright light. This makes it mainly suitable for emergency power interruptions as an alternative light source. You can also opt to utilize it for setting the ambiance of your dining, kitchen, or living room area [Here is a suggested article for you on the best 2 person dining tables].
Because of its well-made and attractive look, it is definitely ideal for gifting purposes. The oil lamp comes in a gift box along with the instructions, a care card, and a brief story about Danforth, the manufacturer.
There are no actual problems regarding the product itself, aside from its price. If you've got more money to spare, then it may be a perfect match. To all the budget-conscious people out there, do not worry because we will still highlight more products for you to choose from.
With all the features we have discussed, there's no doubt that the skipper pewter oil lamp is one of the best oil lamps in the market.
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4. Feuerhand Hurricane Lantern
Here's a classic and vintage-looking oil lamp that will surely not disappoint you with its capabilities. Make those dark moments brighter with a Feuerhand Hurricane lamp, a highly-functional product for your use!
All the way from Germany, this unit exudes durability. A part of its construction is made with galvanized steel, coated with a black powder finish to resist heat, scratch, and rust.
It also has a portion made with thick heavy-duty glass, which is resistant to cracks. To be more specific, it uses the thermal heat-resistant SUPRAX globes. The brand made sure that this product can withstand all temperatures and weather conditions.
In times of emergencies, you can always rely on this oil lamp. It is capable of producing flames, which are brighter than standard lamp units sold in the market. The brand assures you that you won't experience any flickering or accumulation of soot from the fire.
With its long-lasting 1/2-inch flat wick and 10 ounces of oil tank capacity, you can enjoy 20 hours long of light and warmth. You don't have to worry about any leakages because it comes with a leak-proof seal.
The product is also suitable for off-grid adventures, camping, traveling, and a lot more. If you want to use it for ambient, lighting it would perform just as great as well. There are six varying colors available to suit your preference.
Some users find it difficult to turn the product's wick knob. Also, some had issues about the fuel container screw, being too tight. But these are not significant problems that degrade the performance and quality of this oil lamp.
What are you waiting for? Choose to light up your surroundings with a Feuerhand hurricane lamp!
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5. Lamplight Montana Oil Lamp
Do you want an oil lamp that's ideal for indoor settings? Lamplight's Montana lamp will definitely impress you with its versatility and efficiency.
The product's copper metal construction is durable enough to make it last for an extended period. What makes this product's appearance more notable and unique is its stamped tree and moose finish on the hood of its shade.
You no longer have to regularly refuel your lamp because this unit comes with a large oil container. It can handle a fuel capacity of 15.5 ounces. Rest assured that it can provide you with a steady light for long durations. As a matter of fact, it can continuously burn for 25 hours in just one fill! How convenient is that?
It is not only efficient, but one more thing to love about this product is its versatility. You can choose to use it as an indoor table lamp, and aside from this, you can opt to mount it on the wall for a classier vibe.
During a storm or a power outage, don't hesitate to depend on it because it can produce an eminent amount of light for your benefit. However, you should act with precaution because its construction is quite fragile. It lacks the supporting cage that can help prevent it from breakage.
Nonetheless, it is a well-made oil lamp, perfect for various applications. Add a rustic touch to your home with Lamplight's Montana lamp, the best oil lamp for indoors!
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6. Stansport Hurricane High Oil Lantern
Integrate this red classic oil lamp to your space. The Stansport hurricane lantern is not only perfect for decorative purposes but is also excellent in terms of functionality.
Because it is available in two different sizes 12 inches, and 8 inches, you can conveniently choose one that can fit your space. Be assured that you can get maximum durability due to its heavy-duty metal construction.
The unit will maintain its attractive look for a lasting period thanks to its red coat finish. With this, rust cannot degrade its stunning appearance, perfect for elevating your space's design.
Its glass globe can withstand heat even after extended hours of use, no need to worry about it melting or breaking. Also, it is compatible with kerosene and any standard lamp oil.
The product features an adjustable wick, which enhances convenience. Moreover, you can effortlessly change the lamp's brightness level with the help of its easy-to-control knob. This makes it perfectly suitable for patios, the backyard, and even indoors.
You can carry it around anywhere with ease due to its metal handle, enabling you to illuminate the surroundings with safety. No more available areas to place your oil lamp? Don't worry because it comes with a loop that you can conveniently hang up whenever needed.
Some users have had issues with oil leakage. This may be due to overfilling the container. So make sure not to go over the maximum oil fill line. Brighten up your backyard or campsite with the Stansport hurricane lantern, a portable and highly functional product for your personal use.
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7. Vermont Lanterns Brass Mini Small Oil Lamp 6.5”
Are you looking for exceptional table accent lighting? Well, look no further because this brass mini oil lamp from Vermont Lanterns will give you that classic, unique look for any space.
It is sturdy and durable as it has a solid brass construction that can withstand any weather conditions. Also, you don't have to undergo complicated set-ups because it comes with a pre-installed 3/16-inch round wick, which is totally adjustable.
To do this, you can simply control the knob to increase or decrease the brightness level for your convenience. For fuel, you can utilize standard lamp oil or kerosene. The product measures 3 inches in diameter and 6.5 inches in height. With this, you can carry it around anywhere without much effort.
It can provide you up to 10 hours of burn time which is not bad for a mini oil lamp. This makes it an ideal night light for your bedrooms, bathrooms, or hallways as it consumes a low amount of fuel.
Furthermore, the unit comes in four various finishes, nickel chrome, antique, polished brass, and brushed pewter. With this range of choices, you can definitely pick one that can suit the theme of your restaurant or wedding.
The lamp would look phenomenal as an accent light for such space and event; it will spice up the ambiance without a doubt.
According to some users, it doesn't produce a sufficient amount of light to be ideal for writing or reading. Also, most of them are not fond of the lamp's miniature construction. Well, this is just a matter of preference. Get your own brass mini oil lamp, a fully operational product that you'll absolutely love!
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8. Vermont Lanterns Brass Mini 7”- Small Oil Lamp
We had previously reviewed a unit from the brand, Vermont Lanterns. The next one on this list came from the same family of oil lamps, so prepare to be impressed!
If you're wondering, what's the significant difference between the two products? This mini oil lamp stands at 7 inches tall and has a diameter of 3 inches. On the other hand, its sibling is 6.5 inches in height.
You can also distinguish them by the wick size and kind the brand used. The unit comes with a 1/2-inch flat wick that lasts for about 8 hours of continuous use. We can probably say that it needs frequent refills because of its estimated burn time. It uses kerosene or lamp oil as fuel for the flame.
Its construction is made with solid brass, which gives the product an attractive and unique look. This makes it ideal as ambient lighting for any room or space you wish to elevate. Not only this, but it can be your reliable light source during emergencies such as storms or power interruptions.
You also don't have to do any intricate set-ups because it comes with an already installed wick. However, some users have had issues regarding their adjuster. It doesn't perform its purpose effectively because it is quite loose.
Nonetheless, the 7-inch small oil lamp from Vermont Lanterns is a practical choice for anyone to use.
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9. KMYX Glass Kerosene Lamp
Here's a fully transparent and reliable oil lamp from KMYX, a highly versatile product that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
This unit is made with windproof and thickened high-temperature glass. With this type of construction, you can see the level of oil inside its container, thus making it a monitor-able unit.
You don't have to worry about constant refilling because it has a large storage capacity for fuel. It is recommended that you should fill the tank with only about 70 percent of kerosene. This is to prevent any leakage during use.
The product features a removable adjuster that enables you to conveniently replace the wick or kerosene whenever it is needed. You can also use diesel or plant fuel to keep the fire burning, as the brand advised.
It is very versatile in terms of application. You can choose to create a classic atmosphere or enhance the ambiance of your bedroom, kitchen, or living room area.
In addition, you can use it as an alternative light source during unexpected emergencies. And if you love camping, you can take it outdoors and use it as the primary source of warmth and light.
Remember to handle the product with care as it is very fragile due to its glass construction. There are no actual complaints regarding its quality and operational ability. With its features and capabilities, be assured that the KMYX glass kerosene lamp is a well-crafted product that will certainly give you satisfaction!
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10. Firefly Modern Transcend Clear Glass Oil Lamp
If you want a more modern oil lamp for your space, then this specific unit is ideal for you. The Firefly modern transcend oil lamp will not only create a pleasant ambiance to the room, but it will also entirely suffice your needs.
You will surely be fascinated with the product's elegant and sleek appearance, as it is hand blown to perfection. It is about 3 1/8-inch in diameter and 6 5/8-inch in height, just the right size to give accent to your space.
One notable characteristic of this product is its floating bliss liquid candle inside the cylindrical holder. And since it is open both at the top and bottom, you can utilize the area below for showcasing greens, berries, gems, or shells.
The candle itself can hold approximately 2.7 ounces of fuel, with this, it can stay lit up to 6 hours. Its construction is made with borosilicate glass that can withstand the high heat levels of the flame during use.
Included with the gift set is a small, plastic funnel for convenient refilling and 16 ounces of paraffin lamp oil. Because it is odorless and smokeless, you can enjoy its flame both indoors and outdoors. The brand also wants you to enhance your creativity and color your lamp oil with its firefly candle dye.
Unfortunately, one downside of this product is it produces soot. Aside from this, there's nothing more to complain about the quality and functionality of the unit. Enhance the look of your place and get your own modern transcend oil lamp!
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11. Dietz Original 76 Oil Lamp
The last product to conclude this list is the Dietz original 76 oil lamps. It is a cost-efficient unit that will definitely not fail you with its abilities!
Its supporting cage is made with galvanized steel and has thick glass as its core. With this, the lamp can withstand high heat levels without cracking or breaking. It will also maintain its classic appearance in the long run because of its rust-resistant finish.
Because it is portable and compact, you can easily carry it around wherever you go. With maximum storage of 8 ounces of fuel, it can provide you with a sufficient amount of light for 11 hours at most.
One ounce of oil can last for about an hour, making it cost-efficient, making it an essential tool for boating, camping, and other outdoor activities. The package includes a lamp globe burner and a 1/2-inch wick. There are multiple color options available to suit your preference.
Users faced some issues upon using this product. First, the lever for raising or lowering the globe is hard to operate. Also, the lamp is not stable enough because it has a narrow base. Nonetheless, a Dietz original 76 oil lamp is an excellent choice for an alternative light source in outdoor and emergency situations.
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What To Look For Before Buying
Oil lamps are definitely not the same. With all these choices in the market, you cannot just simply buy one and use it. You need to determine the product which suits your need. This is why we have prepared this section of the review to assist you in your future decision-making.
Oil Lamp Type
There are many forms of oil lamps, ranging from the most traditional to modern contemporary ones. They can be mainly be categorized into three types based on usage: hanging, table, and wall lamps.
Hanging Lamps
This type of oil lamp can produce light and warmth without needing any surface to be situated on. You can just simply hang it in one of your rooms and enjoy its function. Also a hanging lamp a great alternative of LED strip lights to decorate your room or function stage with lighting.
Table Lamps
As the name suggests, these oil lamps need a table or any surface that can help support their weight and construction. You can choose to place it in your office, bedroom, kitchen table or workbench.
Wall Lamps
You can mount these lamps on the walls in certain areas of your house. With this, it can emit light for various rooms during an unexpected power outage. Most modern wall lamp designs can be removed and function as a free-standing lamp, making it very versatile.
Oil Type
Oil lamps can accommodate numerous varieties of oil as fuel, including Castor, Olive, Canola, and Vegetable. But to make things simpler, we will discuss only two; Lamp Oil and Kerosene, the most commonly used oils for lamps.
Lamp Oil
It is ideal for indoor use because it doesn't produce a similar amount of pollutants compared to kerosene. Since it is purified, it burns in a more subtle way, but it is more costly. Additionally, it doesn’t burn as bright as kerosene.
Kerosene
Because of its affordable price and availability, it is a much more popular option for oil lamps. However, it produces unpleasant odors upon use, so it is advisable for outdoor use only.
The Wick
Wick is one of the most vital parts of an oil lamp because it is responsible for transferring fuel to the flame. Cotton, Flax, and Hemp are some of the natural fibers used for this. You should also consider what type of wick you want, flat or round.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are oil lamps safe indoors?
Yes, they are very safe for indoor use. A majority of lamp designs are applicable for both indoor and outdoor settings. You can choose to place them anywhere around your home, the kitchen, bedroom, or living room. But make sure to utilize the recommended type of fuel to avoid any accidents or health issues.
2. Why does the wick of my oil lamp burn fast?
The only reason for this to occur is when you lack adequate oil for the flame to consume. This is why it is vital to always monitor the fuel level of your lamp to avoid this from happening. With this, you can minimize costs for purchasing a new wick roll.
3. How large of an area can lamps cover?
A lamp's ability to cover an area may depend on various factors, including the area's layout and ventilation. But in general, within 30 minutes, it can reach a thousand square feet.
4. How much heat can oil lamps produce?
Oil lamps can give off a heat of at least 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Most brands utilize thermal heat-resistant glass to withstand this temperature. Also, they ensure that their products have protective features to enhance safety and protect you from burns.
5. Why does my oil lamp smoke?
Smoke can be emitted due to the use of impure oil or fuel. Also, if your wick is way higher than it should be, the unit will smoke. Make sure to avoid these to keep your chimney clean. This can also prevent its glass body from cracking or breaking.
6. What is the difference between kerosene and lamp oil?
Kerosene is a fuel that burns with great light. These are more affordable, available, and accessible. Even though lamp oil is from the same family as kerosene, it has much lesser pollutants because it has undergone a process of purification. These are also odorless, but relatively more expensive compared to the former.
Final Words
Whether you want an oil lamp for decoration or for emergency purposes, there are definitely a lot of options to choose from.
In this review, we have discussed the benefits and the features of some of the current best oil lamps. Now that you have reached the end of the article, hopefully, you can confidently determine which is the most suitable one for you.