Best Oil Lamp
Gema Salgado Cruz 
Marko Since the start of human life on earth, our ancestors have made lighting as part of their everyday lives. Looking back several thousand decades ago, our forefathers used the same components of an oil lamp that we use today. However, since the discovery of the fluorescent lamp and LED lamp, people no longer use these lamps as part of their daily regimen. There are still those who are using these in their homes, only when the need arises.These lamps range from rustic type to the elegant type, to the traditional lamp that some of us have outgrown. Most of these homes use oil lamps as a decorative addition to their homes. Having them is a great alternative when there is a power interruption. The bright and reliable light of the traditional oil light will definitely illuminate your home.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 12 hrs of research
Very cost-efficient with a burning rate of an ounce per hour only
The larger fuel tank can burn up to 45 hours
Two sizes and colors offer more personalization
Larger base offers stability
A reliable name you can trust in terms of lamp making
Top 10 Picks
1. Dietz Little Wizard
Very cost-efficient with a burning rate of an ounce per hour only
The larger fuel tank can burn up to 45 hours
Two sizes and colors offer more personalization
Larger base offers stability
A reliable name you can trust in terms of lamp making
Manufacturing flaws could cause leaks in the seams
It could be difficult to remove the fuel once the lamp is filled
If you are looking for a compact and classic design that can be easily kept away, the Dietz#1 Little Wizard is perfect for you.
Read moreDurability
The Dietz#1 Little Wizard Burning Lantern is made of galvanized steel. It is enclosed in glass to shield its flame from strong wind and other outdoor elements.
Features
The Dietz #1 Little Wizard comes in a couple of varying designs. You can avail the standard and the one with smaller fuel container. Aside from its design choices, it is also available in two different colors that will definitely suit your need. This classic from Dietz can light for 24 hours. It is fuel efficient as even after 12 hours of burning, there is a very little drop in the level of fuel. It has a wider base that offers more stability and will not be easily knocked down due to unintended tipping.
Style
This type has a large fuel container that requires little refueling. It offers a longer lasting light that could give you comfort in times when the recovery time for a power outage is unpredictable. It can sustain the entire duration of one entire day or one entire night. The 36-ounce fuel container can burn for 45 hours. The lamp is available in blue or red.
Size
The Dietz #1 Little Wizard Burning Lantern has a product dimension of 11.8-inches x 7.8-inches x 7.8-inches. It has an overall shipping weight of 1.8 pounds.
2. Glo Brite
Has an elegant design that would be a great accent during special events.
Hourglass chimney casts light uniformly and covers a much wider area
Measures 8-inches in height and has a width of 3.5-inches, more compact than other lamps in the market
Made of thick glass that can withstand a lot of heat
Has no frame that prevents from burning the user
Does not come with a wick or a base
The Glo Brite made by 21st Century is the ideal lamp if you are looking for a lamp with a classy and vintage look.
Read moreDurability
This lamp is made from strong galvanized steel and thick glass. It is shaped like an hourglass that gives it a more classy feel.
Features
The Glo Brite Lamp has a classic chimney design. It has a couple of systems that require a burner for its base. This feature gives you more ways to customize your lamp according to your taste. It also allows you to choose the type of fuel container and the size of the fuel tank. You can also customize it with a larger fuel tank with a wider base so you could avoid it getting easily knocked.
Style
The Glo Brite lamp by 21st Century spreads light uniformly. The glass captures the light rays coming from the fire and refracts it across the room. Its hourglass design appears to amplify the amount of light scattered uniformly shining in a much wider area.
Size
The Glo Brite Lamp by 21st Century has a product dimension of 5-inches x 5-inches x 13-inches. It has a total shipping weight of only 2.4 pounds.
3. Dietz Original 76
Has nine candlepower that can provide sufficient light
Has a compact design that allows you to easily carry it with you wherever you go
Available in various colors
Can sustain burning for up to 11 hours
Customers complain that the lever used to lower and raise the globe are not easy to operate
Has a narrow base, which could not provide enough stability
The Dietz 76 is the best choice if you are looking for a compact and cost-efficient lamp that retains an elegant and classy look.
Read moreDurability
This lamp is made from thick glass and galvanized steel that can withstand a lot of heat.
Features
In addition to being an all-inclusive and compact lamp, all of its parts can be individually ordered and replaced. You can be assured that if some of its parts got damaged or broken, you can have it replaced as soon as possible. It is also cost and fuel-efficient. It burns only an ounce of fuel in an hour.
Style
The Dietz 76 is a compact and portable lamp that you can bring with you wherever you go. You can bring it on camping, boating, and other outdoor activities. It comes with a base and a wick and simply requires you to fuel it to make it work. This lamp is available in six different colors.
Size
The Dietz 76 has an overall product dimension of 6-inches x 4.5-inches x 10-inches. It has a shipping weight of 1.19 pounds.
4. Feuerhand Hurricane
Designed to prevent the flames from flickering and from producing soot
Fuel container is covered with a special material to prevent leaking
Made of galvanized steel to make it more durable
Powder coated to resist rust, water, and rust
Comes with an extra wick
Some customers find the turn knob of the wick hard to turn
Screw for the fuel container is sometimes very tight
The Feurhand Hurricane Lamp is the ideal choice if you are looking for a vintage and classic depiction of the original fuel lamp.
Read moreDurability
The Feurhand Hurricane Lamp is made of galvanized steel and thick heavy-duty glass. Its part made of galvanized steel is painted with a powder coat that will resist rust, scratch, and even heat. It is built to withstand all types of weather conditions.
Features
This type of lamp provides an impressive source of light. It is available in various colors that allow you to choose the color that suits your taste. It is very helpful in time of emergencies. It has a large fuel container that can accommodate 10-ounce of fuel. It comes with an extra wick to make sure that you can use it in case of emergency.
Style
The Feuerhand Hurricane Lamp comes with a traditional style and is available in six different colors. It is built to withstand tough environments. It is powder-coated that can resist all type of weather. It contains burner elements that restrict the flickering and sooting of the burning flames.
Size
The Feuerhand Hurricane Lamp has a product dimension of 6-inches x 6-inches x 10-inches. It has a weight of only one pound and has a total shipping weight of 1.1 pounds.
5. Firefly Fuel
Made of hand-blown glass, which is a great sign of the manufacturer’s craftsmanship
Has an opening the same as the size of a wine bottle, it could fit any brand of wine bottle that has the same size
Comes with a PDF version of users’ manual
Made with a fiberglass wick that can last longer than any other type of wick
The globe makes the product bulky
Cannot use the globe on bulky bottles
The glass design is more fragile since it is thinner compared to other glass
The Firefly Fuel Wine Bottle lamp is the ideal lamp if you are looking for a unique item that you can also use for decorating your house.
Read moreDurability
This is made from borosilicate glass. It is uniquely made to be on top of a glass wine bottle and a wick that can be lowered down into the bottle where the fuel is stored. The globe of this lamp is hand blown, which amplifies the unique features of this lamp. Since it is hand blown, it means that it is smooth and thin. This restricts any blemishes or glare on the glass.
Features
It is designed with a large globe that encloses the wick to allow more air circulation. The air circulating within the globe allows the creation of a larger flame. The globe can be easily stored when not in use. It provides an untainted and bright light. The Firefly Fuel Wine Bottle is cost and fuel efficient.
Style
The style of this "lamp" is very unique. Depending on the wine bottle that you decide to place it on, you can create a bright and fun look or a dark and romantic look. It is fairly priced with its simple design that compliments its price and value.
Size
This can fit regular sizes of wine bottles. Height is 6 inches tall, the width of the neck is 1-3/8 inches, the height of the neck is 2-1/2 inches and the globe’s widest point is 3-7/8 inches.
6. Lamplight Montana
Has a large fuel container
Can be used for long hours
Can continuously burn for 24 hours
Can be used as a table lamp and can be wall mounted
Cannot order the glass alone, you have to order the entire lamp should the glass gets damaged or broken
Some customers complain about the packaging used in shipping
The Lamplight Montana Lamp is the ideal lamp if you want something that is best for an indoor setting.
Read moreDurability
The Lamplight Montana Lamp is made of copper metal. It has a moose and the hood of its shade is stamped with a tree that makes it more unique.
Features
The Lamplight Montana Lamp has a large fuel container that can hold up to 15.5 ounces of fuel. This means that it saves you time and effort to refuel your lamp. It does not easily run out of fuel so you are assured that it can burn for long hours. In fact, it can shine up to 24 hours.
Style
This type is best suited in an indoor setting and can be used as a table lamp. It is versatile and can be mounted to the wall for additional design and a classier mood. On normal days, you can utilize it as a source of your everyday light. It could also be an aesthetic design for your room or house.
Size
The Lamplight Montana Lamp has a product dimension of 7.5-inches x 7.5-inches x 12.2-inches. It has a total weight of 9.8 pounds only.
7. Vermont Lanterns
Screw in the mounting bracket can be easily moved so you can place it easily and reposition it anywhere you like
Comes in four various styles
Can continuously burn for 10 hours
Has a small fuel tank that requires you to refuel it frequently
Only has 2 candle power, which provides just enough light
The Vermont Lantern Brass Mini Lamp is the ideal choice if you are looking for a simple and well-balanced.
Read moreDurability
This lamp is made of high-quality solid brass that is resistant to proof and corrosion. It has a thick glass that can withstand long hours of exposure to heat caused by the burning flame.
Features
The Vermont Lantern Brass Mini Lamp is one of the best-selling lamps by the Vermont Lanterns. It is simple and can conform to any type of home. The parts in this lamp were made to make sure that it is easy to operate. It can provide a light for 10 long hours. You can use it on your table or use a mounting bracket to mount it on the wall.
Style
This type of lamp has an impressive functionality despite its size. It can be both walls mounted and could be a table lamp. It can also be easily lifted and can be used as a good source of light for bathrooms and hallways. It only has 2 candlepower and can hold 2.5 ounces of fuel.
Size
The Vermont Lantern Brass Mini Lamp has a product dimension of 3-inches x 3-inches x 6.5-inches. It has an item weight of 10.1-ounces and has a total shipping weight of 12 ounces.
8. Firefly The Modern Transcend
Has a firefly engraving that underlines a more modern look
Classy and elegant look
Space below the fuel container that you can use for decorations
Produces soot
The Modern Transcend is the perfect choice if you are looking for a lamp with a unique and elegant look.
Read moreDurability
Unlike other products on this list, this is made entirely of hand-blown borosilicate glass. Its design lends a contemporary feel. Because it is hand blown, the glass is thin and can resist glare and smears. The thick base and overall shape of the lamp gives it great balance and less likelihood of being knocked over.
Features
In addition to its impressive design, the manufacturer offers a free plastic funnel to all its buyers. This makes refueling easier and simpler.
Style
Many love this because it is finely designed. It has a floating glass ball for a fuel tank. It is clear and transparently shows the source of the fuel. If you are a bit artistic, you can dye the fuel to add more aesthetic feel. Because of its design, you can place it on your table to add an accent to your home. You can also use it as a source of light during emergency cases.
Size
It has a product dimension of 8.7-inches x 8.3-inches x 4.2 inches. It has a weight of 1.1 pounds only.
9. Crisa
Has a unique design that can be a great addition to any home
Can use dye to add colors and style to your lamp
Fairly priced
With 10 candlepower that can sufficiently supply you with the light that you need
Some customers complain that the wick holder is hard to use
The Crisa Clear Pedestal Lamp is the perfect choice if you are looking for an exquisite lamp with a touch of a vintage look.
Read moreDurability
The Crisa Clear Pedestal Lamp is made of thick glass that can withstand long hours of heat from the burning flame.
Features
The Crisa Clear Pedestal Lamp has an antique design that is appealing and represents a combination of a rustic and modern vibe. It has a fuel reservoir that can hold up to 32 ounces of fuel. Giving you the ease of not refueling frequently. It comes with a free 6-inches wick to make sure you do not run out of light especially in emergency situations.
Style
The Crisa Clear Pedestal Lamp is designed with an antique look that makes it stunningly beautiful. It comes with a pedestal lamp base, a glass globe, and a brass burner. It can be placed outdoors but it is best suited in an indoor setting. It has an adjustable flame so you can choose the intensity of the light that you want.
Size
The Crisa Clear Pedestal Lamp has a product dimension of 14-inches x 6-inches x 8-inches. It has a total weight of 4.3 pounds and a shipping weight of 5.35 pounds.
10. LANMU
Has a 14-inches wick that can last for a long period of time
Comes with rubber grommets that allow it to fit almost all types of Uniquely designed and best if used outdoors
Fairly priced
Some customers complain that the wicks are too rigid and find it hard to mount it with its holding clip
The LANMU Bottle Tiki Lamp is ideal if you are looking for an instant light that is easy to use and fill.
Read moreDurability
The LANMU Bottle Tiki Lamp is made of glass. Its wick is made of fiberglass that will definitely burn for a long period of time. As for the durability of the lamp as a whole, it depends on what you place the wick in.
Features
The LANMU Bottle Tiki Lamp has a universal design that comes with rubber grommets. This serves as an adapter to allow the wicks to fit most bottles. It has a great outdoor feel and can be used as lighting during parties held outdoors. Its safety caps and its type of wick will make sure that the lamp will last for a long period of time.
Style
This type of kit is bottle based and will the regular wine and whiskey bottles. It comes with a copper adaptor that you can use again.it comes with a safety cap that you can use to quench the flame and prevent the fuel from spilling.
Size
The LANMU Bottle Tiki Lamp has a product dimension of 7.3-inches x 3.6-inches x 1.7-inches. It has an overall weight of 4.2-ounces only.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
An oil light has an unparalleled power compared to the candle if it has a sufficient fuel tank. However, the type of fuel utilized as an accelerant is very harmful to the lamp itself that could damage it over time. In order to find better quality lamps, it is important that you include in your checklist that it is resilient to wear and tear.
For instance, kerosene is a very destructive accelerant. This can be amplified when mixed with extreme temperature making it damaging on your lamp. Among the materials resilient to corrosion are steel and glass. If your lamp has steel, make sure that it is galvanized to withstand potential corrosion.
In addition, you should also choose a lamp that has a wide base. This way, it could provide added stability to your lamp. If there are kids or you are clumsy, it is very beneficial since it could help you avoid accidents. You can also choose a wall mounted lamp that could be away from most motions.
In addition, a good lamp should be capable of maintaining the flame. It should be capable of sustaining light without becoming dangerous or unsafe. It should be a solution rather than turning into a problem. It should maintain flames at between six and 45 hours.
Features
In addition to the quality and the material components of the product, another important criterion included in this buying guide is the features of the product. This aspect will highlight the unique characteristic that it could offer to its users that you can never experience from other competing brands. One important feature of a good lamp is the manufacturer’s warranty. Through time, its components like the glass and other parts will break.
If the manufacturer is confident about the product it is offering, it is highly likely that it will give a warranty to its product. In life, the smallest things make a lot of difference. This is also true when choosing your lamp. A manufacturer that offers free wicks and spare parts is a nice touch that the manufacturer provides for great lamps. These bonus items play a crucial part in standing out from the rest of the products available on the market today.
Style
Some of you may keep this lamp around for emergency situations, while others may be using it as a daily fixture in the house. If daily use is the case, the style of the lamp is important. An extremely modern piece won't exactly fit in well with rustic decor. The design of the lamp will also help you to decide if it is a piece that you would prefer to use indoors or outdoors. In this section, we discuss the shape and colors of each lamp.
The style could also include the different types of oil lighting available today. The type that you use is greatly dependent on the purpose as well as your preferred taste. A floating wick lamp is typically made of a thin wick that passes through a cork or other material. It is put in a fuel tank or a combination of water and oil. Most often, this type of lamps is utilized as decorative or ornamental lamps.
Another type of oil lamp is the Round Wick or Adjustable Flat type. In this type, you will see that the wick is transmitted from the metal burner and into the fuel tank. This type has an adjustable wick that controls the amount of light or flame. Most often, this type of oil lamp has a globe or glass that encloses it to protect the flame from wind and other elements. Another type of oil lamp is the classic type used in camping. This type of lamp usually uses a fabric mantle enclosed inside the glass and detained by a metal or steel frame. It usually looks like a classic teapot without the cover. It also has a stream for the wick and a handle. The handle can be used to carry the lamp. Most often, it also contains fuel and serves as the fuel tank or fuel container.
Size
Another criterion included in this buying guide is the product specifications. This includes the overall dimension of the product. It will also contain the packing details and the shipping weight of the product. The size of the tank will help to define the amount of oil that you need to put inside the tank. It will also tell you the weight of the entire lamp and the frequency to refuel. It is important to remember that lamps that require more refueling will be very discouraging to use since it requires a lot of effort on your part.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Durability Features Style Size
Another main concern in choosing a great lamp is that it can provide safety. The Great Chicago Fire consumed the life of 300 people and left more than 100,000 homeless residents. We do not want to make such a brouhaha and suffer the same fate. Try to look for lamps that have adjustable wicks to maintain a small flame. Choose a product that consumes less fuel so in case it is tripped, it is easy to manage.
Always be cautious when you have an oil lamp, especially if it is burning, around children. Not only is the flame dangerous, but most of these lamps are made from glass and easily broken if knocked or thrown.
Other Factors to Consider
Ease of Use
A great lamp should also be easy to maintain. From its wick, which changes its lighting, to its refueling necessities, it should have at least lesser drawbacks. Most lamps are capable of storing sufficient fuel. Others utilize fiberglass filled with a wick, which can burn for longer hours.
It is also important to take a look at how easily this lamp can be refueled. If the lamp can light the room but could use up 15 minutes for just refueling, most likely, it will become a pain rather than a solution. Choose the one that would provide you ease of use especially when refueling it. There are lamps that even provide extra funnel to give its user extra convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How much heat can these lamps give off?
The flames of the oil lamp can produce heat that can go beyond 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. In choosing a lamp, make sure that the other components can withstand this kind of heat and could offer you or any user of protection from unexpected burns. Although most of these lamps offer some kind of protection, it is important to use your common sense when utilizing a lamp.
q: What types of fuel can I use with it?
Any lamp will not function without the aid of fuel. Actually, you can make a lamp with any oil and wick. However, most of the modern lamps utilize liquid oil. The most common type of oil is usually called lamp oil. It is actually liquid paraffin.
Most oils made for lamps used in the outdoors are citronella and other added ingredients to produce a scent. Most often, these additives are used to fight or ward off bugs. Others used kerosene, which is often called water clear. Kerosene lamps are most of the time used outdoors because of the smoke they produce. There are different types of fuel that you can use to oil your lamps. You can use any type of oil; however, not all oils are right. The most common type of fuels used is olive oil, paraffin oils, and kerosene oil.
q: What is the role of wick?
There are many types of wick. These wicks come in various shapes and sizes. Generally, they are made of regular fibers like flax, hemp, and the most common of all, cotton. The wick is used to transmit the fuel from the fuel tank to the flame. Because of the capillary action, the liquid fuels the wick. This inhibits the wick from totally burning to allow the flame to burn above the surface of the wick. The heat produced singes the top part of the wick. Most users trim the wick regularly to prevent it from smoking. A regularly maintained wick also produces the cleanest and smokeless flame.
There are different types of wick. It is dependent on the type of lamp and the amount of space available for the wick. Usually, around wick gives a clean burn compared to a flat wick. In larger lamps, the wicks are usually flat. This type gives more light. This type of wick functions best when trimmed to a wedge-shaped wick or triangular.
q: How large of an area can a lamp cover?
The area of the lamp’s coverage is largely dependent on many factors. This includes the ventilation and the layout of the area. Generally, a lamp can cover a thousand square feet in about 30 minutes.
q: Why can’t my wick burner stay hot after I have quenched the flame?
If you have your lamp for a particularly long time, then it might be a high time to look for a burner or wick. A new burner or wick is usually stubborn. Let the burner or wick dry up and go through the entire installation process. The burner or wick should burn just fine. If after doing the instructions and you get the same result, change the defective burner or wick with a new one. Defective wicks should be returned to the manufacturer or retailer so they can be replaced as soon as possible.
Sources
- , Oil Lamps and Lamp Oils, Prepper's Blog
- , Kerosene Lanterns – The Best Lamps to Have in an Emergency, Survival Blog
