How to Buy Kerosene Lamps

Kerosene lamps are often called hurricane lamps for good reason. The lamp's sturdy base and kerosene fueled flame can get blown around in hurricane force winds and still stay lit. Also, because they're powered by cheap kerosene fuel, the lamps are ideal to buy as backups for any situation.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the exact reason you want to buy a kerosene lamp to buy one that is built for your desired purpose. Decide if you want the kerosene lamp for boating, as a backup for blackouts, for decoration, as patio lighting or for collecting.

• 2

  Buy kerosene lamps for boating or camping at camping specialty stores. Make sure that the kerosene lamp comes with a number of replacement wicks in case the first wick burns out. You should also check to see that the kerosene lamp has a metal handle attached to it so you can carry it in front of you or hang it from a tree or part of your boat.

• 3

  Consider buying a pressure kerosene lamp if you want a brighter cleaner light. Functional antique kerosene lamps such as the once popular British Tilley lamps are a good way to go if you want a decorative lamp that can also come in handy during power outages or emergencies.

• 4

  Buy the right fuel for your kerosene lamp by thinking about your lighting purposes. Paraffin oil is a clean fuel that produces a bright light but can be pretty expensive, especially if you're using the lamp frequently. 1-K kerosene or kerosene bought from filling stations is much cheaper but is frequently contaminated by water or other impurities which makes burning the fuel noxious.