Coleman lanterns versus Oil lamps

Remember, our ward will be practicing "No Electric Lights and No Powered Entertainment for One Night" next week (preferably Sunday night March 11). 




Here is what my husband said (and he has been camping a million times).


Coleman lanterns: 

We just heard that propane lanterns should not be used indoors. ***See disclaimer note at bottom.*** 
Fuel: They use cans of propane fuel.  (a 1 pound can is shown above, but you can also attach them to a 20 lb. tank using an attachment hose.)
They produce very bright light.  You can read or play games or prepare food easily.
Two-mantle lanterns produce twice as much light as One-mantle lanterns, but they also use twice as much fuel as One-mantle lanterns. 
It is handy to buy a pole to attach to your 20-lb propane tank, which allows you to hang the lantern on the pole.  




Oil Lamps:

They are safe to use inside.
They give off very low light, almost as dim as a candle.
Fuel:  This one uses lamp oil, some use kerosene.  
You have to clean the glass chimney.
You need to practice using them, the wick needs trimming after use.
Buy extra wicks for long term emergencies, you can find wicks in the camping aisle at Walmart.






* * * *DISCLAIMER:  I got the following from another blog.  We have used a Coleman propane lantern inside our house with the windows open, so we do use them inside.  Read below:

> I was surprised to learn at Coleman's website that only their battery
> powered lanterns should be used indoors.  This is from their FAQ:
> "We do not recommend using fuel burning lanterns indoors or in enclosed
> areas due to the danger of fire and the emission of carbon monoxide (CO) and
> the effects of carbon monoxide exposure. Only battery-powered lanterns
> should be used indoors."
> Is there a brand of fuel burning lantern that's safe for indoor use?

This is their lawyers talking.
Kerosene lanterns were the norm for cabin and house lighting for many
decades. Still the norm in many parts of the world.
Propane lanterns are just like the gas lamps people had in their houses
prior to the arrival of electricity.
A propane lantern is perfectly fine in a reasonably-ventilated space.
Meaning, don't use it an airtight close and fall asleep with it on!
The danger of knocking over a lantern is obvious, as it is with
candles, etc.
Buy a Coleman or Century propane lantern. If Coleman has now stopped
selling propane lanterns, buy from who still sells them.
--Tim May 


Also, our Big Buddy propane heater is safe to use inside, so I don't see why using the exact same bottle of propane would be any different using it in a lantern.