The Best Oil Lamps

Dietz #76 Original Oil Burning Lantern

Sturdy design

This large, safe oil lamp gets hours of burn time while being easy to secure.

Best For Camping

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Camping is an exciting, yet relaxing way to spend a weekend with your family. There’s a lot of gear you’ll need, but one of the most important things to pack is a lantern. We recommend the Dietz #76 Original Oil Burning Lantern. Its sturdy design includes an extra-durable glass globe that is secured tightly to the rest of the lamp. When you fill it with fuel, it burns for up to 11 hours. It’s great for keeping your tent lit and for those middle-of-the-night potty breaks.

Pros:

• This lantern is available in several color and size options
• It’s as decorative as it is useful
• The light is nice and bright and lasts for hours

Cons:

• The sides get very hot, so you’ll need to make sure you’re careful around it
• It’s a bit pricey

Purism Style Glass Kerosene, Set of 3

More light for your night

Get this great set of three high-quality oil lamps for one great price.

Best Set

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When you’re looking for a great deal on oil lamps, you can’t go wrong with the Purism Style Lamp Set. In the classic “Purism Style”, each of these hand-made lamps brings a warm light to any hangout. Fill them with kerosene, clean fuel, or even paraffin for an electricity-free backup light source during blackouts and trips in nature. If you want the most bang for your buck, go with this handsome set of three.

Pros:

• This set is perfect for both saving money and buying in bulk for your next party
• Between the price and quality, these are an awesome choice for crafts
• You can use these for camping or lighting your way on a walk at night
• The bases are unique colors

Cons:

• The glass is a bit delicate
• They’re only four inches tall, so don’t expect anything giant

Vermont Lanterns Brass Mini Oil Lamp

Antique beauty

This compact oil lamp can take you back in time with its vintage aesthetic.

Best Classic Look

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For a classically designed option that is both attractive and functional, we turn to the Vermont Lanterns Brass Mini Oil Lamp. Don’t let its small size fool you, this little lamp offers up to 10 hours of burn time and has an adjustable wick that allows you to either dim or brighten the light. It’s a nice choice for camping and emergencies due to its small size and excellent burn time. We also think it makes a great ambient light for dates and other romantic ventures.

Pros:

• This lamp is affordable
• It’s available in several finishes, including brass, chrome, pewter, and antique
• You can use any lamp fuel

Cons:

• We expected it to be slightly larger
• It’s not very durable

Oexeo Wine Bottle Oil Lamp Kit

Easy to use

Whether you need emergency lighting or you want to create unique decor, this kit is an excellent choice.

Best Kit

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We all love a DIY project, especially when you end up with something useful, such as an oil lamp. That’s why we love the Oexeo Wine Bottle Oil Lamp Kit. This set comes with three high-quality wicks, sturdy brass wick holders, sealing rings, and covers. You slide the wick into its holder and secure the holder into a bottle using the sealing rings. Attach the cover for a quick, safe way to put the flame out when you don’t need it anymore. You can use nearly any bottle and decorate it as you wish, making these a truly unique choice.

Pros:

• This set is very affordable
• You can use any fuel for your bottle lamps
• The fiberglass wicks are safer and last longer than traditional rope wicks

Cons:

• It may take time to light the wick for the first time
• If the bottle you want to use has an incompatible opening, there’s no way to use it

Firefly Liquid Bliss Round Glass Oil Lamp

Simply elegant

This hand-blown glass globe blends in with any aesthetic or theme seamlessly.

Most Stylish

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If you’re looking for a beautifully elegant option that you can use on a regular basis, look no further than the Firefly Liquid Bliss Round Glass Oil Lamp. It’s made of high-quality, hand-blown borosilicate glass, which is both sturdy and safe. Filling it up is easy and it comes with a funnel so you don’t need to worry about spilling fuel anywhere. It’s especially great for use as ambient lighting, emergencies, and romantic dinners.

Pros:

• It blends in with nearly any decor
• The glass is well-made and long-lasting
• You can get this lamp in small or large

Cons:

• You’re only supposed to use a specific type of fuel and it isn’t included
• Fairly expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of fuel do you need for an oil lamp?

There are many fuels for oil lamps, including kerosene, paraffin, and even branded clean oils. Many cultures use food-grade oils, such as olive oil, mustard oil, castor oil, and others. What really matters is that you choose the right oil for the right place. For example, you don’t want to use an oil that releases a lot of smoke, like citronella, indoors.

Are oil lamps safe?

Oil lamps are safe as long as you use them according to their directions and with the right fuel source. You wouldn’t use a kerosene outdoor camping lamp inside of your bedroom. However, a decorative oil lamp that’s meant for your home won’t give you enough light outside. Once you know how and where you’ll be using your lamp, you can choose the safest option.