I picked up a kerosene lantern for a few bucks at a second hand store. It's a small model made by Dietz. Seems to be in very good shap.

When I got it, I didn't have any kerosene on hand and so I put a little charcoal lighter fluid (naptha) in it and it burned good but was a little stinky. Then I picked up a gallon of K1 kerosene from the filling station and tried that in the lantern. Oh my gosh! The fumes are horrible. I can't stand to burn it in the house for very long because the exhaust fumes start burning my sinuses and giving me a headache.

Do people really use these things for lighting their homes or cabins when there is no electricity? I don't think I could stand it.

Am I doing anything wrong? I heard store bought lamp oil would not burn as bright as kerosene but I wonder if it would have less fumes. I bet it costs a lot more than kerosene, too.

Tell me what you know

Are you looking for light or ambiance or both? I have an antique oil lamp on the wall and it throws a respectable amount of light and the odor is pleasant using the lamp oil. I don't burn it often but it casts a wonderful glow on Christmas eve.

I can't say I'm looking for anything in particular. I think it might come in handy if the power goes out or on a fishing or camping trip. The light from it does cast a nice atmosphere in the living room on a winter night. But it's not nearly as bright as my Coleman lantern. Mostly, it's just a toy to play with - I enjoy old-time things and old-time ways.

Maybe I need to try some lamp oil in it and just use kero in it if I take it outdoors.

I never really gave it much thought but I can see where a pressurized lantern will throw more light than a lamp with a wick. I like old stuff as well, I try to surround myself with it.

I'd be worried about it burning right up with the naphtha, kerosene is much less flammable and thats what the wicks are made for. I buy a 5 gallon pail of kerosene and burn it in Dietz "hurricane" lanterns in the house all the time in the winter, maybe the previous owner had something in there that shouldn't be if it stinks that bad, Like dirty oil or something. Id clean it good and buy a new wick and keep it trimmed properly.

You might need a new wick after burning the lighter fluid through it.I have a collection of oil lamps along with several of the older American Made Dietz lanterns.I burn lamp oil in all of them,,not kerosene.

As a kid, two of my neighbors had kerosene cook stoves. There houses smelled like it too.

Keep the wick trimmed or your ceiling and walls will be all black.

Purchase real Lamp Oil
And a new wick

Another vote for good lamp oil. Kerosene has an odor many find objectionable. Also a good wick kept trimmed properly and not cranked up to create excess smoke and soot is the key to lanterns.
I'm somewhat of a lamp and stove hoarder. I have Coleman stoves and lanterns, kerosene heaters, maybe a dozen or so hurricane lamps and lanterns. All are serviceable and give good service.

Love oil lamps

Lamp oil

If you're going to burn kerosene, it will smell but you can keep the smell at a minimum by cutting your wicks with a slight arc. The corners of the wicks are where the smoke, unburned kerosene, and smell seem to come from. A slight curve to the wick end helps.

And make sure you're burning vapor above the wick, not kerosene at the wick. The wick should be low enough that the flame is just above the wick. As you turn the knob and the wick gets lower and lower, The fire will almost go out and as the wick gets lower in the base, flame starts to get larger. You want the brightest, hottest flame you can get.

New wick, use good lamp oil .