There’s a reason why oil lamps are still being used today. Sure, their old-fashioned designs will bring vintage charm to your home and give your shelf a little “pizzazz” (bonus points for decor), but their real treasure is the reliable light they provide. You’ll always have a source of light!
Power outage? Just reach for an oil lamp.
Off-the-grid cabin? Oil lamps.
Dim rooms? Yep…oil lamps.
Their steady glow of light is instant comfort, and they’re easy to use, too, with a little instruction.
New to non-electric lighting? Here are our tips and tools for using oil lamps:
#1 -Keep your wicks trimmed evenly.
We recommend trimming your wicks each time you refill the font with oil. (Note: If your lamp is smoking, the wick is either set too high or needs to be trimmed.)
Stock Up on Flat Wicks: Choose Your Size

Replace Your Aladdin Lamp Wicks: Fits Aladdin models #23, #23A,#23E60, and MAXbrite 500 series

(Helpful Hint: We also carry Aladdin Lamp Wick R151 for models A, B, C and 14-English lamp burners.)
Clean Your Wicks: Near-Universal Wick Cleaner

#2 – Don’t fill your oil lamp completely.
Okay, this is a simple tip but super important if you want to prevent oil from overflowing from your lamp (a.k.a. – a big mess!). Oil expands during burning, so avoid filling your lamp to the very top. Instead, fill it to about 1/2″ below the filler cap.
(Bonus Tip: When you’re done filling your lamp, make sure you store the rest of your lamp oil away from sunlight and at room temperature. This will help extend its shelf-life.)
Best Lamp Fuel: Aladdin Lamp Oil

Great Kerosene Alternative: Klean-Heat Lamp Fuel

Kerosene: 1-K Kerosene

#3 – Maximize your light.
Lamps with reflectors can help direct light where you need it most in the room, while Aladdin lamps are 6x brighter than other wick lamps – they’re bright as electric!
Versatile Lamp: Reflector Oil Lamp

Best for Spreading Light Downward: Hanging Oil Lamp with Top Reflector

The Brightest Lamp: Aladdin Genie III Oil Lamp

Learn more about oil lamps and lanterns in our video below:
EXCELLENT ARTICLE FOR BEGINNERS TO OIL LAMP USAGE, WITH A FEW WISDOM REMINDERS TO SEASONED USERS AS WELL. I ACTUALLY LOVE LEHMAN’S OIL LAMPS SO MUCH THAT I WANT ALMOST ONE OF EVERYTHING IN YOUR CATALOG! YOU’RE WONDERFUL SERVANTS TO MANKIND, SO KEEP UP YOUR EXCELLENT WORK AND PLEASE DON’T EVER GO OUT OF BUSINESS EITHER!