Many people are unsure about how to use their kerosene lamp for the first time. How to assemble it? How to light and extinguish it safely? Here is what we usually recommend:
How to Assemble a Kerosene Lamp?
Ensure that the chimney glass is placed inside the brass prongs to avoid cracking. You can adjust the burner by gently pressing the prongs against the glass. The glass should be stable without vibrating when you move the lamp, but you should still be able to lift the glass without using force.
How to Light It?
- Remove the glass and unscrew the burner, unless your burner has a hole for refilling.
- Fill with lamp kerosene until the container is about ¾ full. Never fill it all the way to the top. We recommend kerosene made from 100% paraffin oil.
- Screw the burner back on and wait until the wick has absorbed the fuel. Once the wick is fully saturated, it is the kerosene that burns, not the wick itself, which makes it last longer. Ensure the wick is not too long and has an even edge.
- Light the lamp with matches or a lighter. Immediately lower the flame with the wick screw on the side of the lamp before replacing the glass. The wick should barely be visible above the cone of the burner. Too large a flame can cause soot and, in the worst case, cracks in the glass.
- Place the lamp on a flat surface and remember it gets hot above. Never leave it unattended or near animals or children.
How to Extinguish It?
To extinguish the lamp, simply turn down the flame until it disappears, or blow out the flame from above or below through the burner's air intake. Remember that the glass will be hot!