If the best things in life are simple and true, then the UCO Candlelier Candle Lantern deserves a place on that list. Its simple design involves only candlelight and a clever frame; it remains true to its promise to provide warmth and light. For these reasons and more, the UCO Candlelier Candle Lantern has developed into one of my favorite pieces of camping gear. As one of the UCO brand's cornerstone products, the Candlelier Candle Lantern is a reliable, lightweight, simple-to-use candle-powered lantern. No smoke and mirrors here. The company has been offering up the same trusted functionality since the 1970s. It is time-tested and still the best version of its kind on the market.
How It Works
Made in Seattle, Washington, the Candlelier consists of a stout aluminum and stainless steel frame securely encapsulating three candles. To light the candles, you twist the bottom plastic base clockwise and remove it from the glass and aluminum upper portion. Then you can light the exposed wicks. You have the option to light one, two, or three candles depending on the need at the time. You've got to make sure to securely twist the lantern back together, but then you're good to go.
The UCO candles will burn for nine hours per candle and have been specifically designed for use in this lantern. The use of aftermarket candles is definitely not recommended, and I didn't try to use anything than the candles that came with the lantern. But each time I lit them, the candles illuminated the surrounding area and pushed off some of the dampness you feel inside an enclosed space like a tent. It did so by providing heat, and the warm cozy glow is a nice bonus.
The flat metal top portion of the Candlelier can be used to heat a small amount of water, keep food warm, or melt snow. Naturally, this top portion gets extremely hot, so take care not to touch it. Underneath each candles inside the lantern is a spring base. As the candle burns, the spring-powered tube pushes the candle up for a reliable, constant flame. Viewing slots on the candle base provide a way to monitor the candle for remaining burn time.
It comes in three colors: yellow, green, and red. The UCO Candlelier Candle Lantern is a great option to bring along while backpacking, hunting, mountaineering, camping and a variety of other outdoor adventures. It retails for $40.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 8" high x 4" diameter (20 cm x 10 cm)
- Weight (w/ 3 candle): 18.0 oz. (510 g)
- Heat: 5000 BTUS
- Made of rust-free stainless steel and aluminum
- Lightweight, durable construction
- Burns long-lasting UCO 9-hour candle
- Spring-loaded candle tube and viewing slot
- Carrying handle and twist-lock base
Storage
You're definitely going to need to give the lantern plenty of time to cool down before attempting to put it back in the box or move it. When stored properly and taken care of, the UCO Candlelier Candle Lantern can provide years of use. UCO also makes a product to protect and store the Candlelier called the UCO Cocoon. It wraps your lantern in a sheath of impact-resistant neoprene, and helps prevent scratches, dents, and glass breakage during transport. It encases the lantern completely and, with no zippers or snaps, it slides on easily and provides a quarter-inch of cushioning around the lantern. The Cocoon retails for $13.
Replacement candles for the lantern come three per package and can be purchased for $5 per package. UCO offers citronella and beeswax versions too. The beeswax candles have an even longer burn time of 12 hours per candle and cost $12 per package.
