UCO Original Candle Lantern Kit

I've been trying to accumulate supplies for emergencies / power outages / etc just to have on hand if needed, or to be prepared for a nice camping trip. I conveniently received this right before I lost power for five days due to Hurricane Sandy. This candle lantern was great for the first use; it gave off a nice, solid light without flicker or mess. I can't say that the included light reflector amplified light rather than just blocked off a side to prevent glare, but it was nice to have available. Unfortunately, after the first candle burned out (the duration was right on the estimated time), I began the process of taking the lantern apart to replace the candle. This process was not very convenient at all since one needs perfect alignment of the spring, candle base, candle, then top sheath. The process is even less convenient when you're doing it in low or poor light conditions. When I finally got that assembly all put together (it was rather difficult to keep the assembly from cross-threading) I couldn't get the glass globe to get enough friction from the top of the lantern device to keep from falling down into the base. What is meant to be a convenient contraption becomes decidedly inconvenient when it is time to switch candles. After all the fuss and mess, it would almost be easier to just burn the candles without the lantern. Ultimately, it's a great idea and concept, but with less than ideal implementation. For being on the market for so long with these deficiencies, I'm quite surprised that it is such a staple in many preppers' bug out bags. Maybe I just got a dud from the factory or lack the required dexterity to get it to assemble correctly! YMMV.

These things work great, in almost every respect. They warm and light up an area nicely. They are very compact and durable. They are very simple to use. However, with the candles provided they will spill and the coil that pushes up the candle will jam and you will have to clean it regularly. Of you get the bee's wax candles for the lantern in stead of the paraffin kinds these problems go away and it's a 5 star product. Be advised tho, they will burn the crap out if you after being lit for only a few seconds.

These are cleverly designed, cleverly made (1970s?) collapsible lanterns. They give off a lot of heat once lit for their size (1950 BTU; a small electric home space heater might be 5500 BTU). They also give off 20 Lumen (YMMV and in practice may seem like less). The light is great for mood and atmosphere and once your eyes adjust it's a decent amount of light to navigate around a tent or campsite. I don't think most people could read much with it, despite the package photo, but that's what battery headlamps and battery lanterns are for (thank you, Thomas Edison). They make a nice communal campfire substitute in no-burn areas. Be aware these lanterns are ONLY designed to use the specialty sized candles made by UCO. These are becoming a little pricey and getting harder to find now that W*l-M*rt no longer carries UCO products. UCO has an excellent new lantern, the UCO Mini, that burns 'tea light' candles available cheaply everywhere, weighs only 3 oz and at 15 lumens is almost as bright as the Original (only 450 BTU so only 1/4 as warm). I have two and recommend them. UCO also makes a Micro that I don't care for, it has very small windows that allow very little light out and they tend to leak wax. But do check out the well designed Mini, and if you appreciate clever and elegant design you should have an Original just because. There are many online videos on the Original, including tips and DIY modifications. I can't speak to the new LED insert as I don't have it. For serious electric light you should have your own AA or AAA battery headlamp. I don't like LEDs that require exotic/expensive batteries, so I bought the Original Lantern w/o the LED add-on. YMMV. The padded case is nice. You can also use a $1 foam beer can wraparound cozy, or snip open any 16 oz plastic water bottle and slip the UCO inside. It's a great little space heater for a small enclosed area (be careful of heat too close to tent fabric and this may be too much heat for a hammock's interior ridgeline; fine for having a safe distance under the fly or a nearby tree). Perfect for a boat cabin, or any cabin. Good piece of winter survival kit gear. But really, it's nostalgia and workmanship. Hope this is helpful. Enjoy!

had a different experience the first one (red) was missing the hook at the end of the chain yet had an extra bit of short chain attached mid way on the piece of chain that should have had a hook on the end. It also appeared the box had been opened and repacked. it was listed as sold by Amazon. The second one (black) was sold by green valley and fulfilled by amazon and it was complete. It's not a big deal that the first was missing the hook, it would have been nice to have it included, yet I like them both and can make a hook so it's a simple fix. As are the other simple fixes listed in previous reviews. The reflector is basically worthless, unless you are looking to slice up your fingers on it's sharp edges. On should take the time to blunt the sharp unfinished edges if they plan on using the reflector. I would have easily given this little candle lantern 5 stars had the first one came complete and the reflector was better designed and actually fit in the neoprene case.

I bought one of these just to try and it functioned perfect, so I purchased 2 more and that is where the trouble started. When they arrived I tested all aspects to ensure they both worked and one of the bases would not stay secured and kept falling out with candle and spring so it got sent back for replacement. The other night I was with friends at a Bar-B-Q and broke out 2 of my candles for some atmosphere and one of the springs failed to work as designed and the candle melted out the bottom. The bottom line is that out of 4 of these that I have, had only 2 have worked the way intended and I will fix the one that doesn't.

A small light in darkness is better then none at all. And this kit fills the bill. Each candle burns eight hours (they say), nice small lantern that seems to be constructed well and a neat foam cocoon that it slips into and protects it. What more can be said? Amazon got it to me quickly as usual. Happy and content.

Pro: A very nice and an inexpensive accessory item for emergencies. The design has been around for many years and works fairly well. A candle will last for 8 – 10 hours as listed with minimal annoying wax drips. Con: The lantern “light weight” = flimsy so be careful with the lantern and the glass. As mentioned several times, reflector is useless. Finally, the “RED” anodized lantern I received was a disgusting PINK color.  I should have replaced it … but the hassle is not worth it. Pic another color unless you like pink lanterns.