Sir:
I have owned and used Dietz and other lanterns and lamps for many years. I enjoyed reading about others care and use of these lanterns. I thought I would let you know what I burn in them. I have found that I prefer to use the High Grade 1-K [water clear] Kerosene that is available in one gallon cans at places like Ace Hardware and Lowe’s. In all my lamps and lanterns it burns without noticeable odor. This is not to be confused with the K-1 Kerosene that you get at the gas station (I burn that in my kerosene heater and Aladdin lamp.)
W.T. Kirkman at www.lanternnet.com has been a good source for me over the years. They have many spare parts and things you would need to keep these lanterns operational. I bought a roll of 7/8ths-inch [width] x 33 foot long wick for about $20 from them years ago and never expect to use it all up even with the 12 or so lanterns I have around here. Thanks for putting you informative blog together! – S.C.
JWR adds: Every family should have an assortment of kerosene lamps and lanterns. For nighttime trips to the barn or woodshed, nothing beats the durability of a trusty old Dietz lantern. But indoors, for reading and other tasks that require bright light, we use Aladdin mantle lamps. (Although some of my readers swear by the Petromax, to fill the same role.) There are a variety of kerosene lamps sold by Ready Made Resources (one of our first and most loyal advertisers), as well as Lehman’s and Nitro-Pak (both affiliate advertisers), and several other Internet vendors. Be sure to stock up on plenty of fuel, as well as spare wicking, mantles and chimneys/globes. Traditional wick lamps and lanterns are a no-brainer (aside from wick trimming), but mantle lamps require a bit of experimentation and practice. Become accustomed to using your kerosene lamps and lanterns now, rather than unpacking them for the first time after the power goes out.