Candle Lanterns FAQ

Q: Which UCO Candle Lantern is best for me?

A: Our Original Candle Lantern is still our most popular and is best for general backpacking and winter camping. The Candlelier Lantern is best for car camping, home and patio use (including emergency and power failure use), and is excellent for larger groups when backpacking and winter camping. The Mini Candle Lantern is ideal for weight conscious backpackers, and for travelers who want to be able to buy candles along the way.

Q: How do I get replacement parts for my candle lantern?

A: Replacement candles and glass are available at retailers of the UCO Candle Lanterns, as well as at REI and Campmor. We will gladly guide you to a local source if you call, write, or e-mail us.

Q: Why use a candle lantern rather than a flashlight or headlamp?

A: UCO Candle Lanterns provide hours of warm, reliable light. There are no batteries to go dead and discard, no bulbs to burn out and no switches to fail. Candle lanterns work very well in cold conditions where battery powered lights fail quickly. Candle lanterns produce significant heat, which helps reduce tent condensation during winter camping trips.

Q: How do I clean excess wax from my candle lantern?

A: Excess or spilled wax can be removed from the lantern by chipping or scraping it off with a blunt object. This is easier if you first place the part with the wax on it in a freezer for 10-20 minutes until the wax becomes brittle. You can also remove wax by heating until just hot enough to cause melting and blotting with absorbent material.

Q: What makes UCO Candles special?

A: UCO has spent countless hours developing our special candles. Wax formula, wick size, and other features were specially engineered to make this the ideal candle for our lanterns. Other candles can "melt down" prematurely due to improper wax formula. Other candles can leave significantly more soot on the heat shield compared with our candles. Be sure to ask for UCO candles at your favorite outdoor retailer.

Q: How do candle lanterns compare with liquid fuel or propane lanterns?

A: Candle lanterns operate completely silently, unlike gas and propane lanterns which are generally quite loud. The warm golden colored flame of a candle lantern is much more pleasing to the eye than the harsh white mantle of gas and propane lanterns. Our Candlelier Lanterns produces enough light with its 3 candles to light a large tent or campsite.

Q: Are candle lanterns safe?

A: Yes, as long as you follow our directions and keep them away from flammable materials. The enclosed design protects the flame from coming in direct contact with other materials, and the handle keeps the lantern a safe distance below tent canopies when suspended in a tent. Be sure not to touch the heat shield when the lantern is burning, or until it has had sufficient time to cool after use. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Q: If I travel abroad, will I be able to find UCO candles?

A: UCO Candles are available in most European countries, and many Pacific Rim countries such as Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, etc. - look for them in outdoor and camping stores in most major cities. If you are traveling to more remote countries be sure to bring spare candles with you (or use our Mini Lantern which uses readily available tealight candles).

Q: How can I get a spare copy of the instruction manual for my UCO Lantern?

A: Just phone or e-mail us and we will send one out right away at no charge.

Q: My candle lantern has a retailer's logo on it - is it the same as the UCO Candle Lantern?

A: UCO makes many private label versions of our Candle Lantern including REI, L.L.Bean, E.M.S. among others. You can identify the UCO Candle Lantern by its unique spring loaded candle tube and housing. UCO's name appears on the base of all Candle Lanterns made by UCO.

Q: How can I get more information?

A: If the answer you need isn't here, please contact us at the address and phone number below, or e-mail us. We are always glad to hear from our customers, and we value your questions as much as your feedback. Thanks!