Choosing the perfect camping lantern can significantly enhance your outdoor experience. This review compares two popular options: the Fire Maple Orange gas lantern and the UCO Candle Lantern, both offering cozy illumination but with distinct advantages and disadvantages. We'll delve into a detailed comparison, examining ease of use, light output, safety features, cost-effectiveness, and overall practicality for various camping situations. Whether you prioritize a classic ambiance or require bright, adjustable light, this review will help you determine which lantern best suits your needs.This head-to-head comparison analyzes key aspects including assembly, lighting mechanisms, brightness, fuel efficiency, weight, and safety considerations. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each lantern, providing practical insights to assist in your decision-making process. Ultimately, we aim to help you choose the most suitable camping lantern for creating a comfortable and safe environment under the stars, no matter your preference for classic charm or modern convenience.
Read more: Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern Review: A Bright and Safe Light Source for Camping
Unboxing and Assembly
The Fire Maple Orange Lantern arrived in a compact box, containing the lantern body, silica glass, a hard plastic carry case, and an instruction manual. Assembly was straightforward; simply screw the lantern onto a standard gas canister and secure it with a spring clip.
The manual included instructions in multiple languages, covering lighting, extinguishing, and storage. The design is minimalist and functional, making it easy to pack and transport.
Ease of Use and Lighting
Lighting the Fire Maple Orange Lantern is incredibly simple; just turn the gas on. The flame is adjustable, allowing for a range of brightness levels. It's significantly easier to light than the UCO candle lantern, which can be fiddly, especially with a burnt-down wick.
The Fire Maple's adjustable flame offers superior control over light output compared to the single-setting UCO. Both lanterns offer hanging options, but caution is necessary to avoid fire hazards with both models due to heat.
Safety and Heat Output
Both lanterns produce carbon dioxide, water vapor, and some soot. While research suggests neither emits harmful chemicals in well-ventilated areas, proper ventilation is crucial, especially when used inside a tent.
Both lanterns get extremely hot, posing a significant fire risk. Keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. The Fire Maple's metal base remains relatively cool, while the glass top gets very hot.
Weight and Cost Comparison
The Fire Maple Orange Lantern (140g without fuel) weighs less than the UCO Candle Lantern (180g without fuel). Considering fuel, the UCO with a candle weighs around 230g, while the Fire Maple with a full gas canister can reach 340g.
The Fire Maple's running cost is significantly lower at approximately 12 pence per hour compared to the UCO's 26 pence per hour, making it more economical in the long run. Purchase prices are similar, around £25-£27 for both.
Brightness and Readability
The Fire Maple Orange Lantern provides significantly brighter light, sufficient for reading with the app measuring around 10-13 lux, far surpassing the UCO candle lantern's output.
The UCO candle lantern produced insufficient light for comfortable reading, with the app not even detecting any light. The adjustable brightness of the Fire Maple allows for task-oriented lighting or a gentler ambiance.
Indoor Use and Conclusion
While both lanterns can be used inside a tent, the Fire Maple's robustness makes it a better choice for this purpose. It is also easier to extinguish and store, although safety remains a key concern with both.
Both the Fire Maple Orange and UCO Candle lanterns offer unique advantages; the UCO provides a classic camping ambiance and is relatively inexpensive. However, the Fire Maple's adjustable brightness, ease of use, and superior light output make it a more practical choice for most camping scenarios.