UCO Candle Lantern & Wood Stove Fan: A Surprisingly Warm Test

This article details an experiment testing the heat output of a UCO Candle Lantern, specifically the triple candle model, as a potential power source for a wood stove fan. Many users claim the lantern generates significant heat, making it a viable emergency heat source. This test aimed to verify if this heat output is sufficient to activate and operate a small wood stove fan, a device known to require a considerable temperature increase for functionality. The experiment provides a practical assessment of the lantern's capabilities as a supplemental heating solution in specific scenarios.The findings offer valuable insights into the UCO Candle Lantern's heat output and its suitability for powering a wood stove fan. The experiment involved placing a fully lit lantern directly beneath the fan to maximize heat transfer. The results highlight the lantern's ability to generate enough heat for fan operation, albeit at a slow and gradual rate, ultimately establishing the lantern's potential as a low-power, emergency heat source, particularly for supplemental warmth in small, well-insulated spaces.

Pros And Cons

UCO Candle Lantern (specifically the model that produces 5000 BTUs)
  • Produces 5000 BTUs of heat
  • Can generate enough heat to power a small wood stove fan in a small area
  • Does not produce enough heat to power a wood stove fan in a larger area

Read more: Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern Review: A Bright and Safe Light Source for Camping

The Experiment Setup

I decided to test the heat output of a UCO Candle Lantern, specifically the triple candle model, to see if it could power a wood stove fan. Many claim the lantern produces a substantial amount of heat (around 5000 BTUs), making it a potential emergency heat source. The goal was to determine if this heat was sufficient to generate enough power for the fan.

Close-up of the UCO triple candle lantern.
Close-up of the UCO triple candle lantern.

I placed the UCO Candle Lantern, fully lit, on a stable surface. Next, I positioned the wood stove fan directly on top of the lantern, ensuring good thermal contact. I anticipated it might take some time for the fan to start, as it requires a significant temperature increase to activate.

Placing the wood stove fan on top of the lit UCO candle lantern.
Placing the wood stove fan on top of the lit UCO candle lantern.

Testing the Heat Output

After a short wait, I observed a slight movement in the wood stove fan blades, indicating a build-up of heat. The fan slowly started spinning faster, showing that the heat from the UCO lantern was indeed generating sufficient power. However, it's important to note that the rate of increase was gradual.

The wood stove fan placed on the UCO candle lantern.
The wood stove fan placed on the UCO candle lantern.

The initial spin was quite weak, but as more heat accumulated, the fan's speed visibly increased. This suggests the UCO lantern provides a reliable, albeit low-power heat source suitable for certain applications.

The wood stove fan running steadily, powered by the UCO lantern.
The wood stove fan running steadily, powered by the UCO lantern.

Results and Conclusion

The experiment demonstrated that the UCO Candle Lantern can, in fact, power a small wood stove fan. However, the level of heat output is relatively low. While sufficient for small spaces, it’s unlikely to produce a significant heating effect in a large area.

The tester checking the airflow from the fan
The tester checking the airflow from the fan

The UCO Candle Lantern's effectiveness as a backup heat source depends on the application. It could provide supplemental heat in a small, well-insulated space, but it's not a substitute for larger heating systems. Overall, this is a niche use case ideal for emergency situations or supplemental warmth in small areas.

The UCO candle lantern and wood stove fan
The UCO candle lantern and wood stove fan