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
- 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.
