The UCO Candle Lantern isn't your typical candle holder; it's a surprisingly versatile tool capable of both cooking and heating. This review explores its capabilities, demonstrating its effectiveness in boiling water and preparing a simple meal using only the heat generated by three UCO ground candles. We'll delve into its impressive heat output, comparing it to a small propane heater, and assess its practicality for survival situations, camping trips, or emergency preparedness.This review will showcase the UCO Candle Lantern's surprising power, examining its ability to boil a pot of beans in approximately 30 minutes. We'll analyze its approximately 5000 BTU heat output, highlighting its usefulness for both cooking simple meals and heating small spaces. By comparing its fuel cost and burn time to alternative heating solutions, we'll determine its overall value and efficiency as a portable, fuel-efficient cooking and heating option.
Pros And Cons
- Boils water
- Throws off a good amount of heat (5000 BTU)
- Cheaper than Mr. Heater Buddy for longer burn time
- Takes about half an hour to boil water
- Requires specific size UC o candles
- Throws off 5000 BTU of heat
- Shorter burn time (about six hours)
- More expensive than three UC o candles
Read more: Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern Review: A Bright and Safe Light Source for Camping
Cooking with the UCO Candle Lantern
The UCO Candle Lantern isn't your average candle holder; it's a surprisingly effective cooking tool. I successfully boiled a pot of beans using this lantern as a heat source. While it takes approximately 30 minutes, the ability to boil water with just candles is impressive in a survival or emergency situation.
The lantern's heat output is noteworthy. It generates a considerable amount of heat – around 5000 BTUs. This is enough to cook simple meals and offers a practical alternative to traditional cooking methods when other fuel sources aren't available.
Heat Output and Fuel Efficiency
The UCO Candle Lantern's heat output rivals that of a small, portable electric heater like the Mr. Heater Buddy, also producing around 5000 BTUs. This means you can effectively heat a small space using this lantern.
However, the fuel source differs significantly. The lantern utilizes three UCO ground candles, costing approximately $4 and providing approximately nine hours of burn time. The Mr. Heater Buddy, on the other hand, uses a one-pound propane tank, which is more expensive but offers a different type of convenience.
Survival Meal Preparation: Mung Bean Soup
To demonstrate the lantern's capabilities, I prepared a simple mung bean soup. The recipe included chia seeds and lard for added nutrients and flavor. The soup was seasoned simply with salt and pepper.
Cooking this meal on the UCO Candle Lantern showcases its versatility. It successfully warmed the soup, highlighting its practical use for simple meal preparation during emergencies or outdoor adventures.
Conclusion: Is the UCO Candle Lantern Worth It?
The UCO Candle Lantern offers a unique blend of cooking and heating capabilities. Its affordability, long burn time, and surprising heat output make it a valuable tool for survival situations, camping, or emergencies.
While it requires specific candles and the cooking process is slower, the lantern's efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to propane heaters are substantial advantages. Overall, it's a reliable, cost-effective solution for those seeking a portable and fuel-efficient heating and cooking option.