8 Best Propane Lanterns 2025 in the United States

The Coleman 1000L Deluxe Propane Lantern offers a substantial brightness of up to 1000 lumens, which is sufficient for illuminating areas up to 23 meters, making it suitable for camping or outdoor activities. With a burn time of up to 7.5 hours on a single 16.4 oz. propane cylinder, it provides reliable lighting for extended periods. The lantern is designed with a porcelain-coated ventilator that helps resist rust and corrosion, enhancing its durability. Additionally, the glass globe is high-temperature tolerant, preventing cracking due to heat exposure.

Weighing just 3 pounds, it remains portable and convenient for transport, complemented by a bail handle for easy carrying and hanging, and a collapsible footed base for compact storage. The inclusion of pressure-control technology ensures consistent performance even in extreme conditions, which is a notable advantage for outdoor use. However, lighting with matches might be less convenient compared to lanterns with built-in ignition systems.

Safety features include the rust-resistant and high-temperature tolerant parts, but the need for matches introduces a minor safety concern. Two Insta-Clip mantles are included, adding to its ease of setup. A 3-year limited warranty provides added peace of mind with the purchase. This lantern is ideal for campers and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable and bright lighting, paired with durability and portability.

The Fire-Maple Orange Camping Lantern is a versatile and portable lighting solution for outdoor activities and emergencies. One of its major strengths is its natural flame, which provides a warm, ambient light perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in a tent, cabin, or home during power outages. It is highly portable, weighing just under 150 grams, making it easy to carry for activities like camping, backpacking, or fishing. The lantern's durability is enhanced by its construction from metal and boro-silicate glass, which can withstand rough outdoor conditions.

Another advantage is that it does not require oil, mantles, or batteries, as it operates on standard backpacking gas canisters. This can be a plus for those who prefer a low-maintenance lighting option. However, the gas canister is not included, which means an additional purchase is necessary. Additionally, while it is easy to use, with a simple screw-on mechanism and a glass globe cut-out for easy lighting, an adapter for larger propane canisters is not included, potentially limiting its versatility out of the box.

Safety features are adequate, with no significant concerns highlighted, though it always requires careful handling due to the use of flammable gas. The lantern's compact size (3.7 x 2 x 5.4 inches) makes it easy to pack and store, further enhancing its appeal for travelers. This lantern is particularly suited for campers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a durable, easy-to-use, and portable light source.

The Coleman Gas Lantern NorthStar 1 Mantle provides a powerful brightness of up to 1500 lumens, ideal for illuminating large outdoor areas. It’s quite effective for camping or other night-time activities, casting light up to 26 meters. Its runtime on a single 16.4 oz. propane cylinder is relatively short, offering up to 4 hours on high and 9 hours on low, which might require you to carry extra fuel for extended use.

Weighing just 2.1 pounds and featuring a collapsible footed base, it is relatively portable and stable, making it easy to pack and transport. The lantern is built with durability in mind, featuring a rust-resistant porcelain-coated ventilator and a high-temperature tolerant glass globe with a metal guard for added protection against impacts.

Ease of use is a strong point, thanks to the push-button ignition that eliminates the need for matches, and the included Insta-Clip mantle that simplifies setup. Safety is reasonably addressed with the stable base and durable materials, though users need to handle with care to avoid potential propane-related hazards. This lantern is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable and bright light source with straightforward operation and strong durability. Those who require longer burn times without frequent refueling might find it less convenient.