Best Propane Lantern 2023: Don’t get stuck with the wrong lantern!

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Propane Camping Lanterns Reviewed

You want a portable camping lantern to create as much bright light as possible but the brightness level is not the only thing to consider when choosing a lantern.

We have reviewed different models of propane tank lanterns and grouped them according to their maximum lumen outputs.

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PROS:

• This is the brightest of the propane camping lanterns we reviewed with up to 1540 lumens. The brightest camping lanterns don’t always have the most number of mantles. This single mantle lantern boasts specs far above similar devices.
• Of all of the mantels, this lantern uses Insta-Clip tube mantles which are the easiest to install.
• The base provides stability to the lantern when you are using it and folds for easier storage.
• It runs on a 16.4-oz. propane cylinder for approximately 4 hours on the brightest setting and 9 hours on low. (NOTE: if you run out, here’s how to refill 1 pound propane tanks with a propane refill adapter.)
• The metal guard protects the high-temperature globe.
• It features InstaStart ignition for matchless lighting.

CONS:

• This lantern works best on the brighter settings … when you try to dim the output, the lantern may not stay lit because the regulator is quite sensitive.
• The push button ignition is convenient but may be inconsistent so you may need matches on some occasions.
• When this lantern is on the lower settings it tends to emit a loud whistling noise.

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PROS:

• This lantern produces up to 1000 lumens of light that reaches up to 75 feet away.
• As a way to combat varying weather and altitudes, this lantern is designed with a PerfectFlow system producing consistent light output no matter where you are camping.
• A 16.4-oz. propane cylinder runs it for approximately 8 hours.
• It has a matchless ignition starter.

CONS:

• As with other matchless lanterns, this push-button igniter is intermittent so you’ll want to have matches in case you need them.
• On the low setting, this lantern may emit a loud whistling sound.

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PROS:

• This propane gas lantern creates up to 1000 lumens that cast white light up to 75 feet away.
• You’ll get approximately 7 hours of run time out of a 1 pound propane cylinder when operating it on the highest setting.
• The glass globe is tolerant of high-temperatures to prevent cracking.
• Its collapsible footed base makes storage convenient.

CONS:

• The control dimmer knob may have a tendency to “drift” between different settings making it a bit more difficult to regulate.
• Matches are required to light this lantern but because the lanterns with push-button ignition are typically intermittent, we don’t consider this a big drawback.

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PROS:

• This lantern produces up to 1000 lumens and lasts approximately 13 hours on one 16 oz. propane tank.
• It features one of the most compact carrying cases making it easy to transport and protect the glass.
• It features PerfectFlow technology that is designed to create a steady stream of fuel in all weather conditions.
• Its wide plastic base makes it very stable and also acts as the bottom of the carrying case.

CONS:

• This lantern does not have push button ignition so matches are required but because the push button styles are not always consistent, we don’t consider this to be a big disadvantage.
• The base does not actually “attach” to the can of propane so when you pick the lantern up by the handle, the base may remain on the table (or wherever you have it setting.)
• The knob may have a tendency to “wander” to other brightness levels.
• On the lower settings, this lantern may inadvertently go out.

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PROS:

• This lantern produces up to 1000 lumens and lasts a long time, up to approximately 14 hours on a 1 pound propane camping cylinder.
• Its carrying case opens widely so loading the lantern is simple.
• It has a stable base with retractable feet.

CONS:

• Matches are required to light this lantern but we don’t consider this a big drawback because the push-button styles can be sporadic.
• The soft aluminum header makes inadvertent cross threading possible.

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PROS:

• The carrying case protects this lantern during transportation and storage.
• As one of the brightest propane camping lanterns, this model produces up to 970 lumens on high and casts light up to 85 feet.
• You can get approximately 7 hours out of a 1lb propane cylinder when operating this lantern on high and about 10 hours on the lowest setting.
• It features matchless lighting with its push button ignition.
• It has a high-temperature tolerance glass globe and has a metal guard for additional protection.
• The base is steady and its feet collapse for more convenient transportation and easy storage.

CONS:

• The push-button igniter may not be consistent so you’ll want to carry matches as a backup.
• This lantern is a bit louder than most comparable models no matter if you are operating it on a high or low setting.

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PROS:

• This lantern produces up to 810 lumens and runs off of a standard 1-pound propane tank.
• Its “Dura Base” features tip-resistant feet.
• This is one of the most inexpensive propane camping lanterns that has 2 mantles.

CONS:

• The base is not “connected” to propane canisters and may not stay on if you pick it up by the handle.
• Matches are required to light this lantern but we don’t consider this a big weakness because the push-button styles can be random.

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PROS:

• This Coleman compact size propane lantern is small but mighty, it produces 300 lumens with a single mantle, so it’s great for backpack campers, hiking and car camping when storage space is limited.
• A 16oz propane cylinder will run this lantern up to approximately 11 hours.
• There is a metal guard surrounding the globe to protect it from impacts.
• Most lanterns have a wire handle but this one uses a chain making it a more compact design.
• It requires only 1 mantle.

CONS:

• 300 lumen output may not be bright enough for all applications.
• It may be easy to accidentally tear the mantle when you are putting it on the lantern because of its location/design.
• You need matches to light this lantern but we don’t consider this a big limitation because the push-button styles can be hit-or-miss.

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Propane Lantern Stands

You can set your lantern on the ground, on a table or hang it from a tree.

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Alternative Lanterns With Mantles

Some people like the brightness that comes from mantles but want options other than propane.

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Replacing Mantles On Propane Lanterns

If you have never replaced a mantle before, this video shows you how to replace the mantles on a Coleman lantern.

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Other Camp Lighting Options

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More Camping Gear Reviews

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