Lantern Shootout. Dietz Blizzard VS. ............?

In this video I compare a new style Dietz Blizzard to a competitor. Which one comes out on top?
Thanks for stopping by! If you liked this video, check out my other content, and subscribe for more. If you have any questions,
leave a comment below and I'll do my best to answer them.

[@fredjacobsen5025]

Thank you for your comments: I am glad I bought my Dietz #80 lanterns & my Feuerhand 276 when I did.

[@lotsatrains]

That’s great 👍

[@Panbaneesha]

THE hurricane lantern in Germany is the Feuerhand Baby 276 (the only model that's still being produced out of a wide range they used to have), and there's copies everywhere. They usually differ in small details and a LOT in quality. You seem to have lucked out in the quality department.

[@brianbartulis9709]

I bought one of the Babys. Nice lantern/size for a change from all my Dietz.

[@Panbaneesha]

@@brianbartulis9709 Yes, the Dietz are HUGE! :)

[@alvarokerosene6257]

Thanks Ken for showing us the comparison, nice video, greetings.

[@lotsatrains]

You are very welcome and thanks for watching and wish you the best.

[@flipknuckle]

Michael from Australia, I have a number of dietz, blizzard ,,d-lite and so on, both cold flow.

[@lotsatrains]

Great lanterns 👍

[@bryanseverino6967]

Thank you for the comparison, helps with future purchases.

[@lotsatrains]

You are welcome and I am glad to do it 👍

[@jlborish]

Hello Ken, thanks for the comparison. Good seeing you. Take care and stay safe out there 👍🔥🏮

[@lotsatrains]

Thanks you too.

[@stevedimartino683]

Very nice I think I’m gonna get one too

[@lotsatrains]

Cool 😎

[@crazysquirrel9425]

The best improvement any of them could make is to add in a Piezo ignitor. One big problem with those is the wick adjusters STINK. 1/2 the time they skip and don't want to work. Or the knob comes loose from the adjuster shaft. Now try those lanterns again with Lamp oil and Kerosene. Then try again with a carbon felt wick that has 30 gauge copper wire sewn into the and along the center of the wick (2 strands). Carbon felt does not burn up or wear out. Copper wire to ensure heat is transferred along the wick and down into the fuel used. Warmer fuel lights easier and allows a more efficient burn and that usually means a brighter light. Every lantern and oil lamp I have I changed out the wicks with the carbon felt and wire sewn in. Works perfectly. Hard to adjust the height but once you get it set, you usually do not have to adjust it further. To extinguish, just blow the flame out. Make sure you add in an extra 1/2" length to the carbon felt wick because it will shrink a little over time then stop shrinking. If you add in extra copper wire, you transfer even more heat. You may even be able to use thicker oils like Veg oil and Olive oil. If people noticed, once you begin to use the wicks (cotton) and start trimming, you will have to maintain a higher and higher fuel level so the wick stays in the fuel. Not so with carbon felt. No trimming! If carbon felt ever got clogged for some reason, remove it then BURN it. Good as new after that.

[@lotsatrains]

Very good information will have to try these wicks soon Thanks

[@crazysquirrel9425]

@@lotsatrains You can buy a sheet of the stuff for about $10 (US) on the .zon. Place your old wick on top of the sheet, allow for an extra 1/2" in length, cut to size. Next you have to split it (think like filleting a fish in a way) as the felt is twice the thickness that the old wick is and won't fit the wick channel. You can sew in some copper wire (some use plain speaker wire but I use 30 gauge crafting copper wire - easier to thread the needle). But that is optional. Typically not needed in the summertime or when using Kerosene. I will use it anyway to cover my bases. Then you need a THIN knife or a piece of aluminum strip cut from a soda can to test the new wick into the channel enough for the wick adjuster to attempt to hold and raise it. Mine wicked up the oil easily. Didn't have to wait 10 minutes or an hour. But you can dip a few drops of fuel onto the top of the wick if you are in a big hurry. Set your wick height to about 1/2" and light it. Once lit, adjust it to your normal flame height with the wick adjuster. A kind of set it and forget it. No further height adjustment is necessary unless the wick shrinks, which generally takes a long time. To extinguish, simply blot it out - don't fool with the wick adjuster to do it. I run a double strand in my wicks (except the first one when I had 20 gauge wire and couldn't sew in a 2nd one easily but oit still worked fine). Twice the length of the wick and add in an extra inch for play. Sew in the middle of the wick (either kind of wick). Helps a lot in colder weather. If not, sew in more strands. Helps with thicker oils like veg oil and olive oil (that needs extra strands). You get thermal feedback along the wick and down into the oil to warm it. Warm oil wicks better and since warm, it vaporizes better and burns more efficiently. With cotton wicks, you have to worry about running the fuel tank low or dry and burning up the wick. With the carbon felt, you can run the tank completely dry and not have to trim anything. For a test, get a regular oil lamp or home made one out of a Mason Jar and try it! Use veg oil or olive oil at room temperature and the carbon felt wick. Then the wick with copper wire in it. Then place in the freezer for a few hours to thicken up the oil. Do the two tests again. That would let you know if you need more copper strands or not. Both will be hard to light at first with veg oil or olive oil.. Not the fault of either wick. Oilive oil usually requires a lot more thermal feedback to wick up a wick as it burns (hint). Some mix a little kerosene or lamp oil with the thicker oils to thin them out. Not necessary with the copper wire. But optional. If worse comes to worse, you can always put the cotton wick back in. But that may be something for your grandkids to worry about! Couple strands and see how it goes for you. You can always add more. With Kerosene I don't think you would have to add any more unless it is -40 outside. And then you would have bigger problems anyway. If you need more info or help, just reply here and let me know. Note: if the carbon felt wick ever gets clogged, just remove it and BURN IT. Clogs gone and wick like new! Give you the option to use scented oils and such. Cotton wicks transfer some heat down the wick like an iron does when ironing pants. Carbon felt is an insulator and does not transfer heat well at all, hence the suggestion for the copper wire strands to conduce heat. Think Zippo Lighter wicks - those have wire in them. Same thinking. As always, do all this at your own risk. Observe all safety precautions and do all tests OUTSIDE. Once confirmed you should be good to go. That is my disclaimer lol Also let me know if you do this, what you used, and how it went please. I didn't have time to burn mine dry. PS You can cut any wick into different shapes to make different burn patterns. Saw tooth, fang, spoon shapes are common and can make interesting patterns. Best to save the old cotton wick as a backup (think spare tire if you will). Ya never know. Another hint: If you leave one end of the carbon felt wider, it provides more surface burn area, wider flame, and would give off more light - just feed the smaller end down the top instead of feeding the usual way from the bottom. You want the wick to be in at least a 'J' shape in the fuel tank. Or a decent 'L' shape anyway. Oh and you are very welcome!

[@crazysquirrel9425]

⚠ Safety note: you don't want the oil in the tank hot. You just want it a little warm - no warmer than a hot shower temperature. Too hot can cause it to exceed it's vapor point and catch fire inside the tank. And it could take an hour to heat the oil up to maximum temperature depending on ambient temperature, oil temperature, wick used, etc.

[@crazysquirrel9425]

@@lotsatrains Have you tried it yet? About wicks: If you trim the wick into an arrowhead shape, you have more surface area for the flame to burn. Should be brighter too. You can also cut a saw tooth pattern in the top of the wick. One experiment I have not tried was to take a one hole punch and make a hole in the wick. My theory is that it might allow more air/fuel mix for better burn.

[@likebutton3136]

Good comparison

[@lotsatrains]

Thanks so much

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

I have two V&O lanterns leaking oil on my shelves right now. Both are waiting to be returned to the seller. I found unfinished Dietz on Ebay as replacements. I'll solder the tank joint on those before I ever fill them.

[@lotsatrains]

Wow! Thats pretty bad to have both that leak I will have to-keep an eye on mine because I don’t want that to happen but so far it’s been ok. you could seal them up from the inside with a tube of seal all gas safe adhesive but be sure to clean and dry out the founts thoroughly.

[@MiamiMillionaire]

👍

[@donoimdono2702]

very brave putting a "cheap" lantern on the pool table. just the possibility of a leak.......

[@lotsatrains]

Thanks I have actually had a few comments about this but rest assured it’s not a very high quality pool table and I’ve already had a few leaks on it from the plumbing above and a faulty dishwasher so I’m not really too concerned about it but I appreciate your comments and thank you so much for watching.

[@kennyc388]

Very stupid

[@misters2837]

What do you think of Feuerhand German Lanterns? I have a half dozen of them, I got 4 them with the property, and one I bought in color my wife likes (Blue) and one for myself (Green) the old ones are quite rusty but work nicely in the garage/basements during power outages. They are model 276...seem to be very high quality...

[@lotsatrains]

They are great quality lanterns for sure I have the large model I think its the 280 and is a wonderful lantern I probably will get a 276 some time in the future but prices on these are pretty high now. Thanks for watching

[@stevenbodum3405]

the feuerhand should be the best of the still made lanterns. older german made ones are great too, like the bat 158.

[@matthoward1174]

Hey Ken ! I started out buying the "new" Dietz lanterns, Blizzard 80s, and Jupiter 2500s. I was pretty happy with them, but I always wanted an Air Pilot. I bought 2 over the last year, and both of the tanks weep at the seam where its pressed in on the bottom. Very disappointing. I doubt I will buy any new ones from them. Maybe I'll try the W.T Kirkman Champion No. 2, or just stick with the old ones !

[@lotsatrains]

Wow you got leakers ,I have been hearing about that from looking at some of the reviews for these things, fortunately the couple that I have seem ok for now but you are right about just sticking to the old stuff but I too am probably going to get a Kirkman lantern sometime soon, I hear those are really great.

[@morayjames92]

Hey Mat sorry that you bought two No.8 Air Pilots which both weep at the bottom of the fount. It is however an easy fix to deal with this. Clean out your fuel and the rinse the fount let dry and then pour in just enough Spar varnish any brand will do to roll around the seam in the fount at the bottom, all you need to do is to wet the seam and pour out any excess if necessary then let dry with the cap off for a few days and you should be weep free for the next 50 years. I hope this helps you to enjoy your beautiful No.8 Air Pilots to the fullest.

[@matthoward1174]

@@morayjames92 Thank you Brother ! I will try that.

[@jonathanj.7344]

Over in the UK, Dietz lanterns are very hard to come by, usually on sale as expensive collectors items. Feuerhand, a German company, make good quality lanterns and are available here at moderate prices. I'm going to get one of those.

[@misters2837]

@@jonathanj.7344 I am in US, and have 6 of those Feuerhand 276 they have been flawless I use two almost weekly (Our one outbuilding and hunting cabin, doesn't have power.) and four are when electricity is out to light my garage/basement...I also have battery lights, but as someone who has went weeks without power...I like to keep the Lanterns "in use" so I know when that time comes they are "ready" to be lit...Batteries go dead.

[@HabeasJ]

Im looking for a lantern that I could use outside in bad weather, but I'm figuring the glass would be temperature sensitive and crack once the rain/ snow hit it. Am I wrong in that assumption? I know these are "hurricane" lanterns and with a model name like the "blizzard," it seems like they're marketed for cold weather, but I've broken enough cups and pyrex via temperature shock to be overly sceptical

[@lotsatrains]

I actually haven’t used one in such extreme conditions but from what I hear these are supposed to hold up pretty well

[@HabeasJ]

@@lotsatrains Thank you for your response but no thanks to KZbin for not giving me a notification haha. Im going to order one to add to my small collection and see if it can help this winter while i tend to my chickens . New subscriber by the way. You have a great channel. Take care and have a good weekend!

[@oinc7320]

According to Kirkman the #2 lantern has been way below zero -30 or so, in 45 mph winds, snow, no problem. The Feuerhand I believe is something like Pyrex? Translate the German word on the globe, look up the meaning. The Kirkman #2 is something like 12 candles, the smaller. Feuerhand 8 or so candles. I like the looks of the Feuerhand, but the price is too close to the galvanized Kirkman.

[@lotsatrains]

@@oinc7320 you probably can’t go wrong with either it just depends on if you want the bigger one Kirkman or if the Feuerhand will give you enough light output

[@MrJeep75]

Those with o-ring like that leak

[@lotsatrains]

I have a few of these and actually not any have leaks but I have heard from some folks that they haven’t had good luck but you could always throw a tube of seal all adhesive in it if it happens 👍

[@MrJeep75]

@lotsatrains I have 3 lanterns with o-ring cap seal like that, won't buy them no more the oil distorts the o-ring and leak or you can just loose it all together, I won't buy any more china lanterns, Hong Kong one's are still good made 82 before

[@lotsatrains]

@@MrJeep75 I still have no problem with mine but did treat the o ring with silicone grease and could always upgrade it to a viton o ring which is chemically resistant but do realize they definitely aren’t as heavy duty as the Dietz models but still not bad for what I was paying for them when the video was made.

[@markeholbrook]

I hear the V&O is a lighter gauge steel. I'd look at W T Kirkman lantern if you're into quality, The Dietz are definitely harder to get and more expensive now.

[@lotsatrains]

Yes I agree I just wanted to compare at the same price point the Kirkman lantern is great but about three times the price.

[@markeholbrook]

@@lotsatrains That's why most everything is made in China now, Kirkman's are made in the USA , giving Americans jobs, and is made of heavier gauge steel, I haven't bought one because of the cost either. I have a combination rechargeable / AA led lantern made in China which is good for what it is.

[@lotsatrains]

@@markeholbrook you are so right I have purchased many things from the Kirkmans and have spoken to Woody himself and they are incredible people and I don’t think I’d have much of channel without their business. Thank you too so much for your support I really enjoy interacting and learning from my subscribers because there is always something new to learn about this hobby.

[@markeholbrook]

@@jerrynelson5711 I like mine too, same Chinese version. I have a couple Syracuse NY Dietz too. They have much nicer globes, some metal parts are different. I wonder what they would cost of they were still made in USA.

[@martyharless5097]

Most of the lantern review videos I've seen they turn the flame up without letting the lantern warm up first. Invariably they then complain of the odor. I wonder if they give their car engine full throttle immediately after a cold start.

[@lotsatrains]

You are so right and that’s actually one reason that I started my channel because of so many people not having a clue about kerosene lanterns and using them properly while I don’t claim to be an expert I have been into this hobby for quite a long time and try to gather and pass along as much of the correct information about their use as possible as well as some good common sense. Thanks for watching please stop by again.

[@martyharless5097]

@@lotsatrains The same people then show how to clean the soot that has entirely coated the globe after the flame grew too high. Oops So much bad information in the videos but not nearly enough time to watch it all. Alternative fuel videos are the worst. I just hope nobody tried gasoline after watching one of those. I don't think most people have a clue of the difference between combustible liquid and flammable liquid. That would be a good topic for a video for the absolute beginner if you haven't done one already.

[@SarahlabyrinthLHC]

So if you keep the flame very low do you still get a smell? I have just ordered a Feuenhand 276, heard they are good, but have never used an oil lantern before. I want to use it inside. Also wanting to know what the best fuel for it would be, kerosine /parrafin / lamp oil?

[@martyharless5097]

@@SarahlabyrinthLHC I use "Klean heat" fuel indoors. It's more refined than the regular kerosene lamp fuel. It's a little more cost than 1K kerosene but cheaper than lamp oil. I don't notice any odor once it's warmed up. If you turn the flame down too low it won't be hot enough and you may notice an odor.

[@American-Plague]

Can anyone please direct me to a GOOD; QUALITY, SOLID 7/8" wick and not a FLATTENED HOLLOW TUBE of useless garbage?

[@lotsatrains]

Have you checked milesstair.com I heard they have them but I haven’t purchased any yet

[@kennyc388]

Now I would say they are complete poorly constructed Chinese junk. Just bought one from Amazon and sent it right back. Very disappointing ! Have ordered a Feuerhand lantern.

[@lotsatrains]

That may be so because I got mine about 3 years ago when the video was made and I do still use both lanterns with no problems but maybe quality has gone down since?