When camping, one of the most important things you need is fire. Fire becomes useful in many ways, from cooking to providing warmth at night. As a result, having a good and portable fuel for making fire is crucial.
The recommended fuel type for Coleman lantern is Coleman fuel. However, there are other types of fuels available. But, first, you must know why it is recommended.
Reasons Why People Prefer Coleman Fuel
- One of the main reasons is because Coleman fuel produces very low black smoke when compared to others. As a result, it does not bother you too much and also is friendly to the environment.
- Coleman fuel is also much more affordable as compared to other types of fuel.
- It comes in reusable canisters. As a result, you do not have to spend a lot of money on buying new canisters.
- It lasts longer when compared to other types. A gallon of Coleman fuel is estimated to last you for up to 40hours.
Why Would You Need a Coleman Lantern Fuel Substitute?
If Coleman fuel is so good, you may be wondering why you would need a substitute at all. In case you come across a more affordable type, then it would help save some coins.
At the same time, you may be camping or going for an adventure where there is no Coleman fuel available.
What do you do? Which is the closest alternative use?
Here are the Most Common Substitutes
#1. Unleaded Gasoline
Are you shocked? No need for that.
Yes,
It works too and very well. It has several advantages that make it one of the best substitutes for Coleman fuel.
You can use unleaded gasoline for your heaters, lanterns, and stoves. The first reason is that it is a cheaper means when compared to Coleman fuel and other options such as White gas. It is also readily available. It is easy to come across a gas station where you can buy gasoline.
However, it is vital to take precautions when using gasoline, make sure that you do not spill any and ensure the parts of your lanterns are well sealed as required.
The use of unleaded gasoline comes with its disadvantages. It is not a very good method to replace Coleman fuel. The main reason being that it does not work so well on lanterns.
It takes a longer time to burn as compared to other substitutes and Coleman itself. Another downside is that unleaded gasoline is not so refined, and as a result, it can easily clog your lantern channels, making them not work properly.
#2. Kerosene Fuel
Kerosene is another option to use in place of Coleman fuel. It is readily available in the market and is considered to be cheaper than Coleman.
Another advantage of using kerosene is that it is much purer when compared to options such as unleaded gasoline. As a result, the fuel does not clog channels of your lanterns easily. It is also safer when compared to other gases such as gasoline and propane gas hence very low chances of explosion.
With kerosene, you will also get a better light as compared to Coleman gas. This is because kerosene produces a white flame, which is brighter than a yellowish one you get from Coleman.
Another benefit is availability. You can find kerosene in most of the stores and can use it for your kerosene lantern.
The only downfall you find for using this option is that it is not easy to convert your lantern to use kerosene. The job may be difficult and time-consuming.
#3. White Gas
It is also known as Naphtha. It can be used as a substitute for Coleman fuel for several reasons. One thing you should note is that all lanterns and stoves that can use Coleman, can as well use white gas without a problem.
As a result, it matches as an excellent alternative. The fuel is colorless. It has a price not so much different from that one of Coleman gas. However, it is considered to have better performance.
Some of the pros you will get from using this type of fuel as a substitute is that it produces a cleaner burn when compared to other gases.
The fuel does not clog the tools as compared to other fuels such as unleaded gasoline
It has better burning effects.
It is also easy to switch your appliances from using Coleman to Naphtha.
The cons of using white gas are that it is mostly available in unrefined variety, which can be more flammable as compared to Coleman fuel. You have to take caution to avoid unexpected explosions.
#4. Homemade Coleman
You can easily make your own Coleman fuel from home as an alternative. The process is very simple.
Here are some steps you can follow.
- Pour unleaded gasoline into a glass bottle.
- Ensure that the container is ethanol-free.
- Ensure that your apparatus is airtightly sealed to avoid any evaporation.
- It is prepared through distillation.
- Ensure that you have unleaded gasoline, a sealed glass bottle, and connected to a distillation column. Also, make sure there is a proper flow of water from one side and exiting on the other.
- Heat the gasoline as you measure temperature until it has reached its boiling point.
- Place an empty container to the other side of the distillation column. You will be able to collect evaporating gas in liquid form as the water column is cooling it. And there you have your Coleman fuel.
One of the advantages of this is that you can easily make your own Coleman fuel any time and of any amount without worrying about any shortages.
The downside is that you have to be careful since the process can be dangerous.
The Final Take
As much as Coleman fuel is one of the most commonly used sources of fuel, especially for camping and adventure, sometimes you may not be in a position to get it. Always make sure you learn how to use alternative gases.
Ensure that you compare the substitute types of fuel to know which one can be work for you in case you do not have Coleman fuel.