Fair question.

Well, the Aladdin lamps combine several principles. Underneath it all is an Argand lamp (principle dates back to the 1790's), which uses a tubular wick and a tall chimney (glass) to create a forced draft on the both the inside and outside of the wick. On top of that, though, is a rare-earth impregnated mantle much like those used on a Coleman-style lantern, or on late-era gas lights, which incandesces much brighter than a flame... You lift the mantle, chimney and gallery all in one piece, light the tubular wick, and lower the whole assembly in place over the wick.. the wick with the tall chimney creates the heat to excite the mantle to incandescence, and you have very bright, white light. Takes some minutes for the whole thing to stabilize, and you have to exercise some caution to keep the fuel/air mixture from getting too rich and forming carbon on the mantle especially when it hasn't warmed up all the way, until you get the hang of it, but it works very well. The effect in a dark room is almost mystical- I think it accounts for some of the "cult" following. I mean, there are conventions of these folks, and societies with funny nicknames, and for all I know, funny hats and secret handshakes. Collectors of these lamps are very serious about every detail. Those of us just after function can skip a whole lot of that stuff.

Disadvantages are size (you can't really scale down the chimney) and the fragility of the mantle (it's basically ash when in use, and can't stand shock... or bugs doing kamikaze runs into it). In other words, it doesn't make a good lantern. But it does make an excellent lamp. No pressure or pump (as in Petro or Coleman lanterns) required, so it's silent and far, far less dangerous to use inside. Uses kerosene or lamp oil, not naptha or gasoline, which makes it much safer again. Only a slight puff of odor when you blow one out, nothing at all when it's running- it's very efficient that way.

One slight disadvantage is that they put out a LOT of heat. In summer, that means that you probably want one or two windows partly open, and you want to be REALLY sure that a breeze can't blow a curtain over the lamp and cause a fire... the hanging-lamp versions use smoke bells to protect the ceiling. In winter it's all to the good (they used the same burners for space heaters), but of course you still want to ventilate enough to prevent carbon monoxide from forming. Same cautions as for any kerosene space heater or stove... or any combustion, for that matter.

Aladdin lamps are quite unique, and put out an amazing amount of light compared to any wick lamp or lantern. It's in the Coleman lantern range without any of the noise, pumping, pressure or danger.

Since we've been discussing disclaimers, maybe I should state that I have no connection with the Aladdin Mantle Lamp Company other than being a very satisfied customer, and the only way I might benefit from their sales is by having their products continue to be available.