Now the evenings are drawing in, it’s time to start shedding light on our overnight outdoor stays. And what better way than with the oldest and most well-known pressure lamp in the world, the Petromax kerosene lamp? And what a story it has to tell…

The oldest and most well-known pressure lamp in the world

The Petromax lamp is, as we’ve said, the oldest and most well-known pressure lamp in the world. The long established lamps have a huge following, with their time honoured operating principles having remained the same since their invention in the early 20^th century.

Still carefully assembled individually by hand, Petromax kerosene lamps date back to 1910 when Max Graetz, who also named the brand, came up with the invention, inspired by the already known spirit lamp. At that time, most households had no electricity, so t have such a bright light that was affordable was considered real progress.

Graetz secured the rights to the Petromax name, which derived from “Petroleum Maxe”, the affectionate name given to him by his friends and relatives.

Eventually the lamp became a worldwide best-seller, and the Petromax name synonymous with outdoor, bushcraft, survival and camping products from Dutch ovens and cookware to all sorts of accessories thanks to the innovation of a young German man who acquired the rights to the brand after becoming fascinated by the lamp following a memorable experience getting stuck in the African desert.

The Petromax HK500 Kerosene Lamp

Quite possibly the best known kerosene lamp in the world, the Petromax HK500 emits a very impressive light output of more than 400 watts. The nostalgic design combines with high power light technology to create something that’s instantly recognisable and much admired nor just by everyday outdoor aficionados, but also by the armed forces and aid organisations.

With its robust, highly heat-resistant borosilicate Schott glass cylinder, this is a lamp that will never bow down to even the harshest weather and environmental conditions.

The light output of the Petromax HK500 kerosene lamp is based on a simple principle. Here comes the science bit…

Kerosene is fed into a carburettor under pressure. As the fuel evaporates, it reacts in a mantle which is impregnated with luminous salts. This produces the intensely bright, warm light. The hand assembly of the lamp is crucial to make sure that the 200 parts it’s made up of all function perfectly, so that the light never fails.

The versatility of the Petromax kerosene lamp

As well as a variety of reflectors, storage and transport bags, there is a host of optional accessories available to really get the most out of your Petromax kerosene lamp.

In the name of outdoor versatility, the lamp can be converted into a cooker or heater, making it the ultimate must-have accessory for your outdoor adventures.

With a burning time of eight hours, a tank volume of one litre and the possibility of using either petroleum or paraffin oil, this amazing lamp comes complete with a funnel, a spirit jug, two mantles, a five-piece spare parts set, and an instruction manual.

Sold? Go on, treat yourself. This is one of those investments that will serve you for years to come, and that once you’ve got it, you’ll never be able to do without.

Learn more about the Petromax HK500 kerosene lamp.