If you’re using an oil lamp for emergency lighting, outdoor ambiance for your backyard patio, or camping, the type of fuel you choose makes a big difference. Kerosene and lamp oil (also called paraffin oil) are the two most common choices, but they vary in price, performance, and safety — especially for indoor use.
Kerosene is cheaper (about $5–$8 per gallon) and burns brighter, making it a solid pick for outdoor lamps or survival setups. But it produces strong odors and potentially harmful fumes, so it’s not safe to use inside. Lamp oil is more expensive (typically $10–$15 per gallon), but it’s far cleaner and nearly odorless, making it the better choice for indoor use or decorative lighting.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences in cost, brightness, safety, and performance — plus cover lesser-known lamp fuels like olive and canola oil. Whether you’re prepping for a power outage or adding charm to your patio, you’ll know exactly which oil works best for your needs.
What Is Kerosene?
Kerosene is a low-cost, petroleum-based fuel that’s been around since the 1800s. It burns with a bright yellow flame, making it ideal for outdoor lighting or survival use. While it’s technically a type of paraffin oil, kerosene is less refined and contains impurities like sulfur, which give it a strong odor and release fumes when burned.
For homeowners, the most relevant types of kerosene are:
K-1 Kerosene: The cleanest and most widely available grade. It’s used in heaters and lamps and costs around $5–$8 per gallon. It still produces some odor but is suitable for outdoor lamps or well-ventilated areas.
Red-Dyed Kerosene: This tax-exempt fuel is meant for industrial use. It works in lamps, but the dye causes strong odors, can damage the wick, and may pose health risks. Best to avoid it for home use.
What Is Lamp Oil?
Lamp oil, also known as liquid paraffin, is a cleaner-burning alternative to kerosene. It’s made from refined petroleum and designed specifically for indoor oil lamps. You’ll find it in clear or colored varieties, often scented. While it costs more — usually $10–$15 per gallon — it produces minimal smoke and virtually no odor.
That makes lamp oil the best choice for indoor use. It won’t irritate your lungs, and it won’t leave your home smelling like a mechanic’s shop.
A Quick History of Kerosene and Lamp Oil
Kerosene has been in use since the mid-1800s, when Canadian geologist Abraham Gesner figured out how to distill it from coal. Before electricity, it was the go-to lighting fuel in homes across North America.
Lamp oil (liquid paraffin) came onto the scene shortly after, thanks to Scottish chemist James Young. He refined a cleaner-burning oil from coal and shale, which became popular for indoor lighting because it produced less smoke and odor than kerosene.
While electricity made both options less common, they’re still useful today — especially for backup lighting or creating a cozy outdoor vibe.
Lamp oil (liquid paraffin) came onto the scene shortly after, thanks to Scottish chemist James Young. He refined a cleaner-burning oil from coal and shale, which became popular for indoor lighting because it produced less smoke and odor than kerosene.
While electricity made both options less common, they’re still useful today — especially for backup lighting or creating a cozy outdoor vibe.
Alternative Types of Lamp Oil
If you’re looking for more natural or renewable options — or just curious — here are a few alternatives. Just know that not all oil lamps can handle these fuels, and performance varies.
Olive Oil: One of the cleanest-burning options. It’s smokeless, odorless, and non-toxic, but it burns dimmer and may not wick well in all lamps. Best for traditional-style olive oil lamps.
Canola Oil: In a pinch, you can use canola oil, but it smokes and clogs wicks over time. Not ideal indoors.
Castor Oil: Burns bright and biodegrades easily, but it’s thicker than most fuels and not widely used in the U.S.
Fish Oil: A throwback to pre-kerosene days, fish oil works — but it smells, smokes, and doesn’t burn bright. Only practical for outdoor or historical uses.
Kerosene Vs. Lamp Oil: Key Differences
Here’s how the two main fuels stack up:
| Feature | Kerosene | Lamp Oil (Paraffin) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Gallon | $5–$8 | $10–$15 |
| Brightness | Very bright | Moderate |
| Odor | Strong, noticeable | Nearly odorless |
| Smoke/Fumes | Produces fumes | Clean burning |
| Indoor Use | Not recommended | Safe for indoors |
| Availability | Gas stations, hardware stores | Home improvement and retail stores |
- Use kerosene outdoors where brightness matters and ventilation isn’t an issue.
- Use lamp oil indoors if you want clean, reliable lighting without irritating fumes.
Final Thoughts
Kerosene and lamp oil both have their place, but the right choice depends on where and how you’re using your lamp.
Use kerosene if you need a bright flame outdoors and don’t mind a bit of odor — just make sure you’re using clean K-1 kerosene, not the red-dyed variety. It’s cheap, effective, and reliable for outdoor use, like a garden lamp.
Use lamp oil (paraffin) if you’re lighting your home, cabin, or enclosed patio. It costs more but burns cleaner, with little to no smoke or odor. It’s the safest option for indoor lamps and looks great for decorative setups too.
If you’re exploring alternative fuels, olive oil is the cleanest natural option — but it burns dimmer and may not work with every lamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use kerosene indoors?
Only if you absolutely have to — and even then, you’ll need serious ventilation. Kerosene gives off fumes like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, which are hazardous in enclosed spaces. For indoor use, always stick with paraffin lamp oil.
What’s the cleanest lamp oil to burn inside?
Clear liquid paraffin (unscented) is your best bet. It’s specifically refined to minimize smoke and odor, making it ideal for indoor use. Some brands even add scents, but stick with unscented if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Can I mix lamp oil and kerosene?
No — mixing fuels is dangerous and can clog your lamp, produce unpredictable fumes, or damage the wick. Stick with one type per lamp and clean thoroughly before switching fuels.
Why is red kerosene a bad idea for lamps?
Red kerosene contains dye and impurities that gum up wicks, smell terrible, and may release harmful fumes. It’s meant for off-road machinery — not household lamps. Avoid it, even if it’s cheaper.
Is olive oil a safe alternative?
Yes, but with limits. Olive oil is smokeless and non-toxic, making it one of the safest natural lamp fuels. It burns dimmer and may require a special wick, so it’s not a one-to-one swap for kerosene or paraffin in all lamps.
