The Amish use kerosene lamps as primary lighting. A properly maintained lamp gives bright, steady light.
Types
Flat wick: simple, cheap, medium light. Round wick (Aladdin): 4-5x brighter, white light like incandescent. Hanging: hooks to ceiling, lights entire room.
Maintenance
Trim wick straight (crooked = soot). Clean chimney weekly (soot reduces light). Fill only when cool. Don't overfill — spilled kerosene = fire.
Safety
Place on flat surface. Never leave unattended. Children don't touch — rule from birth. Fire extinguisher in every room. Don't move while lit.
Cost
Regular lamp: 30-50 ml/hour. 5 evening hours = 150-250 ml. One liter — 4-7 evenings. $3-5/liter. $15-25/month for lighting. Electricity: $100+/month.