MetaEfficient Reviews » Lamps

Review: The Best LED Reading Lamps

benjamin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:37:23 +0000

Review: The Best LED Reading Lamps

Nighttime can be prime reading time, and a small reading light is invaluable in a darkened room, or to avoid disturbing a roommate or spouse. The small size and directional light output of LEDs make them ideal for personal reading lights. Here are four of the best LED reading lamps, perfect for the bedroom, dorm rooms, or your favorite reading chair. All can be mounted on a table or bedframe – no more unclipping a book light at the turn of every page.

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16 Million Color LED Lamps Now Available

Justin — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 03:55:08 +0000

Last year, Philips showed off their LivingColor lamps at a media event. Although these efficient, color-changing LED lights are still not available in the U.S., you can now buy your own for a hefty £97 ($191) from the U.K.

Each compact light can illuminate 16 million unique colors, all of which can be controlled via an included wireless RF remote. You can set any remote to control up to six fixtures simultaneously, keeping their colors in synchronization for a dramatic effect. Since it uses some seriously bright LEDs, Philips designed a special heat sink into the lamp that looks more like a work of art than a technical necessity.

Review: The Best LED Desk Lamps

Justin — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:32:44 +0000

Update: We’ve posted a new review of LED Desk Lamps for 2009.

LEDs really shine as reading lights and desk lamps. LEDs have a directed beam, so they do not disturb others when used as reading lights (in bed for example). LEDs also do not get hot to the touch, so there’s no risk of burns, or excess heat in the summer. Because LED light is so focused, even a 100 lumen LED desk lamp will seem quite bright when it’s used as a task light.

Here’s a survey of what’s currently available: (more…)

The Most Efficient Candle: Palm Oil Candles

Justin — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 21:41:23 +0000

Most candles commonly found in households are made using low-grade paraffin (a petroleum by-product). They contain many impurities which are emitted into the air as the candle burns. These low-quality candles also tend to use wicks which are made with a metal core like zinc or possbily lead. This is not optimal. A good alternative to parafin-based candles are ones mad with palm oil, soy oil or beeswax. Soy oil is not as optimal as palm oil because it tends to come from non-organic genetically modified soy beans. We like Aloha Bay Candles, because they are made with virgin palm oil extracted without solvents. We tested thse candles and they burn very bright and clean.

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Olive Oil Lamps

Justin — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 02:10:07 +0000

Lehman’s is now offering these newly upgraded olive oil lamps with stands. Olive oil is a renewable, non-petroleum fuel which burns without fumes or odor. You can also burn any vegetable oil, or liquid fat or grease in these lamps. The makers of the lamps also publish a booklet entitled “I Didn’t Know that Olive Oil Would Burn!”. It’s quite an informative read. It’s available from Lehman’s.

Lexon Dolmen LED Light

Justin — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 18:22:08 +0000

This efficient LED Light was created by designers Marco Pulga and Luca Artioli for Lexon of France. It runs on only 4 AA batteries. The lamp is 5″ square in size. The intensity of the light can be adjusted, and you can also set the light to turn off after period of time. Available for $60 from Greener Grass Designs via Better Living Through Design.

Smart LED Candle Light

Justin — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 18:11:48 +0000

We featured some LED candles from Phillips previously but these lamps are available for only $9.95. The LEDs inside this lamp simulate a real candle. It’s powered by three rechargeable or regular AAA batteries. Available from CB2. Found via Better Living Through Design.

Aeonic LED Lamp

Justin — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 18:11:02 +0000

It’s interesting to see more LED lamps being produced today, like this long neck Aeonic lamp, which uses 20 energy efficient, cool-running, white LEDs. It can be used as a bedside lamp — the 36-inch neck adjusts to any angle. The specs say the LEDs should last for a century before they need replacement. I’m guessing this burns at 1-2 Watts. It’s priced at $99.95, including shipping.

Available from CCrane

High Intensity (Low Impact) Lamps

Justin — Tue, 25 Oct 2005 02:30:32 +0000

Attractive, portable fluorescent lamps are metaefficient — they allow you to light a room using as little as 10W. See our reviews of the latest compact fluorescent bulbs. Pictured here is a lamp by Foscarini. Available from YLighting. See also Ambient Direct.

Recycled Seville Glass Lamp

Justin — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 04:50:16 +0000

This intriguing table lamp is crafted in Spain out of recycled glass, and it’s topped by a white burlap shade. Great use of sustainable materials. Note that this piece has outside European wiring due to the delicacy of the glass. The cord does not run through the inside of the lamp; instead, it comes out of the top and can be seen. It’s priced at $158 at: Bellacor