How to Install and Use the Side Reflector on a UCO Candle Lantern

By Unplug. Connect. Outdoors. That's UCO | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to quickly clip the Side Reflector onto your UCO candle lantern to direct light where you need it. Step-by-step guide with tips for better camping lantern light.

Quick answer

Clip the UCO Side Reflector onto the edge of your Original, Micro, or Mini candle lantern to redirect light to one side. It installs in seconds with no tools and instantly makes your lantern more useful for reading, cooking, or setting a mood.

Why use a side reflector?

A candle lantern gives a 360-degree warm glow, but sometimes you want light only in one direction—while reading a map, cooking at the camp table, or keeping glare out of a tent mate’s eyes. The Side Reflector clips on and bounces the flame’s light to one side, making the lantern feel brighter where you need it without increasing fuel use.

It also adds a cozy, focused ambiance. The reflector won’t make the lantern hotter or brighter overall—it simply redirects the existing light. This is a simple, low-cost way to get more versatility from a lantern you already own.

How to install the Side Reflector on your candle lantern

1. Make sure the lantern is off and cool: Wait until the flame is out and the glass is cool to the touch. A hot lantern can warp the reflector or cause a burn.
2. Hold the reflector with the curved side facing the lantern: The reflector has a slight curve. Orient the curve so it wraps around the lantern body, not away from it. A common mistake is installing it backward, which sends light away from the lantern instead of redirecting it. Check the curve direction before clipping.
3. Clip the reflector onto the top rim of the lantern: Align the clips with the edge of the lantern’s top ring and press firmly until you hear a click. The reflector should sit snugly against the glass, not wobble.
4. Rotate the reflector to aim the light: Once clipped, you can spin the whole lantern or reposition the reflector to point light exactly where you need it—toward your cook area, away from your tent, or at your book. Test the angle while the lantern is lit to confirm the beam hits your target.
5. Remove the reflector before storing the lantern: Unclip it by gently prying the clips away from the rim. Store the reflector separately to prevent scratches on the glass or bending of the clips. Keep the reflector in a dry pouch or case (like a Cocoon Case) to avoid losing it.

Product facts

SIDE REFLECTOR - ORIGINAL CANDLE LANTERN: Made in the USA. Fits Original, Original + LED, Micro and Mini Candle Lantern models. Clips on easily. You don’t need a different reflector for each lantern size—one part works across the whole UCO candle lantern family, so it’s a simple upgrade for any user.
SIDE REFLECTOR - ORIGINAL CANDLE LANTERN