You’re supposed to remove the fuel canister and use only the top for a small candle, like a tea light in an aluminum base. Instructions say to twist off the plastic bottom rings of the shade, add an already lit candle, then reattach both rings while the lit candle is loose inside (it does not sit well inside the ring). The inner ring unlocks and twists off, but the other outer ring has tabs that snap into the shade. The short legs on both rings lock together as well, so the ring with tabs prevents twisting the joined rings. I see no way to safely reassemble this with a lit candle already inside, and it can’t be lit afterward. I tried multiple methods several times on both lanterns I bought. Seems odd to use plastic rings on an otherwise very nicely made metal and glass lantern. It needs one base piece instead of two rings, metal instead of plastic, a shallow cup to stabilize the candle.
It’s a TERRIFIC, well made, small, modern and stylish kerosene/oil lantern, but TERRIBLE for tea lights and emergency candles.