Lantern Thermacell vs EL55 Review: The Best Choice 2025?

Lantern Thermacell Classic vs EL55: Which anti-mosquito light to choose to brighten up your summer evenings?

The picture is perfect. The sun has just passed behind the horizon, leaving the sky adorned in shades of pink and orange. The air is still warm, just right. On the terrace table, the glasses are cool, the barbecue crackles gently, and the smell of grilled merguez mingles with the scent of jasmine from the garden. This is the moment we've been waiting for all year.

And then it arrives. First one. A sharp, annoying "bzzz" close to your ear. Then a second. Soon there's a whole squadron of them, all bent on spoiling the party. The idyllic evening turns into a battlefield. The citronella candles smoke, the body sprays stink... retreat inward seems inevitable.

But what if the solution lay in the very light that illuminates your table? What if there was an object capable of creating a warm ambience WHILE erecting an invisible fortress against mosquitoes? That's the double promise of Thermacell lanterns. But within this range, two philosophies clash: the authenticity of the classic, butane-powered Lanterne Anti-Moustiques, and the modernity of the EL55 Lanternrechargeable and connected to our daily lives.

So, which one is right for you? I've broken down these two guardians of your evenings to help you choose the one that will light up your summer.

1. The Double Win : Light and Protect

Before pitting them against each other, let's salute their genius in common: the 2-in-1 concept. The idea of fusing ambient lighting with formidable mosquito protection is what makes these two products so attractive. No more multiplying objects on the table. A single lantern is all you need to see clearly and feel safe.

The principle of protection remains the same, and is at the heart of Thermacell technology. Each lantern, whether conventional or rechargeable, diffuses a d-allethrin-based repellent (inspired by chrysanthemums) by heat. This repellent creates an invisible protection zone of around 20 m². This is more than enough to protect a table of six to eight people, a garden lounge or a camp. In this bubble of comfort, mosquitoes (including tigers) are repelled before they even reach your skin. You can use the light and anti-mosquito functions together or separately, giving you total flexibility.

2. Two Technologies, One Mission: how does it work?

This is where our two competitors stand out. Beneath their lantern-like appearance lie two very different mechanisms.

The Classic Lantern: the authenticity of Butane

It represents reliability and total autonomy. It's the solution for those who love simple rituals and want a lantern that works everywhere, all the time, without relying on an electrical outlet.

• The mechanics: At its heart is a tried-and-tested system. You insert a small butane cartridge into the base and slide a blue, repellent-impregnated wafer under the top grill. A click on the piezo ignition button starts internal combustion, without flame. The heat generated activates the plate, releasing the repellent. The light, meanwhile, is produced by battery-powered LEDs (usually AA batteries, not included).

• The experience: There's something almost ceremonial about it. Screw in the cartridge, unwrap the new wafer, hear the slight "click" of ignition... That's the signal for the evening's relaxation to begin. Its autonomy depends solely on your stock of consumables. As long as you have pads and cartridges, your protection is assured.

• Indicators: It's very visual. The pad lasts 4 hours. When it turns from blue to white, it's time to change it. The butane cartridge lasts 12 hours.

Lantern EL55: the modern refillable lantern

The EL55 is Thermacell 's answer to our modern lifestyle. No more multiple consumables, no more batteries for light: everything is integrated and managed with the simplicity of a smartphone.

• The mechanics: goodbye butane and pads. The EL55 runs on an integrated Lithium-Ion battery, which is simply recharged via a USB-C cable. This battery powers both the LED light and the heating element for the repellent. The repellent comes in the form of a sealed liquid refill, which is screwed into the device and lasts much longer than a tablet.

• The experience: It's simplicity incarnate. You load the lantern, press a button. That's all there is to it. LED indicators show you the remaining battery level. It's clean, fast and incredibly practical for everyday use. The liquid recharge offers up to 40 hours of protection, so you rarely have to change it.

• Indicators: Everything is managed by LED lights. The power button shows you the battery charge level, so you're never caught unprepared.

3. Face-to-face: Which one's for you?

The final choice isn't based on efficiency - both are formidable - but on your user profile.

You're more likely to use the "Classic Lantern" if...

• You're an adventurer or a garden purist: Going camping for several days far from any source of electricity? Do you have a fishing hut or a garden with no nearby power outlet? The butane lantern's total autonomy is your best ally.

• If you like an authentic atmosphere, the design is often more traditional. It evokes the camping lanterns of yesteryear and blends perfectly into a rustic decor or lush garden.

• Occasional use: You only take the lantern out for a few large barbecues a year? The cartridge system is perfect. No need to think about charging a battery that hasn't been used in months. Just pick up a box of new refills and you're all set.

You're more of a "Lantern EL55" if...

• You're a fan of simplicity and design: your terrace is modern, your furniture is designer. The EL55, with its clean lines, will fit in perfectly. You like "plug-and-play" objects: a button and it works.

• You're a regular, almost daily user: you enjoy your balcony or terrace every evening as soon as the weather's fine? The practicality of USB charging is unbeatable. You plug it in during the day, and it's ready for the evening. The 40-hour recharge gives you peace of mind for many an evening.

• You're a comfort "geek": You like battery indicators, universal USB-C charging, and simplified consumables management. The EL55 is for you.

Quick comparison table

4. The Honest Opinion: Key Commonalities and Differences

Finally, let's be transparent. Here are the shared and specific strengths and weaknesses.

What they have in common:

• Efficiency: Both will give you that famous 20 m² mosquito-free bubble.

• Discretion: No smell, no smoke, just light and peace.

• The 15-minute delay: You'll always need to anticipate a little to ensure maximum protection.

• Wind sensitivity: A strong wind remains the main enemy of the protection bubble, whatever the technology.

Special features to consider :

• For the Classic Lanternthe advantage is its total independence. The disadvantage is the management of several consumables (batteries, pads, butane) and the need to change the pad every 4 hours on long evenings.

• For the EL55 lanternthe advantage is its absolute simplicity and long-lasting liquid refill. The disadvantage is its dependence on the battery. If you forget to charge it, there's no protection. Its initial purchase cost is also often a little higher.

Conclusion: So, which flame will guide you to a sting-free summer?

In the end, choosing between the classic Thermacell Lantern and the EL55 isn't about choosing between a good and a bad product. It's about choosing the philosophy that suits your lifestyle.

The Classic Lantern is a safe bet, a quiet force that will accompany you everywhere without ever depending on civilization. It's the guardian of tradition and adventure.

The Lantern EL55 is the companion of modern daily life. It's beautiful, simple, effective and blends into a routine where practicality reigns supreme.

Just ask yourself how you spend your summers. The answer will tell you instantly which lantern is right for the center of your table. In either case, the result will be the same: the reclaiming of your evenings, the soothing silence of summer nights, finally free from the "bzzz" of mosquitoes.

So, nomadic authenticity or practical modernity? Share your choice and your experiences in the comments!