Lampe Berger Review

Originating in France in 1898 as a hospital air purification system,  and soon catching the eyes and attention of contemporary French designers  - namely Lalique, Galle, the Daum Crystal Glassworks and Baccarat - Lampe Berger, their lamps and their array of scented fluids, perfectly balances functionality with aesthetic and decor. Through a process of catalytic diffusion,  Lampe Berger actively removes odours and air-borne bacteria from an environment - much like how the catalytic converter now required on vehicles reduces exhaust emissions.  

Do they work? 

Loyal fans of Lampe Berger proclaim that the process of catalytic diffusion completely removes pervasive odours from cat litter and wet dogs, to cigar, cigarette and pipe smoke - but, does it really work? Having never used one myself, I was admittedly skeptical - so, I brought home a lampe (graciously lent by a colleague), some Ocean Breeze fluid and set out it give it a try for myself.

While the odours mentioned above aren’t an issue in my home, I readily admit to having a deep, deep love of pungent (some would say “stinky”) foods - garlic, onions, ginger, curry, smoked fish and the like are a regular staple in my kitchen, however become much less desirable when their smell still lingers hours later.

After (thoroughly) enjoying dinner earlier this week, I set up the borrowed lampe and within both my girlfriend and I noticed a significant reduction in the food odours permeating our tiny apartment.

The Process

Place the lamp on a stable surface, out of reach of children and pets.

Fill the lamp ½ to ⅔ with Lampe Berger scented fluid, reinsert the wick and let soak.

Light the lamp - the flame will initially be 4 to 5 inches in height, but will soon reduce in size.

After two minutes, blow the flame out, and return the vented cover and let rest for the desired amount of time - 10 to 20 minutes is the normal amount of time to deodorize a room (or, in my case, my small apartment).

The Lamps  

The Fluids