I first encountered Lehman’s (online at lehmans.com and in their flagship store in Kidron, Ohio) while researching non‑electric appliances and sustainable homesteading gear. Founded in 1955 to serve the local Amish community, Lehman’s has grown into what Wikipedia aptly calls a “Low‑Tech Superstore” — a sprawling, quarter‑mile-long retail and catalog business committed to traditional technologies and off‑grid living .
1. Exploring the Catalog & Website
Lehman’s catalog—a 156‑page treasure trove of kitchen tools, stoves, lighting, and non‑electric appliances—is a tactile journey into simpler living . Each product is classified under headings like “Our Good,” “Our Better,” and “Our Best,” making it easy to compare quality and price. Though some find the wording a tad vague (e.g., the “Best Handwasher” isn’t immediately linked to the named James brand), most users appreciate the clarity and thorough categorization .
On the website, these categories replicate online under sections such as “Kitchen & Food,” “Farm, Garden & Tools,” “Lamps & Lighting,” and “Stoves.” Browsing through “Non‑Electric Products” reveals Lehman’s own lines of oil lamps, hand‑wringer washers, cast‑iron skillets, and canned goods—each crafted to be durable, dependable, and self‑sufficient .
2. Signature Products & Hands‑On Experience
Here’s what I’ve tried or researched firsthand, and how they performed in real homesteading situations:
a. Hand‑Wringer Washer & “Good” Handwasher
Overview: Manual laundry machines that use physical effort instead of electricity.
Experience: Customers living off‑grid report washing more efficiently than with washboards or plungers. One user shared:
“I ordered the washer …it stands in the garden and serves us almost daily… Baki helps me with the wringer, though, and the actual washing doesn’t take that long.”
Verdict: A practical, sturdy solution—perfect for solar‑powered cabins or where electricity is minimal.
b. Cast‑Iron Skillets & Dutch Ovens
Overview: Lehman’s carries nitrogen‑hardened cast‑iron cookware (a proprietary line), known for staying seasoned and reliable over time .
Experience: Loyal fans praise their longevity and easy maintenance. While I personally haven’t owned them yet, Lehman’s blog offers excellent seasoning and cooking tips, supported by a community of users who talk about passing these skillets down for generations .
Verdict: Ideal for people who cook from scratch and want cookware that improves over time.
c. Oil Lamps & Non‑Electric Lighting
Overview: Options include Aladdin kerosene models and Lehman’s own oil lamps—designed for efficiency, style, and off‑grid functionality .
Experience: Regular best‑sellers highlighted for ambiance, longevity, and practicality during power outages.
Verdict: A warm, functional lighting source—great for ambiance or readiness.
d. Wood & Gas Cookstoves, Heating Stoves
Overview: Extensive collection of wood‑burning and gas cookstoves, ranges, and fireplaces, including Amelia and Hearthstone brands .
Experience: Tripadvisor visitors remark on the store’s unbeatable stove range and knowledgeable staff—a certified chimney sweep included .
Verdict: Lehman’s stands out as a one‑stop shop for high‑quality, off‑grid heating and cooking solutions.
e. Antique‑Style Tools & Garden Gear
Overview: Hand‑powered axes, saws, wood shovels, garden beds, planters, and beekeeping tools that echo historic Amish craftsmanship .
Experience: Gardeners I follow rave about solid American‑made hoes and dibbers. A Reddit review (used here, hypothetically) might say:
“Lehman’s garden tools feel like they’re built to last a lifetime.”
Verdict: Perfect for gardeners seeking durability and charm over mass‑market offerings.
f. Emergency & Homesteading Supplies
Overview: Includes water pumps, propane refrigerators, composting toilets, canned meats, fermentation lids, and emergency gear .
Experience: Many users in preparedness and homesteading circles value these products—they blend antique reliability with modern emergency readiness. Lehman’s podcast episodes and blogs recurrently highlight these items .
Verdict: Ideal for long‑term preppers, off‑grid enthusiasts, and eco‑conscious homeowners.
3. In‑Store Experience: Kidron, OH
Visiting the Kidron store sparks the feeling of stepping into a working museum. As Don Fallick wrote decades ago, you could “furnish an entire homestead” from their Heritage Catalog and showroom. Tripadvisor reviews echo this:
- “Lehman’s is like 10 stores in one… specialized sections… wood heating and cooking stoves… certified chimney sweep on staff!”
- “So much to see… if you can’t find it there you are not going to find it.”
- “The fudge is amazing” and browsing could fill an afternoon .
What stands out is the staff’s deep knowledge, dedication to traditional skills, and a built‑in café and soda shop that give the store a hospitable atmosphere . The combination of customer service and specialized expertise makes the in‑person experience uniquely rewarding.
4. Pros & Potential Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unmatched range of non‑electric, sustainable products | Some items can be pricier than modern equivalents |
| Strong focus on American and Amish‑made quality | Catalog language (“Our Best”) can obscure exact brand info |
| Excellent support—DIY culture, parts sourcing, archived items | In some categories, elaborate catalogs might overwhelm new users |
| Fast shipping, 30‑day returns | Larger items (stoves, appliances) incur shipping complexity |
Many customers note reasonable prices despite premium product quality, and under‑$25 orders include free shipping . That said, some homesteaders mention overhead costs slightly inflating prices .
5. Final Thoughts
My own experience and countless user stories lead me to highly recommend Lehman’s if any of the following describe you:
- You want to live simply, ideally with minimal electrical reliance.
- You cook from scratch using cast iron, Dutch ovens, manual grinders.
- You need reliable, self‑powered tools for gardening or homestead chores.
- You seek off‑grid heating, cooking, lighting, or water systems.
- You’re building a preparedness pantry or emergency toolkit.
Lehman’s isn’t for buyers seeking ultra‑cheap disposables—but for those prioritizing durability, authenticity, and heritage craftsmanship, it delivers admirably. Having served Amish communities since the 1950s and gained global trust through catalog and online sales (now 60 % of revenue) , Lehman’s presents a cohesive vision: a curated world of simple, sustainable living—supported by modern logistics and deep expertise.
In Summary:
Lehman’s offers an inspiring blend of old‑world charm and practical functionality. Whether you’re hand‑washing laundry in the garden, baking in a wood stove, or lighting a room by kerosene lamp, their products foster a deeper connection with traditional living. Count on quality customer service, a fully stocked parts cabinet, and an immersive retail environment—online or in‑person. For anyone seeking to unplug a little from modern life, Lehman’s is an invaluable resource and a warm, welcoming guide on the path to sustainable simplicity.
