Tyler Brooks
Candles have been a source of comfort, relaxation, and ambiance for centuries. They can be used to enhance moods and create a specific atmosphere. While candles can be an elegant addition to your space, not all candles are created equal. A good candle will be carefully crafted to evoke certain emotions, whether it's relaxation, romance, or revitalization. The right scent and lighting can truly transform your space and mood. In this article, we will explore the key indicators of a good candle so that you can elevate your space and enhance your mood with the perfect candle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burn time | A good candle will have a longer burn time than a mass-produced candle. |
| Wax type | Soy wax is a popular choice as it burns slowly, resulting in less soot and smoke, and is eco-friendly. Other natural waxes include beeswax and coconut wax. |
| Clean burn | A quality candle will burn cleanly and evenly, creating a pool of liquid wax across its surface within 2-4 hours. |
| Scent | A premium candle will have the right amount of fragrance, derived from a high concentration of essential oils, and will circulate the scent throughout a space. |
| Wick | The wick should be the right size and made from natural materials such as wood or cotton, rather than lead, which is hazardous to health. |
| Glassware | A good candle will be made from glass specifically designed for candles, which won't break during heating. |
| Hand-poured | A heavy candle with a clean wick indicates it has been hand-poured and is therefore good quality. |
| Colour | A quality coloured candle will have colour running through the entire candle, rather than just a coloured layer on the outside. |
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What You'll Learn
Longer burn time
When it comes to candles, longer burn times are often a desirable feature. There are several factors that can influence how long a candle will burn, and understanding these factors can help you choose the right candle for your needs and make it last as long as possible.
Firstly, the size of the candle matters. Generally, larger candles have longer burn times than smaller candles as they contain more wax and fuel for the flame. For example, a votive candle, which is slightly larger than a tea light, burns for 7-15 hours, while a pillar candle, which is freestanding and larger, can burn for up to 60 hours.
The type of wax used in the candle also affects burn time. Candles made with paraffin wax tend to have longer burn times than those made with soy or beeswax. Soy wax, for instance, burns slower than paraffin wax and may need more time to reach a full melt pool. Harder waxes may also burn longer than softer waxes.
Wick size and type play a role in burn time as well. Larger wicks generally produce hotter flames, causing the wax to melt faster, while a candle with multiple wicks will burn faster than one with a single wick. Additionally, certain types of wicks, such as flat braid wicks or wooden wicks, may burn differently from others.
The environment in which the candle is burned is another important factor. Burning a candle in a drafty room or near an open window can cause the flame to burn faster. The temperature of the room can also have an impact, as warmer temperatures may cause the wax to melt faster.
To ensure a longer burn time, it is recommended to trim the wick to around 1/4 inch before each use. Trimming the wick helps prevent the build-up of carbon residue, which can cause the wick to "mushroom" and produce an unstable, dangerously large flame. Additionally, allowing the top layer of wax to melt from edge to edge during the first lighting can help extend the life of the candle and prevent tunnelling.
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Cleaner burn
When it comes to candles, a "clean burn" refers to the candle's ability to burn without producing excess soot, smoke, or toxins. This is important not only for the aesthetic experience of burning a candle but also for maintaining a healthy living environment. Here are some key considerations for identifying a candle that burns cleanly:
Wax Type
The type of wax used in a candle significantly impacts its burn quality. Paraffin wax, a common choice for mass-produced candles due to its affordability and ease of use, releases harmful byproducts when burned, including toxins like toluene and benzene, which are known carcinogens. Paraffin candles can also deposit large amounts of soot onto walls and ceilings and produce fumes that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.
On the other hand, natural waxes like soy wax, beeswax, and coconut wax are favoured for their clean-burning properties. Soy wax, derived from soybean oil, burns slowly, resulting in less soot and smoke, and a longer-lasting candle. It is also biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Beeswax candles are considered the gold standard for clean burning, as they emit negative ions that help purify the air by neutralizing dust and other pollutants.
Some candles may be marketed as soy blends, but it is important to note that these may still contain paraffin. Look for candles that are 100% soy or provide a detailed ingredient breakdown to ensure a clean burn.
Fragrance
The type and quality of fragrance used in a candle can also affect its burn. While highly fragranced candles may be enticing, they may use poor-quality fragrance oils or even contain harmful components like gasoline. Clean-burning candles typically use essential oil and fragrance oil bases, ensuring they are free from paraffin and other toxins. Candles with lower scent loads often burn cleaner, as they are less likely to clog the wick.
Wick Quality
The wick of a candle also plays a role in ensuring a clean burn. A candle with a smooth and clean wick is often an indicator of a hand-poured, good-quality candle. The type of wick can impact the evenness of the burn, the burn rate, and the amount of smoke and soot produced.
Burn Test
One simple way to determine if a candle burns cleanly is to perform a burn test. Burn the candle near a wall and observe if it leaves behind dark soot marks. If it produces excess soot, it is likely not a clean-burning candle and may be introducing toxins into your space.
By considering the wax type, fragrance quality, wick quality, and performing a simple burn test, you can make informed choices when purchasing candles that burn cleanly and contribute to a healthier and more pleasant environment.
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Wax type: soy, beeswax, coconut
When it comes to wax type, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Here, we will focus on three of the most popular wax types: soy, beeswax, and coconut, and provide an instructive guide to help you select a good candle made from these waxes.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a popular choice for container candles, tealights, wax melts, and tarts. It has an opaque, semi-matte finish that appeals to many consumers. One advantage of soy wax is that it is derived from natural sources, as evidenced by the tiny crystal formations, known as "frosting," that appear on the wax over time. While frosting does not impact the candle's performance, it serves as a visual assurance of its natural origins. Soy wax also adheres well to the walls of containers, which is an important consideration for those using clear glass containers.
When choosing a soy wax candle, consider the fragrance throw, which refers to the strength of the scent. Soy wax can achieve a strong fragrance throw, but it may require more effort than other wax types. Additionally, soy wax is known for its bumpy or cratered surface after burning, which may be preferred by those seeking a more natural-looking candle.
Beeswax
Beeswax is the only wax in the world that is not made in a factory, and it is the most natural and expensive wax available. It is produced by bees without any chemical processing, preservatives, or UV stabilizers. Due to its high cost, some candle-makers may blend beeswax with other waxes, which is acceptable as long as it is disclosed to the consumer.
When purchasing a beeswax candle, look for signs of blooming, which is unique to 100% pure beeswax. Blooming is when the candle's surface expands and forms a delicate crystalline structure, similar to a blooming flower. If your beeswax candle does not bloom after several weeks or months, it is likely not pure beeswax.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a unique option for candle makers and enthusiasts. When making coconut wax candles, it is important to control the temperature of the melted wax to ensure an optimal result. The wax should be melted slowly at a low heat, typically between 65° - 70° degrees Celsius, and then cooled to a range of 40° - 46° degrees Celsius before pouring it into the jar.
Adding fragrance oils or essential oils at the right temperature, typically between 48° - 52° degrees Celsius, is crucial to achieving a strong scent throw. Coconut wax candles can provide an excellent fragrance experience when properly crafted, and the wax itself is easy to control and pour due to its thickness at lower temperatures.
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Natural fragrances
When it comes to natural fragrances, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, beeswax is a natural wax option that has a sweet, pleasant scent. You can make beeswax candles without adding any additional fragrance, or you can enhance the beeswax scent with fragrance oils. Soy wax is another natural wax option that is eco-friendly, burns slowly, and is often used by candle brands that label themselves as "clean" or "nontoxic". However, soy wax does not hold scents as well as other wax types.
If you want to add fragrance to your candle, you can use essential oils or natural fragrance oils derived entirely from plants. Keep in mind that essential oils are broken down by the heat of the candle flame and the heat used in the candle-making process, so they may not be the best option for a strong-smelling candle. Natural fragrance oils, on the other hand, can provide a wide range of natural scents without the high cost of essential oils.
When creating a natural fragrance for your candle, you can combine various scent notes to create a unique profile. Top notes are the scents that stand out when you first open the candle jar, middle notes emerge after the candle has been burning for a while, and base notes linger after the candle is blown out. You can experiment with different combinations of natural fragrances to create a scent that is pleasing to you.
Some popular natural fragrance options include vanilla, a sweet and spicy scent; grapefruit, which is fresh and evocative of spring and summer; and floral scents. You can also create your own unique fragrances by combining different natural ingredients.
When choosing a natural fragrance, it's important to consider your personal preference and the desired strength of the scent. Additionally, if you're making your own candles, ensure that the fragrance oils are compatible with the type of wax you're using and that the wick is the appropriate size for even burning.
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Hand-poured
The wax used for hand-poured candles is often natural, such as soy or beeswax, which is safer, more sustainable, and has a longer burn time than paraffin wax, commonly used in mass-produced candles. Soy wax, for example, is biodegradable, safe for children and pets, and produces less soot and toxins. It also has a lower melting point, making it ideal for cold weather.
The hand-pouring process offers better quality control, as artisans can ensure each candle meets their exact specifications. This hands-on approach also adds a personal touch and a sense of craftsmanship to each candle. Additionally, hand-pouring can be more environmentally friendly, producing less waste and using less energy than machine-pouring.
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Frequently asked questions
A good quality candle will burn slowly and evenly, creating a full pool of liquid wax within 2 to 4 hours. It will also have a longer burn time than a mass-produced candle, and will be smokeless and dripless. The wax should be made from natural, eco-friendly materials like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, rather than paraffin wax, which releases toxins and carcinogens as it burns.
Check the ingredients list for natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax. If the candle is made from soy wax, the manufacturer will usually advertise this on the label. You should also check the wick is made from natural materials like wood or cotton, rather than lead, which is hazardous to health.
A hand-poured candle will often have a slightly uneven finish, which is a sign of imperfection. It may also feel heavy in your hand, and the wick should be clean.
