Over more than 5,000 years, candles are being used to illuminate celebrations and as a source of light. With the passage of time and evolution of science; tube lights, bulbs, lamps, torches and other lightning equipment have replaced the tradition candles. However, it doesn’t mean people have stopped utilizing them; though the purpose might be different.
Candles are considered an important element of any sophisticated decor, and they are also used during meditation therapy and to fragrant an environment. This is because candles come in several sizes, shapes, types, variety and fragrances these days. Some may last you longer while the others will burn in some minutes.
This guideline will help you choose the right shape, type, material and size of a candle that will burn for longer than ever. Keep reading. You can also check out the best australian casino online here.
Different Types of Candles and Their Burning Time
Numerous types of candles are utilized for different purposes, varying in size, designs and burning duration. Breaking down some of the most popular ones below:
1. Tea Light Candle: 2 hours
Starting with the smallest type of candle that has the shortest burn time! They are tiny candles poured either into a glass or a metal cup. Tea lights are usually used for lightning ambience, but they also work great as an under-plate warmer. Often, tea light candles only last for an average of 1 to 1.5 hours only.
2. Votive Candle: 15 hours
Votive candles are mostly seen in the glass containers. As a general principle, a candle burns for 7-9 hours per each ounce of wax. Thus, a 2-ounce votive has a burn time of 15 hours on an average and so on.
3. Taper Candle: 12 hours
Typically, they are rounded from the burning point of the wick in order to produce light. Known to consume 1 hour per inch; it is quite easy to figure out the burning duration of a taper candle by determining its height. For example: an 8-inch long taper candle will last for 8 good hours and so on. Moreover, read some tips here if you are an avid fan of online gambling.
4. Pillar Candle: 70 hours
As the name suggests, these candles are shaped like pillars, mostly round or square. They are tall and thick generally. However, pillar candles come in a variety of diameters and heights. Here we will assume a pillar candle with 3-inch diameter that will burn around 35 to 40 hours. Similarly, a 6-inch pillar will last for 65 to 75 hours and so on.
5. Container Candle: 96 hours
Here comes the queen of variations! Container candles are available in several heights, diameters, shapes and sizes, and every said factor plays an important role in the increase or decrease of its burn time.
Generally, container candle burns for 7-9 hours per wax ounce. A 4-ounce candle will last 32 hours, 12-ounce will end in 96 hours, etc.
Factors That Affect The Burning Duration of a Candle
Apart from candle sizes and shapes, there are a number of other factors responsibility for making it last longer. Let’s read about the most significant elements to consider before purchasing a candle.
1. Type of Wick
The type of wick has the ability to determine how longer will it last. The purpose of wicks is to deliver the oil or wax to the flame, helping them to burn. You may find them in different materials, including:
- Paper and Cotton Core Wicks
They produce melted wax and burn quickly. You will typically see them in candles with glass containers.
- Metal Cored Wicks
Being the most common type of wick, metal cored wicks consist of tin or zinc cores. They are able to remain in an upright position while the wax liquefies.
Metal cored wicks are used with the pillar and votive candles mostly. Moreover, scientific studies have declared them non-toxic and safe to use. Their consumption time is more than the paper ones.
| Note
Lead in an uncommon type of metal cored, and it is banned in the United States since 2003 because of its health hazards. |
- Wood Wicks
Here comes the environmental-friendly option! Wooden wicks are quite easy to light, and they produce less debris and carbon build up for a cleaner process. It has a professional look, and you may hear a mild crackling sound while it burns. It may last more than the paper wick and less than the metal one.
2. Material of Wax
The quality of candle pretty much depends on the material used in its making. Different types of wax are used for the purpose, and each of them have some pros and cons. Go through the most popular and common types along with their burning duration below:
- Paraffin Wax Candles
Commonly used in making candles; paraffin is basically a by-product of petroleum. It has a higher melting point to make sure that the pillars and votive stand tall with full strength and rigidity. Another good reason for using paraffin wax in candles is its ability to enhance the added colors and fragrances.
- Soy Wax Candles
This wax material doesn’t produce petrol-carbon soot, and is free from pollutants, unlike other types. Moreover, a soy wax candle burns cooler comparatively and lasts 30 to 50 percent longer.
- Beeswax Candles
A natural beeswax candle is able to purify the air by reducing pollutants that are responsible for causing asthma and other allergic reactions. Moreover, this type of wax burn longer and cleaner than soy and paraffin candles.
| Note:
Bear in mind that the span for burning a rolled beeswax candle would be shorter comparatively, approximately 40 minutes per inch. |
Have a look at the comparison chart for a clearer picture:
| Type of wax | Size of candle | Burn Time |
| Beeswax | 4 ounces | 25 hours |
| Paraffin Wax | 4 ounces | 12 hours |
| Soy Wax | 4 ounces | 16 hours |
- Palm Wax Candles
Palm wax is thicker and more sustainable than soy and paraffin. This material is made of fatty acids extracted from palm oil under high pressures and temperatures.
- Bayberry Wax Candles
Bayberry is basically an eco-friendly, plant-based wax, which is generally combined with beeswax in order to form a rigid candle. Also, it has a refreshing aroma naturally, making it a perfect material for holiday candles.
- Liquid Wax Candles
These candles are made of numerous oils, like paraffin or mineral oil, and they burn without building up soot or smoke. Liquid wax is an alternative to traditional candles because you won’t be dealing with the melted wax with it. Moreover, this type looks equally good even after burning for hours.
3. Burn Temperature and Candle Burn Time
The burn temperature is another key factor to decide whether the candle will last longer not. For instance:
- Harder candle wax, like beeswax, needs a high temperature to burn.
- If you will combine a faster or larger burning wick in a softer wax type, then it will consume speedily.
- Using a hotter or larger wick in soy candle will end up producing more soot and smoke. The flame will be larger, resulting in a shorter lifespan of a candle.
Hence, it is important to figure out the melting points of different types of wax and the best suited wick to combine with.
Apart from these three essential features of a candle; there are some other factors responsible for the longevity of burn time. For example:
- Number of wicks a candle has
- Position of the wick, either vertical, flat or horizontal
- Size, shape, length and diameter of a candle, etc.
Tips And Tricks to Make Your Candle Last Longer
Fancy candles can enhance the décor game up to the next level, but they are pricey and won’t last for longer. If you are also concerned about your investment, follow these tips and thank me later.
1. Keep the wick trimmed
A correct length of a candle wick will prevent it from consuming wax and overheating. In case your wick is longer; just trim it a bit for best results.
2. Burn correctly
Ever thought there exists a proper way or burning a candle? Yes, it’s true. You need to light your candle until the wax from the surface melts from side to side. This will help you retain its shape and prevent tunneling issues.
3. Let the candle cool
Another way of slowing down the burn time of a candle is to let it rest for a couple of minutes after every use. It is ideal to wait for the candle to cool down completely and then lighten it again.
4. Choice of wick matters!
We have already discussed in tip number 1 that the longer wick will burn faster, so avoid it or trim it shorter. Apart from this, number of wicks can also affect the burn time. It is reported that a candle having three wicks burns slower compare to the one-wick candle. Wondering how? Well, the multiple wicks of a candle avoid tunneling, and they don’t require a high temperature to burn like the single-wicked one either.
| Tip
Make sure that the container you are using should be wide in diameter so that it can support multiple wicks. This trick is for those who are making their own three wick candles at home. |
Final Words
People usually neglect the most important factors to consider before buying a candle, like size, shape, type of wax, quality of wick, number of wicks, burning time, etc. However, little do they know that focus on these detailing can actually save them a lot.
You may find pretty and fancy candles all over the marketplace these days to decor your space. Would you want your extravagant candle to last for a few hours and cause you embarrassment in front of the guests? I am sure, you won’t! This guide will surely help you in making a wise decision. Good Luck!