What Are the Best Long-Lasting Candles (and What Makes Them Last?)

What Are the Best Long-Lasting Candles (and What Makes Them Last?)

Tracy Lombardi

There's something truly special about the warm glow and inviting scent of a burning candle. It creates an ambiance that can transform any space. But if you've ever invested in a beautiful candle only to see it disappear too quickly, you know the disappointment. The good news is, not all candles are created equal when it comes to longevity. So, what makes a candle last, and how can you find the best long-lasting options out there? Let's dive in!

long lasting candles in golden jar

The Science Behind a Long-Lasting Burn

It might seem simple, but a candle's burn time is a delicate balance of several factors. Understanding these can help you choose wisely and even extend the life of your current favorites.

1. The Type of Wax Matters, A Lot!

The kind of wax used in a candle is arguably the biggest determinant of its burn time. Different waxes have different melting points and molecular structures, which directly impact how quickly they are consumed by the flame.

  • Beeswax: Often hailed as the longest-burning natural wax, beeswax is a byproduct of honey production and is renowned for its slow, clean burn. It has a high melting point, meaning it takes longer for the flame to liquify and consume the wax. Plus, it naturally emits a subtle, sweet honey scent and is even believed by some to purify the air by releasing negative ions.
  • Soy Wax: A popular eco-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin, soy wax is derived from soybeans. It generally burns cooler and slower than paraffin, offering a significantly longer burn time, sometimes up to 50% more. Soy wax also produces less soot, making for a cleaner burn and better indoor air quality.
  • Coconut Wax: While newer to the scene, coconut wax is quickly gaining a reputation for its luxurious properties. It's biodegradable, burns very slowly and cleanly, and has an excellent "scent throw" (how well the fragrance disperses). Often blended with soy for optimal performance, it's a fantastic option for those seeking a premium, long-lasting candle.
  • Paraffin Wax: This is the most common and often least expensive wax type. Derived from petroleum, paraffin candles tend to burn faster due to their lower melting point. While they can offer a strong scent throw, they often produce more soot compared to natural waxes.
  • Blended Waxes: Many high-quality candles use blends of waxes (like soy-coconut or soy-beeswax) to combine the best attributes of each, perhaps a long burn time from coconut wax with a great scent throw from another component.
buring a scented candle

2. The Wick: Not Just a String

The wick is the lifeline of your candle. Its material, size, and even how it's positioned play a crucial role in the burn rate.

  • Material: Cotton wicks are the most common and, when properly sized, lead to a steady, even burn. Wooden wicks offer a delightful crackling sound and a wider, more horizontal flame, but they can sometimes burn faster if not managed correctly.
  • Size: A wick that's too thick for the candle's diameter will create a larger flame, consuming the wax much more quickly. Conversely, a wick that's too thin might "drown" in the melted wax, struggling to stay lit or creating a small, inefficient flame. The right wick size ensures a balanced burn pool and maximizes candle life.
  • Number of Wicks: While multi-wick candles create a beautiful, broad flame and can quickly fill a room with scent, they generally burn faster than single-wick candles of comparable size. This is because multiple wicks create a larger melt pool, consuming more wax simultaneously.

3. Candle Dimensions and Design

It might seem obvious, but the sheer volume of wax in a candle directly impacts its burn time. A larger candle with more wax will inherently last longer than a smaller one. Beyond that:

  • Diameter: Wider candles tend to burn slower and more evenly, as the flame has more wax to consume across the surface before tunneling.
  • Vessel: Candles in glass or ceramic containers often burn more consistently because the vessel helps contain the heat, promoting an even melt pool and preventing wax from dripping away.

Best Long Lasting Candles With Amazing Scent!

While personal preference for scent varies wildly, some brands consistently receive high marks for their long burn times and quality craftsmanship. These often invest in premium waxes and carefully selected wicks to ensure an optimal burn experience.

  • Woo Woo Crystal Co: A Maui-based, woman-owned business that produces pure coconut wax scented candles and relies on 100% biodegradable ingredients. They are very active in playing their role in a sustainable planet and uses materials that is not harmful to the environment by any cause. They even have crystals in their candles!
  • NEST New York: Known for their luxurious fragrances and elegant designs, NEST candles are often praised for their strong scent throw and impressive burn times, especially their larger multi-wick options.
  • Voluspa: With stunning packaging and unique fragrance blends, Voluspa candles are often made with a coconut wax blend that contributes to their clean, long-lasting burn.
  • Jo Malone London: Another luxury favorite, Jo Malone candles are known for their distinct fragrances and offer a good burn time, particularly when proper candle care is followed.

Beyond the Basics: How to Extend Your Candle's Life

Even with the best long-lasting candles, proper care can significantly extend their burn time and ensure a clean, enjoyable experience.

The First Burn is Crucial

When you light a new candle for the very first time, let it burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt evenly from edge to edge. This creates what's called a "melt pool." Failing to do this can lead to "tunneling," where the candle burns down the middle, leaving a ring of unused wax around the edges. This wastes wax and shortens the candle's life. A good rule of thumb is to allow one hour of burn time per inch of the candle's diameter.

Trim Your Wick Before Each Burn

This is arguably the most important candle care tip. Before every single lighting, trim your wick to about 1/4 inch. A long wick produces a larger, unruly flame that burns through wax too quickly, creates excessive soot (those black marks on the jar), and can even cause mushrooming at the wick's tip. A wick trimmer or even nail clippers work perfectly!

Limit Burn Time

While you want a full melt pool, avoid burning your candle for excessively long periods (typically more than 3-4 hours at a time). Over-burning can lead to an overheated wax pool, faster consumption, and a diminished scent throw. Let your candle cool completely before relighting.

Avoid Drafty Areas

Placing your candle near open windows, fans, or air conditioning vents can cause the flame to flicker, leading to an uneven burn and wasted wax. A still environment allows for a consistent, slow burn.

Keep the Wax Pool Clean

Any debris, such as wick trimmings or spent matches, can act as secondary wicks, causing uneven burning or even a larger, more dangerous flame. Keep your wax pool pristine.

Store Them Properly

Store candles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Heat can cause candles to "sweat" or discolor, and sunlight can fade colors and diminish fragrance over time. If your candle comes with a lid, use it to keep dust out and preserve the scent.

scented candles that lasts long

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best long-lasting candle isn't just about the initial purchase; it's about understanding the craft behind it and practicing good candle care habits. By paying attention to the wax type, wick, and burning environment, you can truly savor every moment of that delightful glow and fragrance.

 

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