Candles are a fantastic addition to any home, bringing pleasant aromas and ambient lighting. Whether they’re used as a centerpiece for a romantic dinner, an accompaniment to a cozy bubble bath, or just to enhance the tone of a room, it’s always disheartening to see a candle melt down.
For this reason, it’s a great idea to opt for a more long-lasting candle so you can enjoy its effects for longer and avoid the need for constant replacement. But which types of candles burn the longest, and why? How can you make your candles last longer? Where can you find the best long-lasting candles? In this blog article, we will answer all these questions to help you find the best options available.
Types of Candles and Their Burn Times
Candles can be made from different types of materials, and this plays a significant role in their longevity. Other factors that affect the burn time of a candle include the size, the wick, and how you maintain it. Later on in this guide, we will be sharing some top candle care tips on how to help them last longer, but for now, let’s consider the different types of candle compositions and assess which provides a more long-lasting candle.
| Type of Candle | Pros | Cons | Longevity and Explanation |
| Paraffin Wax | – Inexpensive – Widely available | – Burns faster – Produces more soot- Less eco-friendly | Short: Less dense, resulting in a faster burn time. |
| Soy Wax | – Environmentally friendly – Natural, biodegradable, and renewable – Burns cleaner than paraffin – Longer burn time than paraffin- Minimal soot | – Higher price point than paraffin | Long: Lower melting point, which leads to a slower, onger-lasting burn. |
| Beeswax | – Hypo-allergenic- Natural – Clean burning – Very long burn time | – Most expensive | Long: Extremely dense, causing a very slow burn. |
| Coconut Wax | – Renewable and natural – Excellent scent throw – Slow burning and clean | – Expensive | Long: Low melting point contributes to a slower, prolonged burn. |
| Blended Wax | – Customizable characteristics – Can optimize performance based on wax blend | – Longevity varies based on blend | Variable: Longevity depends on the wax types used in the blend. |
Paraffin Wax
The majority of modern candles are made from paraffin wax[1], and they tend to be the most inexpensive option. However, there are a lot of downsides to choosing this option, including its burn time. Paraffin candles generally burn much faster than other wax compositions in our list because paraffin is less dense. Plus, paraffin is typically derived from petroleum and can produce more soot than natural alternatives, making it much less eco-friendly.
While paraffin wax candles have numerous disadvantages and are not the most long-lasting candle option, they are still a popular choice and can be a good option if you are on a budget.
Soy Wax
-
Spiced Cinnamon Candle$24.95 -
Madagascar Vanilla Candle$24.95
-
Roasted Coffee Candle$24.95
Soy candles are created out of soy wax which is made from the oil of soybeans, a natural, biodegradable, and renewable resource. This makes it extremely environmentally friendly, unlike paraffin, and it burns cleaner and produces minimal soot.
Soy wax also has a lower melting point than paraffin, which not only makes it less of a fire hazard but it burns slower and longer. While the price point tends to be higher, you get more value out of them and are choosing a sustainable option. Therefore, soy wax is considered to be one of the best long-lasting candle types available.
At 96NORTH, we use 100% soy wax when creating our candles, as well as lead-free cotton wicks for healthier air quality and a cleaner burn. We are strong advocates of soy wax, especially because of its environmentally friendly properties and effectiveness in producing some of the best long-lasting scented candles.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another natural material that is used to create candles. It is produced by honeybees and is hypo-allergenic, non-toxic, and clean-burning when made into a candle. The biggest downside to beeswax candles is the cost. They tend to be the most expensive type available due to how they are made and harvested.
On the flip side, they are renowned for their impressive burn times. Beeswax is very dense, and so consequently these candles tend to last longer than many others, burning slower and dripping less. It also produces less soot compared to paraffin candles.
While beeswax is considered to be one of the best candle types based on its generous longevity, it is generally much more pricey than soy wax and other materials on the market that also make great, long-lasting candles.
Coconut Wax
Another consideration is coconut wax. One of the newer types of wax, it is sourced by pressing the oil out of coconut meat. This means it is natural, renewable, and a high-yield, sustainable material. Coconut wax is also known for having an excellent scent throw, helping to efficiently fill a room with its aromas.
On top of all these positives, it also is a great option for long-lasting candles. Coconut wax is slow-burning by nature as it has a low melting point, and, on top of this, it burns cleanly, too. While coconut wax candles are one of the more expensive options on the market, their long, clean burn positions them as a solid choice for those seeking candles that last.
Blended Wax Candles
Blended wax candles, as the name suggests, are candles where different types of wax and their benefits are combined. This means that their characteristics are customizable and can vary depending on what waxes are used. For instance, a soy-paraffin blend is a good option to attain a healthier burn than just a paraffin wax candle alone.
The longevity of blended wax candles is completely dependent on what materials form the candle. Still, with their ability to harness the best qualities of each wax type, many see this option as a great way to optimize candle performance.
As we can see, this is no clear-cut right or wrong option when it comes to selecting a long-lasting candle. There are numerous efficient options available that offer generous burning times, and personal preference is also an important factor.
As a general rule of thumb, it is best to avoid artificial candles, such as paraffin, as they are more harmful to yourself and the environment. Instead, it is a good idea to select a natural material when purchasing candles, not only because of their typically longer burn times but also because of their sustainability and eco-consciousness.
DID YOU KNOW? Ever wondered what happens to the wax when you burn a candle? Check out our article, where we answer the burning question: “where does candle wax go?”.
5 Simple Tips for Making Your Candles Last Longer
A long-lasting candle is not just about its wax composition; it is also about how you use and maintain it. Below, we share some simple tips on how you can further extend the lifespan of your candle:
- Wick Trimming: Many people are unaware of the benefits of regularly trimming the wick. Doing so can ensure a healthy flame height, an even burn, reduced chance of soot forming, and optimization of the candle’s scent throw. It is best to trim your wick just before each burn to 1/4-inch length using either a wick trimmer or, failing that, a pair of scissors. Completing this simple action can significantly improve the candle’s performance and lifespan.
- Monitoring Burn Time: When you light a candle for the first time, it is crucial that you let it burn until the whole top surface of the wax is melted. This prevents the candle from tunneling and ensures it has an even burn. When burning the candle after the first use, do not keep it lit for more than four hours at a time, as this helps prevent carbon from collecting on the wick, which makes it unstable.
- Avoiding Drafts: This may sound basic, but avoid placing your candle near a window, fan, vent, or any other place where there is a draft. Besides the obvious fire hazard, it can cause your candle to burn quickly and unevenly.
- Maintaining the Wax Pool: It is also important that you keep the wax pool clean. Debris can often fall in, such as wick trimmings, which not only clog the wicks but can even act as a secondary wick, meaning your candle burns faster.
- Using a Snuffer: Putting out a candle with a snuffer is much better than blowing it out. With the latter, soot and wax are often blown around as a result, and it can alter the centered positioning of the wick. At 96NORTH, our soy wax candles come with a soft close lid, which safely and efficiently extinguishes flames.
DID YOU KNOW? Achieving an even burn is a key part of ensuring a long-lasting candle experience. Check out our top tips if you have a candle that isn’t burning evenly.
Discover 96NORTH for Long-Lasting Scented Candles
-
White Sage Candle$24.95
-
Eucalyptus & Sage Candle$24.95
-
French Lavender Candle$24.95
At 96NORTH, we believe we offer some of the best long-lasting scented candles available. Here are just a few reasons why:
- We use lead-free cotton wicks, which means a healthier air quality and cleaner burn.
- Our candles are sourced from natural ingredients, and we include no synthetic ingredients or unsafe additives.
- Proudly made from 100% soy wax, a long-lasting candle type that is more environmentally-conscious material than paraffin.
- We have a wide variety of different tantalizing scents, including Eucalyptus & Sage, Tropical Coconut, and Amber Leather, and offer both one- and three-wick candles.
- The scents in our candles are formed with aromatherapy firmly in mind for added benefits. For example, the caramel in our Vanilla candle can promote feelings of warmth, while the cinnamon in our Pumpkin Spice candle is known to provide energizing properties.
- We package our candles beautifully in an artisan-designed gold-foiled gift box, making them the perfect gift for a loved one!
- We even offer free shipping and a money-back guarantee.
We also provide guidance and advice on candles in our dedicated blog section, including getting candle wax out of clothes, how to light a candle without a lighter, and how to get wax out of a candle jar.
So, explore our unmissable range of long-lasting scented candles and get our candles at 96NORTH today!
Final Thoughts: The Best Long-Lasting Candles
In conclusion, for the best long-lasting candles, there are various steps you can take. You should consider a natural wax material, such as soy, beeswax, or coconut. You should also ensure sufficient maintenance of your candles, including wick trimming, monitoring burn times, and avoiding drafts. By following this guide, you can ensure you reap the benefits of long-lasting candles time and time again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of candle lasts the longest?
Long-lasting candles are typically composed of natural materials, such as soy wax.
Do higher-quality candles last longer?
Yes, higher-quality candles generally burn longer than cheaper and mass-produced alternatives.
Do soy candles last longer than paraffin?
Yes, soy wax candles generally last longer than paraffin options and are much more eco-conscious.
