Is There A 7 Wick Candle?
What is a 7 wick candle?
A 7 wick candle is a candle that contains 7 individual wicks rather than the standard single wick. The multiple wicks allow the candle to burn in different areas at the same time, making the melting process faster. Unlike a regular candle which burns from the center outward, a 7 wick candle burns from multiple points across its surface.
The origins of 7 wick candles are unclear, but some sources cite their use historically in brothels, where they were meant to burn for a short, predetermined amount of time [1]. Today, 7 wick candles are commonly used in witchcraft and spiritual rituals across Latin American cultures. They are thought to possess mystical properties and the capacity to break spells or curses when burned [2].
Reasons for multiple wicks
Candles with multiple wicks have several advantages over single wick candles. Some key reasons for using multiple wicks include:
- Provide more light – Multiple wicks allow the candle to produce more overall flame, increasing the amount of light cast. This makes them popular for large candles where a single wick would not provide sufficient illumination.
- Burn longer – With multiple wicks, the wax around each wick melts more evenly across the entire surface of the candle. This results in a slower and more consistent burn, extending the overall burn time.
- Less tunneling – Tunneling occurs when the wax near the wick melts faster than the outer wax, creating a hole or tunnel in the candle. Extra wicks help distribute heat more evenly, reducing tunneling.
Sources:
[1] https://blog.lafco.com/multi-wick-candles-vs-single-wick-candles/
Functionality of 7 wicks
The 7 wicks in a 7 wick candle all serve a purpose by contributing to the overall burn. Each wick helps spread the flame and melt the wax. The wicks are strategically spaced apart to enable even wax pooling across the large surface area of the candle.
As the wicks burn, they liquefy the wax around each one so that it pools outward. Having multiple spread out wicks helps ensure the wax melts evenly across the entire top surface of the candle. With just one wick in the center, the edges would remain unmelted.
The 7 wicks allow the flame to spread out rather than be concentrated in one spot. This results in even heating and fragrance dispersion. The spacing between the wicks is key – too close and the flames would converge, too far apart and certain areas would be missed. Proper wick placement provides optimal wax pooling for a long, clean burn.
Types of 7 wick candles
There are various types of 7 wick candles available depending on the shape, scent, and materials used:
Shapes
Some common shapes for 7 wick candles include:
- Pillar candles – Tall, cylindrical candles. The 7 wicks help ensure even burning and melting of the wax.[1]
- Jar candles – Contained in a glass jar vessel. The jar helps retain fragrance and protects the flame.[1]
- Votive candles – Shorter candles in small containers. The 7 wicks give votives enhanced scent dispersion.
Scent
7 wick candles come in both scented and unscented varieties:
- Scented candles have added fragrances like lavender, vanilla, cinnamon, etc.
- Unscented candles contain no extra fragrances, allowing the natural scent of the wax to come through.
Materials
Some typical wax types used for 7 wick candles include:
- Soy wax – Made from soybeans, natural and biodegradable.
- Beeswax – From bee hives, provides a honey-like aroma.
- Paraffin wax – A petroleum-based wax that is inexpensive.
Safety considerations
When using 7 wick candles, it’s important to follow safety best practices to prevent issues like tunneling, sooting, or even house fires. According to candles.org, you should always follow the manufacturer’s usage guidelines for optimal safety and performance. Proper wick trimming is also crucial, as long or irregular wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping, or flaring (Fmins.com). Trimming the wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting is recommended.
In addition, you should allow the wax pool to fully melt across the entire surface before extinguishing and relighting candles. According to Jenkins Restorations, letting the wax pool completely prevents tunneling, where wax only melts around the wicks and leaves hard edges of unmelted wax. Allowing the wax to fully pool helps preserve your candle and prevent unsafe side effects.
By following safety best practices like manufacturer guidelines, proper wick trimming, and full wax pooling, you can safely enjoy the ambiance and fragrance of 7 wick candles.
Popular brands
When it comes to 7 wick candles, some of the most popular brands include:
Yankee Candle, founded in 1969, is one of the most well-known candle brands worldwide. They offer a wide range of 7 wick candles, including their extra large tumbler candles. Customers love their strong scents and long burn times (Wirecutter).
Chesapeake Bay Candle, established in 1994, is another top brand for 7 wick candles. They are known for their natural soy wax blends and creative fragrances like Beach Walk and Sea Glass (Cosmo).
Other major brands like Bath & Body Works, Voluspa, and WoodWick also offer popular 7 wick candle options. Consumers appreciate the variety of scents, vessel styles, and pricing across these major brands.
Cost Comparison
7 wick candles tend to cost more than normal 1-3 wick candles. This is because they require extra materials, more wicks, and larger containers to hold the wax and wicks. However, there is a range of prices depending on brand and other factors:
Basic 7 wick candles from brands like Paddywax and Yankee Candle can cost $15-$30 for a 16-22 ounce candle. More premium options from luxury brands like Jo Malone and Nest can cost $50-$100 for the same sizes.
Boutique candle makers on Etsy offer handmade 7 wick candles from around $25 up to $60+ depending on materials and scent options. Custom ordering can increase costs.
The most expensive 7 wick candles are large statement pieces from high-end brands like Twin Flames and Black Box Candles. These range from $100-$250 for candles over 2 pounds with ornate containers.
So while a basic 7 wick may cost 2-3 times more than a typical candle, the price can skyrocket for premium materials, fragrances, customization and branding.
Pros and Cons of 7 Wick Candles
7 wick candles offer some key advantages as well as some potential drawbacks compared to standard 1, 2, or 3 wick candles. The main pros of 7 wick candles include:
Pro: Extended burn time – With 7 wicks instead of just 1 or 2, the candle wax melts more quickly and evenly, allowing the candle to burn for much longer. This gives you more time enjoying the candle before it burns out.[1]
Pro: More light – The 7 wicks give off more total light than a typical candle, illuminating a larger space more brightly. This makes them ideal for large rooms.
The main cons of 7 wick candles are:
Con: Higher cost – Due to the extra materials and larger size, 7 wick candles tend to cost considerably more than 1, 2, or 3 wick versions.
Con: Larger size – The 7 wicks require a much wider candle diameter, so the candles take up more space. This may not fit smaller candle holders or surfaces.
[1] https://blog.lafco.com/multi-wick-candles-vs-single-wick-candles/
Use cases
7 wick candles are commonly used in the following situations that require more light and fragrance:
Ambiance for large rooms: The multiple wicks create a bigger flame and allow more fragrance to fill a large room or outdoor space. The ample light makes 7 wick candles ideal for illuminating big living rooms, dining rooms, porches, and patios.
Outdoor lighting: The strong light and throw of a 7 wick candle makes it suitable for outdoor use. The multiple wicks are less likely to blow out in windy conditions outside. These candles work well on porches, patios, decks, and for creating an ambiance in the garden.
Special occasions: The unique design and impressive size of 7 wick candles make them popular for special events like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday dinners, and parties. The multiple wicks create a decorative centerpiece.
Alternatives
Instead of using a 7 wick candle, there are some other options to consider.
One alternative is to use multiple regular candles. You can strategically place several standard 1-3 wick candles around a room to distribute light and fragrance. This allows more flexibility in candle choice and fragrance options compared to a single 7 wick candle.
Electric candles are another option. These provide flickering light effects without an open flame. Electric candles come in various styles, like pillars, votives, and tealights. They offer an safe alternative to open-flame candles.
Oil lamps are also a non-flammable alternative. Oil lamps use scented lamp oils to disperse fragrance. Popular styles are hurricane lamps and ceramic pottery lamps. With no wick or flame, oil lamps avoid some of the fire risks of standard candles.
Trying some alternatives to 7 wick candles can provide more flexibility in lighting, fragrance, and safety. Options like multiple regular candles, electric candles, and oil lamps allow achieving similar ambiance effects.
