What Is The Coolest Burning Wick?

ByOlivia Davis

A candle wick is a component of a candle that enables the fuel to burn continuously. Most candle wicks are made from braided and twisted cotton fiber. Some modern wicks also include materials like paper and wood pulp. The wick transports the fuel (generally wax) up through capillary action to the flame for it to be burned.

Different types of wicks are designed for different types of candles and fuels. The wick influences factors like how fast the fuel burns, the brightness of the flame, and how much soot is produced. Some key types of wicks include cotton, wooden, paper, and zinc-core wicks. Each has their own unique properties and applications.

In this article, we will explore the coolest and most interesting candle wick – one that produces beautiful flames and visual effects when burning. We will go in-depth on what makes this wick special and how to use it properly.

Cotton Wicks

Cotton wicks are made from natural fibers spun from cotton. The properties of cotton make it a popular choice for candle wicks. Cotton has a naturally high burn rate and produces minimal soot when burning, making it an efficient and clean-burning wick material. The fibers are also very absorbent, quickly soaking up melted wax to fuel the flame. Different types of cotton wicks are available, including square braided, flat braided, and cored wicks. Square braided cotton wicks are the most commonly used for container candles.

Some pros of cotton wicks are that they are inexpensive, widely available, and made from a renewable resource. They burn predictably and are suitable for most candle wax types. Cotton wicks also tend to provide good fragrance throw. However, a potential downside is that cotton wicks require regular trimming to remove the carbon “mushroom” that develops on the tip. Cotton also lacks the crackling sound produced by some wood wicks.

Overall, the natural properties of cotton make it a versatile and reliable choice for candle wicks. With options like self-trimming and various braiding styles, cotton wicks can be customized for many candle-making needs.

Wooden Wicks

Wooden wicks are made of wood materials like bamboo, birch, and poplar wood[1]. The wood is cut into thin pieces and shaped into a wick. Some key properties of wooden wicks include:

  • They burn cleaner and produce less soot than cotton wicks.
  • They make a pleasant crackling sound when lit.
  • They tend to burn longer than cotton wicks.
  • They are more eco-friendly since they don’t require processing chemicals like cotton.

Some pros of using wooden wicks are that they create ambiance with their crackling sound and provide a nice even burn. Some cons are that they can pop and throw sparks if not trimmed properly and may not work as well with softer wax blends[2].

Common types of wood used for wicks include bamboo, birch, wood pines, poplar, and beech. Bamboo and birch tend to be popular choices as they are hardy woods that provide an excellent crackling effect.

[1] https://fairyfirecandles.com/f/cotton-vs-wooden-wicks—-which-is-best

[2] https://suffolkcandles.co.uk/blogs/candles/pros-and-cons-of-wooden-wicks

Paper Wicks

Paper wicks are made from natural materials like cotton fibers and wood pulp [1]. They have excellent capillary action to draw wax up the wick and provide a bright, high flame. Paper wicks come in different shapes like square braids, cored, and flat braids [2].

Some key properties of paper wicks:

  • Absorption – The cotton and wood pulp fibers quickly absorb and hold melted wax.
  • Stiffness – Paper wicks stand upright and keep their shape.
  • Durability – Paper withstands high temperatures without scorching or breaking down.

Pros of paper wicks:

  • Provide a bright, high, even flame.
  • Allow wax to pool and burn cleanly.
  • Cost effective compared to other wick materials.
  • Widely available.

Cons of paper wicks:

  • May smoke or develop carbon buildup if not trimmed properly.
  • Not as flexible as cotton.
  • May require wax coating before use.

Common types of paper wicks:

  • Square braided
  • Cored wicks with paper wrapped around a zinc or cotton core
  • Flat braided

Zinc Core Wicks

Zinc core wicks are made with a zinc metal core wrapped in cotton, paper or wood fibers. The zinc core provides rigidity which allows the wick to stand upright and burn evenly. Some key properties and pros/cons of zinc core wicks include:

Properties:

  • The zinc core provides stability and structure so the wick burns evenly without bending
  • The rigid core also allows zinc wicks to self-trim, as the flame burns and consumes the tip of the wick
  • Zinc wicks are firm enough to be pre-tabbed and easy to center in jars or containers

Pros:

  • Burn cool and provide a lower, slower melt pool, ideal for paraffin wax
  • Consistency in burning results in less soot
  • Rigidity allows wicks to remain upright, avoiding tunneling issues

Cons:

  • Not ideal for use in softer waxes like soy or beeswax due to brittle zinc core
  • May clog more readily than a paper or cotton core wick

The zinc provides stability while the outer fibers allow absorption of wax for fuel. This combination allows zinc core wicks to produce abright, even flame with most types of wax. However, the metal core makes them less flexible than other wick types.

Coolest Burning Wick

The coolest burning wick is the zinc core wick. Unlike cotton, wood, or paper wicks which can heat up and give off fumes and smoke, zinc core wicks have a braided cotton exterior wrapped around a zinc metal core. This zinc core helps the wick burn cooler by efficiently transferring heat from the flame into the wax pool of the candle. As a result, zinc core wicks produce less soot, odor, and smoke than other wick types, all while still providing a consistent flame.

a close up photo of a zinc core wick burning

Due to their cooler burning properties, zinc core wicks are the best option for candles you want to burn cleanly and safely without creating excess soot on the walls of candle jars or releasing unpleasant scents. The zinc core helps moderate the temperature of the flame, keeping it steady. This makes zinc wicks ideal for melts, containers, pillars, and votives where you want an even burn without mushrooming at the tip or bending over in the wax pool.

Compared to all-cotton and wooden wicks, zinc core wicks don’t get overly hot or release additional odor into the air as they burn. Paper wicks can burn fast and hot, creating more smoke. Wooden wicks also tend to burn hotter while contributing their own natural scent. But zinc wicks produce a smokeless flame for the cleanest, coolest candle burning experience.

Maintaining Your Coolest Wick

Proper maintenance is key to getting the most out of your coolest burning wick. Here are some tips:

Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. This helps control the flame and prevent excess smoke or a mushrooming wick. Use sharp scissors or a wick trimmer for a clean cut [1].

Trim the wick after each use. This removes any mushrooming or carbon buildup so the wick continues burning cleanly [2].

Avoid cutting the wick too short. Leave at least 1/4 inch remaining or it may be difficult to relight. If you do trim too low, use a heat gun to melt wax around the wick so it becomes accessible again [1].

Remove pooled wax around a shortened wick before relighting. This gives the wick room to ignite. Let the wax resettle for a minute before relighting [3].

Avoid drafts which can disrupt the burn or blow out the flame.

Keep wick centered as the candle burns down. This helps it burn evenly and fully.

Store candle upside down after cooling. This keeps the wick stiff and upright, ready for next use.

Troubleshooting

Some common issues that can arise with cooling burning wicks and how to fix them include:

Candle tunneling – This is when the wax melts unevenly, creating a tunnel down the center. To prevent this, make sure the wick is centered properly and trim it to the correct height. Avoid drafts while the candle is burning (Source).

Sooting – Black smoke marks on the glass or walls. Trim the wick to 1⁄4” before each burn to prevent excess soot (Source).

Wick drowned – The wick is drowned in a pool of melted wax. Use a wick stabilizer or move the candle to a warmer area (Source).

Sinkholes – Pock marks or holes form on the surface. Let candles cool completely before moving them. You can fix holes by filling with melted wax (Source).

Alternatives

There are some alternative low-heat wick options that don’t burn quite as cool as the zinc core or paper wicks, but can still provide a cooler and slower burn in candles.

Cotton is a popular DIY wick material as it is inexpensive and widely available. Cotton string, yarn, or balls can be braided or twisted to create a homemade wick. However, cotton burns hotter and faster than many other wick materials. Proper wick sizing is important to prevent excess mushrooming or sooting [1].

Wooden wicks made from bamboo skewers or other thin pieces of wood burn slower and cooler than standard cotton wicks. They make a soft crackling sound as they burn. Wood wicks need to fit snugly to prevent flaring [2].

Rolled up paper like newspaper, paper towels, or cardboard can be used in a pinch, but do not burn consistently or as cleanly as purpose-made wicks. Wicks made from paper products tend to curve and leave ashes behind [3].

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing the coolest burning wick, there are a few key factors to consider. Cotton wicks are soft and flexible but can produce more soot. Wooden wicks make pleasant crackling sounds and help candles burn cleaner. Paper wicks are inexpensive though don’t last as long. Zinc core wicks promote even melting but can get too hot. Ultimately, the “coolest” wick depends on your priorities – clean burning, flexibility, affordability, etc. The type of wax and fragrance also impact wick performance.

For many candle lovers, wooden wicks strike the perfect balance between clean burning, aesthetics, and cost. With their pleasing crackle, lightweight wooden wicks help disperse fragrance as they burn slowly and evenly. Wooden wicks are a popular choice among both candle makers and enthusiasts.

Regardless of wick type, proper wick maintenance helps ensure ideal burning. Trimming wicks to 1⁄4” before lighting and keeping wick length uniform as the candle burns are simple ways to get the coolest burn. Testing wicks ahead of time with the particular wax and fragrance is also advised.

With some understanding of the different wick materials and how to care for them, you can confidently choose the coolest burning wick for your needs. The right wick helps create a better candle experience through clean, even burning and fragrance dispersion.

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