Can A Candle Burn For 7 Hours?
How Long Can a Candle Really Burn?
Candles create a warm, inviting ambiance and fragrance in any space. While we often think of candles as short-lived decorative pieces, some candles have burn times lasting many hours – even up to 7 hours or more. But is this really possible? In this article, we’ll explore what factors determine a candle’s burn time, whether a 7-hour candle is feasible, tips for achieving maximum burn times, the longest burning candle options available, and alternatives like LED candles.
What Determines Burn Time?
There are several factors that determine how long a candle will burn, including:
Wax Type – The type of wax used in a candle affects burn time. Paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, is the most common candle wax. It is inexpensive and makes candles that burn slowly and evenly. Beeswax and soy wax are natural wax alternatives that also burn evenly, though more quickly than paraffin. Gel wax burns the longest of standard candle waxes.
Wick Type and Size – The wick is the cord that runs through the candle to draw wax up to the flame. Cotton and paper fiber wicks are most common. Wick width impacts burn rate—wider wicks burn faster because they provide more fuel to the flame. Properly pairing wick size to the candle diameter is key for optimal burn time.
Candle Diameter and Height – A candle’s dimensions affect how quickly it burns. Taller candles take longer to burn than shorter ones with the same diameter. Similarly, wider candles burn slower than narrower ones of equal height. The ratio of height to diameter impacts burn time.
(Source: https://neocandle.com/candles-out-own/)
Maximum Burn Times
Most standard sized candles burn for 4-6 hours before going out. However, larger candles and certain wax types can burn significantly longer (Felinfach, 2023).
For example, big pillar candles and large containers can provide up to 12-15 hours of burn time. These extra-large candles have more wax volume which extends their burn life. Popular jar candle sizes that achieve these long burn times are 24oz and 34oz containers (Creative Candles, 2023).
On the extreme end, giant novelty candles can burn for 100-150 hours or more. These monster candles stand over 3 feet tall and have wax packed into every inch. While novelty, their incredible burn time makes them great for long-lasting home décor or emergency preparedness (Felinfach, 2023).
7-Hour Candles
Specially designed candles can burn up to 7 hours, thanks to a wide diameter and short height that provides a larger wax pool with less height to melt through. These candles are typically 3-4 inches wide and 2 inches high.
Many 7-hour votive or jar candles are specifically marketed as such, with “7 hour” in the name or description. These are produced by major candle brands like Yankee Candle, as well as small artisan candle makers.
7-hour candles cater to needs like an extended prayer vigil, memorial service, or ceremonies requiring prolonged lighting. The slow steady burn provides convenience without needing to replace candles frequently.
Some examples of popular 7-hour candles include the Hekate 7 Hour Candle from The Sage’s Circle and Ner Mitz Eu 7 Hour Candle from Ner Mitzvah.
Achieving 7 Hours
There are a few techniques you can use to extend a candle’s burn time to 7 hours or more:
Use a large candle with a thick wick. According to The Bottle Blog, candles generally burn 7-9 hours per ounce of wax. So to achieve a 7 hour burn, you’ll need at least a 7-8 ounce candle. Pair this with a thick wick which burns slower.
Add wax or extend wicks as candle burns down. As your candle burns down, you can add more wax to the top to extend burn time. Or you can add wick extenders – these are additional wicks that start protruding from the wax as it melts down. This allows the candle to continue burning at full capacity.
Safety Tips
When burning candles, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to prevent fires. According to the National Candle Association (https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/), you should never leave a burning candle unattended. It’s critical to always keep a burning candle within sight. Leaving the room or falling asleep while a candle is lit can be extremely dangerous.
Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association (https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/candles) recommends keeping candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Candles should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from curtains, decorations, bedding, or paper. Using a proper candle holder that is non-flammable and won’t tip over prevents fires.
Following basic precautions like never leaving a burning candle unattended, keeping candles away from flammable items, and using sturdy holders reduces the risk of candle fires in the home.
Top 7-Hour Candle Picks
If you’re looking for candles that will burn steadily for 7 hours, here are some top-rated options to consider:
Yankee Candle Large Jar Candles
Yankee Candle is known for its long-burning candles. Their large 22-24 ounce jar candles offer burn times of 110-150 hours. That works out to about 7 hours of burn time if you burn the candle for 15 hours. Their jars come in a huge selection of fragrances like vanilla, cinnamon, fall scents, and more.
Paddywax 7 Day Candles
Paddywax makes 7 day candles that are hand-poured in Nashville, Tennessee. Each 16 ounce candle is designed to provide 168 hours of burn time. That’s a consistent 24 hours of burn time per day. Scents include tobacco, oakmoss, and more sophisticated options.
Village Candles 7 Day Jar Candle
Village Candles offers a natural soy wax candle blended to burn for 7 days straight. At 21 ounces, it provides 168 hours of burn time. Scents include lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla sandalwood, and gardenia. The natural soy wax produces very little smoke.
Homesick 7 Day Candle
Homesick specializes in candles inspired by memories of places. Their 7 day candles are hand-poured from premium soy wax and customized with complex fragrance. Each 13.75 ounce candle offers about 7 days of burn time. Scents include destinations like Paris, Tokyo, and Vienna.
Consider LED
If you’re looking for a candle that can burn continuously for 7 hours or more, LED candles offer a safer, longer-lasting alternative to traditional wax candles.
LED candles contain small light bulbs instead of a wick and wax. They can be turned on and off with the flip of a switch, avoiding the fire hazard of an open flame. Many LED candles are powered by batteries or USB, allowing them to burn for days or weeks before needing to be recharged.
The light emitted from LED bulbs mimics the warm glow of real candles. LED technology allows the bulbs to flicker and dance just like a flame. This creates ambiance without worrying about hot wax, smoke, soot, or the risks associated with open flames.
High-end LED candles are indistinguishable from real candles except they won’t go out. You can enjoy the same cozy lighting for as long as you wish. Just turn them off when you’re done. With no wick or wax, there’s no mess to clean up.
If you need a 7+ hour candle, switching to LED is a smart choice. You’ll get the long burn time you want with added convenience, safety and reliability.
Conclusion
In summary, whether a candle can burn for 7 hours depends on various factors like the size, shape, wax type, and wick of the candle. Standard candles generally burn for 4-6 hours, but it is possible to extend burn times. Pillar candles, beeswax, and large diameters can all help candles last longer. Safety is also paramount with burning candles for long periods, so be sure to follow proper precautions. While 7-hour candles may seem desirable for their longevity, LED candles are a safer and more sustainable option in many cases. With the right selection and care, candles can burn for up to 7 hours or more to create lasting ambiance and light.
We hope this overview gave you a better understanding of what affects candle burn times and how you can find or create candles that will burn for 7 hours or longer. Always prioritize safety when burning candles for extended periods, but with the right precautions you can enjoy beautiful candlelight all evening long. Extend the life of your candles and create a magical atmosphere with the illumination of a 7-hour candle.
References
For additional reading on candle burn times and 7-hour candles, here are some helpful resources:
