Do You Light Both Wicks In A Double Wick Candle?
What Are Double Wick Candles?
A double wick candle is a candle that has two wicks instead of the standard single wick. As described by Sukie’s Candle Co, “double wick candles are designed with two wicks to create a larger melt pool than traditional single wick candles.”
Manufacturers make double wick candles for a few key reasons:
- To allow for a larger melt pool and fragrance throw
- To provide an even, consistent burn
- For a unique, decorative effect with two flames
There are two main types of double wick candles:
- Joined wick – Two wicks fused together at the base
- Separate wick – Each wick is its own, positioned close together in the wax
Double wick candles come in the same styles as regular candles, like jars, pillars, votives, and more. The key difference is the twin wick design.
Should You Light Both Wicks?
When it comes to double wick candles, most manufacturers recommend lighting both wicks at the same time for optimal performance. There are a few key reasons for this:
Lighting both wicks helps the wax pool melt evenly across the entire surface of the candle. If only one wick is lit, the wax around that wick will melt faster while the rest remains solid. This can lead to an uneven burn and wasted wax (1).
Having both wicks lit makes the candle burn brighter and stronger. The combined flame power will allow the fragrance to disperse properly as the candle burns (2).
Lighting just one wick can lead to soot buildup and clogging of the unlit wick. The heat from the single flame is not enough to keep both wicks operating smoothly (3).
While most manufacturers recommend lighting both wicks, there are some tips to keep in mind for safe usage:
– Keep the wicks trimmed to 1⁄4 inch length to prevent excessive smoking (1).
– Make sure the wicks are spaced at least 1 inch apart so the flames don’t connect (2).
– Don’t burn the candle for more than 4 hours at a time (3).
With the right precautions, lighting both wicks in a double wick candle will provide the best results.
(1) https://sukiescandleco.com/blogs/news/how-to-burn-double-wick-candles
(2) https://www.reddit.com/r/bathandbodyworks/comments/joh2cb/on_a_3_wick_candleis_it_ok_to_only_light_1_or_2/
(3) https://tlccandleco.com/blogs/tlc-talks/5-must-know-tips-for-burning-double-wick-candles
Lighting Tips for Double Wick Candles
Lighting a double wick candle properly is important to get the most out of your candle. Here are some tips to follow:
Make sure to trim the wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Long wicks can create excess smoke and an uneven melt pool. According to Sukie’s Candle Co, trimming to 1⁄4 inch helps “ensure an even burn and wax pool”.
Always light both wicks at the same time. Lighting just one wick can lead to tunneling, where wax melts unevenly. As TLC Candle Co notes, lighting both wicks together helps the wax pool melt evenly across the top.
Maintain a full melt pool by keeping both wicks lit. The melt pool should extend all the way to the outer edge of the candle. Trim wicks as needed to 1⁄4 inch to prevent sooting. According to 12 Tomatoes, a full melt pool allows the fragrance to fully release into the room.
Avoid drafts and movig the candle while lit, as this can disrupt the melt pool. Keep the candle in one spot as it burns so the wax melts evenly.
By following these tips, you can maximize burn time and fragrance throw from your double wick candle.
Maintaining Double Wick Candles
Proper maintenance is crucial for getting the most out of your double wick candles and ensuring safe usage. Here are some key tips for keeping double wick candles burning their best:
Monitoring the wax pool is important. You want to make sure the entire wax pool liquefies evenly across the surface each time to avoid tunneling. Tunneling is when part of the wax doesn’t melt, leaving a hole or tunnel in the candle. This can lead to uneven burning and waste of wax. Check the wax pool after each burn.
Rotating the candle periodically will also help the wax melt evenly. As the wicks burn down at different rates, rotating the candle helps maintain an even wax pool. Gently turn the candle a quarter turn every few burns.
Keeping wicks trimmed to 1⁄4 inch will help prevent excess smoking, sooting, and uneven burning. Use wick trimmers or nail clippers to snip wicks before each lighting. Trim only the blackened portion of the wick.
With proper care, double wick candles can provide many hours of aromatic ambiance and light.[1]
Double Wick Candle Safety
Double wick candles can pose some safety concerns if not used properly. With two wicks burning, the candle can generate more heat and have a higher risk of overheating or catching fire if left unattended. It’s important to follow proper candle safety measures:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always keep an eye on the flame.
- Make sure the candle is on a stable, heat-resistant surface. The extra heat from a double wick can crack or scorch some materials.
- Allow at least 4 inches of clearance between the flame and any other items or surfaces. The double flame creates more heat and a larger melt pool.
- Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent high flames. Long wicks lead to sooting and uncontrolled burning.
- Always use a candle holder specifically made for the double wick size. This ensures stability and contains spills.
- Don’t burn for more than 4 hours at a time. The extra wick can cause faster wax pool development.
- Stop burning if there is more than 1⁄2 inch of unmelted wax to avoid glass cracking from heat.
- Never move a burning candle. This can spill wax and cause fires.
Following basic precautions will allow you to safely enjoy the light and fragrance of double wick candles.
Troubleshooting Double Wick Issues
Double wick candles can sometimes run into issues like tunnelling, drowning wicks, smoking wicks, and uneven wax pools. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
If you notice tunnelling, where wax melts in a narrow channel down the center of the candle, the wick may be too large for the wax pool. According to The Flaming Candle, try using a smaller wick or a different wick type to prevent tunnelling.
Drowning wicks occur when the wick is consumed by melted wax instead of burning. This is also a sign the wick is too large for the wax pool, as noted by CandleScience. Use a smaller wick to prevent drowning.
If you notice smoking wicks that give off black smoke, trim your wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. You can also gently blow out the flame and re-trim the wick before relighting to remove any excess carbon buildup.
To fix uneven wax pools, make sure you are centering both wicks equally in the wax pool. You can also pour off the top layer of wax and re-center the wicks before relighting.
To prevent soot buildup on the sides of the glass, trim wicks regularly and make sure wax pools are even. Use wicks sized appropriately for the candle diameter.
Double Wick Candle Burn Times
Typically, a double wick candle will burn for 40-60 hours depending on the size and shape of the candle. According to The Lion’s Den Candle Company, a 12 oz double wick candle can burn for up to 2-4 hours per lighting[1]. The main factor affecting burn time is the diameter of the candle. Wider candles allow for larger wax pools, which means more surface area for melting and a longer burn time. Tall, narrow candles tend to burn faster than short, wide candles.
To maximize burn time, make sure to trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before each lighting. Long wicks can cause candles to tunnel or burn unevenly. Allow the wax pool to reach the edges before blowing out the flame so all the wax melts evenly. Avoid drafts which can disrupt the melt pool. Run both wicks together to prevent wax from pooling deeper around one wick. And allow the candle to burn all the way through before lighting the second wick if they are spaced far apart.
With proper care, a double wick candle can provide up to twice the burn time of a single wick, allowing you to enjoy the candle’s scent and ambiance even longer.
[1] https://thelionsdencandlecompany.com/products/2-candles-12-oz-white-double-wick
Choosing the Right Double Wick Candle
Selecting the proper wick type, size, and spacing is crucial for double wick candles to burn properly. The wick size should be chosen based on the diameter of the candle. According to The Flaming Candle, you can determine the right wick size by dividing the candle diameter in half and selecting a wick for each half (source). The two wicks should be spaced 1-2 inches apart to prevent flame interference.
The wax type also affects wick selection. Common waxes like paraffin, soy, and beeswax each have specific wicking guidelines. CandleScience recommends testing different wick types with your wax to find the best pairing for an even melt pool and steady flame (source).
Consider the vessel material and dimensions when choosing wicks. Glass and metal containers conduct heat better than ceramic or wood. Larger diameter containers need a bigger wax pool, requiring larger wick sizes. Test wicks in the actual vessel you plan to use to ensure proper melting and burn time.
Popular Double Wick Candle Brands
When shopping for a double wick candle, you’ll want to look for reputable brands known for their quality, fragrance, and longevity. Some of the top manufacturers of double wick candles include:
Yankee Candle – One of the most well-known candle brands, Yankee Candle offers an extensive collection of double wick candles in a variety of sophisticated scents. Their double wick tumbler candles tend to burn evenly and have excellent throw. Pricing starts around $20.
Bath & Body Works – For affordable but still nicely scented double wick candles, Bath & Body Works is a go-to. Their 3-wick candles range from $12-$16.50. Scents like Mahogany Teakwood, Vanilla Bean, and Eucalyptus Rain are customer favorites.
Voluspa – Voluspa creates artisanal, creatively packaged soy wax candles with beautiful fragrances like Saijo Persimmon, Santiago Huckleberry, and Mornings In Paris. Their double wick jars cost around $30.
Nest – For clean, sophisticated scents, Nest Fragrances is a luxurious option. Their double wick candles like Pumpkin Chai and Ocean Mist & Sea Salt cost $42-$64 but often go on sale.
Diptyque – At the higher end, Diptyque makes beloved double wick candles in scents like Figuier, Ambre, and Roses. Their high quality comes at a steep price tag of $90 per 34 oz double wick candle.
Decorating with Double Wick Candles
Double wick candles can be an elegant addition to any home decor when used thoughtfully. Here are some tips for decorating with double wick candles:
Group candles together for maximum visual impact. Place two or three double wick candles of varying heights together on a mantel, table, or shelf. The grouping creates an eye-catching focal point in a room. Complementary colors and textures work well.
Use candleholders to elevate double wick candles. Delicate glass, metal or ceramic holders frame the candle and highlight the glowing wicks. Choose a holder that matches the size of the candle. Tall holders work well for large pillar candles placed on the floor. Shorter holders suit tabletops.
Incorporate complementary decor items. Add flameless LED tealights or glass vases with flowers around groupings of double wick candles. Arrange pinecones, pebbles or seashells around the candle bases. The additional items enhance the candles’ warm, welcoming ambiance.
Strategically place candles throughout a room. Put double wick candles on the hearth, console table, sideboard and coffee table. The multiple flickering lights create a cozy atmosphere for gathering and entertaining.
Double wick candles make stunning centerpieces. A tall double wick pillar candle in the middle of a dining table surrounded by low floral arrangements or fruits makes an impressive centerpiece. The two wicks become the focal point.
