Does Tallow Make Good Candles?

What is Tallow?

Tallow is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat, processed from suet. It is solid at room temperature. Historically, tallow was used for making candles and soap. Tallow consists of mostly triglycerides, whose major components are stearic, palmitic, and oleic acids (“Tallow”, Wikipedia).

Tallow comes from beef or mutton fat. It is produced by rendering suet (the raw, hard fat around the kidneys and loins) to extract the fats. The suet goes through a process called wet rendering which separates fats from the protein and connective tissue. This involves cooking, filtering and separating the fats from the other tissues (“What Is Tallow? Uses, Benefits & How To Render Your Own”, My Herbal Apothecary).

Tallow has been used since ancient times for multiple purposes like candle and soap making, skin moisturizing, cooking etc. It was very commonly used for candle making before paraffin wax became popular in the mid-to-late 1800s.

Tallow as a Candle Material

Tallow is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat that has been used to make candles and soap for centuries. As a candle wax, tallow has some unique properties:

Tallow candles burn slowly and evenly due to tallow’s high melting point of between 45-50°C (113-122°F). The wax must reach this temperature before it starts to melt and be consumed by the flame, making tallow very resistant to melting in warm environments (1).

The fatty acids in tallow allow it to burn brighter and longer than many other waxes. Tallow contains palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids that act as excellent fuels for the candle flame (2).

Since tallow comes from animal fats, it was historically very inexpensive and widely available. This made it a popular candle wax before the advent of paraffin wax in the 1850s.

Some drawbacks of tallow candles include a higher tendency to smoke and produce odor during burning compared to beeswax or paraffin. The rendered fat can also turn rancid over time. Proper processing and storage is required to maximize shelf life.

Overall, tallow performed well as a candle wax for centuries thanks to its slow-burning properties, high melting point, and low cost. While it has been largely replaced by paraffin today, tallow still holds appeal as a natural and sustainable candle-making material.

(1) https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/01/tallow-emergency-candles.html

(2) https://candlemaking.com/tallow-candles/

Making Tallow Candles

Making candles from tallow involves a few key steps: rendering the tallow, preparing the wicks, and molding and shaping the candles.

To render tallow for candles, beef or mutton fat is heated gently and the liquids are poured off, leaving behind the purified fat. This renders out impurities and yields clean tallow for candle-making. According to The Prairie Homestead [1], tallow can be rendered in a slow cooker on low for several hours. Straining the liquid fat through cheesecloth will help remove additional impurities.

Proper wick preparation is also important for quality tallow candles. Wicks can be made from natural fibers like cotton or paper, or purchased pre-made. According to Coast Packing [2], you can secure wicks to the bottom of jars using hot glue, Sticky Dots, or other adhesives before pouring in the melted tallow. Wicks need to be straight, centered, and the right length to sustain an even flame.

Finally, melted tallow can be poured into molds or containers to shape the candles. Small jars work well for votive or tealight candles. Silicone molds allow you to create fun candle shapes. Just make sure to let the tallow fully harden before removing from molds. Proper wicking and an appropriate volume of tallow will help the candles burn evenly.

Tallow vs. Beeswax

Tallow and beeswax are two of the most common natural materials used for candle making. There are some key differences between candles made from tallow versus beeswax:

Comparative burn times – Beeswax candles typically burn brighter and longer than tallow candles. The hard and dense structure of beeswax allows the wax to melt at a slower pace, resulting in a longer burn time. Tallow candles tend to burn faster since tallow is softer and melts quicker than beeswax.

Smoothing and finishing – Beeswax produces a smoother finish and shine on candle surfaces. The hardness of beeswax allows for easier molding and shaping, creating smooth and even candle surfaces. Tallow can be more difficult to work with and may leave a duller surface on finished candles. Proper preparation and cooling is important for getting a polished look with tallow.

Aroma and air quality – Beeswax candles give off a lightly sweet, honey-like scent when burning due to the beeswax itself. Tallow candles have very little aroma, resulting in less impact on indoor air quality. However, tallow produces more soot and smoke compared to the clean-burning nature of beeswax. Beeswax is often preferred for its pleasant ambient scent.

Overall, beeswax makes higher quality candles but can be more expensive and difficult to source than tallow. Tallow remains a viable candle material, but typically does not burn as long or smoothly as beeswax.

Source: https://www.smith.edu/hsc/museum/ancient_inventions/candles2.html

Tallow vs. Paraffin

Tallow and paraffin candles have some key differences in how they are produced and sourced, how they burn, and their environmental impacts.

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and made from crude oil refining. It is a byproduct of gasoline production (Smith College). Tallow, on the other hand, is derived from rendered beef or mutton fat, making it a renewable and more sustainable material. Tallow can be produced on a small scale from local farmers.

In terms of burning, paraffin candles tend to burn cleaner and brighter than tallow. Paraffin waxes have a higher melting point, creating a hotter flame and less smoke (Quora). However, some prefer the softer glow and aromatic scent of tallow candles. Tallow also produces more soot as it burns.

Environmentally, tallow is much more sustainable than paraffin. As a beef byproduct, tallow helps use the entire animal and reduces waste from the meat industry. Paraffin wax creates emissions as a petroleum product and is not biodegradable. Tallow is renewable and biodegradable, making it a greener choice for candles.

Customizing Tallow Candles

One of the great benefits of homemade tallow candles is the ability to customize them to your preferences. Tallow on its own has little scent, so adding essential oils or other scents is a popular way to create your ideal candle smell. Some favorite scents for tallow candles are lavender, citrus, pine, and vanilla. You can find candle scent oils formulated specifically for soy or tallow wax at most craft stores. Use scent oils sparingly, as it takes very little to scent tallow candles. Start with 1/2 tsp of scent oil per pound of rendered tallow (source: https://www.hilbyfamilyfarm.com/product/custombeeftallowbeeswaxcandle/36).

Adding a dye or colorant is another easy way to customize the look of tallow candles. Liquid candle dye can be stirred into melted tallow before pouring into containers. Just a few drops will provide a deep, saturated color. Beeswax candles naturally take on a warm golden tone, but tallow candles are creamy white unless colored. Popular colors for tallow candles are red, blue, green, yellow, and pink.

Tallow can be poured into all kinds of containers to make shaped candles. Small jars, silicon molds, and votive holders allow for fun candle shapes like pillars, rounds, and tapers. You can embed items like dried flowers, berries, pinecones, seashells, or coffee beans into the top of the candle before it hardens for a unique decoration. The possibilities are endless when making homemade tallow candles!

Storing Tallow Candles

Properly stored, tallow candles can last 1-2 years before going rancid. Tallow is vulnerable to oxygen, light, heat, and moisture which can cause it to spoil more quickly. To maximize shelf life, store tallow candles in a cool, dark place around 60-75°F. Basements, cellars, and interior closets work well. Tightly seal candles in jars, tins, or zip lock bags to limit air exposure. Opaque containers block light which prevents oxidation.

Check candles occasionally for signs of spoilage like mold growth, yellowing, foul odors, weeping oil, and crystallization on the surface. If any candles show signs of going bad, use or replace them right away. Refrigeration can extend shelf life of homemade tallow candles to 2-3 years. According to The Prairie Homestead, freezing tallow candles can preserve them for up to 10 years. However, allow frozen candles to fully reach room temperature before lighting to prevent issues like tunneling.

Safety Considerations

Tallow candles, like any other candle, carry some safety risks that should be considered. Proper precautions can help minimize potential hazards.

Fire Hazards

Like any open flame, tallow candles pose a fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), candles were the cause of 4% of reported home fires from 2014-2018. To reduce risk, always keep burning candles within sight and out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place them near flammable materials or leave them unattended. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent high flames. Burn candles in sturdy fire-safe containers on heat-resistant surfaces.^[1]

Potential Allergens

Some people may be sensitive to the fumes or soot produced by tallow candles. These can trigger allergy or asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. Beeswax candles are often recommended as a hypoallergenic alternative. Test a tallow candle in a small space first to check for any adverse reactions.^[2]

Proper Ventilation

Always burn tallow candles in a well-ventilated area. The soot and smells produced can build up in enclosed spaces. Open windows or doors and avoid overcrowding when burning multiple candles. Take breaks between lighting for fresh air circulation. Proper ventilation prevents buildup of particulate matter that could aggravate respiratory issues.

With reasonable safety measures, tallow candles can be enjoyed while minimizing risks. As with any candle, caution and common sense go a long way in fire prevention and health.

^[1] https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Causes-of-Home-Fires
^[2] https://helstromfarms.com/tallow-candles-organic-and-nontoxic-candles/

The Future of Tallow Candles

While tallow candles may not be as popular as they once were, there is still a niche market for them, particularly among history buffs, traditional candlemakers, and those looking for sustainable products. According to Modern Tallow Candles: A Contemporary Twist on Tradition, interest in tallow candles seems to be slowly increasing again as people become more concerned about the environment.

One of the biggest advantages of tallow candles is their biodegradability and sustainability. Made from animal fat that would otherwise go to waste, they are a ‘nose to tail’ use of resources. As stated in The Surprising Uses of Tallow: Beyond Candles and Soap, tallow-based products break down naturally, reducing the impact of synthetics. This gives tallow candles an edge over paraffin in terms of sustainability.

Candlemakers are also innovating with modern designs and scented tallow candles to appeal to contemporary tastes. They experiment with different wicks, shapes, and molds to put a modern twist on the traditional tallow candle. The market seems ripe for tallow candles marketed as eco-friendly, natural, and handmade.

Conclusion

To summarize the key points, tallow is made from animal fat and has been used to make candles for centuries. Tallow candles burn slowly, don’t drip much, and give off a subtle meaty scent. Compared to beeswax candles, tallow is usually cheaper and easier to source. Compared to paraffin wax, tallow is more environmentally friendly and natural.

There are many ways to customize tallow candles with different wicks, scents, colors, and shapes. Properly stored tallow candles can last for years. However, they do require some safety precautions due to the potential fire hazard.

Overall, tallow makes excellent candles that are affordable, long-lasting, and natural. The meaty scent may not appeal to all, but for those who don’t mind it, tallow candles are a great traditional and sustainable option. The natural, biodegradable properties of tallow give it an advantage over paraffin wax. With proper precautions, tallow candles can be a safe, eco-friendly lighting source.