How Long Do Frasier Fir Candles Burn?
Frasier firs are a popular type of Christmas tree known for their rich green color, pleasant fragrance, and excellent needle retention. Originally native to the mountains of North Carolina, Frasier firs became a popular Christmas tree in the mid-1900s and are now grown on tree farms across North America. The refreshing scent of Frasier fir trees, with notes of pine, citrus, and wood, is often bottled in the form of essential oils and used to scent holiday candles. Frasier fir scented candles evoke the smells of Christmas and are a popular seasonal home fragrance. Companies like Thymes, Yankee Candle, and Bath & Body Works release special edition Frasier fir candles each holiday season.
Frasier Fir Candle Sizes
Frasier fir candles come in a variety of common candle sizes, including:
- Votive candles – These are small, compact candles that are around 1.5-2 inches wide and 1-3 inches tall. Votive candles are designed to fit into candle holders and are a popular choice for table centerpieces and decorative displays. Frasier fir votive candles typically burn for 4-6 hours.
- Pillar candles – Pillar candles are thick, cylindrical candles that range from 2-4 inches in diameter. They come in varying heights from 4 inches up to 36 inches tall for large pillars. Frasier fir pillar candles can provide ambiance and fragrance for 20-40 hours or more.
- Taper candles – Taper candles are long, thin candles with a diameter of around 1/2 inch. They range in height from 4 inches up to 36 inches. Tapers are designed to fit into candlesticks. Frasier fir tapers may burn for 5-8 hours.
- Container candles – These candles come already packaged in glass or metal containers. Frasier fir container candles range from 3-4 inches in diameter and 2-4 inches tall for small containers, up to 3-5 inches in diameter and 4-6 inches tall for larger containers. They typically burn for 15-30 hours.
Frasier fir candles also come in various shapes for seasonal decorating, including rounds, squares, and holiday themes. The size and shape impacts how quickly the candle burns and for how long.
Wick Type
The type of wick used in a candle impacts how quickly it burns. Common wick types include:
- Cotton – Cotton wicks are the most popular type. They burn evenly and are less likely to bend or move around than other wicks. Cotton wicks provide a consistent burn time.
- Wooden – Wooden wicks make a crackling sound as they burn. They tend to burn faster than cotton wicks, reducing burn time. Wood wicks also leave more soot behind.
- Paper – Paper wicks absorb more wax than cotton, causing candles to burn faster. They can also bend and move more. Paper wicks reduce burn time.
- Metal-core – Metal-core wicks have a cotton exterior wrapped around a thin metal core. The metal core keeps the wick upright and rigid. It provides an even burn, similar to regular cotton wicks.
In general, natural fiber wicks like cotton provide the longest burn times. Synthetic wicks and specialty wicks like wood or paper tend to burn faster. Wick type plays an important role in determining candle burn time.
According to Thymes, their Frasier fir candles use cotton wicks for a cleaner, more even burn.
Wax Type
The type of wax used in candles can significantly impact their burn time. Here are some common candle wax types and how they affect burn rate:
Soy wax – Made from soybean oil, soy wax burns slowly and evenly. It’s a popular choice for jars and other containers. Soy wax candles tend to have burn times from 60-80 hours.
Paraffin wax – A petroleum byproduct, paraffin wax burns quickly and pools wax as it melts. Paraffin candles have shorter burn times around 30-40 hours. Some find the scent does not adhere as well to paraffin.
Beeswax – Beeswax has a natural honey aroma and burns brighter than other waxes. It is more expensive but prized for its long, even burn time of up to 80 hours.
Palm wax – Made from palm oil, palm wax falls between paraffin and soy in burn time at 50-60 hours. It can hold fragrances well and produces minimal soot.
In general, natural wax types like soy, beeswax, and palm wax have longer burn times than paraffin. But wax is only one factor determining a candle’s burn time.
Burn Time by Candle Size
The burn time of a Frasier fir candle can vary greatly depending on the size of the candle. Larger candles with more wax will burn longer than smaller candles. Here is an overview of average burn times for different candle sizes:
| Candle Size | Average Burn Time |
|---|---|
| Votive (2-3 oz) | 15-20 hours |
| 3-Wick Pillar (8-10 oz) | 50-60 hours |
| Large Jar (16-22 oz) | 80-100 hours |
| 3-Wick Jar (22-24 oz) | 90-110 hours |
As shown, smaller votive candles may only burn for 15-20 hours, while a large 3-wick jar candle can provide fragrance for over 100 hours. The general rule is the larger the candle, the longer the burn time.
Factors That Impact Burn Time
There are several factors that impact how long a Frasier fir candle will burn. Some of the main ones include:
Wick Length – Longer wicks mean the flame is larger, so the candle burns faster. Most experts recommend trimming the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to extend burn time. 1
Wax Purity – Many candle manufacturers add synthetic chemicals to their wax to make it cheaper to produce and alter its burn properties. 100% soy or beeswax candles will burn slower and more evenly than paraffin candles. 2
Drafts – Air currents from fans, open windows or vents can make candles burn unevenly or more quickly. Protecting the candle from drafts will help maximize burn time.
Room Temperature – Warmer room temperatures cause candles to liquify and burn faster. Keeping candles in a cooler room around 65-75°F can extend burn times.
Altitude – The lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes cause candles to burn slower. Expect candles to last 10-15% longer for every 1000 feet above sea level.
Humidity – Dry conditions cause candles to burn faster as the wax evaporates quicker. Higher humidity will extend burn times.
By carefully controlling these key factors, Frasier fir candle burn times can be extended significantly beyond what’s stated on the label.
Extending Burn Time
There are several tips and tricks you can use to make your Frasier fir candles last longer:
Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Long wicks cause candles to tunnel or burn unevenly, wasting wax. Trim wicks with nail clippers or scissors. Be sure to trim wicks before each use.
Allow the wax to fully pool before extinguishing the candle. This helps the candle burn evenly and prevents tunneling. Allow the melted wax to reach the edges of the container before blowing it out.
Avoid drafts which can cause candles to burn unevenly. Drafts come from fans, open windows, air vents, etc. Shield candles from drafts or move them to a protected area.
Use a candle snuffer instead of blowing out candles. Blowing them out can damage wax and lead to sputtering or smoking when relit. Snuffers extinguish flames cleanly.
Keep wicks centered as the candle burns. Wicks that lean to one side will cause uneven burning. Periodically straighten and center wicks.
Burn candles in increments of 4 hours or less at a time. Longer burns can cause heat damage to vessels and lead to more soot.
Place candles on a heat-safe surface. Allow 1-2 inches around candles for heat dissipation to protect nearby surfaces.
Rotate candles occasionally to encourage even burning. Periodically move candle location to expose new wax to heat.
Keep candles out of direct sun and away from heating vents which can accelerate melting.
Safety Tips
When burning Frasier fir candles, it’s crucial to follow some basic safety precautions to avoid fires or injuries:
– Never leave a burning candle unattended, as this is one of the leading causes of house fires related to candles (https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/candles). Blow out the candle before leaving a room or going to sleep.
– Keep candles away from anything flammable like curtains, furniture, books, clothes, etc. Have a 12 inch “circle of safety” around each candle free from combustibles (https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/).
– Don’t place candles near drafts which can cause rapid, uneven burning and dripping. Avoid burning candles near ceiling fans, air vents, or open windows.
– Keep candles out of reach of children and pets who may knock them over.
– Always trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid flair ups, soot, and rapid consumption of wax (https://www.fmins.com/blog/candle-safety/). Extinguish candles if the flame becomes too high or shoots out black smoke.
– Use sturdy candle holders that are heat resistant and won’t tip over easily. Never burn a candle directly on a surface or furniture.
– Never touch or move a lit candle when it is still hot. Let it cool completely before handling.
Following basic precautions like these can help prevent fires and injuries when burning Frasier fir candles in the home.
Popular Frasier Fir Candle Brands
Some of the most popular brands for Frasier fir scented candles include:
Thymes – Thymes is known for their iconic Frasier Fir Pine Needle Candle, available in different sizes and vessel styles. This candle captures the essence of crisp fir needles, cedarwood, and sandalwood.
Yankee Candle – Yankee Candle’s Balsam and Cedar large jar candle infuses balsam, cedarwood, and juniper berry fragrance oils to create a nostalgic evergreen aroma.
WoodWick – WoodWick is known for their wooden wicks that crackle while the candle burns. Their Fraser Fir candle combines notes of fir needles, sandalwood, and vanilla.
Voluspa – Voluspa’s Spiced Pine tin candle blends Siberian fir needles, Artemesia, nutmeg, and clove for a warm seasonal scent.
Bath & Body Works – Bath & Body Works offers the popular Fresh Balsam candle that captures a classic pine scent with fragrances of fresh balsam, cedarwood, and juniper berry.
Conclusion
Based on the research, the average burn time for a Frasier fir candle can range quite a bit depending on the size, wick type, wax type, and other factors. Smaller candles like votives and containers generally provide anywhere from 6-15 hours of burn time. Medium-sized pillars and jars can provide 15-40 hours. The largest pillar candles often provide burn times of 80-150 hours.
No matter what type of Frasier fir candle you choose, burn time can fluctuate based on wick size, wax blend, room temperature, drafts, etc. Trimming wicks, avoiding drafts, and allowing the wax pool to form completely can all help maximize burn time. Most importantly, always keep safety in mind and never leave a burning candle unattended.
