How Long Does It Take For A 11 Oz Candle To Burn?
What Influences Candle Burn Time
There are several factors that affect how long a candle will burn including the size of the wick, type of wax, room temperature, and air currents:
The width of the wick is a key factor determining burn time. A wider wick provides more surface area for the wax to melt and vaporize, causing the candle to burn faster. A smaller wick limits how quickly wax can melt, prolonging burn time (The Flaming Candle).
Harder waxes like soy and beeswax have a higher melting point than softer paraffin wax. This means soy candles burn slower as their wax takes longer to liquefy (Bottle Store).
Burn time is also influenced by ambient temperature. In cooler rooms, wax cools faster, slowing the melt rate. Warmer environments keep wax molten longer, resulting in quicker burning (Apotheke).
Finally, air currents from fans, vents or open windows can make candles burn unevenly or cause them to go out completely. Protecting candles from drafts leads to longer, more consistent burn times (Bottle Store).
Calculating Burn Time
To calculate the burn time for a candle, you need to determine the candle’s burn rate. The burn rate is the number of ounces that the candle burns per hour. To find the burn rate, you’ll need to do a simple test burn.
Here are the steps to calculate a candle’s burn rate and overall burn time:
- Weigh the candle before burning and note the starting weight in ounces.
- Burn the candle in a draft-free area for 2-3 hours.
- Extinguish the flame and weigh the candle again. Subtract the partially burned weight from the original weight.
- Divide the weight difference by the number of hours burned. This gives you the burn rate in ounces per hour.
- To get the total estimated burn time, divide the original candle weight by the burn rate.
For example, an 11 oz candle might burn 1 oz in 2.5 hours. That’s a burn rate of 0.4 oz per hour (1 oz / 2.5 hours). For an 11 oz candle with a 0.4 oz/hour burn rate, the estimated total burn time is 27.5 hours (11 oz / 0.4 oz per hour).
The candle’s burn time depends on factors like wax type, vessel shape and material, wick type and size. Do a test burn to determine the specific burn rate. Use this simple formula:
(Candle Weight in oz) / (Burn Rate in oz/hour) = Estimated Total Burn Time
According to this source, you can accurately calculate a candle’s burn time by measuring its weight before and after a test burn. Just divide the weight difference by the hours burned.
Testing Methodology
To accurately measure the burn time of a candle, a controlled burn test should be performed. This involves burning the candle in a controlled environment and carefully monitoring and recording the burn time.
According to S-E-A, a company that provides candle testing services, burn tests should be conducted in a laboratory setting with specialized burn rooms (1). These rooms control airflow and temperature to ensure consistent test conditions. Candles should be spaced 3-6 inches apart and allowed to burn undisturbed. The time the candle is lit is recorded, and the candle is monitored until it goes out, with the total burn time calculated.
For basic burn testing, CandleScience recommends a simple home setup (2). Candles can be placed on a nonflammable surface away from drafts and burned one at a time. The burn time from lighting to extinguishing the flame is recorded. For accuracy, multiple candles of the same specifications should be tested and the results averaged.
Proper burn testing provides quantitative data on how long a candle’s wax and wick system will burn. This allows candle makers to better understand and optimize their products.
Expected Burn Time
The expected burn time for an 11 oz candle can vary significantly depending on the type of wax used. Here are some general guidelines for burn times based on wax type:
Paraffin Wax: 60-80 hours. Paraffin is the most commonly used candle wax and provides a cost-effective option with a decent burn time. According to The Bottle Blog, an 11 oz paraffin candle typically burns for 60-70 hours[1].
Soy Wax: 40-50 hours. Soy wax is made from soybeans and is a natural, renewable resource. It is softer than paraffin so it tends to burn faster. An 11 oz soy candle will burn for around 40-50 hours[2].
Beeswax: 30-40 hours. Beeswax is natural wax made by honey bees. It has a lovely natural honey aroma when burning. However, it is relatively expensive and burns faster than other waxes. Expect a burn time of 30-40 hours for an 11 oz beeswax candle[3].
No matter what type of wax is used, the burn time can vary based on other factors like wick size, candle diameter, room temperature, drafts, etc. But the above times provide a reasonable estimate for an average 11 oz candle’s burn time.
Maximizing Burn Time
There are a few simple tricks you can use to get the most burn time out of your candles and make them last as long as possible:
Trim the wick – Before lighting, use scissors or nail clippers to trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch. This will help the candle burn slowly and evenly, preventing excess smoking from a long wick which causes the candle to burn too fast.
Avoid drafts – Find a spot that’s free of drafts from windows, vents or fans which can make the flame flicker and wax pool unevenly. This will allow for proper melting and an even burn.
Let wax pool completely – Allow the melted wax pool to reach the full edge before blowing out. This ensures full use of wax and prevents tunneling.
Allow to cool completely – Wait until wax is solid again before relighting, at least 2-4 hours. This helps the candle burn slower.
Burn in cycles – Burn for a few hours then extinguish, repeating over multiple days. This results in a slower more even burn compared to continuous burning.
Based on testing, following these tips can increase burn times of candles by up to 20% or more. Properly caring for candles helps maximize the number of hours you can enjoy them.
Safety Considerations
It’s crucial to always prioritize safety when burning candles. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), candles cause an average of 8,700 home fires each year in the U.S. Safety with candles. The most important safety tips are to never leave a burning candle unattended and to keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
Candles can easily be knocked over by kids, pets, or even a breeze. It only takes seconds for a tipped candle to ignite nearby curtains, furniture, or decor. Always keep burning candles within sight and extinguish them before leaving a room. Avoid placing candles near windows, vents, or drafts where they may be more easily disturbed. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, two of every five home candle fires begin in the bedroom Candle Fire Safety. It’s especially unsafe to leave candles burning unattended overnight.
Young children are often drawn to the mesmerizing flame of a candle, but lack understanding of the danger. Keep lit candles up high, out of a child’s reach. Avoid using candles in kids’ rooms or play areas. Teach children to stay away from open flames, and never leave them unattended near candles. By taking simple safety precautions, we can enjoy the ambiance of candles while minimizing the fire risk.
History of Candlemaking
Candles have been used for light and as part of rituals for thousands of years. The earliest candles were made from tallow (rendered animal fat) combined with beeswax as early as 3,000 BC in Mesopotamia [1]. Ancient Egyptians were using torches made by soaking pithy cores of reeds in tallow around 3,000 BC [2]. Candles then spread to ancient China, Japan and India.
Romans began making true dipped candles using tallow around 500 BC [3]. These were sometimes scented by adding fragrances. Beeswax candles were introduced in Europe around the 11th century. Colonial Americans relied on candles made from whale fat (spermaceti), cow and sheep fat (tallow).
In 1834, inventor Joseph Morgan introduced a machine to automate candle making. Candles then transitioned from mainly utilitarian to decorative in the 1850s with paraffin wax. Paraffin burned cleaner and was cheaper than animal-based waxes thanks to petroleum refining. In the late 1800s, most candles were made from paraffin.
Modern Candle Varieties
Today’s candles come in a diverse array of shapes, sizes, colors and scents to suit any décor or mood. Some of the most popular modern candle varieties include:
Wax Types
Paraffin wax remains the most common candle wax, but others like soy, beeswax and palm wax have gained popularity for being natural and sustainable. Paraffin burns cleanly and holds scent well, while soy and beeswax burn longer. Palm wax makes excellent container candles.
Shapes
Pillar candles are tall, narrow and cylindrical in shape. Votives are short and stout while taper candles are long and thin. Tea lights are very small candles often used in holders. Container candles come in glass jars, tin cans and other receptacles. Unique shaped candles like hearts, seashells and animals are also available.
Scents
Scented candles now come in virtually every fragrance imaginable from fruits and florals to spices and seasonal scents. Popular varieties include lavender, vanilla, cinnamon, citrus fruits, pine and pumpkin spice. Scent strength can range from light to very strong.
Check out https://www.webstaurantstore.com/guide/739/types-of-candles.html and https://www.thespruce.com/types-of-candles-everyone-should-know-5204894 for more on modern candle varieties.
Candle Care Tips
Proper storage and maintenance are key to ensuring your candles last as long as possible. Here are some tips for candle care:
Store candles in a cool, dry place when not in use. Heat and humidity can cause candles to sweat and lose their shape. Keep them in a cupboard or closet away from direct sunlight.
Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid excessive smoking and soot. Use nail clippers or scissors for a clean cut. Long wicks cause more wax to pool and the flame to become too large.
Always burn candles in a well-ventilated area and on a heat resistant surface. Soot can stain walls, furniture, and decor if the candle is not given enough breathing room.
To remove wax or soot, let the candle holder completely cool and then wipe carefully with a dry paper towel. Gently scraping with a plastic spatula can help remove built up wax.
Avoid burning candles for more than 4 hours at a time. Long burn times can cause extensive soot and wax buildup. Let the wax pool completely before blowing out the flame.
Rotate your candles occasionally while burning to allow even wax pooling and burning. This helps prevent tunneling in the center.
Consider wrapping decorative candle holders with foil or other protection to avoid wax damage. Use candle mats or plates underneath to catch drips.
The Future of Candles
The candle industry is projected to continue growing over the next decade. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global candle market is expected to reach $20.09 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030.[1] This growth will be driven by increasing demand for scented and decorative candles.
Candle manufacturers are innovating with new technologies like 3D printing to create more intricate candle designs. Smart candles with timers, color changing effects, and scent changing capabilities are also growing in popularity.[2] These high-tech candles appeal to younger demographics and help drive the growth of the premium candle segment.
Sustainability and clean-burning materials are another area of innovation. Consumers want environmentally-friendly candles made from soy, beeswax, and other natural waxes. Manufacturers are responding with more non-toxic, biodegradable options.
The candle industry will continue evolving to meet changing consumer tastes and embrace new technologies. However, the allure of a flickering flame and scented ambiance will keep candles a beloved home accessory into the future.
