Which Candle Wax Burns The Longest? (Our Guide)

Candles can be very expensive, especially if you buy high-quality scented types, therefore when you choose the kind of candles you want, you also want to ensure that it will burn for a fair amount of time to get your money’s worth. 

There are a few factors which influence the burn time of a candle, and one of the main ones is the kind of wax used. Beeswax is the longest-burning candle wax option out there thanks to the fact it is naturally harder and therefore takes longer to burn.

We’ve discussed in more detail below different wax types and burn time, factors affecting burn time and some tips for making your candle of choice last longer!

The Different Wax Types & Burn Time 

When purchasing scented candles or regular candles, you will be faced with a few different types of candle wax, some popular ones to name are; soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax and paraffin wax, each have its pros and cons as candle waxes and also different burn times. 

We’ve listed the main types of candle wax along with their burn times below to help you out. 

Beeswax Candle 

Beeswax candles are an excellent natural type of wax to use in candle making, they also are naturally scented candles with a hint of honey, they are however very expensive and there are some ethical concerns about harvesting beeswax.

This being said, they have a burn time of 25 hours for a 4oz candle making them the longest burning type of wax you can choose, their melting temperature is 150F.

Paraffin Wax Candle

Paraffin wax is the most common kind of candle you can find and is also very affordable, many candle makers use this wax since it holds scents for a long time too like Yankee candles for example. 

The main drawback to this wax is that it is a petroleum byproduct which could emit harmful toxins in small amounts when burned due to the amount of smoke it produces. It is also one of the candle wax types with the shortest burn time! 

Paraffin wax candles and most candle wax blends have a burn time of 12 hours for a 4oz candle!

Coconut Wax Candle/Wax Blend

Coconut wax candles are less common but are a good alternative to paraffin wax candles if you want natural scents in your home. You will often find coconut wax blended with another carrier wax in candles. 

They typically have a burn time of around 13-15 hours for a four-ounce candle making them better than paraffin candles.

Soy Wax Candle 

Soy wax candles are the next best alternative to Beeswax candles if you are on a budget, candle makers prefer soy wax to beeswax because of this and they are healthier to burn than paraffin wax candles too, they are made from soybean oil.

The only downfall of soy wax is that it is harder to melt and form, hence why it is found mostly in container candles, not pillar candles. Soy wax has a burn time of around 16 hours for a 4oz candle.

How Long Does The Average Candle Last?

Apart from the average candle burn time, you might also be curious as to how long the average candle will last before it starts to lose its scent. If a candle is not lit, you can expect to hold its scent for around 1-2 years, especially if the lid is left on the candle. 

When we take an average no matter the kind of wax or wick you can expect a 4oz candle to burn for 20 hours, an 8oz candle to burn for 40 hours and a larger 24oz candle to burn for 150 hours. 

Factors Affecting The Burn Of Candles 

Although the types of wax used in your candle have a huge part to play in how quickly they burn, there are lots of other factors you need to consider when calculating how long your candle will last. 

• Additional ingredients – Both colouring and fragrance can affect how fast all forms of candle wax burn.
• Wick used – You need to consider both the wick size and the wick material when calculating burn time. For example, larger wicks consume more wax at a faster rate, multiple wick candles also burn faster. Cotton wicks also burn very fast. 
• Type of candle jar – Different shaped candle jar sizes can also affect how quickly wax melts down.
• Environment – Many environmental factors such as the movement of air, oxygen and even the room temperature can affect how quickly a candle is burned, for example, a hotter room can mean a hotter candle temperature.

Which Candle Wax Burns The Quickest? 

As you’ve seen from above, paraffin wax is the quickest-burning type of candle you can buy, they burn up to 30%-50% faster than a soy wax candle due to its higher melting point. 

That being said, paraffin wax candles are often the type with the most amazing scents, although this type of candle is said to emit chemicals when burned.

Tips For Making Candle Last Longer 

One other major factor which we haven’t mentioned yet when it comes to your candles burn time is the care for the candle. 

We’ve put together our top tips for making your candle last longer below. 

• Watch your burn time – On average, you shouldn’t let your candle burn for more than four hours at a time, always allow it to cool down before relighting too.
• Trim the wick – Keep on trimming your wick, especially when you first buy it! This helps to keep the flame to a minimum and stops it from overburning the candle! Use a wick trimmer for easy cutting.
• Do the first burn right – When you first light up your candle make sure you are burning it till the pool of wax in the middle of the candle reaches the edges of the container and allows even burning. 
• Check the flame – If your flame is flickering a lot or is higher than one inch then your candle might not be burning properly. 
• Consider multiple wick candles – Many people assume multiple-wick candles burn faster than a single wick candle, which is true, but they can also burn more evenly which helps them last for longer.
• Keep away from drafts – Drafts or unexpected air currents can cause flame flickering which can move your flame all over the place and cause uneven burning!
• Put them in the freezer! – Putting candles in the freezer can help them to burn for longer since it lowers the temperature of the candle.
• Use aluminium foil – Yes, aluminium foil, trust us, if your candle wax has decided to burn unevenly due to a bad wick try the aluminium foil trick. Simply fold the aluminium up into a rectangular shape then cover the edges of the candle this will help to radiate heat and burn the wax so it can become even.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candle Wax & Burn Time

Which type of wax is the best for a long candle burn? 

The best kind of wax for a long candle burn is beeswax, but beeswax candle brands are often very expensive. An affordable candle wax as an alternative is soy wax which also has a longer burn time.

Should I light all the wicks on a multiple-wick candle? 

If you have a double-wick candle you should always light both wicks when burning to avoid the expensive candle wax burning unevenly.

How do I stop my candle from tunneling? 

If you have lit up your lovely soy candle only to see that it’s started to tunnel, don’t panic, to fix this you can use the tin foil trick around the edges of the candle and make sure to burn it evenly each time, allowing the candle to melt to the sides.

Should I let a candle burn all the way down? 

If your long lasting candles wax is near the end, you might be wondering if you should allow your candle to burn all the way down, experts however do not recommend this since it could become a hazard as it heats the glass and potentially causes it to break.

Does a triple-wick candle last longer?

Triple-wick candles can actually be very long lasting since they burn down the candle wax evenly in the jar shape and avoid tunneling effects.

Which kind of wax has the best cold-scent throw?

The best wax for scent throw has to be paraffin wax candles which is why they are used by most street candle brands. 

What kind of wax is the best for cost vs burn time?

In terms of cost and burn time, the best type of candle you can choose is one made with soy wax or blended wax, paraffin wax is cheaper but burns faster and beeswax is the longest burning candle but very expensive.

Last Words

Overall, the candle wax which burns the longest is beeswax, this is thanks to its melting temperature, it is however the most expensive too.

For a long burn time on a budget, we would suggest soy wax candles others, they are also a more natural alternative in comparison to paraffin candles.