How to get the most from a beeswax pillar candle

Beeswax pillar candles are denser than paraffin or soy candles, which means they burn more slowly and at a higher temperature. They also behave differently in the first few burns, and getting those right makes a significant difference to how the candle performs over its full life.

The first burn matters most ¶

The first time you light a beeswax pillar candle, let it burn until the melt pool reaches the edge of the candle. This typically takes two to three hours depending on the diameter. If you extinguish it before the melt pool reaches the edge, the candle will tunnel down the centre on subsequent burns and the outer walls will never fully melt.

The beeswax pillar candles in the current Silver Raindrop collection are approximately 7cm in diameter. A first burn of around two and a half hours is usually enough to establish a full melt pool.

Wick trimming and smoke ¶

Trim the wick to about 6mm before each burn. A wick that is too long will produce a larger flame than the candle needs, which causes smoking and uneven burning. Beeswax burns cleanly when the wick is the right length; a well-maintained beeswax candle produces almost no soot.

If the flame smokes, extinguish the candle, let it cool, trim the wick, and relight. Do not trim the wick while the candle is burning or while the wax is still liquid.

The natural smell of beeswax ¶

The candles in the current collection are unscented. Beeswax has a faint natural honey smell that is most noticeable when the candle is burning and for a few minutes after it is extinguished. It is subtle rather than sweet, and it does not linger in the room the way a scented candle does.

This was a deliberate choice in the buying. Scented candles are popular, but the fragrance often dominates the room and can be tiring over a long evening. A beeswax candle gives light and a little warmth without competing with food smells or other scents in the space.

The beeswax pillar candles are priced at £22 and are in stock now. They make a straightforward autumn gift, particularly for someone who already has more scented candles than they need.