Candle carousels work with every tea light candle since it is mostly contingent on the candle shape, so as long as the candle fits in the base, it will work. But a well chosen tea light candle can enhance your tea light candle carousel experience.
Choosing the best tea light candle for candle carousels doesn’t seem like a difficult task, but there a a few factors you should consider: the candle quality, burn time, and the presence of fragrance.
Tea Light Candle Quality
Tea light candles are typically made from different types of wax, which determines their quality and burn time - paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, and palm wax.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct which is widely used and is the most affordable wax available. It burns cleanly and consistently with little to no smell.
Pros:
- affordable and widely available
- even burning
- works well for scented and colorful candles
- doesn’t go rancid over time and can be stored for long periods
Cons:
- burning paraffin wax can potentially release harmful chemicals and impact indoor air quality
- petroleum is a non-renewable resource which poses an environmental concern
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Fully plant-based, it’s a great alternative to petroleum-based paraffin wax.
Pros:
- produces minimal soot and doesn’t affect the indoor air quality
- great for holding and releasing fragrances
- environmentally friendly since soy is a renewable resource
Cons:
- more expensive to produce than paraffin wax
- can sometimes burn unevenly because of the lower melting point
- can show “frosting” on the surface due to soy wax’s crystal structure
Beeswax
Beeswax is the natural wax produced by bees. It usually has a pleasant honey scent and produces a clean burn.
Pros:
- natural, non-toxic and hypoallergenic
- doesn’t produce soot and doesn’t impact indoor air quality
- can neutralize odors
- has a natural subtle honey aroma
Cons:
- can be expensive because of the labor intensive process of harvesting and processing the wax
- renewable but limited in quantity because it depends on the natural behavior and productivity of bees
Palm Wax
Palm wax is derived from pam oil and is another great natural wax to consider.
Pros:
- produces minimal soot and doesn’t affect indoor air quality
- has a high melting point making the candles more durable
- palm wax is biodegradable and renewable
Cons:
- not all palm oil is sustainable. Look for RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification to make sure the wax is sustainably made
- can be expensive due to processing and farming constraints
- not as widely available
Burn Time
Since tea light candles are much smaller than regular candles, it’s important to choose the longest burning wax available. This is especially true for spinning candle carousels because the longer the candle burns, the longer the candle carousel will spin. It’s not difficult to change candles in the base of the carousel, but the less frequently you have to replace the candles, the better.
For tea light candles, soy wax and beeswax is generally considered to provide the longest burn time. Their natural structure allows the candle to burn slowly and evenly. Out of the two, soy wax will generally be cheaper.
Paraffin wax is the fastest burning wax, although it burns cleanly and evenly and can be a good options for certain occasions. Palm wax burns longer than paraffin wax, but it is typically more difficult to find and can be more expensive than paraffin.
Scented Tea Light Candles
Using scented tea light candles for spinning candle carousels is an easy way to elevate your hygge experience. Choosing a cozy or seasonal smell can set the mood and help you relax.
Beeswax candles already have a subtle honey smell, so it’s not the best wax option if you are looking for a scented candle. Soy, paraffin, and palm wax lend themselves well to scents and are great options for scented candles.
FAQ's
Would a rotating tea light holder work with a flameless candle?
Unfortunately, no. The mechanism of the rotating candle carousel relies on the heat rising from the candle in its base. The heat puts the carousel in motion as it travels upwards which creates the spinning effect.