The Best Taper Candle

Buying Guide

Candles come in a variety of sizes and styles, from the thicker candle that comes in a jar to the small tea light candles that can be used for a variety of purposes. But a true classic is the taper candle, which is used for weddings, religious ceremonies, mood lighting in restaurants and more.

The defining feature of a taper candle is its tapered design. It’s long and narrow, but it thins out at the top. You’ll also want to look for a tapered candle with a base that dips inward to allow it to slide into a candle holder.

One issue with taper candles is that their design provides a smaller surface area for wax to gather. This can create a mess unless you have something beneath the candle to catch it. Poorly designed candles also peter out early on, only giving you a couple of hours or so of total burn time, keeping you from getting your money’s worth.

A little extra money for a high-quality candle can save you in the long run. It’s important to look for a candle that puts extra attention into the wax, but the material of the wick makes a difference, too. First, consider the three primary materials used in making a candle:

• Paraffin: Derived from petroleum, coal or oil shale, paraffin is used in a variety of manufacturing applications. It’s popular for candles because it burns cleanly and can be made to be odorless.
• Stearin: This mixture of fatty acids is added to candles to increase the melting point of the wax. The result is a longer-burning candle with steadier flames than you’d get without it.
• Beeswax: The honeycomb bees make creates a product called beeswax, which has the highest melting point of any wax. For that reason, some candle enthusiasts specifically shop for beeswax candles to get that long, consistent burn.

• If you’re interested in a longer burn time, go for a longer taper candle. Taper candles have a generally shorter burn time, so you’ll need to keep that in mind while you’re choosing a taper candle. The estimated burn time may be listed on the packaging, so look for it.
• You’ll see candles advertising natural ingredients like soy and coconut. Stick with paraffin or beeswax to be safe, though. Both are natural, as well, and are proven as the best materials for candles.
• The wick is an important consideration. Cotton tends to be the best material for wicks, but the braiding is more important than what it’s made of. A thinner braid makes for a shorter burn time.
• Some subscribe to an old “rule” that says to store candles in the freezer to prolong their burn time. This isn’t a good idea. It can cause them to crack while you’re burning them.
• Taper candles are safe, but with any candle, it’s important to take some safety measures. Never leave a flame unattended, and avoid letting your taper candle burn all the way to the base. Always leave at least two inches at the bottom.
• The candle holder plays a role in safety. You’ll need one with a base wide enough to catch any wax that drips down, but it also has to be sturdy enough to hold your candles up even if the table beneath your candle is bumped.
• Taper candles come in a variety of colors. White and ivory are great at blending with a variety of décor styles, but you might choose to go with a bolder couple. You can find taper candles in red, blue, black and just about any other color you could want.
• Candle adhesive will attach your candle to your candle holder, reducing the risk it will tip over. Pair that with a candle sharpener to reshape the bottom of your candle to fit the holder.
• Extinguishing a taper candle can be challenging. A snuffer will help you gracefully put out the flame.