Have you ever wondered how a candle burns and what actually happens the moment you light the flame? It's not just aesthetics or aroma - behind every burning candle lies an interplay of physics and chemistry, influenced by materials, shape, and the quality of the burner.
Homemade candles are becoming increasingly popular, but not all of them burn equally well. The flame can be calm, crackling, flowing, or irregular – and each of these characteristics tells us something about the candle's construction.
In this article, you will learn how a candle burns, what affects it, and how to choose the right type of burner for different candles to achieve not only a visually beautiful, but also a safe and harmonious burning result.
How does a candle burn – what happens during the burning process?
Every candle is made up of three main elements: wax, a wick, and the container or mold in which it is made. When a candle is lit, the heat from the flame begins to melt the wax around the wick. The melted wax is absorbed into the wick and carried up into the flame, where it vaporizes and burns.
This means that the candle does not burn directly with wax, but with wax vapors that are created by heating the liquid wax. This process is called capillary action, and it is what ensures an even and stable burn.
Several factors affect the quality of combustion:
– type of wax and its purity,
– thickness and material of the burner,
– ambient temperature and air movement.
If these elements are not balanced, the flame can become unstable, too large, or even start to crackle. That's why it's important to understand how a candle burns in order to choose the right materials and create a candle that is not only beautiful, but also safe and functional.
Candle burner – how to choose the right one for different types of candles?
For a candle to burn evenly, safely and for a long time, wax alone is not enough – the candle burner is also essential. It determines how the wax is absorbed and burned, what the shape of the flame will be, and whether the scent will spread gradually rather than suddenly.
At LumiVera, we have tested thousands of different burner combinations over the years to find the perfect match for every candle type – from glass jars to sophisticated decorative shapes. Our experience shows that even small changes in burner width can completely change the quality of the burn.
Example from practice:
We experimented with wood burners in glass containers for a while – at first the flame was beautiful, but after a few hours the container got too hot. After several tests and burner + wax adjustments, we found a combination where the candle burned quietly for 35 hours without overheating.
How to choose?
- Wider jar candles require wider cotton or wood burners
- For glassware, choose a burner with a stable, calm flame
- For decorative candles, precise centering is important so that the shape does not melt unevenly.
Every type of candle requires a customized solution. That's why we share this experience so you don't have to guess – just choose a proven solution.
Why does a spark plug crackle? Causes of combustion problems
There is a moment when a candle is burning, but suddenly it starts making small crackles or an uneven flame. It can even be a beautifully attuning sound, but sometimes it signals a malfunction. Understanding why a candle crackles helps both improve the quality of the candle and avoid potential safety problems.
The main reasons for cracking:
- Moisture in the wax or burner – even a tiny drop of water can cause sparks during combustion.
- Dirty wax or impurities – if the wax is not purified, it may contain microparticles that cause cracks.
- Burner problems – a burner that is too wide, unsuitable material, or poor centering can cause an unstable flame.
- Curing too quickly – if the candle has not been set for at least 24-48 hours, the wax may be unstable and crackle when burning.
In our workshop, we have observed that some natural wood burner combinations can produce a slight crackling sound, which some find pleasant, similar to the sound of a fireplace, but is annoying to others. To prevent this effect, we always check the dryness of the wax and adapt the burner type to the specific container and fragrance.
Crackling doesn't always mean a candle is bad — but if it's accompanied by smoke, an unstable flame, or wax bubbles, it's best to extinguish the candle and review its components.
Handmade candles and burning – what to pay attention to?
Handmade candles not only mean careful preparation, but also the ability to customize every detail – from the wax composition to the centering of the burner and the choice of container. However, such personalization also means greater responsibility, as burning a candle at home requires precision and understanding of the combustion mechanism.
If a candle is not leveled or cured properly, its flame may be uneven or too intense. Similarly, hand-poured candles often use experimental formats, materials, or scents, and this can affect how the candle burns in real life.
At LumiVera, we regularly test our handmade candles to make sure each one burns cleanly and evenly. For example, once, while testing a natural wax candle with a slightly sweet aroma and a thin glass container, we discovered that in order to maintain the stability of the flame, we needed to change the burner to a thinner one. Such nuances allow us to create safe and high-quality candles for every home.
Handmade candles offer creative freedom, but they must be made with knowledge. That's why we share our experience - so that you too can create a candle that burns beautifully, safely and brings joy every moment.
How do candle materials and shape affect burning?
For a candle to burn evenly and for a long time, it is necessary to consider not only the wax and the type of burner, but also the choice of shape and material. Whether a candle in a jar, a candle in a glass container, or a decorative shaped candle, the burning behavior of the candle is different - and it is significantly affected by the distribution of heat, the behavior of the wax, and the air circulation around the flame.
The importance of shape in combustion:
- Narrow, tall candles tend to form a “tunnel” if the burner is not adjusted to the diameter.
- Wide candles in jars can cause problems with the surface burning out completely if the burner is too narrow.
- Decorative candles (for example, with grooves or three-dimensional details) may burn unevenly if the wax is not chosen correctly or the shape is not tested.
Dish material:
- Glass containers retain heat longer, but they can overheat if the burner is too powerful.
- Ceramic or metal provides more consistent heat distribution, but requires a larger amount of wax.
At LumiVera, we regularly test different shapes and materials to understand how wax reacts in different environments. For example, in one of our tests, the flame in a jar with a curved neck extinguished itself due to a lack of oxygen. When we switched to a more open shape with the same wax and burner type, the candle burned perfectly.
Such nuances are also important for you if you want to create a burning candle that not only looks beautiful, but also functions exactly as intended.
Conclusion
Understanding how a candle burns means looking at the small but important details – the properties of the wax, the suitability of the burner and the interaction of the shape with the flame. Whether you make a candle in a jar, choose a decorative shape or try a handmade candle, the most important thing is to evaluate how it burns and feel confident in your choice.
And don't worry if everything doesn't work out perfectly the first time – we, at LumiVera, have also gone through hundreds of tests and adjustments. Only with time and experience have we arrived at the perfect combinations that burn calmly, look great and smell harmonious.
So if you are interested in how a candle burns and want to try it yourself, we are happy to share our knowledge, which is based on years of practice and the continuous search for the best result.