Candle wicks are usually made of braided cotton and hold the flame of a candle. They work by capillary action and deliver the fuel to the flame. They also influence how the candle burns. The melted candle wax vaporizes and combusts when it reaches the flame. There are various factors to consider when choosing a candle wick, including fire-resistance, stiffness, diameter, and tethering.
The wick is the part of the candle that controls how the candle burns and for how long. It is important to get the right wick for your candle as it is probably one of the most vital parts of the candle. Lack of adequate information and test burning can lead to a wrongly wicked candle. A candle with the wrong wick will have a big and ugly flame that produces black soot around the jars’ edges and can even shatter glass. It can also inhibit the scent the candle produces.
Best Candle Wicks on the Market
Wicks come in different treatments, all aimed at making the process of using more straightforward. Most wicks are pre-cut to either small, medium, or large sizes. Others are pre-treated and pre-tabbed for user convenience. Using a wick made from quality material, for example, cotton or linen, is the real deal. The following are reviews or recommended wicks currently in the market.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Choice | EricX Light 100 Piece Cotton Candle Wick
| Check Price |
Also great  | EricX Light 8 inch Candle Wick
| Check Price |
Best Value  | DGQ 6-Inch Natural Candle Wicks
| Check Price |
Best Organic Wick  | EricX Light Organic Hemp Candle Wicks
| Check Price |
For Beginners  | YoungRich 100 PCS Wood Candle Wicks
| Check Price |
Wicks function as the mechanism through which fuel is converted into a flame. They are the most critical part of the puzzle when it comes to making candles. Its size and texture determine the amount of fuel delivered, the burning time, and the amount of scent diffusing into the room. A smokeless and consistent burn is guaranteed from high-quality wicks crafted by weaving and twisting fibers.
Creating a relaxing, romantic, fresh, festive, or sensual environment in your room requires a wise wick selection. Depending on the mood in mind, using a single or multi-wick designed candles does not necessarily determine the strength of scent. The quality of wick is the primary determinant of whether your experience will be a blast.
Top 5 Best Candle Wicks in 2021
1. EricX Light 100 Piece Cotton Candle Wick 6″ (Best Overall)
EricX light candle wicks are top class and are made of pure cotton. They provide a large and stable flame and are ideal for all size candle making. They are pre-waxed and tabbed and contains no zinc, lead, or other metals. They offer an excellent and clean burn with a friendly and clean burn.
These wicks work in pillars and most containers. Care should be taken with the dosage of dye and scent while making candles. High dosages might influence the burning effectiveness that may cause smoke and reduce the candle’s ability to stay lit.
Pros
- Large and stable flame
- Nice and clean burn
- Perfect for all size candle making
- Paraffin free
- Made of non-toxic cotton
Cons
- Gives off soot
- Leaves dirty residue
2. EricX Light 8″ Candle Wick with Candle Wick Stickers (Most Adaptable)
The EricX light candlewicks are pre-waxed, tabbed, and cut, hence no need to do the primary steps. They come with candlewick stickers that help create a more intense glow and improve on fragrance strength. These stickers are made of heat resistant glue, keeping wicks in an appropriate position even when it’s hot.
It has a candlewick-centering device for good scent throw. Keeping the wick centered helps in making candles at home. Centering your wick saves on time and labor, reducing fatigue for work efficiency.
Pros
- Metal-free
- Made of non-toxic cotton
- No smelly odor
- Stable when lighting
Cons
- Many do not fit containers of all sizes.
- Wick centering device may rust
3. DGQ 6’’ Natural Candle Wicks With Tabs (All-Purpose)
Have you been looking for an all-purpose candle wick? The DGQ 6” natural candle wicks have tabs to firmly hold them in an upright position for maximum scent throw. This wick is suitable for candles of all types in the homemaking process. They have a sleek thickness allowing you to use more than one wick if you need a wider diameter.
The all-cotton core provides a smoke-free flame, all thanks to the keenness in its construction. Whether you want to create a fresh, romantic, or relaxing mood in your room, DGQ natural candle wicks are suitable.
Pros
- Produce little to no soot
- Biodegradable
- Non-toxic
- Burning stability while litting
Cons
- The little to no soot may be a nuisance.
- Becomes unstable when litting on low wax
4. EricX Light Organic Candle Wicks (Best Organic Wick)
Are you looking for a top of the class candle wick? EricX Light Organic Candle Wicks are made up of 100% organic Hemp and 100% Natural Beeswax. The performance of beeswax candles varies from how the beeswax was obtained and converted into the wax. Beeswax is a drip-free and slow-burning candle wax with widespread uses.
Though beeswax may be challenging to wax, they burn to create a calm, relaxed ambiance by pulling toxins from the air through ionization. The EricX light organic candle wicks are high quality with an extra-long size suitable for all candle sizes.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Burn longer
- Soot free
- Create ambiance
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires additives to improve the scent
5. Youngrich 100 Pieces Wood Candle Wicks (Best for DIY)
Are you a DIY lover who takes pride in using your hand made products? The 100 pieces of 100% pure cotton knitted with professional craftsmanship burn without smoking at a decent rate. It’s a perfect match for DIY enthusiasts who would love to make pillar candles or teacup candles.
Wicks are held in place by the added iron stands helping wicks stand straight, reducing nuisance during the candle making process. For better burning, they support combustion improvers increasing fuel-burning efficiency and diffusion of scent.
Youngrich wood candle wicks have metal bases that can hold two wicks for improved burning. If you are reading this, I know you are a big fan of reusing wax from leftover candles. Youngrich candle wicks are of great size, making it possible to melt enough wax to make tall candles from previously used candles.
If you find other types of wicks hard to use, then here is a simple but sleek type of wick for you. Fixing the candlewick only requires you to hold the top of the iron stand as you carefully pour your wax until it cools. The result is a breathtaking candle for use either by your family or on a romantic gateway.
As a natural and environment-friendly wick, the Youngrich wicks have a wide range of applications. They can be perfect for outdoor weddings, bedrooms, living rooms, cafes, or engagement party decorations. The wide range of application stems from their ability to be customized through DIY projects.
One can use them for an engagement party and still use them for a baby shower. This is a top of the class blend of convenience and flexibility.
Pros
- Wide range of use (for DIY projects)
- Burn without black smoke
- Great size
- Have an iron stand to hold wicks in place
- Easy to use
Cons
- Hard to keep the wick lit for long
- Uneven melting of wax
- Forms a hole in the middle affecting the appearance
Best Candle Wicks – Buyer’s Guide
How to Conduct a Burn Test
A burn test is important as it maintains quality control and assurance for all your candle products. It also ensures that you create a candle burning safe and clean. You will need three different wick sizes with the same candle. It is essential that you have three candles with the same wax type, fragrance concentration, fragrance, same color and same container.
The wick size should be the only different thing, all the others must be the same to make it easier to reference each candle. After wicking the testing candles, ensure that they cure for at least 24hours and then cut them into a quarter-inch before lighting them.
After lighting the candles, allow them to burn for around 3-4hours depending on the diameter. Before conducting any additional tests, allow the candles at least 5 hours to sit. Finally, inspect the melt pools and detail your observations about each candle.
Definition of Terms
Burn Rate
This is the amount of wax used up in grams per hour by the candle wick. A high burn rate will result in more wax consumed. You can test your wicks to determine the burn rate.
Wax Consumption
The size and construction of the candle wick determine the rate of candle wax consumption. A loose braid consumes more fuel than a tighter braid even with the same construction.
Smoking Wick
If you use a wick that is too large, it will consume more melted wax that the flame can burn effectively. The materials that fail to burn usually escape the flame as smoke or soot. Smoke is produced when there is more fuel in the wick than it can be fully combusted with the available oxygen.
Mushrooming
Carbon head mushrooming on candle wicks is caused by various reasons. Carbon formation occurs mostly on cored candle wicks since they are made to be rigid. The core is made of either a tight braid or a stiff core material. This makes them more prone to become clogged by wax formulation by-products.
Cored candle wicks usually burn in the cooler area of the candle flame, where there is a build-up of impurities. This results in the formation of the carbon head. To help solve this problem, ensure that you test for wax formulation and candle wick combination.
Choosing the Right Wick Size
One of the crucial factors in candle making is choosing the right wick size. Choosing the right size will ensure that the candle burns clearer and gives a reliable burn time and scent. It also ensures that the wick burns cleanly with minimal to no carbon build-up, and the flame does not flicker. A properly wicked candle burns longer than an over wicked candle.
An under wicked candle burns down the middle of the container instead of burning out to the edge. The flame often extinguishes itself before all the wax is burned out since the wick is small for the candle. An over wicked candle’s flame flicker continually and is too tall.
It also produces excess carbon that causes mushrooming. If the wick is too large, the melt pool is deeper than ½ inch and produces a lot of soot. If it is placed in a container, it could damage the surface underneath or even crack due to excess heat.
Factors that Determine Proper Wick Size
• Fuel type
• Physical shape and size of the candle
• Fragrance oil
• Colorant percentage
• Additives
• Environmental design
• Colorant type
• Fuel melt point
• Type of candle
• Wax type
Types of Wicks
Zinc Core Wicks
They are widely used for many types of candles, including pillars, votives and gel candles. They have a wire core that helps the wick to remain straight when the candle is lit or being poured. After the use of lead core was discontinued, many manufacturers started using zinc core for wicks.
The wicks are cut to the specified length, primed with a standard wax at 180 degrees F and crimped with a 20mm diameter by 10 mm tab. The recommended diameter for votive, pillars and small containers of size 44-24-18 is 2 to 2.5 inches. For sizes 51-32-18, the recommended diameter is 3 to 3.5 inches for pillars and medium containers.
The recommended diameter for pillars and large containers of size 60-44-18 is 3.5 to 4 inches. It is important to note that the diameters are based on the wick being used in a base paraffin wax and require you to approximate the wick 1 or 2 sizes to achieve a proper melt pool.
Paper Core Wicks
These burn very hot and produce a large melt pool. They are usually based in large containers only. The wicks are cut in the specified length, primed with a standard wax at 180 degrees F and crimped with 20mm diameter by 10mm tall tab.
The recommended application for size 60-44-18 is between 4 to 4.5 inches for large containers. This is based on the wick being used in the paraffin wax base. Vegetable waxes and paraffin waxes require a larger wick or multiple wicks to achieve a proper melt pool.
CD Series Wicks
These wicks are popular amongst many seasoned candlemakers. They are flat braided and have a special paper filament woven around them. This design is meant to promote maximum and consistent burn and ensure the candle has a wick trimming flame posture.
They are widely applicable and compatible with viscous waxes that are harder to melt of both vegetable and paraffin base. The wicks are cut, primed with a high melting point wax at 212 degrees F and crimped with a 20 mm diameter by 10 mm tall tab.
The CD-22 is the only exception with a 20mm diameter by 6 mm tab. The recommendations are based on a paraffin wax base wick. You may require to upsize the wick from 1 to 3 inches to get a proper melt pool since vegetable and paraffin waxes require a larger wick.
Size recommended diameter
- CD-4 1.25 to 1.75inches votives and small containers
- CD-5 1.75 to 2inches votive and small containers
- CD-6 2 to 2.25inches pillars, votives and small containers
- CD-7 2.25 to 2.5inches pillars and small containers
- CD-8 2.5 to 3inches pillars and medium containers
- CD-10 3 to 3.5inches pillars and medium containers
- CD-12 3.25 to 3.5inches pillars and medium containers
- CD-14 3.5 to 3.75inches pillars and large containers
- CD-16 3.75 to 4.0inches pillars and large containers
- CD-18 4 to 4.25inches pillars and large containers
- CD-20 4.25 to 4.5inches pillars and large containers
- CD-22 4.5 to 4.75inches pillars and large containers
ECO Series Wicks
These wicks are engineered specifically for natural waxes. They are flat, coreless cotton wick braided with thin paper filaments interwoven to increase the stability of the burn. It also improves rigidity compared to standard cotton and paper cored wicks. They contain specially treated threads that offer a controlled curling of the wick, making the wicks self-trimming and reduce smoke, soot and mushrooming.
ECO series wicks are designed to reduce smoke and afterglow as seen in paper cored wicks. They are all-natural since they are primed with vegetable wax at 161 degrees F rather than paraffin wax. They are also cut to the specified length and crimped 20mm diameter by 10 mm tall tab.
Size recommended diameter (based on the wick being used in a soy wax)
- ECO-1 1.25 to 1.5inches Votives and small containers
- ECO-2 1.5 to 2inches votives and small containers
- ECO-4 2 to 2.5inches pillars votives and small containers
- ECO-6 2.5 to 2.75inches pillar and small containers
- ECO-8 2.75 to 3inches pillars and medium containers
- ECO-10 3 to 3.25inches pillars and medium containers
- ECO-12 3.25 to 3.5inches pillars and medium containers
- ECO-14 3.5 to 3.75inches pillars and large containers
HTP Series Wicks
These wicks are coreless and are made from all cotton. They bend at the top when burning to force the tip of the wick into the outermost portion of the flame where it burns hottest. This results in less carbon buildup due to complete combustion.
They are applicable in pillars, votives, gel and container candles. They are cut to a specific length and crimped with a 20mm diameter by 10mm tall tab. They are also primed with a high melt point wax of 212 degrees F.
Size recommended diameter
- HTP-31 1.5 to 2inches votives and small Container
- HTP-41 2 to 2.5inches votives, pillars and small Containers
- HTP-52 2.25 to 2.5inches pillars and small containers
- HTP-62 2.5 to 2.75inches pillars and medium containers
- HTP-73 2.75 to 3inches pillars and medium containers
- HTP-83 3 to 3.5inches pillars and medium containers
- HTP-104 3.5 to 4inches pillars and large containers
- HTP-105 4 to 4.5inches pillars and large containers
- HTP-1212 4.5 to 5inches pillars and large containers
LX Series Wicks
These flat braided cotton wicks are chemically treated with a high melt point wax at 212 degrees F. They reduce the buildup of carbon at the top of the wick. They are also designed to reduce soot and smoke, and they are self-trimming when used properly. They are used in almost every application. The wicks are cut to the specified length and are crimped with a 20mm diameter by 10mm tall tab.
Size recommended diameter
- LX-8 1.25 to1.5inches votives and small containers
- LX-10 1.5 to 2inches votives and small containers
- LX-12 2 to 2.25inches votives, pillars and small containers
- LX-14 2.25 to 2.5inches pillars and small containers
- LX-16 2.5 to 3inches pillars and medium containers
- LX-18 3 to 3.25inches pillars and medium containers
- LX-20 3.25 to 3.5inches pillars and medium containers
- LX-21 3.5 to 3.75inches pillars and large containers
- LX-22 3.75 to 4inches pillars and large containers
- LX-24 4 to 4.25inches pillars and large containers
- LX-26 4.25 to 4.5inches pillars and large containers
- LX-28 4.5 to 4.75inches pillars and large containers
- LX-30 4.75 to 5inches pillars and large containers
Wooden Wicks
Wooden wicks are the latest entry to the candle making industry and include soft wood wicks and hard wood wicks. Soft wood wicks are far more superior to hard wood wick. They can also burn with the unique sound of a wood burning fire and pop. Soft wood wicks comprise of two similar pieces of wood pressed together.
They are ideal for natural waxes like soy and waxes that can hold a lot of fragrance oil. It is vital not to use too much fragrance oil if you are looking to achieve a good crackle sound since it results from using the right amount of dye, fragrance oil and type of wax.
How to Use to Multiple Wicks in a Candle
You may prefer to use more than one wick in a candle jar. You should ask yourself important questions like when you should more than one wick, the size to use and where to place the wicks in the jar. You can use multiple wicks in a jar that is larger than 3.5 inches in diameter. Using multiple wicks that are large can lead to carbon buildup, causing a lot of soot and smoking and affect the scent throw.
Conclusion
Ensure that you test your candles in order to get the desired end product. Choosing the right wick can be a daunting task and you may not get it right the first time. The above information should help you make the right choice and make quality candles.
The candle industry is rapidly evolving and adapting new technology in candle making. There is a new wick-to-flame feature that allows candle to transform from a realistic wick when off to a flickering moving-flame when on. This feature make flameless candles look authentic. It is also cost effective and environmentally friendly.
A source: https://www.prnewswire.com/
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