Gel Candles: 3 Common Misperceptions Explained
Executive Summary about Gel Candles by Heather Durner
Gel candle
I heard that gel candles are more dangerous than regular wax candles:
Gel candles do burn hotter than wax candles, so great care must be taken by the candle maker to insure that the glassware used to contain the gel be of sufficient strength so as not to explode when the candle is burned.
Gel candles are 95% common food grade mineral oil and 5% resin.
Gel candles cost more than wax candles.
News reports say gel candles are using lead wicks.
All of our candles use a zinc or tin wick and that goes for both gel & wax candles.
Gel Candle Safety: What You Should Know Before You Buy
Executive Summary about Gel Candles by Lisa Robbin
Careless manufacturers assume that gel candles can be made in the same manner as traditional paraffin candles. First, gel candles should not contain flammable materials as embeds. Many gel candles have no sustainer base of any kind, which results in wick “float” as it burns.
Second, it is important to inspect all your container candles before lighting - this includes paraffin candles. Ask your candle maker. Finally, it is important to supervise a burning candle. Never leave a burning candle unattended - and never touch a burning candle!
Another type of container candle is called a “double glassed” gel candle. In the last five years a new type of clear candle has emerged - freestanding gel-type candles. Again using a base of mineral oil, candle uses a patented resin as the stabilizer, creating a candle that outshines both traditional paraffin and gel candles. It requires no container like gel candles, burns longer than paraffin and holds more fragrance than either. The flame burns down through the inside of the candle as light radiates through the candle’s side wall. Whatever your candle choice, know what your burning.
Check out other guides on Flameless Candles and Floating Candles