How to Burn Test Your Candles Like a Pro (And Why It Matters)

🕯 How to Burn Test Your Candles (Step-by-Step)

💡 Always burn test candles in a safe, controlled space — never leave a candle unattended.

1️⃣ Prepare Your Test Candles

Make several candles with different wick sizes and materials. Label them so you can track performance.

2️⃣ Burn Simultaneously

Burn your test candles at the same time for accurate comparisons. Consistency is key!

3️⃣ Burn for At Least 4 Hours

This is the sweet spot to check:

• Melt pool formation

• Wick performance

• Early signs of tunneling

4️⃣ Take Notes

Track:

• Burn hours

• Flame size

• Scent throw strength

• Wax melt pool coverage

5️⃣ Test Longer Burns

Candles often burn for hours at a time. Check how your candle performs over extended periods.

6️⃣ Repeat as Needed

Keep testing until you find the perfect wick + wax + scent combo that gives you that flawless, even candle burn.

🌟 When to Use Two Wicks

If your container is large and one wick isn’t enough for an even melt pool, try two wicks. Remember: you’ll need to burn test again!

👀 What to Watch During a Burn Test

• 🔥 Large, dangerous flames → Wick too big

•🔥 Unstable dancing flame → Wrong wick size

• 🕳️ Candle tunneling → Wick too small

• 💧 Fast melt pool that reaches edge too quickly → Wick too large

📝 Final Thoughts on Burn Testing Candles

A thorough candle burn test ensures your creations are safe, burn evenly, and deliver beautiful fragrance. Every time you change a container or formula, it’s time to burn test again!

👉 Want to stop tunneling? Achieve the best scent throw? Choose the right wick?
Burn testing is the key to creating candles your customers will trust and love.

💡 FAQ

Is burn testing really necessary?
Yes! Every new design or formula needs burn testing for safety and quality.

How does wick size affect scent throw?
A proper wick helps the fragrance distribute evenly — too large or small, and it won’t throw scent properly.

Back to blog

FAQ

Can I still sell a candle that didn’t pass the burn test?

No — a candle that fails a burn test can pose a safety risk or provide a poor customer experience. Burn testing helps ensure your final product is both safe and enjoyable.

What do I do if my candle tunnels during a burn test?

Try adjusting wick size or type. Tunneling often means the wick isn’t generating enough heat to create a full melt pool. Make notes, and re-test after tweaking.

Do I need to burn test every candle I make?

If you change anything in your recipe — like wax type, wick size, fragrance load, or container — yes! Even small tweaks can affect performance. If you're making identical batches, spot-checking a few can work, but consistent testing is best for safety.