Beeswax candles are loved for their soft golden glow, gentle honey scent, and all-natural composition—but one of their standout qualities is their incredible burn time. Compared to paraffin or soy alternatives, beeswax burns significantly slower, making it a smart, long-lasting choice for eco-conscious households.
But how long do beeswax candles really last? The answer depends on a range of factors including candle size, wick type, environment, and even how you burn them. In this guide, we’ll explore the variables that affect burn time and how to make the most of your beeswax candles.
What Affects the Burn Time of Beeswax Candles?
The burn time of a beeswax candle isn’t set in stone—it’s influenced by several important factors:
1. Candle Size and Shape
Naturally, a small tealight will burn much faster than a thick pillar candle. Wider candles typically burn longer than tall, narrow ones due to the size of the wax pool they form.
2. Wick Type and Thickness
A thicker wick draws more wax and produces a larger flame, which can shorten burn time. A properly sized wick ensures the flame is steady and efficient, preventing tunnelling or wasted wax.
3. Wax Purity
Candles made from 100% pure beeswax burn more slowly than those blended with other waxes. Blends may be cheaper, but they often burn faster and less cleanly.
4. Airflow and Drafts
Even subtle air movement from windows or vents can cause your candle to flicker and burn unevenly. A flickering flame leads to increased wax consumption and can cut total burn time in half.
How Long Do Different Types of Beeswax Candles Last?
Beeswax is known for being a slow-burning wax, thanks to its higher melting point and density. Here’s a general guide to how long you can expect different styles to last:
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Tealight (approx. 20g): 4–6 hours
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Taper (standard dinner candle): 8–12 hours
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Pillar (300g): 50–70 hours
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Container candle (180g): 30–50 hours
For comparison, similar-sized paraffin candles might burn 30–50% faster. This makes beeswax candles a better long-term value—both financially and environmentally.
Looking to invest in reliable, slow-burning options? Shop our long-burning beeswax candles for artisan-made choices crafted with clean, natural ingredients.
How to Make Your Beeswax Candles Last Longer
Proper care and burning techniques can significantly extend the life of your beeswax candles. Here’s how:
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Trim the wick to 5mm before each use to reduce soot and prevent oversized flames.
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Allow a full melt pool (wax melted edge to edge) to form before extinguishing. This prevents tunnelling and ensures an even burn.
- Place candle in the freezer for a few hours prior to burning
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Keep candles away from drafts to maintain a steady flame.
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Store in a cool, dark place to prevent softening or discolouration over time.
Even small habits, like using a candle snuffer rather than blowing the flame out, can preserve wax and reduce dripping.
Are Beeswax Candles Worth the Investment?
At first glance, beeswax candles may seem more expensive than paraffin or soy options—but their longevity, purity, and performance more than justify the price.
Here’s why pure Beeswax candles are worth it:
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They burn longer than most other waxes
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Produce minimal soot and smoke
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Naturally purify the air by releasing negative ions
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Made without synthetic additives or petroleum by-products
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Eco-friendly and fully biodegradable
For anyone looking to make a more sustainable choice in their home, beeswax is a top-tier option.
Ready to go all-natural with your candle collection? Explore our natural beeswax range for clean-burning solutions you can feel good about.
Where to Buy High-Quality Beeswax Candles
To enjoy the maximum benefits of beeswax, it’s essential to choose candles that are:
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Made from 100% pure Australian beeswax
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Hand-poured or artisan-crafted
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Free from synthetic fragrance or paraffin blends
At The Basin Backyard, we have created Pure Beeswax candles designed to burn beautifully and last longer—ideal for daily use, gifting, or wellness rituals.
Need a hand selecting the right size or shape for your space? Contact us if you need help selecting the right candle for your space.
Final Thoughts
So, how long do beeswax candles last? The answer varies, but with the right conditions and care, they burn significantly longer than other candles—delivering a natural glow and subtle honey scent without compromise.
Whether you’re lighting a single taper for dinner or keeping a large pillar going for days, beeswax is a reliable, long-burning companion that’s worth every gram.