Guides / Candle basics
Candle basics
Wax types, wicks, scent throw, container versus pillar candles, how to choose a candle and an A-Z glossary.
A candle looks simple: wax, a wick and a flame. In practice the type of wax, the size of the wick and the amount of fragrance decide how well it burns, how strongly it smells and how long it lasts. Start here to understand what you are buying.
CandlesA-Z glossaryPlain-English definitions of candle, fragrance, showbiz and llama words used across the Al Drama Llama guides, from accord to wool.
CandlesCandle wax types comparedSoy, beeswax, coconut, rapeseed and paraffin wax all burn differently. This guide compares how each one is made, how it smells, how long it lasts and what it is best for.
CandlesCandle wicks explainedThe wick controls the size of the flame, the melt pool and the amount of soot. Learn how cotton and wood wicks work and how wick size changes the way a candle burns.CandlesCold throw and hot throwThrow is how well a candle's scent fills a room. Here is what cold throw and hot throw mean, what affects them and how to get the most fragrance from a candle.
CandlesContainer candles vs pillar candlesJar candles and free-standing pillars use different waxes, burn in different ways and need different care. This side-by-side guide helps you pick the right one.CandlesHow to choose a candleA practical buying guide covering wax, wick, jar, size, scent strength and price, so you can choose a candle that burns well and smells the way you want.
CandlesCandle wax types comparedSoy, beeswax, coconut, rapeseed and paraffin wax all burn differently. This guide compares how each one is made, how it smells, how long it lasts and what it is best for.CandlesCandle wicks explainedThe wick controls the size of the flame, the melt pool and the amount of soot. Learn how cotton and wood wicks work and how wick size changes the way a candle burns.CandlesCold throw and hot throwThrow is how well a candle's scent fills a room. Here is what cold throw and hot throw mean, what affects them and how to get the most fragrance from a candle.CandlesContainer candles vs pillar candlesJar candles and free-standing pillars use different waxes, burn in different ways and need different care. This side-by-side guide helps you pick the right one.CandlesHow to choose a candleA practical buying guide covering wax, wick, jar, size, scent strength and price, so you can choose a candle that burns well and smells the way you want.