Wax candles may be a valuable addition to your emergency fuel storage to ensure that basic fuel needs are safely met when disaster strikes. And the ability to use them indoors without ventilation concerns means you can cook even during times when you need to keep your windows closed.

While candles are not as powerful as propane, wood, or liquid fuels, candles are safe to store in large quantities, produce minimal toxins when burned and are easy to use.

You will want to store unscented candles – especially when it comes to ones you intend on using for cooking or baking. Plus scented candles give off more air toxins than unscented candles although in tests the levels remained within the safe zone.

Types of Wax

Paraffin is the least expensive wax. Candles made from paraffin, or a paraffin wax blend, tend to be less expensive than natural wax candles. These candles are widely available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Natural wax (soy wax, palm wax, and beeswax) candles may be more expensive, but the value of longer burn time and less soot may make the additional cost worth it to you.

Best Candle for Emergency Use

You may want to store a variety of candles for emergency use. Each of these candles is a bit unique in both function and benefits. Let’s explore why you might select these candles  

Pillar Candles

A pillar candle is large, made of rigid wax, and has the ability to stand on its own. It should be placed on a non-flammable plate or bowl to catch the melted wax.

Burn rates for a 3-inch pillar candle may average 30-35 hours for 3-inch, 65-70 hours for 5-inch, and 90-95 hours for a 7-inch pillar candle.

Container Candles

Container candles are good for emergency use. These candles come in a non-flammable container filled with wax with a wick in the center. They can be quite decorative and are easy to make at home as a craft project.

They are also slightly safer in terms of fire danger, if the container is stable, because the flame burns below the edge of the container rim and the flame isn’t exposed to anything that might swish past it like a cats tail.

Votive Candles

A votive candle is a small candle that is sold without a cup. A votive candle will completely liquefy and must be placed in a cup or votive holder to burn. A small votive candle can burn up to 10 hours.

Tip: To easily clean wax out of a votive holder, place it in the freezer. The frozen wax will pop right out of the container.

Tea Light Candles

A tea light is a small candle that is sold in its own cup to contain the wax. They are usually sold in a thin metal tin but you can also find it in a clear plastic cup. 

Tea lights can be used for emergency heaters, cooking and baking, as well as for lighting. They are so versatile, plus they are easy to store.

Liquid Emergency Candles 

100-Hour liquid candles are popular self-contained liquid candles sold specifically for emergency lighting. The plastic container has a wide base and is filled with liquid paraffin. It produces a small flame that provides light and burns clean.

Calculating burn rates