There’s something about a crackling candle that makes you feel cosy. Maybe it’s the sound of the flames or the knowledge that you can relax and enjoy the scent without worrying about putting the fire out. Wood wick crackling candles have become incredibly popular in recent years, and for a good reason – they’re mesmerising! In this guide, we’ll answer some common questions about wood wick crackling candles and provide instructions on how to make them yourself.
A wood wick candle is a type of candle that uses a piece of wood as the wick. Wood wick candles have a better scent throw than traditional cotton wicks. This is because wood wicks burn hotter faster, producing a quicker melt pool. When lit, the wick crackles as it burns, producing a soothing sound.
So what makes them crackle, why are they so popular, and how can you make your wood wick candle? We will explore these questions below, so read on to learn more.
What makes wood wick candles crackle?
As the wood wick burns, it emits a crackling sound similar to a campfire. The crackling sound is caused by a mix of expanding gases and cellulose breaking down within the wick. The more water and sap within the wick – the more the crackling. This crackling sound is why people love wood wick candles.
Why are wood wick candles so popular?
Wood wick candles are popular because they crackle! The crackling sound is soothing and relaxing, and it makes the candle feel more like a campfire. Wood wick candles are also available in a wide variety of scents, so you can find one that’s perfect for you.
Do wood or cotton wicks burn longer?
Cotton wicks burn longer than wood wicks because they are made of natural fibers and are manufactured for consistency. Wood wicks produce a lower flame, providing a quicker hot throw and melt pool. Although this has benefits, your wax will be consumed quicker.
Do wood wicks have a better scent throw?
Wood wick candles have a better scent throw than traditional cotton wicks. This is because wood wicks burn hotter faster, producing a quicker melt pool. Cotton wicks produce a slower melt pool meaning fragrance is released more slowly into the surrounding area.
Are wood wicks better than traditional cotton wicks?
Other advantages of wood wicks
The advantage of using a wooden wick is that it crackles when burned, giving your candle a cosy, campfire-like ambiance. Wood wicks also have an impressive scent throw and provide an additional authentic wood-burning smell to your scented candle. They maintain a consistent melt pool that reduces the chance of tunnelling.
With wooden wicks, you will also not need any additional wick tools. Wood wicks are ridged, meaning the wick will hold up on its own when you pour your wax into the candle container. Cotton wicks will not stay in place and will fall over, meaning you will need a wick bar or stabiliser. You will also not require any tools to trim your wooden wick. Wood wicks can quickly be snapped when adjusting the length or removing a burnt end.
If you happen to be someone that is new to candle-making, hold up for just a minute. We wrote an article all about the frequently asked questions beginners ask that we encourage you to read!
Other advantages of cotton wicks
Traditional cotton wicks are cheaper to produce and provide a taller flame than wood wicks. Cotton wicks are also more suitable for outdoor conditions than wood wicks that are unlikely to withstand windy weather. Cotton wicks are easier to light than wood wicks, especially after the wood wick has already been lit.
Cotton wicks are consistent and will remain lit once ignited, and you will attain a similar flame size. The same cannot be said for wooden wicks, which can be inconsistent with them being a natural material where no wick is the same. Cotton wicks are also commonplace, with many different suppliers to purchase your wicks from. There are fewer wooden wick suppliers, so your options are more limited.
We reviewed several wood wicks compared to traditional cotton wicks and found that wood wicks were more expensive in all instances. We found that wood wicks were five times more costly than cotton wicks. Our analysis found that cotton wicks on average cost £0.08 and wood wicks cost £0.40.
Although this cost can be witnessed, you will expect to sell or purchase wood wick candles for more money. This can benefit candle makers that can see a greater return on investment on their products.
Are wood wicks eco-friendly?
The majority of wood wicks are made from FSC-certified wood. FSC certification ensures that the wood has been sourced from well-managed forests that are not contributing to deforestation. Several thousand wicks can be attained from one tree and are more sustainable than traditional cotton wicks.
To make sure your wood wick candle is eco-friendly, check the label to see if it is made with FSC-certified wood. You want to also find out if the wood has been treated with any chemicals. If you are concerned about the chemicals used to treat the wood, you can make your own wood wicks.
What wood are wooden wicks made of?
Wooden wicks are made from various woods, including maple, oak, cherry, birch, and poplar. The type of wood used will affect the crackling sound and scent of the candle. Hard and softwood can be used for wooden wicks, and you can buy them as strips and cut them to your desired length.
What do you need for wood wick candles?
To make your very own wood wick crackling candle, you will need the following items:
- Mason jar or another non-flammable container
- Wood wick
- Wax (soy, beeswax, coconut, paraffin).
- Scented oil
- Thermometer
- Double Boiler
How to make a wood wick candle?
Step One: Choose your jar. Any Mason jar will do, but we recommend using a wide mouth jar for easier access.
Step Two: Cut your wood wick to size. It should be long enough to reach the bottom of the jar, with enough left to leave 5mm of wick exposed above the wax.
Step Three: Place the wood wick in the jar and secure it with a dot of wax. This will help keep it in place while you’re pouring the wax.
Step Four: Melt your wax. We recommend using a double boiler for this step, as it’s the safest way to melt the wax. Also, add your thermometer to the wax and monitor the heat. Once you reach 85 degrees Celsius, move to the next step.
BE AWARE: All waxes are different, and you need to read the instructions for temperatures and uses. The 85 degrees indicate commonplace waxes – read your waxes instructions!
Step Five: Once the wax is melted and reaches 85 degrees Celsius, remove it from the heat and stir in your chosen scent. We recommend using about 30 drops of oil per pound of wax.
Step Six: Carefully pour the wax into the jar, covering the wood wick completely. Check your wax type to gauge the correct pour temperature, as this will differ depending on your specific wax.
Step Seven: Allow the wax to cool and harden. This can take a few hours, so be patient!
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! You’ve now made your very own wood wick crackling candle. We hope you enjoy it. Thanks for reading!
Have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment below. We’ll be happy to help.
What are some of your favourite crackling candles? Let us know in the comments below!
