Electric tealights do not emit heat like their flamed counterparts. Therefore, they are not suitable for chafing dishes or food warmers. (BestReviews)
When looking to create a warm and cozy atmosphere, nothing does the trick better than the soft glow of tea lights around a room. These small, circular candles are available with either traditional wax and wick or flameless LEDs and can be scented or unscented.
Whether looking to accent centerpieces or to light a room, the Homemory Flickering Bulb LED Tea Lights are a top choice for setting the mood with its flameless, flickering candle design.
All traditional candles, tea lights included, are made with three types of wax:
While these wax types can all be found in tea lights, it’s important to remember that you do not need a traditional wax and wick to brighten the room with a beautiful candle. You can always buy flameless battery-powered tea lights, which are safest if you have young children or pets.
Tea light candles are small, round and sold in multi-packs. Depending on the wax and overall quality of the candles, packs are offered in limited numbers or in bulk. Bulk packs can be quite generous in size, offering up to 100 or 200 tea lights.
Tea lights are generally used for setting a mood and creating a cozy space. They add ambiance to outdoor patios or bedrooms and can be used in decorative candle holders. When used as the primary light source, they cast an intimate glow.
Scented tea light candles get their fragrance from oils that can be artificial or natural. Artificial fragrances tend to be overpowering for some and create soot and smoke when extinguished. Tea lights come in a variety of sweet scents like vanilla and honey, while some offer a fruity aroma.
The majority of tea lights burn only a few hours due to their size. Companies may advertise longer burn times, but these are achieved in ideal conditions. Humidity, dust and dirt can shorten a candle’s life. Snuffing and relighting your tea lights can also impact total burn time.
Battery-powered tea lights simulate a realistic, flickering flame. Often referred to as flameless tea lights, they provide the desired ambiance without the risk of an open flame. Battery-powered tea lights lack the natural glow of wax candles but are a safer, flame-free option. Faux tea lights come in a variety of colors but can be a bit costlier.
Inexpensive tea light candles can be purchased in large packs. Paraffin-based tea lights start around $15. In the $15-$25 range, you’ll find packs of higher-quality candles made from different types of wax.
A. Although tea light holders are not necessary for outdoor use on patios, holders are preferable for indoor use. Tea light holders and votives come in a wide variety of styles to hold one light or as many as 20.
A. Since tea lights have a shorter lifespan than average size candles, they require minimal care. If you intend to use your tea light more than once, it's recommended you keep it away from moisture to keep the wick dry.
Homemory Flickering Bulb LED Tea Lights: available at Amazon
Our take: These flameless-flicker LED candles offer a cozy mood for those who don't want the risk of an open flame.
What we like: With this 12-pack of LED-lit tea lights, you can expect a realistic flickering appearance. They fit in standard votives and feature a "melted candle" edge detail.
What we dislike: Batteries are challenging to change.
Stonebriar Tea Light Candles: available at Amazon and Wayfair
Our take: This value mega-pack of paraffin tea lights is perfect for outdoor weddings and large events.
What we like: Made from 100 percent paraffin, these unscented tea light candles offer six hours of burn time and have a smokeless wick. The packs come in quantities of 100, 200 and 300.
What we dislike: Some people report that the candles arrive in a bag versus the neatly packed box advertised.
Zion Judaica Unscented Tea Light Candles: available at Amazon
Our take: With a slightly shorter burn time of four hours, these unscented tea light candles are a high-quality bulk option.
What we like: Well-packed and low in cost, you'll find these tea light candles easy to light and have a sturdy, smokeless wick. This brand offers impressive quality control and is sold in packs of 25, 100 or 200.
What we dislike: The flame appears weak compared to other tea lights.
Shortie's Candle Company Vanilla Bean Tealight Candles: available at Amazon
Our take: You'll discover a powerful, lingering vanilla scent with these tea light candles that offer an aroma derived from essential oils.
What we like: These vanilla bean tea lights come from a trusted brand, Shortie's Candle Company. Burn time is over five hours to offer a sweet vanilla bean aroma. The natural fiber wick is self-trimming and casts a bright flame.
What we dislike: The tea lights are made from paraffin and are pricey for a total of six candles.
Home Lights Unscented White Tea Light Candles: available at Amazon
Our take: This 200-pack of quality tea lights offer an extended burn time and provides a warm ambiance for those that crave quality and value.
What we like: With a clean-burning wick that easily relights, these tea light candles come in a pack of 200 and offer a low per-candle price. The seven-hour burn time is lengthier than most and works well for large events.
What we dislike: The candles lack brightness compared to other brands.
Rachel Pintarelli is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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