15 Best Emergency Candles For Survival: Buying Guide
When it comes to the best survival candles, few items can rival their importance in crisis situations, such as cold weather and unexpected power outages. These specialized candles, including renowned products like the UCO candle lantern and beeswax candles, ensure reliable light and warmth during unexpected emergencies.
You might think of flashlights or emergency lighting as your go-to solution, but remember, they depend on batteries or external power sources. And in a crisis, you can’t afford to waste precious energy on short-term fixes.
That’s where the best emergency candles come into play.
For centuries, candles have illuminated our homes, guided travelers through the night, and played essential roles in religious ceremonies. They’re a staple in any survival kit, thanks to their simplicity, affordability, and ease of use.
Let’s take a look at these top 15 emergency candles that could make all the difference in a survival situation.
Our Top Picks For The Best Emergency Candles For Survival
When disaster strikes, having the right emergency candles can be a game-changer. Our curated list includes options like beeswax candles, renowned for their prolonged burn time.
In This Guide
- What Makes A Great Survival Candle
- Emergency Uses Of Candles
- Types Of Emergency Candles
- Tips For Longer Burns
- FAQs
The 15 Best Emergency Candles For Survival
The best emergency candles offer a blend of longevity, safety, and utility. Here are the top 15 candles on our list.
- Lightweight, portable, and windproof design
- Mess-free use
- Longer than advertised candle burns
- Newer versions are made in China quality
This candle is your lightweight, collapsible, and windproof solution to brighten campsites and backyards. It offers up to 9 hours of natural light and cozy heat (per candle). You can also watch the remaining burn time through the lantern’s side viewing slot.
Use this candle set to help keep your tent warm without the risks of fires. It also emits the right amount of light so you can see around your shelter without drawing too much attention to yourself at night.
- Perfect for Smaller Bugout Bugs
- Provides a good amount of light with all three wicks burning
- Easy to handle
- Not recommended for indoor use
Tailor this candle to your needs by using one, two, or all three wicks for maximum illumination and warmth. Housed in a sturdy metal case and made from paraffin wax, the Stansport Survival Candle is designed to be with you where ever you go.
- Beautiful, pleasant smelling burn
- Long burn times
- Ideal for power outages
- Heavier than similar sized candles
Proudly made in the USA, this all-natural beeswax candle has three pure cotton candle wicks. Each candle is housed in a sturdy, reusable tin and can easily be in your pocket.
Compared to traditional paraffin wax candles, beeswax burns brighter, hotter, cleaner, and longer. Since it releases negative ions that purify the air, it makes a great candle option for those with asthma and allergies.
- True nano-sized, compact tin candle
- Works great as a fire starter when cold or windy
- Burns clean
- Almost too small for practical use
- A bit pricey
Proudly designed, forged, and hand-finished in the USA, the EXOTAC CandleTIN is a reliable and stylish addition to your emergency preparedness kit. Get 1 hour burn time with all three wicks or up to 6 hours with 1 wick.
This is a true nano candle that you can tuck away in a first aid kit. In case you ever need to cook, you’ll be able to boil water with this nano candle in under 18 minutes. Not amazing, but can be life-saving.
- Unscented, clean burn for up to 7 hours
- Up to twice the size of other tea light candles
- Very affordable, great value
- Difficult to relight after first use
These long-burning white tea lights come neatly shrink-wrapped in a protective storage box ready to use. These are lightweight, compact, and ideal for packing in your bag for emergencies.
Thanks to its European-made, high-quality craftsmanship, you can enjoy a safe and extended burn time of 6 to 7 hours per candle. That’s up to 700-hours of light per box if your really crafty with your use.
- Backed by a Lifetime Warranty
- Windproof design
- Will work with any tea light candle
- Lid gets very hot and can burn you
The Mini Candle Lantern Kit features a lightweight, durable aluminum body with a powder-coated finish for a durable build. It’s also compatible with all varieties of tea light candles. Plus, the twist-lock vented base makes swapping candles a breeze.
Thanks to a well-built candle hanger, you can secure your light source just about anywhere. Like the larger UCO lantern, this tea light candle lantern makes it so you can get good lighting even in unfavorable weather.
- Long, bright burns with all 3 wicks
- Reliable relight every time
- Works exactly as promised
- Very heavy
Bring a sense of safety to your home during a power outage. These emergency candles burn bright and for a long time. The price is hard to beat, specially when it comes to how reliable this candle works after each relight.
Although these emergency candles are vegetable wax, they still burn relatively clean compared to other tin can candles on the market. Just make sure not to move them around so much so you don’t spill the wax all over the place.
- Good ambient light with 1 wick, bright light with 3 wicks
- Decent, usable heat
- Leak proof container
- Bigger than usual tin can candles
If you ever find yourself in a bind, these are the perfect grab-and-go candles. They’re great candles to include in your bug outs and emergency kits, It’s easy to carry around and takes up very little space in your pack.
Some emergency candles can be difficult to light, especially without packing a proper lighter. However, these come with three matches to help you get started.
- Cleans air while burning
- Long clean burn makes it perfect for camping
- Made in the U.S.
- Pricier than traditional wax candles
- Melts down quickly
Keep your house bright for days with these mess-free bees wax candles. Although made specifically for UCO lanterns, these pillar candles work well enough as a stand-alone and will last a long time.
They’re odorless but sometimes emit a honey-oat-like scent that can be pretty relaxing. If you have family members with asthma or sensitive allergies, these are the candles to go to.
- It can last up to 48hrs when used properly
- Classy, inexpensive candles
- Odorless burn
- Burns weird
- Leaves a lot of wax
If all you need is a candle that can light a room and burn for a long time, these emergency candles are the way to go. They are classy enough to be used for decorations around the house, but burn long enough to help you see through the darkest of nights.
They’re also odorless, so you don’t have to worry about breathing in that nasty soot cheaper candles might have. Just make sure to trim down the wick a little bit if you’re looking to get the most out of these candles.
- Long burning at more than 100 hours
- Compact design
- Wax doesn't leak
- Foul smell
- Wicks are short
These long-lasting candles offer 115 hours of burn time, providing peace of mind during power outages or outdoor adventures. Made from liquid paraffin, these candles are smokeless, odorless, and soot-free, ensuring a mess-free experience.
These candles are produced with safety in mind, featuring a plastic container and screw-top lid to prevent evaporation and spills. With 345 hours of light across three candles, these long-lasting oil votives are a must-have for any home or emergency kit.
- Dripless
- No black smoke
- Long burn time
- Doesn't stay put in the candle holder
This 45-bulk pack of emergency candles is non-drip and designed for extended burning. So you can get a consistent flame and more wax than tapered candles. They also offer a clean and hassle-free experience.
BOLSIUS’ features high-grade wax that ensures a slow burn for up to 7 hours. They’re versatile, and aside from emergencies, you can even use them for different occasions.
- Long burn time of more than 200 hours
- Slightly fatter than other candles and won't break easily
- Encased in a plastic container for added protection
- Poor quality wicks
- Soft light
Enjoy 216 hours of burn time with these premium quality, 100% vegetable oil wax candles. These are crafted in Europe for a slow-melting, soft glow.
It features a safe, elegant plastic holder that ensures the flame stays contained. These also help reduce the risk of accidental fires. The free-standing design allows placement on any surface without needing a tray, cup, or candlestick.
- Long burning time of more than 3 days
- Smokeless and odorless
- Clean and easy to use
- Plastic packaging is thin
With a total burn time of 115 hours per candle, this set of six provides a whopping 690 hours of reliable light. Crafted from pure liquid paraffin, you can expect a long-lasting, soot-free burn, safe for indoor use.
Worried about indoor use? Fear not! These candles are 100% smoke and odor-free, ideal for blackouts. Plus, their lightweight design ensures easy portability and hassle-free storage.
And if you’re not thrilled with these candles, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.
- Long burning time of more than 100+ hours
- Emits a light honey scent
- Durable and natural candles
- Wicks can be hard to light
Bluecorn Beeswax pillar candles are always free of all the nasty stuff like paraffin, soy, chemical fragrances, and metal-core wicks. That means you can enjoy a clean-burning and non-toxic experience, which is great for your indoor air quality.
Plus, their 4×4-inch emergency candles boast an impressive 120-hour burn time, so you can have a reliable light source during a power outage. These candles use lightly filtered beeswax and carefully chosen wicks, so you don’t have to worry about clogging or tunneling.
And the best part? The process keeps the natural color and sweet honey aroma of raw beeswax, so they’ll look beautiful in your space and smell amazing.
What Makes A Great Survival Candle?
A good survival candle — like the revered beeswax candles or the efficient slow-burning varieties — is defined by its durability, consistent burn time, and resistance to environmental challenges, ensuring it delivers light and warmth when they matter most.
The best emergency candles offer light and warmth during disasters or power outages. Their high-quality wax and wick prevent flickering, ensuring steady illumination. These candles are dripless, avoiding wax spills and messes.
Additionally, their slow-burning nature provides reliable light for extended periods.
Emergency Uses Of Candles
While primarily a source of light, survival candles serve myriad emergency purposes. Their primary role—providing illumination—is obvious but vital.
Providing Light During Power Outages
Power outages can plunge spaces into darkness, but survival candles ensure consistent illumination. A double wick design enhances the brightness, making it easier to navigate dark spaces. These can also help you navigate your surroundings and perform tasks in the dark.
Cooking and Heating Food
Cooking and heating canned food or water for beverages is another role these candles can play. A high melt point ensures that the flame stays consistent and effective. This is essential so you can have access to hot meals during emergencies.
Starting a Fire
Starting fires becomes simplified with the right survival candle at hand. The presence of a sturdy wick is crucial for this application. Candles can act as a convenient fire starter for igniting kindling or tinder, making it easier to build a larger fire for warmth and cooking.
Signaling for Help
Signaling for help can be accomplished with a brightly colored or scented candle. Smoke signals are another effective method for drawing attention. You can see the flicker of a candle from a distance. So candles make a useful tool for signaling your location to rescuers or other survivors.
Melting Snow for Drinking Water
Melting snow for drinking water is another survival use for these candles. The candle’s steady flame allows snow to melt quickly. Candles can help you get a critical source of drinking water when other sources are scarce in cold climates.
Keeping Warm
In freezing conditions, a survival candle’s warmth can be life-saving. Scented varieties can add a comforting touch, though unscented ones are safer for prolonged use. Combining them with a Mylar blanket can help retain body heat so you can get optimal warmth.
Although not a primary heat source, candles can produce a small amount of warmth, making them helpful for maintaining body temperature during cold weather emergencies.
Types Of Candles
Types of candles range from beeswax and soy to paraffin and gel-based. Each type has its own pros and cons, with beeswax leading in eco-friendliness.
How you use the candle will also affect the type of candle you buy. Not all candles are made the same, so here are the different types of candles you need to be familiar with:
- Taper candles: Tall, slender candles used for elegant lighting in non-emergency situations.
- Pillar candles: Thick, free-standing candles that provide extended burn time and stability.
- Votive candles: Small, cylindrical candles typically used with a holder. It offers a balance between burn time and portability.
- Container candles: Self-contained candles encased in a jar or tin. These offer added safety features.
- Beeswax survival candles: Made from natural beeswax, these are traditional wax candles that are eco-friendly, have a pleasant scent, and burn cleanly.
- Soy candles: Made from soybean oil, these candles are renewable and produce less soot than paraffin candles.
- Slow-burning candles: Designed for long-lasting use, these candles have extended burn times for emergency situations.
Tips For Safer And Longer Burns
- Never leave a lighted candle unattended
- Trim the wick before burning
- Use a proper candle holder or lamp
- Place the candle on a flat, even surface
- Keep survival candles away from drafts and anything that can catch fire
- Keep the candles out of reach of children and pets
FAQ About Best Emergency Candles For Survival
What are the longest lasting candles for light?
The longest lasting candles for light are typically slow-burning candles made from Beeswax or soy.
These materials burn slower and cleaner, providing extended burn times for continuous illumination during emergencies.
What are the best candles for survival heat?
The best candles for survival heat are those with multiple wicks, as they generate more heat when lit simultaneously.
Examples are candles that provide adjustable heat output and longer burn times, suitable for emergencies.
What is the safest candle to use?
The safest candles to use are container candles, as they come in self-contained jars or tins that help prevent accidents.
Additionally, candles made from eco-friendly and clean-burning materials, like beeswax or soy, produce less soot and toxic emissions, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and fire hazards.
Key Takeaways: Stock Up On Some Emergency Candles Now!
Stocking up on emergency candles now is a wise investment for future safety. Look for those with a long shelf life and multiple utility features.
By familiarizing yourself with the different types of candles, their applications, and the factors to consider when purchasing, you’ll be better equipped to face life’s challenges head-on.
Dependable emergency candles not only offers light and warmth but can also provide a sense of security and comfort during times of crisis.
So, don’t leave your survival to chance—ensure you have the perfect candle in your survival kit, ready to guide you through the darkest hours.
