Are Candles in Glass Jars Safe?

Glass and other container candles have become one of the most preferred candle types in today’s market. Their most popular feature is the non-dripping aspect of this style of candle compared to other free-standing candles like pillars and tapers. The other factor is that width for width, these candles normally create a larger liquid pool of wax. The larger the liquid pool of warm, fragrant wax, the more fragrance will be pushed into the room where the candle is burning. Our 64 oz 3 wick jar candles have more than three times the surface area and will give off three times the fragrance than that of a 16 oz or 26 oz jar. Glass container candles are also favored because the light from the flame is rarely hidden and glows through the glass.

So are glass container candles safe? Glass can break or crack and is more inclined to do so when heat is applied unevenly or concentrated on one particular area. Heat-resistant glass is made to help prevent the glass from cracking or breaking. But even glass that is ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) approved, is not a guarantee against breaking or cracking.   Two of the most common causes of glass breaking due to the heat from a candle flame is  first,  a wick that is not centered and allowed to get too close to the side ,and second is a flame that gets too close to the bottom.

Proper caution should be used when burning container candles, as with any other style candle. Protect the surface the candle is sitting on by placing it on a heat-resistant holder. Keep the candle away from anything flammable. Make sure the wick stays centered in the candle and extinguish it when the wax level gets too close to the bottom of the glass. If the flame reaches the bottom of the container, too much heat may be concentrated at the base of the wick which could cause the glass to crack. A good container candle should have a self-extinguishing tab, one with a higher neck. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

With proper supervision, a glass container candle will give you hours of pleasure from the ambiance it creates, its mesmerizing flame, and the wonderful atmosphere its fragrance brings.

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