HOW TO PICK THE BEST WICK FOR CANDLES: EXPERT TIPS FOR A PERFECT BURN

How to Pick the Best Wick for Candles: Expert Tips for a Perfect Burn

How to Pick the Best Wick for Candles: Expert Tips for a Perfect Burn

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When it comes to making candles that burn beautifully, smell amazing, and don’t waste wax, your choice of wick matters more than you might think. The best wick for candles doesn’t just light the flame—it controls how your candle performs from start to finish.

At Alec CandleOut, we know a thing or two about clean, consistent candle burns. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about candle wick types, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your candle-making projects. Whether you’re a DIY candle lover or building your own candle brand, these tips will help you avoid common mistakes and create candles that truly shine.

 

Why the Wick Is So Important


You can have the finest wax blend and the most delightful fragrance oil, but if your wick isn’t right, none of it matters. A wick controls:

  • How much wax is drawn up to the flame (fueling the burn)

  • How large or small the flame is

  • How much fragrance gets released into the air

  • Whether the wax pool is even or tunnels down the center

  • If your candle smokes, flickers, or burns clean


Choosing the best wick for candles means balancing burn rate, wax type, container size, and even fragrance load. It’s a lot to think about—but we’re here to make it easier.

Key Candle Wick Types You Should Know


Understanding candle wick types is the first step in finding the best one for your candle. Here are the most popular options used by candle makers:

 

1. Flat Braided Wicks


These are among the most common wicks and are ideal for container candles. They’re made with three woven fibers that curl slightly as they burn, helping to minimize carbon buildup and promote a self-trimming effect. Great for: soy wax, paraffin, and beeswax.

 

2. Square Braided Wicks


Slightly thicker than flat braids, square wicks are often used in beeswax candles. They’re built to handle thicker waxes and produce a stable flame with good capillary action. Perfect for pillar and taper candles.

 

3. CD (Stabilo) Wicks


These coreless, flat braided wicks have a paper filament woven in, giving them great rigidity. They’re ideal for heavily fragranced candles or those using vegetable waxes like soy. If you’ve had trouble with inconsistent burning, CD wicks are a go-to choice.

 

4. LX Wicks


Designed for soy and paraffin waxes, LX wicks are flat braided with stabilizing threads. They help minimize mushrooming and soot, making them excellent for container candles with moderate fragrance loads.

 

5. Wooden Wicks


For a unique crackling effect and a modern aesthetic, wooden wicks are gaining popularity. They come in single-ply, double-ply, and booster types depending on how much fuel is needed. Be sure to test wooden wicks with your wax and fragrance combo—they can be picky.

 

6. Hemp Wicks


Eco-conscious and natural, hemp wicks are ideal for beeswax or coconut wax candles. They’re a bit harder to find but offer a clean, slow burn when matched with the right wax type.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Wick for Candles


So how do you choose the right wick? It all comes down to matching the wick to your candle setup. Here’s what to look at:

 

1. Wax Type


Different waxes burn at different temperatures and speeds. Soy and beeswax, for instance, are denser and need a stronger wick than paraffin.

  • Soy Wax: Use CD, ECO, or LX wicks.

  • Paraffin Wax: Works with most wick types but needs careful testing.

  • Beeswax: Opt for square braided or hemp wicks.


 

2. Container Size


The wider the candle, the more fuel the wick needs to reach the edges. Measure your container’s diameter and match it with the right wick size from a wick chart (yes, they exist and they’re super helpful).

 

3. Fragrance Load


The more fragrance oil in your candle, the harder it is for the wick to stay lit. High-fragrance candles need stronger wicks like CD or HTP.

 

4. Color and Additives


Pigments and additives can affect the burn. If you’re adding color or botanical elements, test your wick with the full candle formula before committing.

 

Wick Testing: No Shortcuts Allowed


Even if you’ve found the perfect wick on paper, you’ve got to test it in real life. Wick testing is a must. Here's how:

  • Make a test candle using your final formula.

  • Burn it for 2–4 hours and observe the flame.

  • Check for:


    • Flame size (should be steady, not too big or small)






    • Wax pool (should reach the container edge by 2-hour mark)





    • Mushrooming (carbon buildup on the wick tip)





    • Soot or smoke (none should be visible)





    • Tunnel or uneven burns (a sign of wrong wick size)



 

Take notes, make adjustments, and try again if needed. Even experienced candle makers go through several rounds of testing. It’s just part of the process.

Pro Tips for Getting It Right


 

  • Don’t go too big. A wick that’s too large will cause smoking, excessive soot, and fast wax burn-off.


  • Wick centering is key. Always use a wick sticker or centering device to keep your wick in place.

  • Trim your wicks. Keep wicks trimmed to about 1/4 inch for cleaner burns and less soot.

  • Double wick wide jars. For jars over 3.5 inches wide, consider double-wicking for a full melt pool.


 

Ready to Make Your Candle Burn Better?


At Alec CandleOut, we’re all about safer, smarter, more effective candles—and that starts with understanding your wick. Whether you’re a weekend crafter or a business looking to step up your product line, getting the wick right changes everything.

We even offer an Automatic Candle Extinguisher, perfect for ensuring your burn is not only beautiful but safe, every time. Check it out on our website and take your candle-making to the next level—without the guesswork.

 

Shop Candle Tools That Make a Difference



  • Browse CandleOut Essentials

  • Wick trimmers, safety extinguishers, and more.


 

Final Thoughts


Picking the best wick for candles is part science, part art. With so many candle wick types out there, it can feel overwhelming. But if you start with the basics—wax type, container size, fragrance load—you’ll be on your way to a clean, even burn.

Need help making the right choice? Let Alec CandleOut be your guide. We’ve built a reputation on candle safety and burn performance. Our resources, products, and tips are here to help you craft candles that don’t just look good—but perform better, every time.

 

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