Our Favorite Tapered Candles

Lighting a candle is a deeply human ritual, and doing so at the table brings intention and magic to any meal. We spent 17 hours researching and 28 hours testing 28 dinner candles, and we found 12 we loved—from classic tapers to ones that make a statement. Whether you’re setting a candlelit table for a party, a holiday dinner, a date with your honey, or mac and cheese for one, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide we focused on tapered candles, which are also called taper candles or dinner candles. Traditional tapers are usually wider at the base and narrower toward the top. In our testing, however, we found a lot of candles that were referred to as tapers but were the same size along their entire length or had playful spirals. We divided our favorites between classic tapers that stayed true to the traditional shape and statement dinner candles that leaned more modern or whimsical.

Yummi classic-style tapers are affordable, come in 45 colors, and burn with minimal dripping.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $31.

Who this is for: Someone who loves choosing colors and likes to buy their candles by the dozen.

Why it's great: Yummi's 12-inch taper candles are high quality yet affordable, and they come in a classic length and proportion. Also, they’re available in a staggering number of colors—45—so you can really focus in on the shade and tone you prefer (you can choose between an ice blue and a Caribbean blue, for example). Yummi applies its colors as a tinted, satiny paraffin coating over a white core, as opposed to tinting its candles all the way through (you can read more about this in our candle construction section). But the coating is thick and evenly applied, so the white core always stays concealed, even when the candle is burning. The green-tea-colored candles we tested were smooth to the touch, vibrant, and even. The wicks, which have a tight, flat braid, were easy to light and produced little ash. Thanks to their tapered base with molded grooves, the Yummi candles fit securely into our standard candleholder, without our having to force them. In testing, these candles didn't drip at all during the first hour. They dripped in a narrow, single stream after the second hour. Based on our testing, we estimate that one Yummi candle will burn for about 7½ hours. In addition to 45 colors, these candles also come in 10-, 15-, and 18-inch lengths, the greatest height variety we’ve seen when shopping for a classic taper.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Since these are sold by the dozen, if you end up not liking the shade you ordered, you’ll then own 12 candles in that shade. Yummi does accept returns, but since orders ship from Canada, the return process seemed a little nebulous for US-based customers. And because Yummi is based in Canada, it might also take longer for orders to arrive—the order we placed in May 2022 took about two weeks to arrive in Los Angeles.

Height: 12 inchesWax: paraffinNumber in set: 12Average cost per candle (not including shipping): from about $1.75 at the time of publicationEstimated burn time: 7½ hours

Lomar Farms beeswax tapers are deep-hued, honey-scented, and long-lasting.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $17.

Who this is for: Someone who wants a beeswax candle that will last a long time—with minimal drips—and a pronounced beeswax scent.

Why it's great: The Lomar Farms 100% Beeswax Tapers look, smell, and feel like beeswax with a capital B. They’re a deep golden color and have a natural, luscious honey scent. They burned with a lively flame and made the room smell lovely. Yet they did not drip at all for the first two hours of testing, even with an air purifier generating air movement. The pair we received had frayed wicks, which we worried would produce an uneven, fast-burning flame—but they did not. These candles are dipped and have a rustic, casual look.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The wax was the stickiest of all the wax in candles we tested, so you’ll want to wrap them in tissue or paper to store them so they don't pick up dust (this is good practice for storing all candles).

Height: 11 inchesWax: beeswaxNumber in set: twoAverage cost per candle (not including shipping): about $8.50 at the time of publicationEstimated burn time: 11 hours

Made of paraffin, these candles drip very little and last a long time.

Who this is for: Someone who wants to add a little height and drama to their table while still hewing to a classic look, and those who prefer a broad color selection.

Why it's great: These long, elegant taper candles are well made and come in 18 colors, including pastels, bold saturated brights, jewel tones, and goth black. We tested Anthropologie's 18" Classic Taper Candles in ivory (the closest to a neutral white on offer), and the hue was just warm enough to feel special. These paraffin candles have a polished sheen to them, with a slight ripple from the dipping process (common for dipped tapers). The base narrows to fit into a standard candlestick, with ridges that help keep the tall candle secure. The wick was twisted and waxed but unraveling at one end; this did not, however, affect the wick's performance. In our tests, the candle was totally dripless for both the first and second hours of burning.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Shipping from Anthropologie starts at about $7, which is close to the price per candle. We’ve seen the candles at Anthropologie stores—should you live near one, you can also check out the colors in person. If not, you may want to stock up to get the most mileage from the shipping fee.

Height: 17½ inchesWax: paraffinNumber in set: fourAverage cost per candle (not including shipping): $6.50 at the time of publicationEstimated burn time: 11½ hours

Maison Balzac 10-inch taper candles use plant-based wax and come in bright pastels.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $29.

Who this is for: Someone who wants well-crafted tapers in beautiful pastel colors, with a hard, smooth wax. Also, anyone who prefers to avoid animal- and petroleum-derived products.

Why it's great: Maison Balzac Chandelles offer some of the most beautiful pastels and powdery tones we’ve seen in a dinner candle. The 10-inch hand-poured (or molded) chandelles (French for candles) come in 10 color options, including smoke (a warm gray), a bubblegum pink, a desaturated red ochre (amber), mint, sky blue, and so on. We tested them in a periwinkle color and a green-leaning teal, and both were even-toned and tinted all the way through. Maison Balzac tapers are shiny and hard, so the candles are resistant to scratches and not at all sticky to the touch, unlike some beeswax and paraffin candles we tested. These candles are made of a plant-based stearin wax, derived from palm oil that is RSPO-certified (for more context about this organization, see our sustainability section). The wick was thick, braided, and waxed. In testing, the candle dripped in the second hour only, with a minimal drip down one side. We also noticed these stearin candles produced drips that were easier to dislodge and pop off from surfaces than other waxes (since the Maison Balzac candles are harder and smoother).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Based on our testing, we estimate the burn time for each of these tapers to be about six hours, as opposed to the nine hours advertised—a bigger deviation than for many of our other candle picks. Your mileage may vary depending on how much airflow your space has. At the time of testing, we found the Maison Balzac website confusing to navigate, but we later learned that this was because the company (based in Australia) was working on the launch of their US website. The issues we noticed seem to no longer be an issue (and you can also find the brand available at other retailers).

Height: 9¾ inchesWax: palm-based stearin, RSPO-certifiedNumber in set: fourAverage cost per candle (not including shipping): about $5 at the time of publicationEstimated burn time: six hours

The Floral Society's 12-inch tapers (sold in pairs) are a classic size, they’re low-drip, and they come in 10 earth-toned colors.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $18.

Who this is for: Someone who wants the classic proportion of a 12-inch taper candle, the choice of 10 hues, and a candle that's great for special occasions.

Why it's great: The Floral Society 12" Dipped Taper Candles have an elegant proportion, with very little noticeable rippling (a wavy texture that can happen with candles that are dipped instead of molded). These are well crafted and have a totally flat base, which helps the candle sit level in the holder. The candles come in 10 understated hues, with a pastel- and powder-leaning palette reminiscent of the Maison Balzac Chandelles’ (think parchment, smoke, petal, clay, midnight, and saffron). We tested the candles in "heron" (a powder blue) and the moss color, and both were saturated and evenly colored throughout the length. The wick's tight, flat braid produced a strong flame, and during testing the candle burned levelly, which typically prevents wild caverns and drips. We did not observe any drips during the two hours of testing and estimate these candles will last about 10 hours. These tapers are also available in an 18-inch length.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Currently $9 per candle, these are by no means cheap. They also come only in pairs, so you’ll have to buy a few sets if you’re planning on setting the table with more than two. Though we were impressed by the candle's totally level base (which helps the candle stand perpendicular to the table), the base isn't tapered (as with some candles). So you may have to wedge this candle into the holder (depending on how "standard" your holder actually is), and this jamming could negate any benefit of the level base.

Height: 12 inchesWax: paraffinNumber in set: twoAverage cost per candle (not including shipping): $9 at the time of publicationEstimated burn time: 10 hours

The tapers (sold in pairs) from Danica Design Candles are charming, if prone to dripping, and they come in vibrant colors.

Who this is for: Anyone seeking a traditionally made, beeswax-based wax-blend candle in a wide range of colors, and those who enjoy a good dripper.

Why it's great: The Hand Dipped Taper Set, from Maine-based Danica Design Candles, features two elegantly proportioned, old-fashioned-looking tapers that are 12½ inches (slightly longer than standard). They’re made with a beeswax and paraffin wax blend that's satin-smooth to the touch, with a hint of gloss, very subtle ridging from the dipping process, and a thin, tightly braided wick. These candles come in 12 colors, from quiet grays and pastels to vibrant colors that seem to carry an inner glow (we think this may be due to the successive layering of the translucent tinted wax). The cobalt ones we tested were a gorgeous bright blue. According to Cindy Laustsen, one of the founders at Danica Design Candles, blending beeswax and paraffin allows the candles to achieve the various vibrant colors. "Beeswax alone does not allow for vibrancy in color. The acid in the wax tends to eat away the color, which is why many beeswax candles, although lovely, are muted in hue. We do make 100% beeswax but only in the natural beeswax," Laustsen said.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though some retailers list Danica Design Candles as using a "dripless beeswax and premium wax blend" (Danica's website does not make this claim), we found they did start to drip during the second hour of burning. They dripped a lot on the side closest to the air purifier that was running during testing, resulting in some fascinating drip art down one length. We don't think this is necessarily a flaw—some people (our tester included) enjoy the one-of-a-kind drips made by old-style candles. On its website, Danica did not list the "premium" wax blend that it used; we reached out to them directly, and they confirmed it is beeswax and paraffin.

Height: 12½ inchesWax: beeswax and paraffinNumber in set: twoAverage cost per candle (not including shipping): $4 at the time of publicationEstimated burn time: 8½ hours

A collaboration between two Brooklyn-based home-goods companies, Dusen Dusen and Areaware, these bold, neon candles (sold in sets of two and four) burn slowly, with little to no dripping.

Who this is for: Someone who wants to burn a big, bright, fun dinner candle that lasts a long time, with very minimal dripping.

Why it's great: Not every statement candle burns as well as it looks, but these bold molded Dusen Dusen Taper Candles perform. The result of a collaboration between designer Ellen Van Dusen (who's known for fun, colorful prints) and Areaware (a playful home-goods company that collaborates with various designers), these taper candles (which are not technically tapered) have the happy, go-big aesthetic you’d expect from both design brands. We were impressed by their overall quality: the intense, super-saturated solid colors; the crisp molded shapes; the precision of the top and base; and the tightly woven, neatly trimmed wick. The paraffin didn't feel sticky but had an almost leathery texture. Unlike the other molded statement candles we tested, these burned slowly and did not drip during testing. But the candle did begin to melt unevenly on one side during the second hour, so we can't guarantee that the candles won't drip over time. The multi-pack comes with four candles in four different colors and four distinct ribbed shapes.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We found few aesthetic or technical flaws with these candles, but the neon 1970s-meets-1990s aesthetic is not for everyone (nor is it for every occasion). There are limited color choices: You can either get the multi-pack of four candles—neon orange, navy, ice blue, and neon green—in different contoured shapes, or you can select a set of two candles in blue (each candle is a different swirl) or yellow (both the same extruded column shape).

Height: 11½ inchesWax: paraffinNumber of candles in set: fourAverage cost per candle (not including shipping): about $8 at the time of publicationEstimated burn time: 20 hours

The HAY Candle (sold in sets of six) is a glossy, fancy candle that comes in bright color combinations.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $30.

Who this is for: Someone who wants a sleek, high-gloss statement candle in popsicle colors.

Why it's great: Due to the impeccable high-gloss lacquer finish, the HAY Candles seemed like the dressiest ones we tested, even though they were one of the least-buttoned-up and traditional, coming in one spiral and two twist styles. Shopping for HAY candles feels a little like visiting an ice cream shop, since there are lots of fun colors and shapes to choose from. These candles come in sets of six, each set with its own combination of three colors (the short Spiral set we tested had blue, dark pink, and peach). The ones we tested were completely smooth and didn't pick up any dust or residue from handling. The forms were taut and crisply molded, with a vibrant, evenly colored outer wax shell encasing a white core. The wick was tightly woven. During testing, the candle did not drip in the first hour and dripped only minimally down one side in the second hour.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: You don't get to mix and match the three colors you’ll receive in a set, so you have to like the preselected combinations. Due to the Spiral and Twist style heights (7½ inches), this is not the longest-lasting candle we tested (we think it will burn for about 6½ hours). The base of each candle was rounded from the thick, lacquer-like glaze. We don't consider that a flaw, but depending on the specific size and shape of your "standard" candleholder, these candles might not sit level.

Height: 7½ inches (Spiral and Twist styles), 11½ inches (Long style)Wax: paraffinNumber of candles in set: sixAverage cost per candle (not including shipping): about $5 (Spiral and Twist styles) and about $7 (Long style) at the time of publicationEstimated burn time: 6½ hours (Spiral style)

The HAY striped candle has a distinct striped look and burns with little to no drips.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $19.

Who this is for: Those who like a striped, preppy-looking candle in subdued colors and who prefer low- to no-drip candles.

Why it's great: HAY Stripe Candles are molded from stearin wax and have a more understated, less glossy appearance than the spiral HAY Candles. These are still statement candles, though, with wide stripes that give them an almost nautical look. At close range, the stripes have blurred, softer edges, and we think that works with the muted colors. These candles are smooth to the touch and have a flared, Pinocchio-hat molded tip and a ridged base that keeps the candle secure in its holder. We found these to be pleasant to burn: They were extremely low-maintenance, with no drips during testing.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: All of the candles we tested were technically unscented, but these had an odd, almost fudge-like smell. (The plant-based stearin candles we tested were odorless.) HAY's website does not specify if this candle uses a plant- or animal-derived stearin, so vegetarians and vegans may want to steer clear. The braided wicks on the batch we received were loose and unraveling, but this did not affect the burn, nor did it produce noticeable ashing.

Height: 9¼ inchesWax: stearinNumber of candles in set: fourAverage cost per candle: about $5 at the time of publishingEstimated burn time: 10 hours

The curvy Maison Balzac Volute Candles are well crafted, and they come in cheery pastel colors.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $29.

Who this is for: Someone who wants cute, special-occasion dinner candles in bubbly pastel colors.

Why it's great: At 6½ inches, the Maison Balzac Volute Candles get their happy appearance from a curvaceous, molded column of stacked globes, and they are smooth to the touch, free of pockmarks or casting flaws. They come in six of the 10 pastel hues the Chandelles come in: white, sky blue, a honey/beeswax color (miel), pink, beige (sable), and a green-leaning teal. All Maison Balzac tapers use plant-based stearin wax that's shiny and hard, so the candles were resistant to scratches and left no residue on our skin. As with the Chandelles, with these we noticed the wax produced drips that were easier to dislodge and pop off from surfaces than other waxes.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Candles with varying diameters can be especially prone to dripping. Though the Volute candle didn't drip during the first hour of testing, it did burn unevenly, growing shorter on the side closest to the air purifier we had running. In the second hour, this candle developed a couple of drips as the diameter shrank. At about $14 per candle, these may be more of a special-occasion candle.

Height: 6½ inchesWax: palm-based stearin, RSPO-certifiedNumber of candles in set: twoAverage cost per candle: about $14 at the time of publishingEstimated burn time: 7½ hours

This is a long-lasting, splurge-worthy candle (sold in pairs) for when you’re feeling fancy.

Who this is for: Someone who wants a truly "wow" candle that's somehow also understated.

Why it's great: We tested the Floral Society Fancy Taper Candles in the 6-inch and 10-inch sizes, but our favorite by far for design and value was the 18-inch size. Though it's the most expensive of the bunch (currently $40 a pair), we think it's the most worthwhile if you’re going to shell out for dinner candles. The smooth paraffin candles stand out among extra-long tapers: They’re impressive in height, with a dramatic spiral design formed of a clean, consistent casting (these are molded candles), with a level top and base, and a tight wick. These candles come in four understated colors: parchment, moss, petal (a light pink), and clay. We tested the moss, which is a deep sage or evergreen color with full saturation from the middle all the way to the edges. In testing, the candle burned slowly (we estimate 24 hours of burn time), with no drips during the first hour and one drip down the side in the second.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This candle's base was larger than the opening of the standard candlestick we used, but it fit when we really shoved it in. The snugness might have been intentional, since it is such a big candle (weighing 167 grams). Without a tight fit, it could topple over and pose a fire hazard (something we worried about with another heavy candle we tested, whose base runs small). Just know that you may need to shave some girth off. These 18-inch tapers were the second-most-expensive candles we tested (the other being the Twin Flame beeswax candles from Alysia Mazzella, a small craft candlemaker). Twenty bucks per candle is a lot of money to literally light on fire. That said, these are high-quality statement candles that burned very slowly during testing, so we think you’ll get your money's worth—our calculated burn times were six hours more than the candles’ advertised burn times.

Height: 18 inchesWax: paraffinNumber of candles in set: twoAverage cost per candle: $20 at the time of publicationEstimated burn time: 24 hours (for the 18-inch candle)

Even if you don't plan on burning these Twin Flame candles, they’re beautiful to behold, and they’re crafted by an artisan candlemaker. If you do use them, just don't expect them to last long.

May be out of stock

Who this is for: Anyone who's into candles for the art and romance, a little obsessed with watching them burn, and not bothered by longer-than-usual shop restocks (due to the handmade, small-batch nature of the items).

Why it's great: We evaluated all candles that we tested for both aesthetics and performance, but not everyone wants or needs a low-drip, long-lasting candle—something this candle is certainly not. Alysia Mazzella is an artisan candlemaker who works with beeswax. The Twin Flame is closer to a work of art in some ways (she describes it as a "poem written in beeswax"). The candles are hand-dipped and then, while they’re still soft, twisted together by hand. We found the craftsmanship and proportion to be beautiful: smooth to the touch, two slender tapers twining loosely and symmetrically around each other, almost in motion. They have a faint honey/beeswax perfume. To burn the candle, you light both wicks. In testing, the flames were both small, less than half an inch tall, versus a more-typical 1- to 1½-inch-tall flame. If you’re a fan of the undone romance of a mega-drip building over a two-hour dinner, you will probably love this candle. A drip developed within the first few minutes of testing; it built to a 3-inch-long drip by the first half-hour before it grew too heavy and fell off. By the end of the first hour, a second big drip had developed (about 4 inches long and ¾ inch wide).

Fittingly, perhaps, Alysia Mazzella offers something rare: a beeswax reclamation and trade-in program. The Beeswax Exchange allows you to send in 8-ounce quantities of melted beeswax and receive a hand-dipped candle made from recycled beeswax in return. Each exchange costs $5 to cover the cost of shipping.

Flaws (and maybe dealbreakers): Since this is a handmade item, the product page will regularly appear as "sold out," but the shop does regular restocks (you can sign up via email to get notified for these or follow along on the Instagram account). This is also by far the least efficient, messiest, fastest-burning candle we tested, and if that's not for you, we get it. The candlemaker notes the burn time is two hours; in our tests, we found it was a few minutes shy of that, and there was extensive, fascinating dripping the entire time. The unconventional two-tapered base was too wide to fit into a standard candleholder, but we did get it to fit with a gentle twisting action (beeswax is soft, so it's pretty easy to wedge). We highly recommend extinguishing this candle before it's completely melted into oblivion, or you’ll find it hard to get the wax out of your holder. For tips on cleanup, see our section on cleaning candlesticks. If you’re mess-averse, this would also make a beautiful bit of decor on its own, without burning it.

Height: 9¼ inchesWax: beeswaxNumber of candles in set: twoAverage cost per candle: $27 (two flames per candle; at the time of publication)Estimated burn time: less than two hours

If you want an affordable, everyday candle, and you don't need a vast and consistent color selection: Consider the Hyoola 12 Pack Dripless Tapers (paraffin, about $1.50 per candle at the time of publication). These candles are slightly cheaper than the 12-inch Yummi candles, and we estimate they have a similar burn time. However, we preferred the Yummi candles’ vast and consistent selection of 45 colors; Hyoola has about 20 colors listed on Amazon, but each color has a different product page, and availability varies. Yummi's cardboard box also seemed more durable for storage, is plastic-free, and looked nicer. We hope to test Hyoola's metallic taper candles in a future round.

If you don't mind paying more for 12-inch tapers that come in a 12-pack: Similar to our Yummi Candle pick, the Northern Lights 12" Tapers 6-Pk Gift Set (wax blend, about $4.50 per candle at the time of publication) come in packs of 12, but they are more than double the cost. They are available in 27 colors (the Yummi candles come in 45 colors) and in 7-, 10-, and 12-inch lengths. The company's FAQ page is vague on the "wax blend" it uses for each candle; it says the company uses "a variety of wax bases including soy, beeswax, coconut and paraffin." We emailed to get more clarification but hadn't heard back at the time of publication. These candles had minimal drips—only after the second hour of testing—and their calculated burn times were very close to what's advertised.

If you want 100% pure beeswax candles that come in colors: The Bluecorn Beeswax Tapers (beeswax, about $7 per candle at the time of publication) burned with minimal drips and have accurate burn times. Bluecorn's pistachio color is a vibrant spring green, but our pair already had a white "bloom" (a powdery white patina you can wipe off), which is a sign of a 100% beeswax candle. They smelled great and were smooth to the touch, without any of the stickiness some beeswax candles have. These candles also come in 8-, 10-, and 16-inch lengths and in nine colors. We also like that there are some promising claims on sustainability and wages. However, we did notice that several reviewers had issues with candles that arrived stuck together or squished, which likely happened during temperature changes in storage (as with the pair we received with a "bloom").

If you want a fast-burning and cheaper dupe of the Maison Balzac Chandelles: The Urban Outfitters Multi Colored Taper Candles (paraffin, about $2.50 per candle at the time of publication) were fine, but their burn rate was about double what was advertised. We also found the color to be dull compared with those of other candles we tested, though they were still spring-like and might not seem so dull without points of comparison.

If you want ribbed dinner candles and don't mind excess plastic packaging: We tested the Main + Mesa Ribbed Taper Candles (paraffin, about $4.50 per candle at the time of publication) in terracotta, and the color was understated but not dull. Though these candles did drip during both hours of burn time, we were impressed with how little and evenly they dripped given the ribbed design (sometimes the gaps between ridges can create the opportunity for a lopsided melt). We wished the company had used less plastic packaging: Delivered from Amazon, the candles come in a plastic tray within a plastic box with styrofoam padding.

We spent 17 hours researching dinner candles—how they’re made, how they burn, how to burn them, health and environmental concerns, and what makes a great candle. We consulted Sarah Witman's guide to our favorite scented candles, whose insights into candle accessories, health, sustainability, and best practices were also applicable to dinner candles. To understand how burning unscented candles affects our health and that of those with underlying respiratory issues, we interviewed Dr. Kari Nadeau. Nadeau, a professor of allergy and asthma medicine at Stanford University, works with the World Health Organization and is an expert on the impacts of air pollution and wildfire exposure on health. We also consulted standards and regulations at governmental agencies, such as the WHO and the EPA, and we looked at studies published in journals like the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health and Environment International.

For this guide, we focused on taper candles that fit in a standard candleholder (⅞ inch in diameter). Taper candles are usually defined as long, thin candles that are thicker at the base and gradually narrow toward the top, but this definition is used very loosely among brands—a lot of candles called "taper candles" are actually the same size along their entire length. We scanned major retailers, the websites of artisan candlemakers, and boutique home-goods stores for a starting list of 88 candles from 67 makers. We then narrowed the list to test 28 candles from 20 makers. We opted to test just a few basic white and beeswax tapers, since they are generally affordable for most people (between $1 and $2 per candle). And then we tested more candles that readers might have questions about buying, due to cost, color, or design. For simple tapers, we looked for ones with at least seven hours of advertised burn time, which, based on our research, was the baseline standard for 12-inch tapers. We relaxed this rule for statement styles, in order to capture a range of designs. We also narrowed our list based on reviews, online availability at the time of testing, and price per candle. In the future, we plan to test candles we didn't get to in this round, including those that may be more aesthetically aligned for fall and winter.

To test, we noted physical characteristics, including color, feel, base design, and wick, and we measured the starting length and weight of each of the 28 candles. We trimmed wicks to the recommended ¼ inch before lighting, and we lit each candle with a Bic lighter. We then burned each candle, without touching it, for the recommended one hour in identical standard candlesticks (⅞ inch in diameter), spaced no closer than 5 inches apart, and equidistant (about 32 inches) from a Blueair Blue Pure 211+ air purifier on the medium setting. We ran the air purifier because we wanted to see how the candles would fare in a realistic scenario with ambient air movement, such as at a dinner party with guests moving around and cross ventilation. We then burned each candle again, for a total of two hours, because most candles will burn differently upon being relit, and all of them drip more—and the more we could mimic typical use, the better.

During each burn, we observed the quality of the flame, any smoking, and any drips. And after each burn, we measured the candle's new length and weight. After testing, we averaged the weight and height changes between the first and second hours, so we could calculate an approximate burn time for the candle based on starting size and compare it with the advertised burn times. Then we reviewed our notes and selected our top 12 candles.

Of course, what we want in a candle often comes down to personal preference. Some people want a pop of color or an interesting shape (and they might never even light their candles). Some want beeswax candles for the aroma and don't mind some major bistro drippage. And some folks want a candle that will look polished for hours on end. After 28 hours of testing, we’re confident that we have something for just about everyone.

Across candle companies and candlemakers, there are a few general best practices that will help extend the life of your candles and reduce unwanted dripping and soot.

1. Prep your candles each time you light them. Trim the wicks to just about a quarter-inch. A longer wick will make the flame too large and can lead to uneven, rapid burning, and soot. Remove excess melted wax that's hanging off the side, since this will affect how evenly the candle will burn.

2. Make sure your candle is level (perpendicular to the table or other surface) and secure. A tilted candle won't burn evenly, and it will drip, no matter how "dripless." It also might topple over, posing a fire hazard.

3. Limit the amount of time you burn a candle to one to two hours. If you’re hosting a really great party and leave your candles burning for three or four hours, that's okay, as long as you’re regularly eyeing them for safety. But they’ll burn less evenly and are likely to drip more after the one- to two-hour mark.

4. Avoid burning candles in very drafty areas. That includes outdoors and near open windows where there's a strong wind. The more airflow there is, the faster and less evenly your candle will burn, and it will likely drip a lot. There's also a greater chance of fire.

5. Don't let the cult of "dripless" candles spoil your fun. If you love a drippy candle, drip away!

We considered both dipped and molded candles for this guide. Very generally: Dipped candles are made via a more traditional method, in which a wick is repeatedly dipped into melted wax, building up layer after layer of wax until a desired thickness is reached. Wax cools between each dip, pooling more toward the bottom of the wick as it cools, due to gravity, which contributes to the tapered appearance. Since the same wax is used throughout this process, these candles tend to have the same color wax all the way through. Molded candles may be uniform or tapered in diameter, and they’re made by pouring wax into a mold. Molded candles might be the same color wax all the way through, or they might be cast in colorless wax and then dipped or wrapped in a color after unmolding.

We considered only candles that will fit in most people's tabletop candleholders (also called candlesticks) in the United States. Most American and European dinner candles are designed to fit in this "standard" size holder, which is ⅞ inch. If you’re on the prowl for a candleholder, it's a good idea to verify the diameter of the opening, since most dinner candles are designed to fit in that size. For odd-shaped candleholders or narrow candles, you can always use candle adhesive.

We did not test candleholders for this guide—we used a pair of standard candlesticks (⅞ inch in diameter) that I had on hand. For a sturdy, space-saving option, Wirecutter editor Marilyn Ong bought The Floral Society Petite Ceramic Taper Candle Holders (Set of 2) in Oxblood over the holidays, and she liked them so much that she went back for a white set. "I was worried it would be overkill, but I find myself using all of them often, even in our tiny apartment," she said. "They’re so petite that it's easy to find spots for them." If you’re into efficiency, you might do as senior staff writer Sarah Witman does, and allow Poketo's Glass Candlestick Holder in Short to double as a bud vase. (Sarah wrote our guide to scented candles.) For a "super fun" candleholder, staff writer Zoe Vanderweide likes Areaware's interlocking Seymour Candle Holder by Objects for Objects. Editor Joshua Lyon likes the short Black Taper Candleholder from Spruce Design. For the most sustainable option, senior editor Courtney Schley suggests buying used ones from local thrift stores and garage sales. "I own many sets of candleholders," she said, "but they are all antique or hand-me-downs. There's a limitless supply of old candleholders floating around."

Honestly, we love a drippy candle. We think it's charming, and when a dinner party lags, the wackiest drips make great conversation pieces. But there's a reason that so many candles are marketed as "dripless," aside from the sleeker look: They’re a lot less messy afterward.

While testing candles for this guide, we found ourselves with lots of wax drips and splatters. In the worst case, the candle burned completely to the bottom of the candleholder. Try to avoid this, since dislodging wax from inside a candleholder is annoying at best (and for candleholders with delicate designs, like blown glass, you might risk damaging them). If there is a stub left at the end, you can more easily pull out the wax.

For wax that's really lodged in, you have a few options. First, let the wax cool completely, since hard wax is easier to remove by hand and won't smear. For stubborn wax, try leaving your candlestick in the freezer for an hour or two (as long as it's not untempered glass, which can break). This ever so slightly shrinks the holder and hardens the wax, making it easier to pop off. After removing the holder from the freezer, you may have to carefully chip away at the wax with a butter knife or flathead screwdriver.

Besides candleholders, the one accessory we wholeheartedly recommend having on hand is Fox Run Stick-Um candle adhesive (from our guide to 18 Great Hanukkah Gift Ideas). Some candles are a little smaller than the standard candleholder opening. The Stick-Um candle adhesive is designed to keep such candles steady with just a small dollop. We’ve had our tin for half a year and have hardly made a dent in it. But it was indispensable during testing, when some candles were smaller than the holders we were using.

You can also take the old-fashioned approach of holding a lighter or match to the base of your candle before putting it in the holder, but this can get messy and isn't always strong enough to hold the candle upright. You can also do what my grandma used to do: Wrap the base of candles in tin foil to give them some extra girth.

Wick trimmers are narrow scissors designed to reach deep into a candle vessel without having to overly tilt it (which could risk getting ash in the candle or dripping still-warm wax). But when it comes to dinner candles, wick trimmers aren't necessary, since you don't need to reach into anything to trim them. We trimmed wicks with a designated nail scissor like this one, which we didn't mind getting waxy or ashy. The nail scissor makes a precise clip—but you can just use regular scissors.

We also did not use snuffers in our testing for dinner candles, although I’ve used a snuffer in the past for the sheer novelty of it. We liked using snuffers in our scented candle guide because they successfully cut off the oxygen supply and produced less smoke. But we don't think snuffers are necessary for tapered candles, and they can even be a bit cumbersome when you are putting out a tall candle. And unlike using a snuffer with a wide candle, with a taper candle some smoke can still escape from underneath, depending on the size and shape of your snuffer or candle. But if you’d like to read about either tool, you can do so in our scented candle guide.

Ultraviolet light can discolor candles, and all wax, no matter the type, will "sweat" and then melt if the temperature gets high enough. If you want your candles to look their best through multiple seasons, you should store them:

Most candle wax also has a shelf life. Candles made with natural oils, such as soy- or palm-based wax, can develop a rancid smell after a couple of years. Paraffin, made from petroleum, has a shelf life of at least five years (after which it could start to lose its color or scent). But if it's stored properly, it could last indefinitely.

Beeswax has no expiration date, although 100% beeswax can develop a "bloom," or powdery white patina (from oils crystalizing on the surface of the candle). You can wipe it off with a cloth.

Candles are often sold with projected burn times. These are always estimates, depending on the candle's geometry, the size and length of the wick (thicker wicks mean bigger flames, and trimmed wicks will burn slower), airflow in the room (more air movement means a faster and less even burn), and how long you let the candle burn (after the first hour, the wick can accumulate carbon and create a larger flame).

During testing we burned each candle for two hours and then measured the candle's new length and weight. We then calculated an estimated total burn time for the rest of the candle. For the most part, our projections were very close to the advertised burn time, but there were exceptions.

Not every dripless candle is actually dripless, although we did find a couple of candles that didn't drip at all during testing. Even a "dripless" candle will drip given enough wind and burn time, or if it's not level in its holder. Just because our tests didn't produce much drip doesn't mean your candles will behave like ours did, since your circumstances will inevitably be different. Even so, a candle that mega-dripped during our tests is likely to be a Big Dripper again.

The short answer is: not really. In 2003, the US banned lead wicks, but there's always a chance you could find lead in old candles or illegally imported ones. Formaldehyde (which can affect lung function when inhaled) and phthalates (which are considered endocrine disruptors) are also not concerns with unscented candles. That said, candles do emit chemicals and particles that, at high levels, are not good to breathe. Generally speaking, burning unscented candles for an hour or two a night is probably not going to harm your health, especially compared with the ambient air pollution that you may breathe in on a daily basis. It's a good idea to ventilate a room, however, if you have a lot of candles burning or even just a single candle for more than an hour, since emissions can build up. This is especially good practice if you’re a serial candle-burner. And you should definitely avoid directly inhaling any smoke from candles, particularly if you have respiratory problems.

"Anyone with asthma should be careful about any smoke-producing items, period," said Dr. Kari Nadeau, an expert in the health impacts of air pollution and wildfire exposure and a professor of allergy and asthma medicine at Stanford University. If you’re blowing out a candle, make sure you don't inhale the smoke, and try not to sit right on top of a candle if you’ll be seated in the room for an hour or more. You may want to avoid burning candles with super-thick wicks, which produce more particulates when extinguished. Nadeau also said that people with allergies and asthma may find that they feel more sensitive to certain waxes than others.

The potential health effects of burning paraffin—a petroleum-derived wax, commonly used in candles because it's cheap, stable, and easy to mold—are less clear. A US Department of Agriculture–funded study out of South Carolina State University (presented in 2009) suggested that burning paraffin could release harmful chemicals into the air. But as NPR pointed out at the time, the USDA's involvement poses a conflict of interest, since the study heavily favored soy waxes, and the USDA helps subsidize soybean farming. The National Candle Association has also taken issue with the study. And the study was never published in a peer-reviewed journal.

If you want to avoid paraffin for any reason, beeswax and stearin candles are also common waxes used in dinner candles. Beeswax candles supposedly produce negative ions when burned, which may do a tiny amount of air purifying, helping to draw positively charged toxins out of the air and helping them settle with gravity (a commonly advertised "benefit" claimed by some beeswax candle makers but something we were not able to verify). This is a similar principle that an air purifier ionizer claims to rely on (the actual effectiveness of which our resident air purifier expert, Tim Heffernan, deems "dubious"). The effectiveness of "cleaning" the air by burning something that you’ll have to extinguish, creating smoke, is likely a wash at best. No matter how "natural" something is, smoke is harmful to your lungs.

Unfortunately, it's complicated. There's so much that goes into the candle you end up burning—it's not just the wax but also the production, the packaging, and the shipping.

The candles we tested for this guide are made from paraffin, beeswax, stearin (which can be animal- or plant-derived, often from palm oil), palm oil, rice-bran oil, and undisclosed wax blends:

Because of the environmental impact of petroleum and palm monoculture (PDF), there's an argument to be made that beeswax is the most sustainable wax, since it's renewable, never expires, produces no harmful byproducts, and can be harvested from local honeybees. Honeybees have enjoyed a lot of good press in recent years, due to growing awareness of honeybee colony collapse, which is a real concern. But there's also evidence that honeybees compete with native bee species and other native pollinators, and they may be "doing more harm than good" with regard to biodiversity.

While palm oil can have a bad reputation, some palm oils (like the one used by Maison Balzac) may be certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which tracks palm oils across the supply chain. But the RSPO has faced criticism in recent years for purported transparency failures, including alleged labor abuses.

In her guide to scented candles, senior staff writer Sarah Witman said: "Although it's incredibly thorny to determine whether a candle is sustainable—even waxes that are renewable, biodegradable, and certified sustainable are often derived from monoculture crops grown on deforested land—we gave preference to candles that are environmentally conscious in some way, such as having a recyclable vessel or plastic-free packaging." We applied the same principles to this guide. And we encourage you to save your wax drippings to remelt them for use in craft projects, to make your own beeswax wrap, or to trade in beeswax for more candles.

We plan to test more dinner candles in our next update, with an eye to the autumn and winter season. We also hope to test Love Dose Ice Picks, a coconut-and-soy wax-blend candle that gets its funky, drippy look from reclaimed candle wax. (Ice Picks are available directly from Love Dose and through Urban Outfitters.)

My previous go-to candles, the Daikyo Rice Bran Taper Candles, came up short in testing. The candle mold leaves a clear seam on both sides of the candle, which isn't the most elegant design. The candle also dripped quite heavily during the second hour of burning. That said, our calculated burn time exceeded the advertised nine hours. And the hard, shiny rice-bran wax—after making its fascinating drip art and completely cooling—is easy to clean up, leaving no residue on tables or candlesticks.

The Williams-Sonoma Ivory Taper Candles (beeswax blended with other waxes) were beautiful to look at. However, they were advertised as being 18 inches yet came closer to 14. Since this is a fairly standard-looking candle, we think you’re better off with a cheaper one, such as those from Yummi or Hyoola.

We were excited to test the Creative Candles Unscented Taper Candles from Terrain because of the vibrant colors online. But when we saw them in person, we found them to be duller than we’d expected. The wick was also thicker than those of many of the other candles we tested, which meant they produced more smoke.

The two Favor Column Candles (paraffin) were just as super-saturated as we’d hoped—they come in a vast array of vibrant, bright colors. But we thought the quality control was lacking, and they felt cheap in the hand. Candles need to be straight to burn evenly without excessive dripping, yet both candles we received were crooked (and one was quite bent). This is always a risk with candles sitting in hot storage or in transit. We will be looking into Favor's customer service for replacements in future updates.

We tested both the Bubble Taper and Wave Taper from Urban Outfitters. Of these, we preferred the Wave Taper, since it seemed better made, with a clean-lined mold, and it easily fit in our standard candlestick. The Bubble Taper had a bumpier, more uneven mold texture and was too big for the holder, so we had to really jam it in by shaving some wax at the base (this did make it very secure, which is important for a heavier candle). Both styles had well-saturated colors and burned at a rate similar to that advertised, but each dripped throughout both hours of testing.

The Anthropologie Marais Taper Candles (paraffin) are impressive from a distance, but they were not as well crafted as other molded statement candles we tested, and some reviewers have noted breakage. The casting was uneven and pock-marked in places. These are also very heavy candles, and they have a narrow base that fit loosely in our standard candlestick without a candle adhesive. This made them top-heavy, and we worried that any jostling during a party might cause them to topple over and start a fire.

The Kemladio Spiral Taper Dinner Candles, while similar in scale and design to the HAY Candle in Spiral, did not come close in performance or quality. Their color lacks vibrancy, they dripped a lot during both hours of testing, and they still cost more than $7 a candle. We think you could spend half a buck more for the HAY candle and have a much better experience.

We liked the fun and floral look of the Thumbprint Artifacts Candle in the Summer pattern, but we recommend it only if you want a candle to look at, not burn, or if you’re really into drip art at the table. Of any candle we tested, these spattered and dripped the most, and you lose all the beautiful designs. Also note these unexpectedly had a light perfume, which may bother some people.

This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Christine Ryan.

Kari Nadeau, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and pediatrics and director of the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, phone interview, May 18, 2022

Cat Wang, Candles: What Do They Emit When Lit?, June 25, 2021

Randall Munroe, Where Does a Candle Go When It Burns?, The New York Times, April 26, 2021

Katie Okamoto

Katie Okamoto is the lead editor of sustainability at Wirecutter. She's been studying, working in, and writing about the complexities of sustainability since 2005. Among other things, she's been an editor at Metropolis, where she focused on the intersection of environment and design; a manager at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection; a designer; and a freelance writer. She holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, as well as a master's in architecture, and has covered the overlaps between sustainability and other topics for publications including The Atlantic, Newsweek, and Catapult.

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