The Quest for Strong Scented Candles

Candle connoisseurs are constantly on the quest for a strong scented candle. One that fills the entire home with a fragrance that compliments the environment without overpowering it. Many candle manufacturers claim to produce candles that are "triple scented" or "highly-scented", however, consumers who purchase these candles with high expectations often end up disappointed.

A customer who purchases a scented jar candle in a store will usually lift the lid and smell the candle. The fragrance emitted is called the "cold throw", and this is present in most any scented candle. The smell of the candle is the strongest within the lid, as the fragrance becomes "trapped" within this space during storage, so the best way to smell a candle is by sniffing the inside of the lid. But the cold throw alone isn't enough to determine if the candle will emit maximum fragrance when burned. Most of the time, the small amount of fragrance in the candle burns off after the original lighting. So without buying and trying every scented candle brand on the market, how is a consumer to select a highly-scented candle that actually delivers on their claims? By choosing candles manufactured in the United States by a reputable company with a strong customer base.

Many factors need to be considered by candle manufacturers who's goal is to produce strong scented candles. The top three are the type of wax, the quality and quantity of fragrance oil, and the type of wick or wicks used.

Candle waxes such as paraffin, soy, beeswax or palm wax all have varying degrees of fragrance throw. Soy wax, for example, helps produce a strong fragrance throw during burning. But because pure soy wax can alter the smell of the fragrance, and because it tends to cool unevenly leaving excess wax on the sides of the jar, many candle makers like to incorporate a soy/paraffin blend. This smooth, creamy wax blend that promotes maximum fragrance and burns clean and even.

Fragrance oils come in a variety of grades, from standard (often diluted with carrier oils) to premium. Premium oils smell pure and rich, and less oil can be used to achieve a strong fragrance throw. Lower grade oils are much less expensive, but large quantities must be used to have the desired effect. Adding too much of any oil could result in a candle that burns too hot and too quickly.

Candles with two wicks will allow an even melt pool to form quickly after being lit. The melt pool (or liquid wax) is the source of the fragrance, so it is important that the pool begins to form within about 30 minutes after being lit. Single wick candles will often have a very small melt pool around the wick and a full pool may never form. Not only will very little fragrance be emitted, but the "tunneling effect" means that excess wax will be left on the sides of the jar.

Premium quality scented candles are available in specialty stores, website boutiques and through some direct sales companies. Generally, mass-produced brands and those found in big-box stores don't specialize in fragrance like some of the smaller boutique lines often do.

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