To be honest, I was confused about the whole coffee candle idea at first. You have the genuine thing in a mug, why would you want your couch to smell like it?
A buddy then lit one at her apartment one cold evening. Nothing to see, just a little jar on the shelf. Twenty minutes later I found myself wondering where she got it. It smelt warm and a little sweet, like the rear of a bakery. It was not “coffee”—more like a wonderful morning sensation.
So I started picking them up. Probably way too many. Some’s was awesome. A pair smelt like somebody had burnt bread in the toaster. If you are looking for the greatest coffee scented candles, here’s what I’ve learned so far.
Why Coffee of All Things?
Some of it is simply the way smell works. It plugs directly into memory, which is why roasted beans can take you back to a grandparent’s kitchen or an old office or a certain train station at 7 a.m.
A coffee flavored candle fits more areas than most fragrances. Florals can be too much in a kitchen. Strange, pine in summer. Coffee? Works January, works July, works when guests are over, works when it’s just you and a book.
And yes, you get the warm ritual without the coffee. Very handy after 8 p.m. BUT one issue. Not everyone’s cup of tea. My relative says strong coffee scents give her a headache, and she’s not overreacting. Scent is personal, so consider this your beginning point and trust your own nose in the end.
What Is Important When You Buy One
The label can fool you. “Espresso” on a jar doesn’t tell you anything. Instead, here’s what I look at.
The Notes of Fragrance
The list of excellent coffee scented candles isn’t just coffee. You’ll see vanilla, caramel, cocoa, cinnamon, hazelnut, maybe a touch of cream. That’s a positive indicator. Plain coffee might smell crisp and flat like a scorched pot on its own. A touch of sweetness rounds it out, and it smells like something you’d like to drink.
The Wax
I tend to go for soy and coconut mixtures. They tend to burn cleaner and slower. I’ll go into further detail below.
The Smell
Honestly, this is the most important thing and hardest thing to judge on line. Cheap fragrance oil smells a bit harsh and chemical, even if the bottle looks nice. Some businesses indicate their scent is phthalate-free, which is excellent to see, but it doesn’t tell you how lovely the candle smells.
It’s the Wick
Cotton is certain and steady. That sound is so nice. Wooden wicks crackling softly, a coffee smell. Skip any old unlabeled candle with a metal-core wick.
The Magnitude
An 8-ounce candle will normally provide you anything from 40 to 50 hours. A little can might get you 15-20. Light one on most days and get the larger jar. The Minis are good if you like trying new ones.
The Reverse
It basically signifies how the smell gets around. There are some candles that smell amazing cold, but soon you light them the scent disappears. The rest are the reverse. You desire good hot throw for a living room. You don’t need a lot for a small bathroom or workspace.
The Numerous Varieties of Coffee Smells
People are like “coffee candle”, like it’s a thing. It is not.
- Classic freshly brewed: The classic is freshly brewed. Bright. Roasty. A touch bitter. Good, in kitchens, in hallways.
- Dark roast or espresso: Dark roast or espresso is more intense and smokier. I enjoy it in a study or on a wet evening, but it is intense, so start modest.
- Vanilla latte: Vanilla latte is Smooth and Creamy. If you are new to this, buy this one. No one hates it.
- Mocha: Mocha has chocolate in it and it smells a lot like dessert. Great when it’s freezing out.
- Caramel macchiato: Caramel macchiato is buttery and sweet sticky. It is also strong, so use it in a larger room.
- Spiced coffee: Spiced coffee, cinnamon, cardamom, hazelnut, is very much fall in a jar.
- Bakery blends: Then there are the bakery blends, coffee blended with a cinnamon roll or biscotti. Fun, but some are too sweet. Please read the notes before purchase.
Wax, No Pain
Not a chemical degree required here.
- Soya: Soya is a safe all-rounder. It burns slow, has a good smell throw and is easy to discover. The aroma can be a bit lighter than some other waxes.
- Coconut wax: Coconut wax, or coconut blends, is creamy and usually has a deeper scent. But it is more expensive.
- Beeswax: Beeswax is natural and lasts forever, but it has its own light honey smell that can compete with notes of coffee.
- Paraffin: Paraffin is cheap and smells nice. Cut the wick and crack a window now and then. The tradeoff is more soot.
- Blends: Blends want the best of all worlds, and oftentimes they get it.
If you are using candles all the time, use soy, coconut or a combination. Paraffin’s fine if it’s for the odd cosy nite. Seriously.
Burning Safely
Candles are little fires. I know that seems dramatic but it is accurate and worth treating as such. Most of what the National Fire Protection Association or other groups say is the same thing, and it’s just plain old common sense.
- Cut the wick down to about a quarter inch each time. Long wicks make tall flames and sooty jars.
- Allow the first burn to continue until the wax has melted all the way across, usually two to four hours. If you don’t, the candle tunnels and you lose half of it.
- Don’t go any longer than four hours at a stretch.
- Do not place near curtains, paper and anything else that burns quickly.
- Use a heatproof surface. Inexpensive and saves tables. Small tray
- Pets and children must be kept away. Cats are quite skilled at knocking things over.
- When you’re away for a time, turn it off.
- Use a sniffer or a lid. Blowing it out might cause hot wax and smoke to fly.
- Stop when there is about half an inch of wax remaining.
It’s not exciting stuff. But a table is a lot less fun when it’s damaged.
Where to Set It
First the kitchen. Fresh brewed and caramel were right at home, but not beside to the stove or any dish towels.
In the living room I’d say mocha or vanilla latte or anything spicy. A coffee table or a shelf is fine but try to keep it away from the TV or a drafty corner.
Dark roast or espresso for an office or study gives that “quiet cafe” feel. It helps me concentrate, or at least it feels like it does.
Bedrooms are difficult. Keep it light, and blow it out before bed. Always.
And a little tip if you have company coming: ignite it half an hour early. The scent takes a little while to build up but it feels incredibly good to walk into a space that already smells warm.
Mistakes I Notice (and Have Made)
The big one is, you only buy the label. Read reviews. Find folks that truly describe how strong it is in a real room.
Another is skipping the wick trim. Black marks on the glass are frequently from that.
“If you burn candles in a draft, the wax melts unevenly and you get a crater on one side.
Mixing smells is a risk as well. Coffee next to a really flowery candle just smells strange.
Keep them in the sun or warmth, which softens the wax and takes away the smell. Cover with lid and store in a cool place.
And then there is the little candle in the big room. It won’t do much. Choose the size to fit the room.
Don’t Know What to Pick?
Ask yourself some things. What’s this room for? Strong fragrances or gentle scents? Do I like? Do I want only coffee, or a coffee shop drink?
If you are still unsure, get a mini. Many brands offer small sizes or trial sets, and it’s better to spend a little money to see what you like than to spend a lot of money on a big jar that you hate.
Also read more than 1 or 2 reviews. What is roasted beans to one person is sweet dessert to another. If a few reviews say the same thing, take them as gospel.
So Which One Is It?
The best coffee scented candles don’t just smell like coffee. They make a room into a room you want to sit in for a little bit. Look for layered notes, good wax, and a wick that burns clean. Pick a fragrance that complements the room. Trim the wick. Stay safe.
A decent coffee scented candle is honestly one of the cheapest ways to make a space seem cozier. Turn on a light, grab a blanket and let the evening unfold.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Best Coffee Scented Candles for Beginners?
So go with something soft, like vanilla latte or mocha. They are less robust and sweeter than black roast. First get a small or medium size.
Do Coffee Scented Candles Smell Like Actual Coffee?
The excellent ones do, especially if there’s a little vanilla or caramel in there. Cheap ones can have a flat or burnt smell thus it is worth reading reviews.
Are They Safe for Animals?
Pets need to be watched around candles. Keep the flame out and the room fresh. Some animals are bothered by certain fragrances and essential oils, so if your pet seems to be acting off, discontinue use. When in doubt, consult your vet.
How Long Do You Stay?
Depends on wax and size. An 8 oz candle will burn for 40 to 50 hours, smaller tins less. You can aid by trimming the wick and avoiding drafts.
Which Wax Is the Best?
Soy, coconut and mixes are wonderful since they burn cleaner and carry fragrance nicely. Paraffin is inexpensive and strong, but has more soot.