And, of course, the burning question remains: which is better?
Gel candles and traditional wax candles have both been on the market for decades. While some people have their favorites, others like to dabble with all types of candles, depending on the atmosphere they’d like to create in each room.
Even though both candle types are the perfect addition to a cozy evening at home, Gel candles tend to have a couple of advantages that real candle lovers shouldn’t overlook. These advantages include a longer burning time, a cleaner burn, and more vibrant colors and decoration options to choose between.
With all this in mind, we believe the results are in: Gel candles offer more bang for your buck than traditional options. However, it’s up to you to decide and choose your side of the debate.
So, let’s take a look at some of the other main differences between gel and traditional candles.
1. Traditional Vs. Gel Wax
Naturally, the main difference is the material the candle is created from. Gel candles are made from a base of mineral oil and polymer resin, which gives them a jelly-like consistency. Traditional candles use paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy wax. While beeswax and soy wax is all-natural, there aren’t many producers who choose these options. That’s simply because paraffin wax is cheaper to use. Unfortunately, paraffin wax is a by-product of the petroleum refining process, which means it doesn’t produce a clean burn.
2. Transparent Vs. Opaque
How a Gel candle looks are very different from a Traditional wax candle. One of the advantages of wax candles is that you don’t necessarily need a holder to stand a candle in, whereas a gel candle needs support to remain light (most likely a glass container). Nonetheless, your candle is in a container, meaning no cleanup is necessary, and you have a safer burn space.
3. Bright Vs. Dull
Gel candles emit a bright glow in every corner. On the other hand, traditional wax candles are much duller, emitting far less light. In addition, the gel in a gel candle is translucent, which helps to carry the light a little brighter, lighting the space from top to bottom. This tends to create the glow most ambient candle lovers seek in their purchases.
4. Longer Vs. Shorter
Gel candles burn for far longer than the average wax candle. In fact, it’s said they last about 100% longer than wax! This all comes down to the fact that Gel has a lower melting temperature when compared to Traditional wax, resulting in a longer burn: same-sized candle, double the time. But only when you opt for the gel option, of course!
So, what do you think? Which type of candle is winning the debate for you?
If you want a candle that offers a softer, brighter, longer burn - gel candles are the best option for you. Take some time to browse our store to find the best option for you.