What Kind of Containers Can Be Used for Gel Candles?

Gel candles are beautiful works of art as well as long lasting and bright burning light sources. The clear gel set inside a glass container can suspend an entire world inside itself. The light burns brighter and hotter than a regular candle and so the container that is used is extremely important. There have been reports of gel candles exploding and injuring people as a result of improper containers being used.

History

Gel candles, or jelly candles, began showing up in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The gel that is used in making the candles is known as a gel wax. The containers have varied through the past decade from glass hurricane jars to fish bowls.

Function

The glass of the gel candle containers is clear as a means to view the gel itself. Inside the gel wax are suspended items such as shells, sand and figurines to make display pieces. The gel itself burns slowly and evenly with a low flash point.

Types

Containers that should be used for gel candles vary widely but are all glass. The safest container is made of tempered glass. Clear glass that is safe to be heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit is preferable. Coffee glasses, beer glasses, hurricane lamps, ivy bowls or votive containers can be used.

Warning

Do not use plastic or wood containers as they may catch fire due to the heat of the gel candle. Avoid narrow containers as they may get overheated and burn or blacken.

Caution

When making gel candles, do not use flammable objects to embed in the gel. Also, do not use cotton wicks. Do not burn a gel candle for more than five hours at a time to avoid overheating the container.

Resources

• The History of Candles
• How To Make Gel Candles
• Gel Candle Guide