do candles burn better depending on what kind of wax they are made of? if so, what kind(s) burn best?

Answer 1

I was going to say no, but then I came across this as I though about it:

http://www.mycraftbook.com/Candle_Wax.asp

Depending on the MW of the wax the candle will last longer (burn longer). Normal was is parrafin hydrocarbon wax with C20 or higher.

here another reference to waxes in general:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wax

Answer 2

I wanted to throw my 2 cents in here. There absolutely is a difference depending on what wax is being used to create the candle. Soy wax is a product that is being used more often these days for its' terrific burning capabilities. It burns up to 50% longer, holds more scent for use in scented candles AND burns totally clean. That means no soot or black marks. It also burns completely and cleans up with soap and water. There is a definite difference. Other waxes (I cannot speak to beeswax) do not burn clean (when I say that, I mean it disappears entirely) and they produce the black soot everywhere.

Answer 3

Yes. The origin of the wax ha a very high impact on the quality and clarity of the light given when burning.

In olden times candles made out of tallow (rendered beef fat) were the common thing. They were smoky and they smelled funny. Rich folks used beeswax candles. They burned brighter, with less smoke. Nowadays most candles are made with paraffin, which is a byproduct from the refining of petroleum.

Beeswax candles are the more "environmentally friendly alternative, and the light given off is comparable to that of paraffin candles. Besides, beeswax candles smell a little sweet. At least that's my experience.

Answer 4

Oh yes, there are definitely differences in the qualities of a candle based on the wax. But what do you consider better?

Waxes with higher molecular weights will burn slower, but dimmer with more soot. Waxes with lower molecular weights will burn faster, brighter and with less soot.

Then there is branching to consider. More branches means slower and less complete burn. Less branching would be the opposite.

And then colorants have a role. Generally the compounds that are used for color are big molecules that do not burn cleanly.

Answer 5

What's really burning is the cord of the candle, the wax is only for stopping it to burn quickly.
Maybe certain kinds of wax stop better ore worse the burning but that's all to it.

Answer 6

Candles tend to smoke when they burn. But some brands advertise that they burn clean. One of them is Yankee. They are a little bit expensive, but they have killer fragrances and I love them. I definitely have noticed that they burn cleaner. Try them out.

Answer 7

yes. i prefer the cream wax or jell