A Comparison of Handmade Candles vs Industrial Candles: What’s the Difference?

Are you looking for the perfect candle to light up your home? Have you considered the differences between handmade candles and industrial candles?

Both types of candles offer distinct advantages, but it’s important to be aware of the differences when making your choice.

Handmade candles are crafted with care and attention to detail, often featuring unique scents and designs. Industrial candles, on the other hand, are mass-produced and generally cheaper.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between handmade candles and industrial candles, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to lighting up your home.

What is the difference between handmade and industrial candles?

Candles are primarily made of wax, which when burned creates a melted liquid. This liquid can be scented or unscented, and is the part that will pool at the base of the candle.

The wick is the other main component, which is responsible for igniting the wax. Industrial candles are made in a factory, often using a mechanized process.

Handmade candles, on the other hand, are crafted by hand and are therefore unique in terms of scents, designs, and aesthetic. Industrial candles are therefore, by definition, cheaper than handmade candles, as they can be mass-produced and do not require the same skilled labour. Handmade candles are more expensive, as they are made by hand, often with unique scents, designs, and feature higher-quality wax.

Industrial candles are far cheaper, as they are made in large quantities and with lower-quality wax. These candles are often scented with chemicals, which won’t produce the same fragrances as real essential oils.

Handmade candles are also often made from soy wax, beeswax, or palm oil as these are considered more sustainable and eco-friendly materials for candle-making.

Industrial candles, on the other hand, are often made from paraffin wax.

Advantages of handmade candles

Handmade candles are often scented with essential oils, providing you with the ability to choose your own scents and customize your home fragrance.

If you’re looking for a handmade candle with a specific scent, such as lavender or vanilla, you’re more likely to find it with a handmade candle.

Handmade candles are often unique and original, with designers often experimenting with new designs and scents.

Handmade candles often have a decorative function as well as a functional one, which means they can enhance your home as well as provide light. Handmade candles are often made from eco-friendly materials such as beeswax, palm oil, soy wax, and others.

Whilst many industrial candles are also made from these materials, handmade candles often include more sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

Advantages of industrial candles

Industrial candles are cheaper than handmade candles, which makes them a more affordable option for many.

Industrial candles often use lower-quality materials, such as paraffin wax, which produces a lower-quality end product.

You’ll often find industrial candles scented with synthetic fragrances, which is not the same as using essential oils. Industrial candles often feature original designs, which can be attractive and appealing to many people.

Industrial candles are often convenient and quick, with many available online and in-store.

Scent and fragrance differences

Handmade candles often feature unique scents and fragrances, which are derived from natural essential oils.

Industrial candles, on the other hand, often feature synthetic fragrances, which is a chemical that smells like a specific scent. Whilst synthetic fragrances are not the same as essential oils, they are often designed to smell like certain scents.

When you burn a handmade candle, you’ll often find the scent is consistent throughout the burning process.

This can be due to the fact that essential oils often release their scent slowly and steadily, especially when exposed to heat.

Industrial candles often feature a faster scent throw, which means the scent is released quickly and in quick bursts. Whilst this can be useful, it can also reduce the home fragrance of the candle.

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Design and aesthetic differences

Handmade candles often feature unique designs and aesthetic choices, which can be attractive to many people.

Industrial candles often feature more simplistic designs, often made with a single color. Handmade candles often feature unique shapes and designs, which can be more aesthetically appealing than industrial candles.

This can be due to the fact that handmade candles often feature more unique designs and materials, such as recycled materials and eco-friendly materials.

Cost Comparison

Industrial candles are often cheaper than handmade candles, as they are typically made with lower-quality materials and less care and attention.

Industrial candles can be purchased in bulk, which can lead to further cost reductions. Whilst handmade candles are typically more expensive, they often feature higher-quality materials and can last longer than industrial candles.

This can be due to the fact that handmade candles are often made with higher-quality materials, such as beeswax and palm oil, that produce a better end product.

Handmade candles are often long-lasting and long-burning, whereas industrial candles are often quick-burning, especially those scented with synthetic fragrances.

Safety considerations

Handmade candles often feature eco-friendly and sustainable materials, such as beeswax, palm oil, soy wax, and others.

Whilst industrial candles also often feature the same materials, handmade candles often use more sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

Industrial candle wicks are often made with a lead core, which can be harmful if ingested. Handmade candle wicks, on the other hand, are often made with lead-free materials, which is better for your health.

Whilst both types of candles can be harmful if not handled and used carefully, handmade candles are often safer than industrial candles.

This is due to the fact that industrial candles often use lower-quality materials and synthetic fragrances, which are not as good for your health.

Finding the right candle for you

When making your decision about which type of candle to purchase, you should consider your own personal needs and desires.

If you’re looking for long-lasting and long-burning candles, handmade candles are often a better choice.

If you’re looking for candles that are quick-burning and quick-lighting, industrial candles are often a better choice. You should also keep in mind the scents and fragrances you prefer, as well as the design and aesthetic choices you want.