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10 Best Emergency Candle 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax Long-Burning Candles for UCO Candle Lanterns and Emergency Preparedness, 20-pack

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,158
Burn Time
Material
Wick Type

Most important from
5562 reviews

Burn Time
These candles fit perfectly into UCO lanterns and last significantly longer than paraffin versions.
Material
The beeswax material provides a pleasing, mild scent that enhances the atmosphere, especially in tents or cabins.
Wick Type
They burn very evenly and as long as advertised, with self-trimming wicks that never break off.
Scent
The beeswax material provides a pleasing, mild scent that enhances the atmosphere, especially in tents or cabins.
Safety Features
These candles have proven durable in hot environments, maintaining their shape without melting.

The UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax Long-Burning Candles are a solid option for anyone looking to add reliable, long-lasting candles to their emergency preparedness kit. One of the standout features is the impressive burn time of 12-15 hours per candle, making them ideal for power outages and outdoor adventures like camping and hiking. The 100% natural beeswax material ensures a clean burn with minimal soot and dripping, which is beneficial for both indoor and outdoor use. Additionally, the naturally sweet scent can make the atmosphere more pleasant while using them indoors.

Each candle is equipped with a carefully sized cotton wick designed for optimal flame height and burn time, reducing the need for frequent relighting and thus conserving the candle's longevity. The size of each candle (1.25 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height) makes them reasonably portable, and the 20-pack offers good value for extensive use. However, one potential drawback is that they are specifically designed for use with UCO candle lanterns, which may limit their utility if you don’t own one.

The candles are also slightly heavier compared to other emergency candles, with the entire pack weighing over 1 kilogram, which might be a consideration for backpackers looking to minimize weight. The lack of specific safety features like a drip tray or a protective holder means that users need to be cautious to prevent any wax spills or fire hazards. These candles are well-suited for those who prioritize long burn time, clean and natural materials, and are likely to use them with UCO lanterns or as standalone emergency candles.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,158
Burn Time
Material
Wick Type

Most important from
5562 reviews

Burn Time
These candles fit perfectly into UCO lanterns and last significantly longer than paraffin versions.
Material
The beeswax material provides a pleasing, mild scent that enhances the atmosphere, especially in tents or cabins.
Wick Type
They burn very evenly and as long as advertised, with self-trimming wicks that never break off.
Scent
The beeswax material provides a pleasing, mild scent that enhances the atmosphere, especially in tents or cabins.
Safety Features
These candles have proven durable in hot environments, maintaining their shape without melting.
#2

15-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles Compatible with Candle Lanterns - Smokeless Clean Long Lasting Burning for Outdoor, Camping, Emergency, Survival Emergency Preparedness- 20Pack

Rating
9.6
Burn Time
Wick Type

Most important from
454 reviews

Burn Time
These candles have a long burning time, are smokeless, and give off just a hint of sweetness.
Wick Type
The wick is perfectly centered, ensuring the candle burns evenly without waste.

The 15-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles by NOMFIX are a great choice for emergency and outdoor scenarios. Each candle offers a burn time of up to 15 hours, which is generous for emergencies and power outages. Made from natural beeswax, these candles are GMO-free and feature a high-melt temperature, ensuring minimal dripping and soot, thus maintaining a clean environment even during prolonged use.

The candles are unscented, making them suitable for individuals sensitive to strong smells, but still offer a slight natural beeswax aroma that is calming. Each pack includes 20 small, round candles, measuring 3.5 inches in height and 1.18 inches in width, making them quite portable and easy to pack in an emergency kit or for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. The cotton wick is carefully engineered to maintain an optimal flame height, ensuring a steady burn without excess soot.

However, the candles are specifically designed for outdoor use and are not suitable for indoor heating and drying purposes. Additionally, they are unscented, which might be a drawback for those who prefer a fragrant candle experience. These candles perform well for their intended use in emergencies and outdoor settings, offering long burn times and clean usage, though they may not meet every user's needs for indoor use or scented ambiance.

Rating
9.6
Burn Time
Wick Type

Most important from
454 reviews

Burn Time
These candles have a long burning time, are smokeless, and give off just a hint of sweetness.
Wick Type
The wick is perfectly centered, ensuring the candle burns evenly without waste.
#3

Official UCO 12-Hour White Candles for UCO Candle Lanterns, Clean Burning, Lead-Free, Non-Scented, 3.5-inch, 9-Pack

Rating
9.4
Burn Time
Size and Portability
Scent

Most important from
2398 reviews

Burn Time
Burned continuously from evening to early morning, providing reliable light throughout the night.
Size and Portability
Perfectly suited for outdoor adventures, offering steady, long-lasting illumination in a compact size.
Scent
Produces a clean flame with no unpleasant odors or black smoke, ensuring a tidy and comfortable environment.
Safety Features
Easy to use with no dripping or mess, making it ideal for indoor tent setups or emergency kits.

The UCO 15-hour white candles are specifically made for use in UCO Candle Lanterns, ensuring a perfect fit and efficient burn. Their standout feature is a long burn time of up to 15 hours inside the lantern, which is excellent for emergency situations like power outages or outdoor adventures such as camping or hiking. Made from a high-melt wax, these candles burn cleanly with minimal dripping and soot, which helps keep the lantern and surrounding area tidy. The candles are unscented, which suits emergency use since there are no distracting smells. They come as a 9-pack of moderately sized candles (about 3.5 inches each), making them quite portable and easy to store in emergency kits or backpacks. The wick type is standard with one wick per candle, providing steady and reliable light.

These candles do not include specific safety features like flame guards, but their design for use inside a metal lantern adds a layer of safety by containing the flame. A limitation is that these candles are intended mainly for the UCO lanterns, so if you don’t have one, the burn duration outdoors drops to around 9–12 hours. Also, they are container candles, which means you can't use them freely like taper candles. They represent a solid choice for dependable, long-lasting light suitable for emergencies and outdoor activities, especially when paired with the recommended lantern.

Rating
9.4
Burn Time
Size and Portability
Scent

Most important from
2398 reviews

Burn Time
Burned continuously from evening to early morning, providing reliable light throughout the night.
Size and Portability
Perfectly suited for outdoor adventures, offering steady, long-lasting illumination in a compact size.
Scent
Produces a clean flame with no unpleasant odors or black smoke, ensuring a tidy and comfortable environment.
Safety Features
Easy to use with no dripping or mess, making it ideal for indoor tent setups or emergency kits.

Buying Guide for the Best Emergency Candle

Choosing the right emergency candle is crucial for ensuring you have reliable light during power outages or in survival situations. Emergency candles are designed to burn for extended periods and provide a steady source of light. When selecting an emergency candle, consider the following key specifications to ensure you pick the best fit for your needs.
Burn TimeBurn time refers to how long the candle will last when lit. This is important because longer burn times mean you will have light for a more extended period without needing to replace the candle. Burn times can range from a few hours to over 100 hours. If you need a candle for short-term use, a burn time of 10-20 hours may be sufficient. For longer emergencies, look for candles with burn times of 50 hours or more.
MaterialEmergency candles are typically made from paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy wax. Paraffin wax is the most common and generally the least expensive, but it can produce more soot. Beeswax candles burn cleaner and longer but are more costly. Soy wax is a good middle ground, offering a cleaner burn than paraffin and a longer burn time than some other materials. Choose the material based on your preference for burn quality and budget.
Size and PortabilityThe size of the candle affects both its burn time and portability. Larger candles will generally burn longer but may be less convenient to carry. Smaller candles are easier to transport and store but may not last as long. Consider where you will be using the candle and how much space you have for storage. If you need a portable option for a bug-out bag, smaller candles are ideal. For home use, larger candles may be more practical.
Wick TypeThe wick is the part of the candle that burns and draws the wax up to fuel the flame. Cotton wicks are common and provide a steady burn. Some emergency candles have multiple wicks, which can be lit simultaneously for more light or one at a time to extend burn time. Consider your need for light intensity and burn duration when choosing the wick type. Multiple wicks offer flexibility but may require more attention to manage.
ScentWhile not a critical factor for emergency use, some people prefer scented candles for their calming effects. However, unscented candles are generally recommended for emergencies to avoid any potential irritation or allergies. If you do choose a scented candle, ensure it is mild and not overpowering.
Safety FeaturesSafety features such as dripless designs, stable bases, and wind-resistant flames can be important in emergency situations. Dripless candles reduce the risk of wax spills, while stable bases prevent tipping. Wind-resistant flames are useful if you need to use the candle outdoors or in drafty areas. Consider the environment in which you will be using the candle and choose features that enhance safety.

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