10 Best Emergency Candle 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

The Candlelife Emergency Survival Candle set is designed with emergencies and outdoor activities in mind. One of its strongest features is its impressive burn time of 115 hours per candle, making it a reliable source of light during power outages or camping trips. The candles are made from paraffin wax, which is known for its long-lasting burning properties. Each candle is contained in a metal jar, enhancing durability and making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The set includes six candles, each with a single wick, which is standard for emergency candles and ensures a steady flame. These candles are unscented, which can be beneficial for those who prefer no added fragrances, especially in enclosed spaces. However, the lack of scent might be seen as a downside for those who enjoy a pleasant aroma. In terms of size and portability, the candles come in a compact design with dimensions of 7.13 inches in width and 6.81 inches in height, and the entire set weighs 4.66 pounds. This makes them reasonably easy to carry and store.

Safety-wise, while the metal container adds a layer of protection, there are no additional safety features mentioned, such as a lid to extinguish the flame or a handle to safely move the candle. The Candlelife Emergency Survival Candle set is particularly suitable for those preparing for emergencies, as well as outdoor enthusiasts like campers, hikers, hunters, and fishermen/women.