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10 Best Tea Lights

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Tea Lights

When choosing tea-lights, it's important to think about how and where you'll use them. Tea-lights can serve multiple purposes: creating ambiance, being part of decorative displays, or simply providing small bursts of light. To pick the best ones for you, consider their performance, safety, and how well they fit your setting. Understanding the key features will help you narrow down your options and ensure you choose tea-lights that suit your particular needs.
Burn TimeBurn time refers to how long a tea-light will stay lit after you ignite it. This is important because it determines how often you’ll need to replace the candles during an event, dinner, or cozy night in. Burn times vary, commonly ranging from about 2 to 9 hours. Shorter burn times (2-4 hours) are suitable for quick occasions or short use, while longer burn times (6-9 hours) are ideal if you want the candles to last through the whole evening or for longer decorating needs. Think about how long you want your tea-lights to last in one sitting—this will help guide your choice.
SizeTea-lights typically come in standard sizes, but there can be differences in height and diameter. Standard-sized tea-lights fit most holders and are about 1.5 inches in diameter, while larger or taller versions may burn longer but may not fit every tea-light holder. When choosing, check the dimensions of both the tea-light and your holder or decor to ensure a good fit. If you want versatility, stick with standard sizes; if you're going for longer burn time and your holders can accommodate it, larger sizes are an option.
Wax TypeThe kind of wax used in tea-lights can affect both performance and environmental impact. Common types include paraffin, soy, and beeswax. Paraffin is widespread and usually inexpensive, but some people prefer soy or beeswax because they're seen as more natural or eco-friendly and tend to produce less soot. If you have sensitivities, care about air quality, or follow a vegan lifestyle, consider choosing soy or beeswax. For general use or budget-conscious buyers, regular paraffin tea-lights work fine.
Unscented or ScentedSome tea-lights are unscented, while others are infused with fragrances. Scented tea-lights add aroma to a room and can enhance relaxation or mood, making them great for baths or special occasions. Unscented tea-lights are best if you’re sensitive to smells, using them around food, or just want a clean-burning, neutral presence. Decide based on whether you want fragrance or prefer a subtle candlelight effect.
Holder MaterialMost tea-lights come in a small cup—commonly made of metal, plastic, or even recyclable materials. Metal holders are the classic choice as they resist heat well, but plastic ones are sometimes preferred for decorative reasons (e.g., colored holders) but must be used with caution and only with official safety ratings for candle use. If safety and functionality are your priorities, choose metal. For decorative flexibility, plastic or colored options work if used as directed.
Smokeless and Dripless FeaturesSmokeless tea-lights are designed to burn cleanly without releasing noticeable smoke, and dripless candles prevent melted wax from spilling over. These features are important for indoor use, especially in enclosed spaces or around fabrics and decorations. If you’re using tea-lights inside or in sensitive settings, look specifically for options that highlight these features to avoid mess and minimize cleaning.