When I stumbled upon the Candle by the Hour on Amazon, I didn’t set out to review it. I bought it purely because it looked fascinating, with a blend of function and form that could double as a conversation piece. After using it for a while, I couldn’t resist sharing my thoughts about this quirky yet intriguing time-telling candle.
Where to Purchase
You can pick up Candle by the Hour for about $30-$35. I have it listed in my store where you can get updated info and links to the most updated listing on Amazon.
First Impressions
At first glance, the Candle by the Hour hardly resembles a candle at all. Its coiled design gives it a rustic, almost steampunk aesthetic. Made from 100% beeswax and boasting a claim of being self-extinguishing and drip-free, it seemed like a unique addition to my home. At $30, it’s a bit pricier than your average candle, but the potential for 80 hours of burn time made it seem worth a try.
The instructions were straightforward (once I got past a slightly odd layout). To light the candle, you feed the beeswax coil through a clip, exposing no more than 2 inches. Each inch is supposed to burn for about 20 minutes before the flame self-extinguishes.
Setting It Up
Getting started required a bit of finesse. I measured out exactly 2 inches of the coil and lit it up. Immediately, the faint, pleasant scent of honey filled the room. The glow was warm and inviting, perfect for setting the mood in any space.
I timed the first burn, curious to see if it would hold up to its promise. After about 40 minutes, the flame began its dramatic final moments—flickering, dimming, reigniting, and eventually extinguishing itself. The process was oddly mesmerizing, like a candle’s version of a wrestling match.
Observations After First Use
- Burn Time: The candle delivered on its claim of burning for approximately 20 minutes per inch.
- Drip-Free Performance: True to its word, the candle didn’t leave any wax drips behind.
- Scent: Subtle and pleasant, though not strong enough to fill a large room.
One small drawback was the waiting period after each burn. The instructions recommend letting the candle cool for 10–15 minutes before relighting, so it’s not ideal for uninterrupted use.
Long-Term Testing
After several uses, the Candle by the Hour continued to perform consistently. Relighting was easy once I unclamped the wax coil, which occasionally got stuck. Adjusting the coil to expose another 2 inches was simple, and the wick didn’t require much trimming.
Pros
- Unique Design: A striking piece that looks great as home décor.
- Safe and Practical: The self-extinguishing feature works flawlessly.
- Eco-Friendly: Made of 100% beeswax, with minimal waste.
- No Drips: A huge plus for anyone who hates cleaning up wax.
Cons
- Limited Burn Time: At 40 minutes per burn, it’s not ideal for long evenings.
- Manual Operation: Having to reset the coil every 40 minutes can feel a bit tedious.
- Stiff Clamp: Occasionally tricky to adjust, though not a dealbreaker.
Final Thoughts
The Candle by the Hour isn’t just a candle, it’s an experience. It delivers on its promises and offers a unique way to bring ambiance to a room. While it’s not perfect for continuous use, its charm, safety features, and eco-friendly design make it a great gift or conversation starter.
If you’re looking for something functional yet visually intriguing, this candle is well worth considering. I plan to keep it around for special occasions, or whenever I want to spark some curiosity among guests.
Have you tried the Candle by the Hour or something similar? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Video Review
You can watch my full review below.