Buying Tealights: A Practical Guide to Making the Right Choice

Tealights seem like a simple purchase—until you get home with a pack that doesn't meet your expectations. They burn out too quickly, produce soot, or the scent isn't what you hoped for. Choosing the right tealights depends on your specific needs: are you looking for an economical bulk pack for everyday use, a safe option for a room with children, or a specific scented tealight for a relaxing evening?

This guide will help you make an informed decision based on product features and specifications, ensuring you find exactly what you need.

What to Look for When Buying Tealights?

To make the right choice, it's helpful to consider a few key factors. These elements determine the performance, safety, and ambience of the tealights.

1. Type: Wax or LED?

The first and most important choice is between traditional wax tealights and modern LED tealights.

• Wax Tealights: Made from paraffin, stearin, or vegetable-based wax. They provide an authentic, living flame that for many people is the essence of cosiness. Burn time and quality can vary significantly.
• LED Tealights: Also known as battery-operated tealights. This option is flameless and therefore considered safer around children, pets, or flammable materials. They are reusable; you only need to replace the batteries. Many models feature a flickering effect to mimic a real flame.

2. Burn Time

A long burn time is a highly sought-after feature. Standard tealights burn for about 4 hours. However, versions are also available that burn for 6, 8, or even 10 hours. For a long evening, a party, or in the hospitality industry, a longer burn time is more practical and often more economical. Always check the indicated burn time on the packaging.

3. Scent

Scented tealights can add an extra dimension to the ambience. Scents range from subtle vanilla to fresh florals or spicy winter aromas. Pay attention to the composition: some scents are based on natural extracts, others on synthetic perfumes. If you are sensitive to fragrances or prefer a neutral atmosphere, unscented tealights are a better choice.

4. Material and Composition

The wax determines the burn quality. Paraffin is the most common base. Increasingly, you'll find alternatives like vegan wax (vegetable-based wax) without animal fats, or palm oil-free options. A high-quality wax combined with a cotton wick typically ensures a stable, soot-free flame.

5. Pack Size

For occasional use, a small pack is sufficient. Are you a heavy user or organising an event? Then a bulk pack of 50 or 100 is often the most economical option.

Our Recommended Product Picks

Based on the criteria above, we have curated a selection of different types of tealights, each with its own unique features.

1. Spaas 100 Tealights, 4-hour burn time

• Why this product: This is a functional choice for those seeking a reliable supply of standard tealights. The 100-pack makes it an economical option for regular use.
• Benefits:
  • Burn time: 4 hours, which is standard for most situations.
  • Bulk pack: 100 pieces per pack.
  • Quality: Designed for a consistent, soot-free flame.
  • Unscented: Neutral and suitable for any occasion, including during meals.
• Who is this for: Ideal for heavy users, such as families who burn tealights daily, hospitality venues, or for decorating parties and events.

View the Spaas 100 Tealights

2. BOLSIUS True Scents Vanilla Tealights 8-pack

• Why this product: These scented tealights from Bolsius are designed for those who want to create a specific ambience. According to the manufacturer, they are made with a focus on sustainability, using vegetable-based wax.
• Benefits:
  • Long burn time: Burns for up to 8 hours, ideal for a full evening.
  • Scent: A soft, creamy vanilla fragrance based on natural extracts.
  • Composition: According to Bolsius, these candles are palm oil-free and made with vegan wax.
• Who is this for: Perfect for users who want a pleasant fragrance in their home and value a longer burn time and the product's plant-based composition.

View the BOLSIUS True Scents Vanilla Tealights

3. Excellent Houseware LED Tealights - 4-pack, White

• Why this product: These LED tealights provide ambience without the risks of an open flame. They are a practical and safe solution for various situations.
• Benefits:
  • Safety: No fire, no smoke, no hot wax. Safe for use around children, pets, and in decorations with fabric or paper.
  • Reusable: Operates on CR2032 batteries (included), which are replaceable.
  • Realistic effect: The lights feature a dynamic flame (flickering effect) and a warm white light colour for a cosy appearance.
• Who is this for: An excellent choice for families, public spaces, schools, care facilities, or anyone who prefers a flameless alternative.

View the Excellent Houseware LED Tealights

Looking for something else?

If the perfect tealight for your needs isn't here, or if you're looking for a different style of candle, there are countless other ways to create ambience. For example, explore our range of white candles for a classic and timeless look.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between 'theelichtjes' and 'waxinelichtjes'? In practice, there is no difference; the terms are used interchangeably in Dutch. The name 'waxinelichtje' was originally a brand name from the company Verkade, but has colloquially become a synonym for any small candle in an aluminium cup. 'Tealight' is the more generic and universal term.

2. How do I prevent tealights from producing soot? Sooting is often caused by a wick that is too long or by a draught. Ensure the wick is no longer than about 1 cm. Place the tealights in a draught-free location. A candle placed in a well-fitting holder is also less likely to produce soot.

3. Are LED tealights a good alternative to real candles? Yes, for many situations, they are an excellent alternative. The main advantages are safety and reusability. While they cannot fully replicate the authentic warmth of a real flame, modern LED candles with a warm, flickering light come very close to the ambience of a real wax tealight.

Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer