Our guide to Flameless Battery Candles
Here's a guide to flameless candles. Hopefully you will find it useful and pass it on to others to whom it may be of interest. It's just about impossible to cover all versions of the candles in this popular growing market so we've selected the most common candles that are available to buy in stores and on the internet within the UK.
What's all the fuss about?
Safe, clean and practical... All flameless battery candles are safe as they don't generate any heat. The lighting is powered by batteries - disposable or rechargeable. There is also no messy wax to clear up. With thousands of fires caused by candles, these candles allow those with pets or children to enjoy candlelight in safety.
Cost effective... Burning for up to 1,000 hours on a few batteries these really do save us a whole load of money. Restaurants and Hoteliers also benefit from mass savings. Just think - no awkward lighting with matches or a lighter, no carrying through frequented busy areas, no cleaning of glasses or holders when the candle dies.
Flameless Battery Tealights
Usually made in the same height and width as a standard tealights. The tealight is switched on from the bottom and runtimes can go up to an amazing 80 hours on a single button cell battery, like a CR2032. The flames are moulded from plastic with various light intensity - usually two main varieties - bright white light or amber light. The batteries are replaceable. As they are structured to resemble a real tealight they should fit into most tealight holders you already have around the home. No heat is generated at the base or flame.
Last up to 80 hours See all flameless tealights
Flameless Silicone Pillar or Stub Candles
The silicone versions are sealed units suitable for outdoor use, they are not waterproof but can be used in the rain. This version should not crack or damage if dropped from small heights making it one of the most durable candles. Available in bright white or amber flame, these also come in different outer shell colours, white and red. The burn times can last up to 250 hours on a single set of batteries. A stub flameless candle usually means a small version of the candle.
Last up to 80 hours See all flameless silicone pillars
Real Wax Flameless Candles With LED Bulb
The electronic unit of these flameless candles are covered with real wax making these possibly the most authentic flameless candles. Some have a melted edge look and some moulded with a wax dripping effect running down the side of the candle. The LED bulb at the top is centred and creates a warm flickering effect when switched on from underneath the candle. Batteries can be replaced and rechargeable versions are available. The wax is of high quality so remember these will fracture and shatter if dropped or placed down hard.
Last up to 250 hours See all real wax flameless candles
Real Wax Flameless Candles With Wick Design
These real wax flameless candles come in a variety of shapes - square, round, twisted, twist to name a few and each has a black wick at the top, centred to resemble a real wick. It is important to note that these wicks should not be lit in any circumstance. The light emanates from the middle of the candle to the top end and has the random flickering effect. The candle has burn times of up to 1000 hours so an amazing economical version.
Last up to 1,000 hours See all flameless wick design candles
Rechargeable Flameless Candles
Worried about the environment? Well maybe this is a small way to save the planet. The rechargeable candles come in all shapes and sizes with each set consisting of the candles, a recharging station and adaptor. Trade organisations find these can save them a lot of time and money. The candles can be taken from their positions at the end of the day and left on an overnight charge - usually 8 hours is a standard recharging time. The bottom of the candle has a small indent where the connection is made to the charging station.
LAST UP TO 10 hours See all rechargeable flameless candles
Flameless Candle Tapers Or Dinner Candles
Made from materials such as silicone resin, plastic and even real wax, the flameless tapers are becoming the candle of choice for many restaurants, hotels, choirs and TV shows. They are usually switched on by the pressing the flame or via a switch at the base. The tapers usually run on a couple of AA or AAA batteries and can have run times up to 80 hours plus. As they are of standard taper sizes the tapers can usually fit in to candelabras or other candle holders but our advice is to check all dimensions of the candle before purchasing.
Last up to 80 hours See all flameless taper candles
Remote Control Flameless Battery Candles
Now we're getting really lazy! These candles can be switched on from 20 feet away with a slim line, infra red control, and all from the comfort of your armchair - or bar! The candles come in two types - colour changing and static. Usually bought in sets of two or three per pack they are made from real wax and the light is emitted from an LED bulb at the base of the candle. At just the press of the button you can have them flicker or colour change. The candles also have a timer function so perfect if going out for the night and want to leave a candle flickering in your window.
Last up to 80 hours See all remote controlled flameless candles
Flameless Battery Candle Holders Or Votives
The flameless candles in holders are a very large range. Whether it's plastic, glass, amber, colour changing, tall or short - all have one thing in common. There's no heat or messy wax generated so perfectly safe. In our experience the holders are made from either plastic or glass. The candle element is either a custom built module to fit into the holder or simply a candle holder with a flameless tealight inside it. The candles can last up to 150 hours on just a couple of batteries.
Last up to 150 hours See all Flameless candle holders
Colour Changing Flameless Candles
The colour changing candles come in a variety of moulds, the main type being real wax with the LED bulb changing colour, making the wax seemingly swim with a multitude of rainbow lights and the votive style where the flame changes colour rather than the whole unit. Colour changing candles can flicker like the real thing or remain static whilst going through the loop. The real wax version has the ability to act as a static amber flame flickering candle or be switched to the colour changing mode.
Last up to 240 hours See all colour changing flameless candles
Blow On / Blow Off Flameless Candles
The blow on/off battery candles have a small electronic device usually what appears to be a small hole next to or around the flame of the candle. The sensor needs to be blown slightly to enable the candle to turn on or off. The candles usually have a switch underneath to operate the same function. An increasing number of companies are using this small piece of technology as people find it easier to just blow a candle out rather than pick it up and turn it on or off. This can be a massive time saver, especially in hotels or restaurants.
Last up to 100 hours See our Blow on / blow out candle
