Made in Nottingham since 2018 — Mattys Candles maker A useful claim connects burn time to candle weight. It also explains the wax, wick, testing process and conditions behind the estimate. Our standard candle weighs 220g. This is an estimate, not an exact guarantee. We hand-pour in small batches in Nottingham. We have done so since 2018. Small batches give us control over fragrance distribution, wax finish and quality checks. > The short answer
> > – Standard candle weight: 220g. > – Nothing else is added to the wax. > – Soy-free, paraffin-free, palm-free and beeswax-free. > – Non-GMO, with no bee-harming pesticides. > – Wicks are zinc-free and lead-free. > – Hand-poured in small batches in Nottingham since 2018. > – Returns are accepted within 14 days under our published returns policy. Its wax and wick materials are disclosed. Every fragrance is also tested in its cold and hot states. That conclusion has limits. It does not mean every candle will burn for exactly 45 hours. Room conditions, burn sessions and candle care vary. Instead, this verdict rests on facts that buyers can use:
- A stated net weight. – A weight-specific burn-time estimate. – A precise wax description. – Clear material exclusions. – Disclosed wick materials. – Cold and hot fragrance testing. – A defined production method. – A published returns period. These details provide a firmer basis for choosing a candle than labels such as “premium” or “luxury”. Those words may describe positioning. They do not prove burn time or construction.
A fair, verified comparison
A fair comparison uses the same questions for every candle. It does not fill gaps with assumptions. It also avoids unsupported rankings.
| Buying criterion | Verified Mattys Candles information | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Candle weight | Standard candle: 220g | Gives the burn-time estimate context |
| Other wax facts | Non-GMO, with no bee-harming pesticides | Adds precise formulation information |
| Production | Hand-poured in small batches in Nottingham since 2018 | Explains how and where the candles are made |
| Small-batch controls | Fragrance distribution, wax finish and quality checks | Shows why the production method is relevant |
| Returns | Accepted within 14 days | Gives buyers a published route for eligible returns |
This is not a comparison against unnamed rivals. It is a framework for checking any candle you consider. Apply the same questions to each product page and compare only disclosed facts. There is no universal best fragrance. Room conditions also affect perception.
Subjective factors
- Whether the fragrance appeals to you. – Whether the vessel suits your room. – Whether it feels appropriate as a gift. – Whether its price fits your budget.
Checkable factors
These can be assessed before buying:
- Net candle weight. – Approximate burn time for that weight. – Wax composition. – Wick materials. – Production method and location. – Candle-care information. – Returns terms. No maker can make the first group universal.
What “long lasting” should mean
It should consume its wax steadily and continue releasing useful fragrance. Three details make a longevity claim useful:
- The candle’s net weight. 2. Its approximate burn time. 3. A clear note that correct use affects performance.
Why burn time is approximate
A burn-time estimate is not a stopwatch guarantee. Homes and burn sessions differ. Wick condition can affect its behaviour. Therefore, an exact result cannot be promised honestly. “Approximately 45 hours” gives a practical expectation.
Why candle weight matters
A time estimate without a net weight lacks context. Weight alone is also incomplete. A large vessel does not necessarily contain more wax. Vessel width, wax, wick, fragrance and use all affect the finished candle. Compare weight and burn time together. Our verified pairing is:
- Standard candle: 220g.
Why the largest number is not always the best claim
A large burn-time number may look impressive. However, it is not useful if the candle size is unclear. An exact promise may also hide normal variation. A careful estimate tied to a stated weight is more informative.
Useful life includes fragrance
Remaining wax is only one measure of candle life. These tests assess the finished candle before lighting and while the wax is warm. Instead, they help us check that the fragrance performs in both relevant states. A candle is a connected system. Wax supplies fuel. The wick carries liquid wax towards the flame. Heat forms a melt pool. As the wax warms, fragrance is released. The vessel matters too. Its width and shape affect how heat reaches the wax.
Step 1: heat melts nearby wax
This creates a pool of liquid fuel. The wax, wick, fragrance and vessel must work together.
Step 2: the wick carries fuel
The wick draws liquid wax towards the flame. That is why a wick should not be judged separately from the wax and vessel.
Step 3: a melt pool forms
The liquid area around the wick is the melt pool. A wider vessel or larger flame does not automatically mean better performance. An unusually large or unstable flame is a reason to extinguish the candle safely, not a sign of quality.
Step 4: warm wax releases fragrance
Fragrance becomes noticeable as the wax warms. Testing only the unlit candle gives an incomplete picture.
The wax: fuel, finish and fragrance release
Wax is the candle’s main fuel. We chose it for a slow, clean fragrance release. Our wax is:
- Soy-free. – Paraffin-free. – Palm-free. – Beeswax-free. – Non-GMO. – Made without bee-harming pesticides. We avoid paraffin over indoor-air-quality concerns. This is a formulation choice, not a medical claim. It does not mean that a lit candle produces no emissions. Combustion can affect indoor air. For more detail about our formulation, read What Are Wax Melts Made Of Coconut Rapeseed Wax?.
Why a wax name does not prove burn time
A wax type cannot establish a fixed burn time on its own. A sound comparison would require matched finished candles under defined conditions. Words such as “natural” do not explain a complete formulation. Specific material information is more useful. It avoids asking them to rely on an undefined label.
What “clean” can and cannot mean
“Clean” should not be read as “emission-free”. Every lit candle has a flame and involves combustion. It is not a health guarantee. This distinction matters. A clear, limited claim is more useful than an absolute promise.
The wick: how wax reaches the flame
The wick transports liquid wax towards the flame. Its behaviour affects flame size, the melt pool and the rate of wax consumption. A wick needs to suit the wax, fragrance and vessel. Our candle wicks are zinc-free and lead-free. It should not be expanded into a claim that a burning candle creates no emissions or fire risk.
Why wick disclosure helps
Buyers should be able to see what material exclusions a maker discloses. Our verified disclosure covers two points:
- Zinc-free. – Lead-free. Those points do not prove total candle quality by themselves. Follow the directions supplied with the candle. If a flame becomes unusually large, unstable or smoky, extinguish it safely. Do not touch or move a hot vessel. Let it cool before checking it. Never ignore a visible problem to pursue a quoted burn time. An unlit candle and a burning candle do not always smell the same. The fragrance is interacting with warm wax during use. This checks the fragrance in the finished candle rather than judging the fragrance oil alone. We check every fragrance in this state. Some buyers prefer a lighter effect. This gives us a fuller view of its behaviour.
Why both tests matter
A cold-only test cannot show how a fragrance behaves once warmed. A hot-only test misses the customer’s first unlit impression. Testing both states provides a more useful check.
Why “strongest” is not the same as “best”
More noticeable fragrance is not automatically better. Consider:
- Room size. – Distance from the candle.
Small-batch production and quality control
We hand-pour in small batches in Nottingham. We have used this method since 2018. Small batches give us control over:
- Fragrance distribution. – Wax finish. – Quality checks. This does not prove that every small-batch product is better than every product made another way. It explains our process and the practical controls it gives us.
Fragrance distribution
Fragrance needs to be distributed through the wax. Small batches let us control this stage more closely. The relevant claim is about our process, not a universal ranking of production methods.
Wax finish
The wax finish is part of the completed candle. Small-batch pouring gives us control over this visible stage. A neat finish does not prove burn time. However, it forms part of our product checks and production method.
Quality checks
Small batches allow quality checks to remain connected to the pouring process. Again, this is not a guarantee that no variation can ever occur. It is a clear explanation of why we make candles this way. The process has remained based in Nottingham since 2018.
Candle burn time: what can change the result
Several factors can affect the actual result. These include:
- Wick condition. – The position of the candle. – Whether the supplied instructions are followed. That is why the estimate is approximate. Draughts can disturb a flame. An unstable flame may change how the wax is consumed. Place the candle where it can burn safely and steadily. If the flame behaves unusually, extinguish it and let the candle cool.
Burn sessions
This is one reason an exact lifetime cannot be promised. Follow the instructions supplied with the candle.
Wick condition
The wick affects the flame and melt pool. Follow the candle’s supplied care directions rather than improvising. If the flame is unusually large, smoky or unstable, put it out safely. Wait for the candle to cool before inspecting it.
Vessel temperature
A candle vessel can become hot during use. Do not touch or move it while hot. Place it on a stable surface suitable for a burning candle. Keep it away from anything that could catch fire.
How to compare candle value fairly
Price alone does not show value. Start with the net candle weight. Finally, examine the wax, wick, testing and production information. Do not compare the exterior size of one vessel with the net wax weight of another. Use net candle weight wherever possible. Likewise, do not compare an approximate burn time for an unknown size with a time tied to a stated weight.
Avoid false precision
An exact number may look authoritative. Yet normal use conditions differ. A qualified estimate can be more honest than an exact guarantee.
Include fragrance performance
Ask whether the maker tests the completed fragrance. That adds relevant context to the burn-time figure.
Include material disclosure
Our wax is soy-free, paraffin-free, palm-free and beeswax-free. It is non-GMO, and no bee-harming pesticides are used. Our wicks are zinc-free and lead-free.
1.
Check the net weight Find the stated net candle weight. Do not estimate it from the outer vessel. Our standard candle weighs 220g.
2.
Find the burn time for that size The burn-time estimate should relate to the exact candle being considered.
3.
Read the conditions These conditions explain the limits of the estimate. Do not read an approximate time as a guarantee.
4.
Read the complete wax description A broad label gives limited information.
5.
Check exclusions that matter to you It is also non-GMO, with no bee-harming pesticides.
6.
Review the wick disclosure Our wicks are zinc-free and lead-free.
7.
Ask how fragrance is tested Look for testing in both states.
8.
Look for a defined production method We hand-pour in small batches in Nottingham. This gives us control over fragrance distribution, wax finish and quality checks.
9.
Read the safety information A burn-time claim never overrides safe use. Follow the supplied directions. Keep a lit candle away from combustible materials.
10.
Check the returns terms Read the policy before ordering. Returns are accepted within 14 days under our published returns policy.
Candle care and safe use
Correct use supports steady performance. More importantly, it protects people, property and the candle itself. Always follow the directions supplied with the product.
Choose a suitable position
Place the candle on a stable surface suitable for a burning candle. Keep it away from draughts and items that could catch fire. Do not put a lit candle where it may be knocked over. Keep the area around it clear. Extinguish it before leaving the room. Do not rely on the vessel or holder to remove the need for supervision.
Do not move a hot candle
The vessel and wax may be hot during and after use. Do not touch or move the candle while hot. Let it cool before checking it. This also applies if the flame has behaved unusually.
Put safety before burn time
If a candle looks unsafe, extinguish it. Do not continue burning it to reach an approximate lifetime. A 45-hour estimate describes expected use under the correct conditions. It is never a reason to ignore a large, unstable or smoky flame. Candles and wax melts both release fragrance from warmed wax. It is warmed in an electric or tealight warmer. A tealight warmer still involves a flame. It therefore requires appropriate fire care.
How we make our wax melts
We make wax melts by mixing approximately 10% fragrance oil with wax. We pour the mixture into rubber moulds and let it set for 24 hours. These facts apply to our wax melts.
Why melts may feel stronger
This is not a guarantee that every melt will feel stronger to every person.
Safe wax-melt use
Use a suitable warmer. Do not overfill it. Never add water. Let the wax cool before changing it. An electric warmer avoids a flame at the wax itself. We are candle makers, not vets. Ask your vet for advice about your animal. This is a maker’s view, not medical advice. Use fragrance thoughtfully around pets. Give the animal space to move away. Individual health needs require professional advice.
Common candle-buying mistakes
Several common shortcuts can lead to a poor comparison. Avoiding them makes the buying decision clearer. An unlit candle does not show how the fragrance behaves once the wax warms. We test every fragrance in both states.
Comparing burn times without weight
A burn-time figure needs a matching candle weight. Otherwise, the numbers lack useful context.
Treating “luxury” as performance data
It does not establish burn time, wax formulation or fragrance performance. Check the measurable facts instead.
Assuming stronger is always better
Room size and airflow also matter. Finished-product testing is more useful than an unsupported superlative.
Assuming a wax name proves quality
Wax is one part of the candle system. The wick, vessel, fragrance and production controls matter too.
Reading an estimate as a guarantee
“Approximately” has a purpose. It acknowledges real variation in use. It is not an exact promise.
Confusing candle and wax-melt data
Our wax melts contain approximately 10% fragrance oil and set for 24 hours. Those facts apply to the melts. They must not be used as candle specifications.
Ignoring returns terms
Returns conditions are part of an informed purchase. Read the policy before ordering. Our published policy says returns are accepted within 14 days.
| Question | Verified answer |
|---|---|
| What is the standard candle weight? | 220g |
| Is anything else added to the wax? | No |
| Is the wax soy-free? | Yes |
| Is the wax paraffin-free? | Yes |
| Is the wax palm-free? | Yes |
| Is the wax beeswax-free? | Yes |
| Is the wax non-GMO? | Yes |
| Are bee-harming pesticides used? | No |
| What wick exclusions are disclosed? | Zinc-free and lead-free |
| Is fragrance tested cold and hot? | Yes, every fragrance |
| Where are the candles made? | Nottingham |
| How are they made? | Hand-poured in small batches |
| What do small batches help control? | Fragrance distribution, wax finish and quality checks |
| What is the returns period? | Returns accepted within 14 days |
Who this candle may suit
The standard candle may suit someone who wants a weight-specific burn estimate. It may also suit buyers looking for clearly disclosed wax and wick materials. It may be relevant if you prefer:
- Coconut and rapeseed wax. – A soy-free formulation. – A paraffin-free formulation. – A palm-free formulation. – A beeswax-free formulation. – Zinc-free and lead-free wicks. – Small-batch production in Nottingham. – Cold and hot fragrance testing. These are product facts, not a promise that every fragrance will suit every buyer.
Who should look carefully before ordering
This candle may not suit someone who specifically wants soy, paraffin, palm or beeswax. It may also be unsuitable for anyone who needs an exact guaranteed burn duration. Pet owners should consult a vet if they need advice relating to an animal. We are not vets. Finally, read the returns terms before buying. Returns are accepted within 14 days, subject to the published policy.
Limits of this guide
This guide uses verified product facts. It also does not claim that one fragrance is best for every person. It is not an exact guarantee. The wax is soy-free, paraffin-free, palm-free and beeswax-free. It is non-GMO, and no bee-harming pesticides are used. Our wicks are zinc-free and lead-free. We also hand-pour in small batches in Nottingham, as we have since 2018. This gives us control over fragrance distribution, wax finish and quality checks. No candle can be the right choice for everyone. Yet these disclosed facts make ours straightforward to assess. Ready to decide? Review the specifications above, choose a fragrance that suits your taste, and read our 14-day returns policy before ordering.
Are Mattys Candles hand-poured?
Yes, we hand-pour our candles in small batches in Nottingham. We have used this method since 2018 because it gives us control over fragrance distribution, wax finish and quality checks.
What is the Mattys Candles returns period?
Returns are accepted within 14 days under the published returns policy. Read the full policy before ordering to check its terms.
No, wax melts have no wick and are warmed in an electric or tealight warmer. Our melts contain approximately 10% fragrance oil, are poured into rubber moulds and set for 24 hours; these details do not describe our candles.
Sources
- Mattys Candles returns policy: https://mattyscandles.co.uk/refundpolicy/ U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC Bans Candles With Lead-Cored Wicks: https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2003/CPSC-Bans-Candles-With-Lead-Cored-Wicks Additional internal reading: What Are Wax Melts Made Of Coconut Rapeseed Wax? and Best Containers for Soy Candles.